I just went and test drove a '98 S70 T-5 and it felt very reliable.

A few things to note were....

1. the hood release wasn't tight enough and requires someone at the hood of the car to pull up so it doesn't lock back in place.
2. check engine light was on for a few minutes after startup (the car did pass emmissions though)
3. car is currently at 125k miles
4. timing chain replaced at 80k
5. turbo replaced at 60k
6. the car has been in their family for like 7 years or so (first 5 years it was owned by teh current owners dad)
7. current owner (a guy) made it pretty obvious that he had fun with the turbo for about a year or two that he's been using it
8. both inside and outside look very nice... black with tinted windows and aftermarket rims and tires.

I was hoping those with experience could give me some pointers.

 

I recommend you post this in the S70 forum.

 

zach - that probably wasn't the check engine light, but rather the ser-vice light which came on. It comes on about every 7500 miles to remind you it's time for service and it will turn itself on about 2 minutes after start up. Instructions on how to reset it can be found in the s70 forum.

Rick

 

1. Buy a replacemnt hood release (junkyard or ebay).
2. Go to Autozone and have them pull the codes and HAVE IT CHECKED by a trusted mechanic.
3. Not real high for that model year.
4. Good.
5. Good.
6. Dad owned +
7. Son owned -
8. +

How much $. If price is OK and car checks out, go for it.

 

Cool.... I was mainly concerned about the turbo. I gotta buy a car hella soon (rental is almost up and my other car needs a new engine and it's only worth $500 and other car needs new engine and is maybe worth $1,000).

From what I have said, you guys think it sounds like it should last me a while? At least a year or two before any significant problems occur (major component requiring replacement)?

It's selling for $6,250 and that's below KBB price for a good/excellent S70 T-5 in the area (seattle, wa).

Thanks for the input. If I buy, I'll certainly be posting more.

 

Also, test drive if possible and look for fluid leaks. If the engine & tranny perform ok, the car is probably good. It may need some consumables & routine servicing, but stick to the S70 forum and you'll be saving hundreds. Make sure to describe in detail, when you have a problem so that people can better help you.

Good luck to you & your Volvo.


JPN