Hi guys,

I would like to buy used volvo from 1996-1998 model 850 combi or v70 combi. Can u please help me out which one should I buy. Which one is better, what about i could be carefull before buy. How is with high mileage engines. Are engines okay with high mileage ( i heard engines used in volvos are really tough). Is there any difference ( more sensitive to fault) between gas and diesel versions of engine ?. I have also seen in an volvo forum that awd/crosscountry models from 97-98 years are not very reliable (awd system is VERY sensitive) and repair of awd system is very very expensive. Any help is really appreciated... thank you in advance
David

I made it a point to stay away from the AWD models. I have no need for it living on central Ohio. The last year they made the 850 was 97. In 98 it became the S70 and the wagon is a V70. I bought a 98 V70 wagon last year for under $10K and I am very happy with it, but my 94 850 Turbo is my favorite car out of all the cars I ever owned. That includes a 1980 Porsche 911SC. Good luck. You can get quite a bit of good information on this board.

Any year and model AWD systems are sensitive and expensive to replace.
In my opinion the 98 S/V 70 was the best year made and had the least problems.

What u think guys about 1998 v70 with 2.0 engine (20 valve) ? ( i have offer - 7.500 USD) I found alot of info about models with 2.5 engine but nothing about 2.0 . Thanx

That's new to me. I have heard of a 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5 but never heard of a 2.0L. I believe my V70 is a 2.4L with a low pressure turbo. Whereas my 850 has a 2.3 with the high pressure turbo. I think the V70 has 190 HP and the 850 has 223. To get the high pressure turbo in 98 I think you had to get the 'R' model, but I am not sure of this.