Hi!
Wow, this must be the place. Wish I had found this forum years ago.
I am going to test drive a 98 V70 this weekend for sale. I am so psyched because I have been shopping for a V70 for the last month and I am trying to be really careful. I just found a gorgeous, well kept 98 V70, I have been searching online for info re: what is standard and trying to decifer if there are levels to the model, like a base model? GLT? etc. I am not really familiar with this year's model information. I used to have an 850 DL (I think) it was an '85 and the old guy bit the dust with over 300K miles on it. I loved it and miss it. I am willing to read any or all info about the V70 1998.

Thanks a lot and wish me luck.

 

base model v70 is not the "GLT". i believe the base has no turbo(what i have), then GLT, T-5, and then the "R" type? Please chime in anyone. I'm new to volvo as well as I only bought 98 v70 last year. So far a great car. replaced one wheel bearing, drivebelt, throttle sensor switch and tune up. timing belt, waterpump and thermostat soon to come. I'm at 155k.

 

First off they did not start making the 850 until '93 so the 85 was either a 240, 740 or 760, which are all rear wheel drive cars and quite a bit different than the 850 or x70 series. The S70 and V70 are replacements for the 850, but basically the same car. In 98 they had a base model which is not a turbo, the GLT is the low pressure turbo with 190 HP, the T5 is the high pressure turbo with around 222 hp and the R is also high pressure turbo with 240 hp. I think that is also the first year for the Cross Country wagon, which I know nothing about. When I bought my 98 V70 I stayed away from the AWD models. I heard there were some problems with them and I really don't need AWD, plus it gets worse gas mileage. I also stick with 98 or older because 99 is when Volvo was bought by Ford. I have read where tech likes the 98 models quite a bit too, and tech knows what he is talking about. If you can find the 98 V70 R without AWD that's what you should get. I'm pretty sure they made them, but they are few and far between. If you ifnd one let me know, and I'll sell you mine and buy it. Good luck.

 

Thank you for the info. I believe it is the base model as it is not a turbo or all wheel drive. Were leather seats and sunroof standard on a '98? Reason why I am asking is because I went to auto.consumerguide.com and checked out the info but there were about 5 categories. Alittle confusing. So I test drove it today and I am back in love again.
Smooth ride, luxurious. I will be having my volvo mechanic who worked on my past volvo wagons take a good look at the engine tomorrow. I hope it passes the test, it passed Maryland DMV testing which is WAY more strict than Delaware. It is tagged til '07 in Maryland and I have the inspection certificate-checklist to refer to also. Nice.

Ktw; you are right. It was a 240 '85, I think. Whatever the base model for that year is. that was it. The '98 version is the exact same car except for the rear wheel drive, sunroof and new upgrades. And it is not as square, but I do love that classic square shape just as much. The streamlined look of the 98 is perfect still a little square but with a sleek hood with an awesome view for a shorty to see over the wheel and only see the road in the windshield.

Such great cars, all of 'em, even with their issues when they arise.

Thanks again for the info.