I have been driving this 98 V70 since when it was new; always been here in the northern champlain valley of Vermont.

I've replaced a lot of things in the last six years, but it failed state inspection in October '16 and has been off road (mostly) since then. Shop said it'd be 1000 for fixing violations (rust and mechanical things), and it might not pass the new inspection rules next year. Is it worth spending more money on?

It has abt. 143500 miles and runs well. It's only used for around town errands and such. I've been trying to go carless but it's making my world much too small and now I'm out of work pinching the pennies.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Also, maybe the best way to move the V70 on?

What are the mechanical problems? These cars don't usually rust, so where is the rust.

I suspect that the parking brakes are shot. You are not a mechanic, but an hydraulic jack, a pair of jack stands, and a basic metric ratchet/tool set don't cost that much and will save you a lot of money.

Need an O2 sensor? A lot of car parts stores will rent a 7/8 tool to get the old one off/on.

Your car is 18-19 years old, what would $1,000 buy you for a replacement?
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Keeping it running is better than buying new

O2 and parking brakes were done already. as was timing belt. the mechanical work is body work, rear shocks, and rear tires, with the issue of is the scanned the engine and 3 of six sensors were on (engine light isnt on) tho i have been getting the service light. that seemed like a prelude to bigger/genuine parts.

this engine-scanning thing always seems to bother mechanics around here. is it best to hunt down a real non-dealer volvo guy?

everyone's quite right to say, 'what can i buy for $1000'. it's not much, and this V70 has lots of life.

(it took me a while to respond b/c of my time issues.)

There are 6 areas that are monitored by sensors. 3 or more are emissions related. These should all be "on", except in the case of 1996-1998 850/70 cars. You may never get them all to come on, even in strict California there is an exception for these cars.

The 6 areas are turned "off" when the battery is disconnected. Then the car needs to be driven in a specific pattern to turn the areas "on". "ON" means functioning properly. Very few people can drive the pattern to get all of the areas "ON".

Tires? Buy two. Pump up the spare tire in the mean time. Rear shocks? Really? Does the rear of the car bounce up and down a lot? Besides, they are really easy to replace and don't cost an arm and a leg.

The 'service' light is a reminder to get the oil changed. Unfortunately, you need an expensive tool to reset it before it turns on again in 5,000 miles. I replaced a few bulbs in the instrument cluster and pulled out the "service" light bulb.
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Keeping it running is better than buying new

here's the easiest way to justify keeping a car that is paid for and fully deprec: when you get a repair estimate, ask yourself how many months car payment that equals on a new or newer car (which are the absolute worst place to spend money if you already have a decent car.) Then have the repair done and enjoy the money that stays in your bank account in just a few short months.

You said rear shocks. Unless they are banging or otherwise seriously damaged this is a repair that can wait. At 143k the rear shocks aren't usually done on those cars. If it is clunking it may just be the shock mounts which are a lot cheaper to replace than the shocks themselves. I've done the mounts on my 850 but at 250k the rear shocks are still original and have no noise issues (no question they should be replaced but the car is no longer my daily driver...:)

Also ignore the service light. It is simply an oil change reminder light. Check engine light is a different story! Please explain further about the sensors.

Can't tell. What's wrong with it besides rust ?

Greg

Can you find something better for the $1000 that the mechanic wants? Keep it. Timing belt due? 143k isn't a lot of miles for a '98.

Yup, 143k isn't a lot for a 98. My 95 850 (basically the same car) has 250k and still runs well. Major mechanicals and body are still good. Does need a little minor work though...

On this board I've seen 850's and V70's posted with 300k+ or even 400k+ miles. If they are taken care of these cars will run a long time. How many 98's have inner and outer galvanized steel body panels and a stainless steel exhaust system?