Hello, new to the board and first post.

I have the opportunity to buy a 1998 S70 with approx. 74,000 miles. This car would strictly be an extra car. Otherwise thinking of leasing a car.

Car has been maintained well (no accidents) and is currently really not used (owned by a police detective who has a department car and the other family car is used extensively). He wants to get rid of it.

I hear that they are expensive to maintain and reading this board would probably need to drop around $1000 to have the timing belt replaced. I keep all my cars maintained (I am not a mechanic), but really do not want to add a car that is going to nickle and dime me. Reading this board, there seems to be multiple issues with '98 S70's.

I have very little familiarization with Volvo's (other than their safety reputation) and don't know of anyone who really owns and drives one.

Recommendations, advice, input would be greatly appreciated.

 

As with any 15+ year old used car, there will be maintenance and repairs to attend to. The 98s are actually a reliable year as they share many parts with the proven design of the 850s, particularly in the throttle body (99+ have the drive-by-wire electronic throttle body). If the car is well maintained and has records (ie the timing belt should have been done once already at the earlier of 10 years/100K miles), you can then factor any costs into your offer price. Other issues to watch for includes the AC (compressor clutches may need to be reshimmed from time to time) and if the owner didnt clear the drains, the evaporators can rot (a $1500 repair) but if its functioning now, you probably are ok. Again its all relative to total cost of ownership. Those of us who do some of our own repairs are at an advantage owning an older car but if you have a trusty mechanic and as noted its an extra car, I don't see Volvos as a money pit. I own a 95 850T wagon, and a 2000 S40 as extra (college/med school) kid cars. Last repair was replacing a front wheel bearing on the 850T - shot after 200K miles! Part cost me $90, local shop installed for $90...

 

You should lease a car.