I'm looking into potentially buying my first Volvo. There is a 1998 S90 that appears to be at a good price, starting at about $1,900, and claims there are absolutely no mechanical problems.However, it has 200k miles on it. I hear things about Volvos, and have read in many places, about the S90 specifically, that they last forever, but I've yet to see an approximate life expectancy posted anywhere.

1. Expecting that this vehicle has been taken care of relatively well to be running flawlessly at 200k miles, should I expect the vehicle to have another 50k+ miles before it starts experiencing major problems?
2. Are there common issues these vehicles have at traditional mileages?
3. How does the S90 handle in snowy conditions (my understanding is its a rear wheel drive vehicle)

Thanks in advance and sorry for my ignorance with Volvos!

 

I have had 2 900 series Volvo's. My 1st was a '95 960 and I currently have a '97 960 which is almost the same exact car as the S90.

I wrecked my '95 960 then let a reliative buy it from me for $1. It had a dent behind the pass front fender and that was it. It was in great shape and had 205,000 on it when I let him have it. I was expecting to keep it for another 100k when I almost flipped it on the freeway (I hit a fully inflated tire going 60 mph).

The one I have now had 53k when I got it 2 years ago. Now it has over 87k. I think it would last 300k easy and more if parts are available.

Normal maintenance is what to expect. Looking through the threads will show you common problems which you will see are few. IMO, maintaining a car is a LOT cheaper than buying a new one or having monthly payments. I would say that the S90/960 probably cost about $70 per month to maintain by a mechanic.

The normal maintenance would include the following:
* Timing belt, tensioner & idler replacement - $500 every 70k.
* Brake pads & rotors as needed - $600 every 60k probably.
* Radiator - $375 every 12 years. They are plastic and start leaking.
* Tune up, plugs etc. - $200 every 60k or so.
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Common problems know to me are:
* Power seat base movement.
* Sunroof glass seal leaks.
* Squeeky suspension bushings.
* Turn signal problems that may be related to a relay.

Other than that, I really don't know of any issues.

The rear wheel drive Volvos are great. Remember they are make in a country that is known for snow, Sweeden. They are well balanced and very predictable. A set of studded snow tires will go a long way and chains will not make the car fall apart.

Sad to say, I don't know of any that have HIGH HIGH milage of more than 200k. Most of the S90/960 purchasers were more mature people that got them for their luxury aspecs and were not heavy travelers. The cars are so nice that they held on to them for a while and they are just now changing hands to people like me that drive 25k to 35k per year. I know of a lot of other Volvo models that have 400+ miles on them with any real issues. I had a 740 that had over 400k on it and this is what it looked like when I gave it to a single mom for $7.38 http://atthetipwebs.com/volvo/

 

Hi there,

I have a Volvo S90 and am very satisfied. It has about 360,000 kilometers on the clocks and without much trouble. Only the airco was broken when I bought it. Now a friend is renewing a lot of parts inclding the airco on it and am I investing quite a lot of money to keep it running again for hopefully another 350,000 kilometers at least. I think that should not be a problem. I think it's a good investment that will keep running if well maintainted.

 

This website http://www.metric-conversions.org/le...s-to-miles.htm said that you have about 217,479 miles. That is not a lot for a Volvo. I think any Volvo can do 200,000 miles with just about no maintenance at all. The older ones can go about 300,000 if they are maintained a little. Once Volvo started to focus on preformance, it takes more maintenance to keep them rolling so the newer ones, post 1992 have to be maintained better to go over 300,000 miles. And if maintained properly, they can go forever.

The main thing I like about Volvo's over other cars is that they don't fall apart physically. If you take care of the interior a little, condition the leather, wash the exterior regularly, they look just as good 20 years into the deal as they do when new. Most things are in tack. Doors still close, moldings still on the car, seats still in tack, etc. Almost every Volvo that I have given away or sold dirt cheep (under $200), I would not hesitate to drive across country or let one of my clients ride in. Just good long term classy cars.