What should I look for when buying an older volvo like this one. Are there any things common to this specific model and year that I should watch out for? I am purchasing for 700 and the guy says the heater and radio are the only things that do not work. Thanks in advance and have a great day.

 

Check out RSPIs vids on Youtube for how to check out a new purchase. S70s are pretty well sorted out and can last for very high miles but you are still buying a 1997 auto. They are pretty easy to maintain for a DIY mechanic too. As to the radio - just buy a replacement on EBay. They go for $50 or so and can snap in without tools (just make sure you buy one with the security code and get the right color (they come in black and gray). As to the heater not working, it can be a few things, but nothing major to fix (even if its the computer, you can find used parts). Key thing on these cars is the health of the AC. If its leaking a charge, its likely the AC evaporator inside the dash. $1000 to fix (not an easy DIY... its like an 8-10 hour shop job). If the AC starts then cuts out, its probably the clutch in the compressor needs to be shimmed or you can replace with a rebuilt unit - $500 to fix in a shop. Front suspensions often clunk due to spring seats or sway bar end links. These cars often wear out front control arm bushings. All reasonable DIY fixes. Make sure there are no check engine codes. If the oil was changed regularly you are in good shape. Take a peak in the fill cap - do you see any visible sludge? (staining is normal). If the oil wasn't changed regularly then it may be due for a PCV trap - $500 at a shop (parts are $250). Other than that, make sure you know when the timing belt was done. these are interference engines meaning you snap a timing belt, and you are looking at a $1500 valve job. If you do the timing belt, you can also replace the water pump etc and be good for another 90K miles...