hey everyone,
jsut a quick question. i was looking into buying a 1998 xc70 and was just wondering what you all thought of the car. I know that ppl here are obviously biased towards it. but still. the one in question has 185,000miles on it but its only $2000.
any opinions on potential problems and such. I think its a turbo one too. think it will last a while? im completely unfamiliar with volvo. im more into jap and am cars

Have the same car. What you can expect to go wrong at this mileage: propellor shaft bearing (Volvo will have you replace the whole driveshaft for hundreds of dollars, but I've heard the bearing can be replaced), the turbo will begin to leak oil, something will go in the ABS/TRACS system, the A/C will stop working, the fuel pump will crap out ($600 plus lots of labor), and lights in the radio will go out (Volvo says replace the radio, but you can replace the light bulbs if you are clever). But even if you fix these things yourself the parts are still a lot of $$$. It is also very hard to find information covering diagnosis and repair. However, the XC70 is still a good solid car at that mileage, and will go as long as you're willing to put money into it. Find out how many of these fixes may have already been performed by the previous owner.

i own one too and i have to say that the car is rock solid and im very impressed with the handling and the comfort of this car, i just bought the first volvo i have ever had and im kicking myself for never giving it a look, abs controller and brakes, couple vehicle recalls, and turbo things are going to be your main issues, also you would like to know about the starter, alternator, belts, ac pump, get as much info as to whats been done to this car.
good luck with the purchase.
tom