Hey guys, I am new here.

Looking to purchase a late 90's early 00's Volvo, possibly V70. Also considering a 850 GLT......

Looking at some cars with roughly 120k-140k miles on them. I am in Canada so most of the models here are turbo.

Besides the timing belt change, what other things do I need to be aware of?

I seen alot of the 10+ year old models have those head light wipers either broken or bent. Are those things fixable, or not something I need to worry about?

 

I am sure you'll get more hits in the V70 section.. do your research there too.

rspi has a buyers guide around here; probably in the 850 section that may be helpful.

IMO go for a MY 98, or later than about 2004; lot a new designs in '99 and took them a few yrs to dial things in..

The HL wipers typically do break but for most they're a don't-care and we disconnect or remove them entirely; but i imagine they are helpful in snowy climes..

 

The 2000 (correct me if I'm wrong) models are drive by wire and are known to have ETM failure. Not a gauranteed problem and lots of them were fixed under warranty, but it does happen and can be pricey. Nothing to really worry about though. The ABS module is a common gripe but thats pretty much all Volvos that I'm aware of. The headlight wipers seem to break but they are ugly anyway and some models dont have them to begin with. Other than that its just the normal things you'd check out on any used vehicle.

 

This car is pretty tight, I'd say go for 2004-2007.

I just picked up a 2004 V70 2.5T loaded to the hill for $4500 with the stock 17" Amalthea wheels. I'm amazed at how well this vehicle drives, well balanced steering wheel, and the turbo is amazing and moves this wagon well.
I purchased it from a 'Mom' who had 2 kids who she carted back and forth all hwy miles. She did all the scheduled maintenance for 150k miles, and the car purrs nicely. Pretty good deal.

Couple pics here http://www.cardomain.com/id/nasd90

 

cant afford 2004+, those are still lots of money here in Canada.

so I will probably go for a '98 V70 or S70. Can someone tell me what the difference is between the two?

I've priced out timing belt/water pump replacement, seems to be around $400 for parts + labour.

 

Other than the increased utility of the wagon, they are similar.

 

v70 s also come in xc awd option. Nice, many say unnecessary, but i've always been glad to have it on snow days. Other than awd and lo vs hi pressure turbo options, they're pretty much the same. To me, a volvo is a turbo. Never cared for NA models, except perhaps when having my turbo repaired. That does make you think that less might be more. Great cars whatever you decide. Mine is 98 xc awd with about 198k miles. Still running strong.