Car Talk: Car Talk’s dad advice is to do what makes you happy

Ray Magliozzi
Dear Car Talk: Normally, I would ask my dad for advice, but he passed away last year, so I’m turning to the only other people he trusted to give car advice!
I have a 2010 Volvo XC70 with 55,000 miles on it. I bought it new. My dealer says that my windshield seal has gone bad, and that the entire windshield needs to be replaced — to the tune of $3,000. There are no cracks or chips in the glass, but they say the whole “windshield package” must be replaced to repair the seal.
My question is, should I do the repair or buy a new car? The current value of the car is between $7,000 and $12,000, so I’m doubting if the repair even makes sense. Money is not specifically a concern. I’m more concerned with finding another quality car if I were to go that route.
Thoughts? Suggestions on other cars? Thank you! — Rachael
Have you considered the duct tape solution, Rachael? Maybe you can find some tape that’s the same color as your Volvo?
I assume the seal is leaking. And the windshield does need to come out in order to replace the seal. The seal wraps around the inside and outside of the windshield on one side and the inside and outside of the car’s frame on the other side.
And while you can put your original windshield back in, it’s probably worth replacing it once you have it out, due to the scratches and dings you’ve accumulated over the last 15 years. You’ll be surprised by how much clearer your vision is with brand-new glass.
You can probably save money by having it done at an auto glass shop, rather than the dealer. But it’s certainly worth doing the repair if you love the car, and it’s otherwise in good shape.
But, if I can put on my dad hat for a second, I sense that, deep down, you really want a new car, Rachael. Am I right? The clues are right there in your question. You already “doubt” the repair makes sense. Then you ask for suggestions for new cars. I get the feeling that if your letter had been any longer, it would have been postmarked from the showroom.
So, you have my blessing to buy a new car if you’re feeling ready. Cars have gotten safer and more reliable in the 15 years since you bought your Volvo. While the 2010 XC70 is a good tank of a car, newer electronic safety systems add more active safety — they’ll actually watch the road in front of you, and apply the brakes or even swerve if you don’t react in time. They can prevent you from drifting out of your lane or changing lanes into someone in your blind spot. And — get this — cars these days can wirelessly mirror your iPhone on your car’s large screen, while wirelessly charging it at the same time. OK, now you’re sold.
If you’ve loved your Volvo and like the station wagon body style, you can get a Volvo V90 Cross Country. Or if you want a crossover, look at an XC60.
There are a lot of great, safe cars on the market now. And there are some excellent, fully electric cars, if that works with your lifestyle.
Let the next owner of your old Volvo replace the windshield. Tell them to write to me and I’ll tell them why it’s going to cost $3,000. Meanwhile, get something that makes you happy. I’m pretty sure that’s what your dad would tell you, Rachael. Then, when you get the new car, leave the sunroof open in the rain for a few days. That way, it’ll smell just like your beloved old Volvo and you’ll feel right at home.
Got a question about cars? Write to Ray in care of King Features, 300 W. 57th St., 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email by visiting the Car Talk website at www.cartalk.com.