Hi Everyone, I'm loking to purchase a 98 s70(base) with approx 69k miles. According to dealer the timing belt was not replaced, so they're willing to negotiateon the price ($5500+dealer fees$749). Per Carfax the vehicle was serviced regularly by Maroone Volvo in SFL.

Unfortunately, since it's approx 200 miles from me i cant take it to be inspected.

My questions are, what's a fair price?
Does any one have a reliable independent mechanic in Orlando? since i'm not mechanically inclined
What else should i look for besides the typical A/C issue,chaeck engine lights, etc.

Thanks everyone!

 

Well, you didn't indicate what model year the S70 is and that makes a difference. The maintenance schedule for the 99 and 2000 models indicates 105K miles for timing belt replacement whereas the 98 is 70K. The 98 is really identical mechanically to an 850 whereas in 99 the engine was provided with electrinic ignition (no distributor, cap, rotor, etc.) and an electronic throttle module. The ETMs have proven to be troublesome and Volvo extended the warranty on that component to 10 years/200K miles.

As far as Volvo indy mechanics in the Orlando area goes I know that TECH (real name Alan), one of the moderators and frequent posters in these forums is an Indy Volvo tech. Here's his info:

"I work at Cech Brothers Volvo specilist.
We are in Winter Park about 2 to 3 miles from the Dealer.
Phone # is 407-628-8699"

 

Thanks for the response simul8guy, it's a 1998 base model.

Funny you should mention Cech Bros. I visited their lot yesterday (they were closed).

 

Tech, the main guy on this forum, is also from around the Orlando area. Not sure where he works though.

 

I have to say that the miles are very low for a 98 car.

 

Hey i was looking at the S70 section on ebay and there is a nice 98 S70 T5 with only 49k miles for $8,000 if you want to check it out.

 

Hello everyone this is the year where im finally turnin 18 and so i decided to buy myself a volvo s70 t5 1999 and I would like to have a few response on the car to get an idea of how it roles, feels and most important the accelaration part. I didnt a chance to drive one yet but i sat in one and it feels amazing i finally have place for my feet.
Thanks everyone!

 

Reviving an old post.


FYI: I will be ordering the vacuum kit and performing a full stage zero but will need to wait till next paycheck.

In the meantime I need some help from seasoned veterans.

Here is my dilemna.:

Bought 98 GLT with 129K approx 3wks ago in FL. Great deal at 1798 + dealer fee + tax = 2500


There was an oil leak, vibration on take off and a knock on front end which allowed me to drop their asking price of 4k + DF + Tax to above price.


Took to Pep Boys for a free diag. (I know about them and would not actually get anything done there)

They stated I had an oil leak from engine and tranny.

They also stated I needed:
All sway bar bushings replaced: - Untrue
End Links replaced - true
Tranny mounts replaced - Not really
Right lower Motor mount replaced - True
They stated that the Axle was fine and needed no work - Untrue

They would do all the above for me, minus actually fixing any of the leaks, and give me a "BREAK" for only $960. When I looked at the estimate they were charging 135 for each link and 180 for the Motor mount (just parts), I thanked them and let them know that since the main priority was the tranny leak I'll have that looked at and get back to them.


I then went to Delta transmissions and spoke to the owner, Steve, He looked at the car drove it and stated that it seemed to be a seal issue with the tranny and that possibly the left axle needed to be looked at since the vibration seemed to be coming from that side. He quoted $650 for the seal job and to check the axle. He also stated that since he had to remove the tranny anyway and he had to remove the lower motor mount, if I brought him the end links and motor mounts he would just throw them in for me.

I went to Central Auto Parts bought the endlinks for $22 a piece and the motor mount nfor $34, Took them to Steve.

Next day I drop by the shop and Steve has the tranny out. But he is unable to get the axle out. Looks like the retaining ring had broken off inside. He tells me he has to crack open the case. As long as he has the thing open I tell him might as well rebuild the tranny. He agrees and after all is said and done, one week later, I end up leaving the shop paying $1300 with a rebuilt tranny resealed, the end links, put in, the axle repaired and no more vibration. Steve stated that the rear main seal was dry and did not seem to be leaking but that he did see a leak from higher up on the engine near the turbo and the normal oil on the bottom of the turbo. He told me about the seals on the oil tubes that are notorious for leaking and advised that I have it checked out. He also stated to drive the car like I was breakin it in for two weeks and bring it back for a follow up check up on his work. Overall I rate my experience with this shop as excellent. Steve seemed genuine and a straight shooter (unlike the Pep boys guys).


I did a lot of research here on this site and learned all about the the seals and Orings and Vacuum hoses. But before I spend more money I decided to check for a Volvo Specialist in the area and found Cech Brothers. I learned that Tech, the forum moderator, is an independent technician there. I drove over yesterday and paid them $30 to have the leak checked thinking it was Vacuum/O-Ring seal related.

I return 1/2 hr later and am told that the rear main seal is leaking and that it will be $800 due to having to drop the tranny. I explained to them that I just had the tranny out and they stated that the RMS should have been replaced at that time.

I called Steve about this at Delta Trannsmission and he confirmed that the RMS was not leaking when he had it in the shop and stated that if it had he would have replaced it then since its common sense to do that. He confirmed that the oil leak was coming from higher up. (I will say that I saw the engine with the tranny out and did not notice any obvious leak from the RMS myself either)


I called back Cech Bros and spoke to Jon which was the counter guy and explained what Steve had just stated. He then said that if it not the seal then its a "plate" that may need to get replaced either way the tranny would still have to come out and the estimate should still be about $900.

Both of these folks seem to be straight shooters but I'm confused as to what to believe. I'm not pointing fingers at anyone. Is it possible that the RMS leak could be confused with one of the other common leaks known to occur on these Volvos. If not and I have to have the tranny pulled again, I'll just take it to Cech bros in the future and trust in their Volvo specializing.


Any input would be appreciated.

 

Yes normally I work there and have been laid off from them for the last 2 months.

I am not sure who JON is that you spoke to. There is Scott,Rob,Del, or Ken that you would have spoke to.

I wish I was there so I could have looked at it.

How fast is it leaking?

Look at the back of the cylinder head Like right where the Dist cap is and see if it is all wet. Also look directly to the right and you should see the Cam Sensor mounted on the head. It could be leaking from the rear cam seal and leaking right through the top of the tranny by the speed sensor and down.

Also if the tranny shop had the flywheel off and didn't seal the flywheel bolts when he put it back in it could be leaking from them as well.

He should have just spent the extra and replaced the seal since he was right in there anyways.