Hey guys I need some help. I'm considering my 1st volvo purchase ever and it's an s70.

are there any particular years to avoid?

what are the different models that are available i'm just looking for a cheap commuter car but are they all turbo engines?

what are the major problematic areas to look out for?

what's the average gas mileage and octane requirements?

Thanks!

 

1998 = good, BEST
1999-2000 ok have ETM which is bad.
Not all are turbo you can buy an N/A model.

 

Does the NA model run on 87 gas? What kind of mileage will I get? What about the automatic transmission I plan on buying one with over 100k miles, so how long will it be before I need to rebuild the tranny?

 

Man, my 98 s70 has over 140k, no tranny problems at all, changed fluid every other oil change though, yes I have OCD. Mines a non turbo, I burn 87 no problems found with it in "my" vehicle. Great car, just check condition of cv joints, struts, basic stuff as well, timing belt was changed around 70k, it is an interference engine. (be sure to get some documentation that it was replaced.) Lets see, gas mileage, about 25-27 city, 32-34 hwy. This was my first volvo and I love it. GL2U

 

OK so let me get this right, non turbo cars run just fine on 87 so I should look for a non-turbo car. that highway gas mileage is great 30MPG is my target highway mileage. I found a 98 model that's cheap, asking price only $2300 and it has 110k miles, but he says all the service lights are on. Could this possibly be a cheap fix or should I steer clear of this car?

 

I can get 30 MPG on both of my cars on the highway.

 

Than your looking for a honda. Get a honda for commuting, the parts are cheaper, they get better mpg, they are cheap. PERIOD

Get a volvo for fun, sport, and a very nice ride. But it will eat your gas and your wallet.

 

But in a honda you can get killed easy in an accident. Volvo will keep you safe as well.

 

Eat your gas? Wow a tank of gas lasts me two weeks, maybe 2.5 possibly 3.

 

well i've honestly been looking at hondas, but the way gas prices are honda's just aren't a value anymore. In fact many of the cars that first come to mind when you want something cheap and economical are expensive now which is why i'm looking at saabs and volvos. they're much more niche and usually sell for less than book value.

 

yes, you can buy the tin can honda, and you wont do much damage to the semi that runs you over, but get a volvo and you will survive with flying colors. and jsj_297, are you seriously getting that good of gas mileage? my brother is getting 27-28 on the highway in his 98 s70(N/A FWD), and i am getting22-25 city/highway in my 99 s70(LPT/AWD)

 

http://www.etmsettlementdocuments.com/
There was a lawsuit for for the ETM module, ceck the link for solutions.....
I just bought my 1999 s70 t5 and I want to know who has done some simple upgrades. Were they worth the money? Did they give you the performance you expected?