Hi all, I've found a 1998 S90 with 215K miles. It's immaculate inside and out and everything seems to work. I think it could use new shock absorbers, but that's about all. I'm taking it tomorrow to my mechanic to have it looked at before I close the deal.
Is there something I should be concerned about with this particular car? it really looks amazing, when I opened the hood it looked like a new car. I know they detailed it, but I've never been able to clean any car I've ever tried to make it look like that!
Anyway, please give me input as I'm going to do a lot tomorrow.
Thanks in advance!

 

I'd look for two things in the service history. 1) when was the timing belt changed 2) was the PCV breather system replaced and is it working properly. After that a look at the quality of the fluids to see how the car was maintained, ie antifreeze look green or brown - tranmission fluid reddish brown or black? If you can get service records, that's a bonus so after that, its up to your tech's inspection.

 

Thanks for the heads up, I'll see about obtaining records. I did not know if the engine had a timing belt or chain. The price seems good for the condition of the car, but even at $2400 it might be no bargain if I need to have major service done...

 

only the Volvo V8s have chains. the rest have a timing belt - most have a service interval in the 10 year/ 120K range so a 98 would be due for a 3rd belt shortly. generally advised to do the tensioner and pulleys with the first change, but I'd also do the water pump on a 200K+ motor when doing the belt. With the timing belt and a good breather system, the engine should be able to go another 100K.

 

Thanks, According to the seller, the timing belt was changed at 181K miles. Since the clock shows 215K miles, I guess I don't need another one for some 34K miles. Probably 2 to 3 years service. I don't know if they replaced the water pump or not. One would hope they would, but knowing some mechanics, I have some doubts.
I don't know about the breather system, but the car seemed to run and drive very well, except for what I think is need for new shock absorbers. Unfortunately I find that the front struts appear to be of the "unobtanium" variety

I love the car at first sight, it's in perfect shape and he said it's been driven and kept in the mountains of N. GA. Not garaged but kept under a car port. I'm getting some second thoughts about it and the asking price is on the high end according to some car pricing websites. Perhaps I should look at the fluids and if it looks good,
go ahead with a lower offer. I like the car, but it would be foolish not to consider the possibility of it turning into an expensive parts car....

I spoke with a Volvo shop I don't know. The man said to check for codes and that they might to might not show with a check engine light... Is that so? This might be cause for concern as the car must pass emission test to register in Atlanta.

 

struts should be easy enough to find - you can shop Volvo friendly web stores like FCP Euro and EEuroparts. Rear shocks need to be looked at to see if they are standard tubes or the adjustable Nivomats (has a fat tube - you'd know it when you see it). You can check for any stored codes with an OBDII scanner - either check with Autozone etc to see if they "rent" (usually free with a returnable deposit) or buy one for $40 at Harbor Freight usually any codes would present a check engine light. A friendly shop will also scan for free most times. The simple test for the breather system is to put a rubber glove (ie surgeons glove) over the oil filler cap. If it inflates it means the PCV system is not venting back into the intake (bad for seals).

 

Thanks, great info, I shall do as you suggest.