So I bought this 98 S70, non-turbo with 38k miles. I'm planning on using it as a daily driver, but am a little concerned about reliability. I can handle repairs as they come up, but don't want to get standed accross town or accross the state. Has anyone been standed by their 90s Volvo, either from not starting or left on the side of the highway, and if so, what was the reason?

 

I personally have not.

I started with a 1995 850 N/A and it went through the snow just fine.

Now I have a 1999 s70 AWD and it has done very well in the snow.

 

They really arent common to leave you stranded.

I was in mine but there was nothing I could do about it and it wasn't the cars fault. A Tractor trailer tire was kicked up into my car and it broke the radiator.

 

I dunno if i am just special or anything but i have owned a 95 850 turbo now for 9 months and have been stranded on the side of the highway twice. Both times electrical problems. Still to this day trying to pinpoint the problem. I am about to replace my wiring harness just to make sure. Good luck. Very nice cars when running right.

 

Wow only 38K miles. Thats super super low miles. How comes it has such low miles. Did you buy it from the dealership or from a private party. Also I would change the timing belt if it has not been change. Because even tough it has only 38K miles the rubber belt at 11 years old
would definately have to be cracked since it is made out of rubber. Also have all the fluids checked.

 

I bought it from a private owner. A senior bought it new, put 22000 mile on it in 9 years. He passed away and his married grand daughter drove for a year and a half. I bought it from her. Its in very good shape, needs a few things (like a timing belt and an ABS module). Given the few responses I've gotten to this post, I guess not many have been left standed by their cars.

 

haven't been stranded with my 98 glt, other than a dead battery once. Even with FWD both this car and my 850 are great in the snow.

 

The only time i've been stranded by my s70 was my own fault. I drove the car with a failing transmission, that I knew about. Other than that, these cars will run through hell and back.

 

Have to agree. The only time I've been stranded in any of my Volvos was with a dead battery. I find that the FWD cars are fine in snow with snow tires and not half bad with all season rubber either.