7 replies to this topic

[5bangor]

I'm new here and new to volvo, I intersted in buying a used 1998 Volvo S70. It has 190,000 miles. I spoke to the owner over the phone,says it runs fine almost all highway miles. I going to see it in a couple of days. my question is what IMPORTANT things should I look for. The only things he has done w/in the last 10k was brembo brakes all around and replaced sensor for the tranny (shifted at high rpm's). I went to edmunds.com and heard some rough things i.e electrical problems,bad door seals,bulbs and very high repair bills. Is the 1998 S70 worth looking at with so many miles.Thanks

[ed850]

98 is a good choice as the 99 and 2000 had an electronic throttle body that costs big $$ to replace when it screws up.Also check to see when the timming belt was last replaced and see if the abs/tracs is working and check for oil leaks esp the rear main seal at that mileage.I have a 98 with 112,000 and have had good luck so far. Only replaced a thermostat and rear oxygen sensor

[ed850]

98 is a good choice as the 99 and 2000 had an electronic throttle body that costs big $$ to replace when it screws up.Also check to see when the timming belt was last replaced and see if the abs/tracs is working and check for oil leaks esp the rear main seal at that mileage.I have a 98 with 112,000 and have had good luck so far. Only replaced a thermostat and rear oxygen sensor

[maiku]

find a turbo model (GLT or T5)
you'll be happy you did

[pfeener]

Unless you're going to work on the car yourself, I would pass. If you plan to take it to a dealer for repairs it will be very expensive. Typically the body and the main engine components on these cars are very solid, but at 190K things just start to wear out.

The things to ask:

When were the struts, sway bar links and control arms changed out; has the rear main seal ever been replaced; how often was the oil changed in the engine and transmission (and was synthetic oil used); when was the timing belt and serpintine belt changed out (depending on the engine number in 98, the timing belt is either changed at 70K or 105K); when was the last major tune-up; have the motor mounts been replaced?

That's a few of the top hitters.

[550]

While I agree that those are good questions... Idisagree about the ware of parts...

If he passes up an s70 what should he get? an 850? They are pretty much the same car 97-98 atleast.

my 98 is fairly solid. I never take it to the dealer, but I do some of my own work, not all. I don't do oil changes or timing belts and it is never that much money.

[kenk]

190k is a lot for a car.....

Like others said, check the problem spots mentioned above.

also at 190k its important to have a compression and leak down test, that will tell you in what kind of condition the engine is in.

also have the front end checked.... ball joints, tie rods, bearings, all could need replacing at 190k.

But if the price is right, and the engine checks out, go for it. If the price isnt right yet, give them your number, i suspect the seller will have a pretty hard time selling a car with 190k, which could lead to a really sweet deal for you.

[5bangor]

Thanks for all the input I should be checking the volvo out within the next 2 days. I will get back with the results.