Is a 98 V70 a good buy?

midtownbloke · Post by **midtownbloke** » 02 Mar 2006, 10:46

I'm looking to spend around $5-6000 on a wagon, and that's pointed me to the 98 V70 among others (Subaru mainly). One I'm looking at has 91k miles and has a clean Carfax report. They're asking $6900, so hopefully they'd come down.

But am I getting myself into a money pit? I understand the higher price of import repairs over domestic, but does this specific model have more repair issues than I should handle? On a Volvo scale of 1-10, how reliable is this particular model?

Any insight is appreciated.

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 02 Mar 2006, 12:01

'98 is the best year for the S/V/C cars. No ETM or CAN network. Overall, a pretty reliable car, I'd put it at an 8.5 or so, with a '99 S80 being a 2 ('99 S80's are nightmares for the most part). I think that it will have higher maintenance costs than the Subaru overall, but not by too much I'd imagine. I certainly wouldn't call this model a money pit, assuming that it has been well cared for by the previous owner. Only real expensive thing I can think of would be the rear main seal (which is a problem on a lot of cars; even Lexus is notorious for leaky rear main seals). Ask the current owner if it has ever been replaced and be sure to check under the car in the area where the transmission and engine meet for leaks... this would most likely indicate the rear main seal leak. There are a couple inexpensive issues that you might run in to as well such as the evap valve ($60) or the PNP switch assuming it's an automatic.

midtownbloke · Post by **midtownbloke** » 02 Mar 2006, 14:48

Thanks for the insight, Sean. Funny you mention the 99 S80 because my Volvo dealership has one for under 7k that I was considering...seemed like a good deal, but I guess not.

Post by **pfeener** » 02 Mar 2006, 18:34

Ditto that; also stay away from anything AWD in the early years. There was a post of Volvospeed a few weeks back that discussed the probable maintenanc items on a 98 S70. Here's the link:

http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.ph ... opic=42448

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 03 Mar 2006, 17:23

Don't forget the ABS module will go out. Dealer wants $600 or more...a guy who post here rebuilds them (better than original condition) for $140 (shipping included). Also, the A/C's Evaporator is a weak point...if it needs replacing it's about $1200...850's were really bad to have this failing part but S/V70's are a bit better...just make sure it blows cold air. If not, suspect this and if you still want the car, talk the price down based on this issue. At the miles you're talking about the PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system may need to be cleaned or replaced...not so expensive....a couple hundred bucks. If the rear main seal is leaking, suspect this to be the reason...the pcv system is clogged. If the RMS is still okay, clean this or replace it anyway as it will eventually clog and cause engine seal leaks. Guess that's about it. Great car with decent mileage, good pick-up and fun to drive! I own a '98 S70 T5 and love it.