Hello, new here.

I am considering the purchase of a 1998 V70 wagon- actually looking at two. One is a v70 base model wagon with 134,000 mi. The other is a XC with about 160,000. Both sellers claim the cars run great. The XC has new tires and brakes.

Is there any V70 specific issues I should look for? Anything I should know before getting into a Volvo?

BTW, both dealers are asking 3995.00

Thanks all!

 

With those miles, I wouldn't buy from a dealer (too much unknown history on the cars). Maintenance is critical with these cars. I also would not buy an XC with those miles. The front wheel drive model will give you much less trouble in the long run. If you can find a front wheel drive model with good history and maintenance, you'll be very happy. Read the forums though, your Volvo will never be a worry free Japanese make. I love my V70 but will say the interior squeaks and rattles are very frustrating, poor quality plastics throughout. Wonderful to drive and great economy.

 

Thanks- transmission, especially on the XC seems to be an issue. I'll definately do a carfax before considering purchase.

 

I own a '98 XC70. At that mileage stay away from it - too much potential for costly repairs in several areas - turbo, air pump, canister system, driveshaft, fuel pump, abs, ...

 

I own a V70 XC 1998 and I bought it for $2000.00. It didn't need a thing and had new brakes. The car had scratches like you read about all over. Their kids must have used the shovel!!

In any-case. Mine has 127K on it and it mint. There was one thing they didn't tell me. I noticed something when I drove it and they told me the tires are bad as their daughter hit a pot hole so the tire belts were gone. So it felt kind of like that. What it turned out to be was the bearings on the driveshaft and ceter bearing. Well Volvo wanted $1200 for this so I went to a friends junk yard and he pulled one out for $400.00 and it looks brand new. SO with this and some wheel bearings it's fixed but the car shook like Hell when it was bad.

One thing to check is to go into a parking lot (for the V70 XC anyway) and do some figure 8's both ways and listen for any drive line issues. Unless you have access to a junk yard and a good friend it's going to be expensive. I got out of this repair for $850.00 but would have been well over $1600 if it were at Volvo.

 

I wouldn't pay much more than $3.5K for the base model depending on the condition of the body. The engines in these care are great so long as timing belt intervals are maintained. I really think the value is in the condition of the body as the engines have been proven to be worth more their weight in gold.

 

For my 98 V70 its been the electrical gremlin. Power windows not working, different dash lights burning out and of course my current battery drain issue. My wife loves her V70 and is in no hurry to get something else inspite of some issues and 105k miles. I on the other hand am tired of the little things going wrong but I guess its better than a new car payment and gas mileage is around 25mpg.

 

I've recently bought a '98 V70 20V... body and interior are brilliant for a car of its age and engine/transmission (auto) seem very sound even though it has pretty high k's on it.

Will be getting the timing belt checked at first service as the log books are a bit ambivalent about this. If you can get a full service history and be sure that all the regular services have been done (especially the timing belt), it seems you're more reassured.

The electrics have been a bit of an issue with mine (and I think I'm not Robinson Crusoe) with a headlight switch failing the day after I bought the car and problems with the microswitches in the door latches on both drivers side doors so that the footwell light and the red "door open" hazard light stay on and the alarm chime nearly drives my wife and I demented! Have bought new latches and will install soon.

Aside from that, on the highway, it is a pleasure to travel long or short distances.. very comfortable (a few squeaks) and roomy.

We love it.

 

So I ended-up buying the '98 V70 FWD for about 3500- the abs/tracs light is coming on and I needed to get the rear bumper repainted.

Now that the bumper is done this thing looks brand new. Rides smooth. I am going to take it to a local Volvo dealer to get the ABS scanned. The Tracs and ABS are not on all the time. The lights will come and and stay on for a couple of days, then turn off both about 20 minutes, only to turn on again. I was thinking it was a wheel sensor, but the more I read about this issue, especially with Volvos, it sounds like the module. I'll have it scanned to be sure. I'd also like to see if they have a service history in the Volvo database (will they give that to me?).

Anyway, love the car. No regrets yet.

 

great job and good luck! I have a 98 V70 and just got back from a long road trip...she performed beautifully. I paid too much for her, but she's a lovely ride. Hope to see you around here some more!