just bought a 98 v70 with 73K miles. Timing belt has not been changed, what all should I get checked out besdies the usual brakes and oil etc. Also, what kind of oil do you guys use?

 

You are due for a timing belt now. I try to have mine done before 75K so you are fine. The scheduled change is 70K. I use 10W30 all year round in my cars and I live in Columbus, OH.

 

Remember the belt is rubber and the interval is 5 years or 70k miles. Even if it's a low imles car the belt will be old and cracked since the car is now 8-9 years old. Change the belt, water pump, maybe tensioner and acc belt ASAP. Some people use synthetic, but if the previous owner has used regular changing to synthetic on a higher mile car isn't always the best idea. I bought my T5 with 87k miles and still use regular oil, just change it more often than synthetic. Also check all the filters. Cabin, air intake, fuel, etc.

 

how hard is it to change the timing belt yourself? Where can I get the best manual for this and other things needed done to the car?

 

I bought a Haynes manual from IPD. I also bought a manual on CD from Ebay. Both good sources although neither are totally complete, usually when one lacks detail the other has the info.

 

which one was better in your opinion?