I found a one-owner 1998 V70R Wagon. I have had my heart and soul set on buying one for the longest time. I found a perfect example with a clean CARFAX, spotless interior and exterior, and just around 70,000 miles on the clock.
What should I look for when buying this Volvo ?
Are there any common problems with that model year ?
Is it worth offering $6,500 for it ?
If the price is not negotiable, is it worth paying the $8,000 price ?

 

I don't think there are any particular problems with the 98's. If regular maintanence was performed, and major services were done on time, it should be good. That is a fair asking price, you can offer them as little as you like (it doesn't always make people happy), the worst they can do is say no to the price and you bring your offer up. But expect to pay alot closer to 8k than 6.5k

 

I would like one of those myself actually....

But damn they're asking quite the premium!! They must know what they got and trying to get as much as they can for it.

If you're not an automotive tech who is familiar with volvos of this vintage then find an indy tech who is and have them ck it out before you buy. If the seller is a dealer they should have no problem with this. It will cost you at least a C note but may save you thousands. And don't take it to someone the seller recommends please..

 

+1 With Gdog. That is a higher price for what is a higher demand car for people that are hunting them. It sounds like it's worth it. The only car I would own before that one is a Yellow '95 T-5R wagon. Have it inspected by a indi Volvo shop that has NOT been servicing the car or have a car inspector check it out. A compression test would be a plus, but with so few miles it should be fine. However at that price it's better safe than sorry.

If the car fax is clean and it's clean inside and out, the only things I would be concerned with is compression and maintenance. The miles on the cars are extreamly low. If they have been using synthetic oil in the motor I would worry less. At 5,000 miles per year that's only 1 oil change per year. Regular oil should be changed more often but synthetic oil would be able to stand up to that.

I would expect that the timing belt has NOT been done. If that's the case, count on having it done ASAP. A belt with 14 years on it is way over due. Also the PCV system has likely been neglected. At a stealer, that's a $800 job. Another thing to check is the color of the tranny fluid and ask if it's still AWD. Some people have disconnected the system. Also ask if the radiator has been replaced. If not, it's over due because of time. These radiator usually start to leak about now and will not last long. If done at the stealer, that's another $500+. You can use the OVER DUE maintenance and pending repairs as an excuse for offing a lower price. Act as if you will use the stealer to have those things done. They likely know that these things are approaching and may be their reason for bailing at this time. If all of those things have already been taken care of, count your blessing and jump on it before someone else does.

The good thing is that you shouldn't have a lot of people trying to beat you out for it. The last time I seen a yellow wagon the price climbed on the thing and it had 200,000 miles on it. Sold for about $2,500 more than the guy was asking. Check it out, look over maintenance records and make your offer. Have fun!

 

Personally, it would come down to me to the difference of an "r" and that premium vs an xc70awd. In this case the low miles are a big positive factor. And for an "r" that is even more true (fewer out there). Good luck!

 

Does the XC have a LPT or is it a T5? If I was just looking for something to get around in, that's one thing. If I wanted to have something special, fun and have an investment stand point to it, there is no question, the R is the deal.

BTW, What color is the car?

 

XCs are all LPTs, 197 HP

 

I didn't act fast enough. It is sold. Better luck next time.
It may have been the last low mileage Saffron colored V70 R for sale in the world.
It's one of those cars that I've wanted ever since it came out 14 years ago.
Just something about that unique color that makes it desirable. I heard there were
only 144 of them sold in the U.S. in that color. Someone got a good deal at least.

 

Ouch. You would have racked up the miles on it anyway. LOL. I got a Yellow T-5R that had 78,500 on it when I had it. I put 30,000 on it in 2 years (it was parked about 8 months of that time).

 

Was that the "holy grail" of performance wagons?

 

Not really and overhyped (IMO)
Was that Saffron the one in SoCal?
(I tried to buy it but the ($1000) transportation killed the deal for me)

 

Over hyped? You have all wagons and 3 R's. LOL

I really don't know what took me so long to get a wagon.

 

For me, it truly was !

I'll be on the lookout for a more "modern" R version such as an '06 model.

Of course, it will come at a higher premium price but I'm sure it's worth it.