Hi, everyone. Lots of good information on this site! I'll be honest that I didn't use the search feature, and that's a bad job by me...but my question is...

I'm thinking about purchasing a Volvo S70 or 850 as a second car. I really don't need another car, but I really miss my '94 Volvo 940. Just was a lot of fun to drive. My parents have a 2000 V70 that I learned to drive on a while ago, and its a lot of fun to drive, too.

Is there any issues with any particular years of S70/850? I know they all have their problems...odometer stops working, air flow sensor, timing belt every 70k, etc...I thought I read somewhere that 1998 was a bad year in terms of reliability, and other stuff...but maybe I was just dreaming? Thoughts?

 

'98 and earlier are better years in my opinion because '99 goes to electronic throttle and different turbo engine.

If you don't need AWD, don't pursue one. Find one with previous history and maintenance records - especially timing belt, PCV.

If you don't need turbo, pass on that as well due to complexity and ignorance of many owners on how to ensure long turbo life (synthetic oil and deliberate cooldown/no WOT in last 5 minutes before turning engine off).

Don't buy one that is advertised as "needs tuneup." If that's all it needed, they'd have done it.

 

Any car that age is going to need stuff done. But think of the condition of a 1998 Saturn or Chrysler!
Everybody needs a spare car. Or two.

 

Man, your whole post is twisted. You find a 940 fun to drive? Was it a turbo? Then you said a V70 was fund to drive? Maybe you just like driving...

The 850's and x70 series are very different cars than the RWD 900 series cars. The '94 - '98 FWD Volvo's really don't have any cronic problems. The timing belt is not a problem area, just a maintenance item. As Don said, all old cars will need maintenance and repairs. As long as the car hasn't been damaged (internal motor damage) from neglect, I would buy any of them.

I prefer the turbo models. Now they are fun to drive. I wouldn't want to buy one from a young person, but from someone in their 40's and older, I doubt the car has been trashed. Other than that, look at the 850 buyer's guide and go from there.

 

My 2000 S70 has been practically flawless.
124K miles and counting. My son was going to take it to grad school, however he elected not to so the wife and I have 3 cars. The S70 has been so good, we are planning on selling the other 2 (BMW and Honda) and purchasing another Volvo (new).

The secret, at least to me, is keeping the car serviced regularly.

Best Volvo ever made, IMHO.