Klaus is on target! I just bought my first 1998 V70 XC in March with 158K for $1500. It had minimal records and I had to track down the info from the Volvo dealer and independent garage. However, it was a one owner car and I knew the individual as a college friend. The v70 had a variety of issues - some I fixed myself and my indy garage did some. Dead flasher unit, headlamps assemblies needed replaced, oil leak (rear cam seals solved that) replaced hatch shocks, brakes and rotors all around - flushed transmission, replaced upper and lower rad hoses, and thermo, cap, rotor and irid plugs - of course oil change with mann filter. I just had the timing belt, wa pump and cam seals done this Friday at $369 (I provided parts from FCP - cost $300). AC still needs to be checked and is out of freon- crossing fingers that it's not the evaporator at this point. I replaced cabin filter and it had one that was intact, so maybe I will luck out on the AC. After years of 140s, 740s, 240s and four 850s, I made the V70 leap!

I sold my 96 210K 850 tired wagon for 1550 and bought this one for 1500. To date, i have put 1800 in the car in one month! But, I think I will have a reliable vehicle for the next 4-5 years. I am thinking about a preemptive replacement of the PVC system and am keeping an eye out for angle gear issues and a future driveshaft replacement from Colorado driveshaft for $486.

Essentially, I have a nice-looking and nice running 98 V70 for a $2000 investment, if I consider the sale of my old car. And the kicker is that I bought the 96 cheap three years ago and got back most of my money - drove it for three years and it never quit on me! What other car can you get back almost the same money that you paid for it?

Now I want another 98-2002 V70 or a 2001 S60 as they are falling into my 2500-3500 price range.

My beater 94 850 wagon is going strong at 190K and is showing no signs of age. I bought it three years ago for $1000 with 175K and it had dealer records with it totaling over $6000 in two years. The owner gave up when the local Cincy Volvo dealer told him the trans was fried due to dark fluid. After two flushes and a magenefine filter - it has been shifting perfectly with clean fluid - not a peep for three years! I change 4qts of trans fluid each oil change and am convinced it will go another 3-4 years with no issues. And no oil leaks or usage at all!

The 98 V70 XC is Volvo number 88 for me since 1979! If I drive it for four years with minimal costs, maybe I can pay off my credit cards! LOL

Bob in SW Ohio

94 850 192K
98 V70 XC 159,500K