Hell I am considering buying a 98 v70...it has 150k on the clock...when should the timing belt be changed, also the service engine light was on, would this be an indicator as to a greater problem , or is there a service due at this time, or do these cars tell you when you need an oil change...it is a nice lloking, and driving vehicle. is there anything else I should look for.

 

Timing belt - every 70k miles. Is this a front wheel drive or AWD? Volvo has made many different iterations of the model.

All the obvious used car checks plus -

The two things I would check for would be 1) is there a coolant smell when turning on the heat? An easy fix. See the STICKY - Heater Core Replacement. 2) Rev the engine with the oil dip stick removed and see whether oil vapor comes out. This would point to a clogged PVC system. Not such an easy fix.

In answer to the Service Engine Light. It goes on every X k miles to remind you to change the oil. You have to get the dealer to shut it off. If you change your own oil it will stay on for a minute or two when you start the car. Then should go out on its own. Not to be confused with the Check Engine Light - CEL.

Make sure at that level of milage you negotiate a good price. Do your homework.

 

Hello, r220 is right on all counts. Condition of transmission fluid (and all other fluids), axle boot, tie rod end boot and control arm condition, evidence of leaking shocks and struts, moaning and/or grinding if AWD. Do a search of "bevel gear" as part of your homework. If it becomes your AWD car, drilling the drain hole and changing the fluid is a must.
That year required a "special" tool to turn the service engine light off. The ones I've seen run ~$75. Maybe a member of your local VOC has one. You might be able to avoid those trips to the dealer.
Brake condition is easy to inspect and overlook. Have it inspected-money well spent.
At 150K I wouldn't be surprised if the window master switch were to go out, as mine did at 112K. That one would present the triple question of 1-new part(~$100), 2-OLD junkyard part for less(probably false economy unless it was $CHEAP), 3-aftermarket switch(again,how much less).
Post back with the asking price or the settled-upon price. I, for one, am jealous of what might be a great purchase. Good Luck, Kira

 

Thank you for your input...I ended up paying 3000 for it, the light on the dash was the change oil light...I drove it and it handled beautifully, the brakes were recently done and the aircon. was recharged, the former owner had a very large folder of receipts (mostly oil changes, but a lot of routine maintenance also)...the body has a small dent no rust, so this and the mileage I belive I did alright, it was very helpful of you all giving me the info before my final decision...it also helped to make me look like I knew what I was talking about as far as knowledge of volvos...however I did not see a recipt for a timing belt change, is there a way to check the condition of the belt without the full dissassembly...again thank you

 

Hello, Slacken the serpentine belt, move the p/s reservoir and coolant bottle out of the way and remove the plastic spark plug cover, the top of the t-belt cover and the single 10mm bolt for the largest part of the timing belt cover. The first two parts lie over each other so you must remove them. Bet you a beer the belt is original and WAY overdue. BTW: Is it AWD or FWD? Kira

 

thanks again...I will do that as soon as I take possession of the car...and the weather agrees with me...it is a FWD, sorry I forgot to mention that.

Pat