Hey all, to the volvo community my mother is looking to buy a new car, and her friend is willing to sell her a 98 s70 with 100,000 miles on it, would you recommend her buying it? I've done tons of research and read the greatest and the worst of these cars, so i figured i'd get the opinions of the true s70 drivers.
Thanks,
-Jay

 

Hello Jay,

Welcome to the forum, I wish you find it helpful & enjoyable.

Please note that my reply is based on my knowledge on the 850 (similar to S70) and general knowledge.

Make sure to.....:

1. Indicate the asking price.
2. Check the possible recalls (https://volvoforums.com/m_66630/tm.htm)
3. Open the hood and visually inspect the contents (fluid leaks, ruptured/cracked hoses, tubes, etc...)
4. Ask to see if a full service record/history of the car is available.
5. Test drive andtest the engine, transmission, brakes and A/Cfor proper operation, as well as listeningfor noise, vibration, etc...
6. Check how much tread is left on the tyres.
7. Be sure that the timing belt was replaced at around 70,000 miles or within the last 5 years.
8.Finally, take the car to a Volvo dealer or a shop that specialises in Swedish/European cars for a pre-purchase inspection. This may costs you up to $100, but is worth it.

This is the best I can tell you now. If the car has been serviced properly, many Volvos last past 200,000 or even 300,000 miles. It all depends on how it was treated & driven (not necessarily slow driving, as sometimes certain components require higher RPM operations).

I wish you find a decent Volvo.


JPN

 

I work at a volvo shop and see a lot of them and in my opinion they are very good and reliable and safe cars. I liked them so much I bought my wife a 99 v70 which is basically the same but a wagon. I think if you buy one you wont be disapointed.

 

LOL
"I work at a volvo shop and see alot of them" - meaning they are broken????
but
"They are very good and reliable" - kinda contradicting yourself

unless you see a ton of them that are just getting check ups. Maybe you see alot more of the other models or somthing. Not trying to bash you or anything, just wondering...........

 

Thanks all for those who replied thank you very much. The volvo caught my attention because of its nice styling, safety, and luxury. Also the car is for my mother, so of course, safety comes first. The woman who is selling her car is moving to japan so she is selling the car for $2,500. She said that it has 100,000 miles on it, which isnt too bad, i just hope that she has had the car serviced or check up. Lastly, JPN thanks for the whole check list, i will definately use your process. Wish me luck! and maybe you may see me asking around for help soon and become another friendly memeber to a good forum! Thanks Alot,
-Jay

 

What I meant is that out of all the volvos that come into our shop the 70 series are one off the most popular. And out of most of the volvo models they seem to be the reliable. And yes most of it is routine maintenance, state insp, etc.