I am considering buying what appears to be a pretty good car from a volvo specialist garage here in Montreal - 1998 V70 . I took it for a short drive and it felt very good, nice car. They are asking $8000cd. I asked about the brakes and the electrical issues that I have read about (consumer reports, etc) and was assured that all is good.

Any advice...encouragement?

Thanks

Be careful of the VOLVO EXPERTS in the Montreal area. I have seen my share of “creative” sales techniques.
Spend the extra 150$ and have it inspected by either Uptown or Pointe Claire Volvo.
The will give you a full listing of all items deficient or that will need attention in the coming months.
There report may also help you in negotiating your price.

I am not 100% sure about this car but i am about 80% sure, which when considering the age and condition may be as good as it gets. Also revealed yesterday when i took it for another drive was an annoying noise coming out of the dashboard. It did seem to take care of itself as the car warmed up.I also noticed a couple good dings - one on the front end panel and a pretty good one on the rear end of the roof by rear door hatch. None of these dents revealed any rust.

I would like to thank all of you for your very much appreciated advice. I am taking it all into consideration.

For $7090 it could be a cheap dream or an expensive nightmare.

Model? Mileage? Records? Does the AC work? How can you tell? How well does the shop know the car?

-BTC

'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 166k mi, front IPD stabilizer bar, rear factory HD bar, Bilstein HD, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, e-codes, V-1, Mobil-1 since new

"A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools." -- Douglas Noel Adams (1952-2001)

Find out when the timing belt was changed. Early 98s needed new belts at 100KKM or so and later ones got the belt that would last until 160KKM.
It is a fair price, if the AC evaporator has been replaced. If not, that is a $1200US repair.

Klaus
--
(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

Right...and with second timing belt, the pulley's tensioners, water pump should all be replaced.

With no turbo the car will be a DOG, but it will still prove to a reliable as long as you don't need that extra "punch." I know several people who are really happy with their early non-turbo V70.
--
1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

No turbo? That is the only thing I would consider having on this car if it is up to snuff.
--
1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

No Turbo. I thought it (turbo) might be a good thing to avoid in case of problems down the road. Everything about the car seems to be in good shape but I am hesitating because of the usual concerns when buying a used car with relatively high mileage( 193000kms).The price does seem right...and it feels great to drive.

Hi,
Too bad about the non-turbo. The mileage may seem high but really, if maintenance has been performed regularly as it should be on these cars I wouldn`t be too concerned. My wife`s 95 wagon has close to 400,000 Kms & it`s going strong. Yes, the A/C is a concern & expensive as noted. My wife`s 850 A/C doesn`t work but we only have a few REALLY hot days here in Alberta thru the summer so we tough it out.
Good luck!
Rich

I would never sell mine here in Sask for that price! My 98 with LPT has been very good (no ac evap even !)
Den