Looking at a 97 S70 T5 CD auto with 145000 miles on it, so my question is how do they stand up to the milage? what sort of things ware out/go wrong? and what should I check for.

Many thanks in advance
Steve

 

1997 was the last year for the 850. 1998 was the first year for the S70. They are basically the same car though and 145K would not scare me at all if the car is well maintained. I would take it to a Volvo mechanic and have a pre-purchase inspection. It should cost you around $65.00 which will be money well spent. Make sure you take it to somebody who knows Volvos. Either a dealer or an independent Volvo mechanic. At 145K it should have it's 2nd timing belt change, it's scheduled every 70K. That's also about the time when the evaporator starts leaking and that's about a $1300 repair. If the maintence records are good and the timing belt has been changed recently you should be good to go. If the evaporator has already been changed, you should jump on it if it's a good deal.