With the knowledge level being a bit more than mine when it comes to Volvo's I figured I would ask the members what their thoughts would be. I have the option it appears to pick up Saturday one of two Volvos.

The first is a 1998 Volvo V70xc with around 190k. It needs struts and I will probably have to do the TB, WP, pullies unknown mileage for last change.

The second is a 1999 S70 AWD. The car has a CEL for a cam position sensor and has 220k on it(just has the TB, WP, pullies changed 5k ago).

With both being fairly close in price and decently cheap enough what would be the better option?



EDIT: I do all of my own maintenance so price is parts only if that is a deciding factor.

 

definitely go with the V70XC. with the 98 you don't have to worry about the ETM going out or any other CAN related issues. Also the keys/remotes are way cheaper cause they don't have to be programmed with software. And I wouldn't mess with the water pump unless its leaking, volvo water pumps last forever. I'm not a fan of AWD just because of how expensive all the components are if they fail, but since both cars are AWD that isn't going to matter. Hope that helps.

 

I agree, get the wagon. They are more useful and are sleepers.

 

Picked up the XC yesterday. The car overall is in good shape. A NY car with no rust, go figure! The interior is dirty more than it is ruined so a good cleaning should take car of that.

Engine seems to run fine, all fluids check out(will be replacing for piece of mind anyways) Car is slow but for a 190hp 3700lb vehicle I guess that is what you get.

I do have to ask, at some point in its life it had a timing belt change(the sticker is worn) is this something where I should not drive the vehicle until I replace it or should I be ok for two weeks just back and forth to work? I just know from reading that if these go, your vavletrain at minimum decides to look like 80 year old women with scoliosis.

 

If it has been replaced it was likely near 105,000. How many miles are on it now?

Another thing, those cars are not slow by any means. My daughters car has gotten me pulled over more than any other car I have ever driven. Off the line, say 0 - 70 there is not many sedans faster than it and it will smoke the tires so badly that the police will have to wait till the smoke clears before they can safety come get you (I know this from experience-LOL). So, if yours is slow, something is wrong. Our car has the E S W buttons and I don't think yours does. I believe you car has to learn your driving style. Start to drive it aggressively and it will start to respond aggressively.

 

I have owned a 94 Camaro with a 396, a 2000 Mustang GT full bolt-on, 4.30 gears and a 125 wet shot, and a 08 Caliber SRT4 stage one with a worked turbo.

Any of those cars would have completely decimated this car to 60 and all reached 60 in way under 6 seconds. These cars seem to be around 8-11 seconds for a 0-60 run, both youtube and site detail confirms this range. I mean no disrespect by saying that it is slow.

The Volvo has 192k on it. I'm sure I will find quirks and things needing to be fixed but I am questioning whether or not it is a time bomb currently without the timing belt done. The car does have the S, E, W buttons under the shifter.

 

Barring someone vouching for the belt, I would change it.
For a stock wagon they are fairly fast. But, since you seem to want to compare it to modified vehicles - some considerably so - I would suggest that you feel free to visit a few Volvo parts sites and start ordering parts! Bigger turbos, better intake routeing, and a less restrictive exhaust should get you going. Don't forget the few ponies to be gained by reprogramming that factory chip.

 

Ok, the '98 does have the buttons in front of the shifter. Use S = Sports mode. I think our 0-60 time is about 7.3 seconds. I'm sure there are many modded V70's out there that are doing better. But SLOW, by NO MEANS.

 

What is your opinion of the Volvo S80?
How does it compare to other similar in terms of fuel efficiency, ect.? Is it hard to get parts?

 

As long as you stay away from the '99 model you should be ok.