I have a chance to pick up subj 98 S70 w/150K miles. Not worried about the mileage, but I've never owned a 5-cyl FWD car before, don't know much about them. Looked it up on Edmunds, good reviews, nothing particularly negative about the series, but just wanted to know if anyone here can give me some personal insight? $1200 price tag, BTW.

TIA!

No, I did NOT buy it after all. I got to thinking about it after reading your and others' responses, and I said, "Self, you've already got a car that just needs to be repaired, so go fix it." I'm working on that now.

Just want to thank all of you for your input. I've also got a question up on the RWD forum about the 240 fuel delivery problem, now.

TIA

O,

You've got the picture.

I'll add that the dash mounts are probably broken. This problem seems universal for the '98's. Good info for fixing in the archives.

Please have it examined by a Volvo mechanic so that you will know what's up. Any car with that many miles needs maintenance.

It has been said that 100K is the break-in period for Volvos. These models should go for a very long time with proper maintenance.

My S70 GLT has 120K+ and still turns heads. Their styling is timeless and this is a good time to get one while recycled and new parts are still affordable and there is an adequate supply.

The S/V 70 was the final iteration of the "brick."

Enjoy.
Bryan

Others have given you great advice in order for you to make an informed decision.

I drive a 98 S70. Personally I believe that it is the best year of all the 850s and S70s. It maintains the mechanicals of the 850 and got a facelift for 98. The ergodynamics of the facelift are nice.

I have owned RWD and FWD Volvos. RWD is simpler and less expensive. Personally I enjoy my S70 over the 240s I have owned. IF you know some basics of mechanics you should be able to save yourself a lot of money and enjoy the basic pride that comes from doing it yourself. The help from the BB and other boards has broadened my knowledge to do things like replace the PCV, CV axles, and even a timing belt. If you cannot do these things, the mechanic you take your car to will make his boat payments on your S70 repairs.

I would be suspicious. $1200 sound too cheap.

If you can do much of the work, you will thoroughly enjoy your "new" car.

Just my .02

I had one. O&F every 5kmi, trans fluid with timing belt and water pump (every 75k), totaled at 173k. I have no doubt this car would have gone 250k, maybe 500k. The aux air pump was the only repeat issue.

In addition to what Klaus said, take it for a drive, get it warm, then pull the oil dipstick to see if any puffing smoke comes out indicating it needs PCV work. I'd do a compression test too, if you can. They are great cars, but if you can't fix things yourself, the are $$$ to have serviced.

The AC probably doesn't work, the evap units tend to corrode because the owners never replace the cabin filter. Replacing the evap is like replacing the heater core on a 240 :(

Check the tranny fluid for black and stink. If it is, pass.

$1200 is dirt cheap. I wonder what else is wrong. The flame trap is probably clogged beyond belief, but that is easy to remedy. Fuel filter is < $20. Timing belt is every 70K miles, look for a sticker on the computer box, right fender. Check for oil leaks due to high crankcase pressure.

It will need new struts/shocks at this mileage. Front engine mount.

Check all of the electrics. Before turning the car on, move the blower speed to auto, ac on, and vents direction to auto. That tells the ECC to diagnose itself and if it finds an error, the lights for the 2 switches will flash 20 times.

A bargain?

Klaus
--
Cynthia Amendt, RIP

Nice car IF it has been properly maintained. You know the drill: condition, condition, condition. Try to find out if previous owners changed timing belts, flushed transmission oil, flushed brake fluid and did other basic work. Auto transmission, I'd be tempted to say nay, but that is my bias. Good luck.