So what is the consensus opinion about a 1998 V70R wagon? I'm drooling, but there's got to be some huge negative to the machine. Please educate me if it would be a waste of money or good investment for a well maintained V70R with around 160,000 miles.

Thanks,

13

Excellent car. All the fluids should be clean. Look around for engine seal leaks (especially the rear main - expensive). Check that the AC/climate control works well. If you are unsure what to look for post here with questions or it may be worth your while to pay a Volvo dealer or specialist to check the car out. Maybe $100.

FWIW - My 95 850 wagon (basically the same car with no turbo or sport suspension) has been a more dependable car than my 90 240 was. No electrical problems!! My take is they need fewer repairs than the RWD cars, but when they do need work said repairs are usually more expensive.

With care, the engines and the trannies will last as long as the RWD cars. There are folks on this board with 400k+ on their engines. Flush the tranny asap unless it has been recently done. The trannies aren't quite as robust.

Oh yeah... the stainless steel exhaust system. I'm still on my original exhaust at almost 18 years old and 200k...:)

Thanks guys. According to the advertisement, the ABS light is on. It looks fantastic from the photos. Unfortunately, it's black and not saffron. Listed for $3000. Timing belt done at 147,000. Current mileage is around 165,000.

The ABS 'fix' is easily done, less than $150. A bigger concern is the AC and the bevel gear. $3000 is a fair price.
I would have a mechanic check it out.
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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic

If it's cheap and saffron colored, let me know! I liked my 1998 so much I bought it twice.
as it ages, it will need new struts/shocks and the rears are Nivomat. Front suspension parts and bearings.

If the exhaust is original, and it should be, think about replacing the mufflers with 2000 dual exhaust.

The R was fast back in 1998, now it is just 'normal'. But the handling is great.
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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic

Klaus,

I've been meaning to ask you why you sold your 98 V70R again?

Jim

We needed 6 seats for a couple of years, the AC evaporator needed to be done, the rear diff started to rumble, the cruise control was on its last legs, my wife was thinking it was time for an upgrade(?).

But the car was fun. The 3CD player couldn't be changed while driving, needed 2 hands to swap disks, but I never listen to the radio anyway. The seats were the most comfortable of any car I have ever driven, the fake suede kept the buns from sliding around and breathed during hot weather.

I never got stuck or sideways with the AWD.

Too bad there was no cover in the rear, no heated seats in the rear (I bought a heated blanket for my daughter), it could have used tinted windows in the back. The black paint made for a hot car in the summer, but nice in the winter.

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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic