I've been driving Peugeots for nearly 20 years (504,505,405,306), and I've finally decided to cut the cord and get something different. Something that isn't a Renault or Citroen...

So I'm looking at 97-98 V70s.
I'm in Australia, and there seem to be plenty of decent examples between $8000-$10000 ($10K is my absolute top limit).
Are there any common problems I need to watch out for, or any issues with particular series/trims that I need to know about?
I'm at the very start of my Volvo research, so any advice as to what to look for, or what to avoid, would be greatly appreciated.

 

I buy/sell/use them and recommend them to everyone. Very reliable, safe, roomy car. Very low cost per mile factor. Find the cleanest, lowest mileage one and don't look back.

 

I was happy when I switched from my 504 Diesel to a 745 Turbo Diesel. I jumped from 78 HP to 115 HP. The way Volvo puts things together grows on you and they're easy to get used to. They're less trouble than most folks make them out to be.
I'm on my third Volvo since Peugeot, 300,000 mi on the previous 2.
Ed

 

I have 1998 V70 with 106K miles.

In my 13 years of ownership, it is mostly annoying things but overall very good car. Excluding routine oil, tires, brake jobs, timing belt, spark plugs etc., the following were done:

1. Headlight switch broke as you know, I glued it using plumbing glue some 10 years ago, so far so good.

2. Front Suspension done at 90K miles.
(Bilstein, control arms, tierods, swaybar end links).
I posted the DIY in other forums

REAR shocks replaced (using Bilstein).

3. Ignition Tumbler/Clockspring replaced at 100K.

4. Rear Tailgate support struts replaced at 95K.

5. Rear Main Seal done by mechanic at 90K (9h job!).

6. Master Window Switch defective at 40K miles.

 

Thanks for the replies.

Tailgate struts are things I wouldn't have really looked too closely at. I'll put them on my list.
What else is likely to have 'gone bad'?

 

I would start from the 2002 V70s and up!

 

2000+ are all getting a bit over budget. Plus, I don't really like the look of them. I want a brick.

 

$8,000 - !0,000 for a 12yr+ car is a bit steep here in Canada! Measure at least ten times before making the cut! Remember parts are expensive, and an old car, even a Volvo will need work sooner or later.

 

Kerosene lives in Australia, so the pricing is different there.

In the US, my 1998 Volvo V70 with 106K is worth about US $3000-3500, which I think is a bargain for people who know how to fix car. 1997-98 is a very fine car that can easily go to 250-300K miles.

PS: If one argues going to more recent models (if budget allows), personally I'd skip 1999-2003 because I think there are so many little electronic craps that can go wrong. I think 2005-07 are the best years for V70.