thinking of buying a 1998 xc70, any thoughts?

[August]

I'm looking at buying a 1998 XC70 with 178,000 miles on it. The car is incredibly clean, inside and out, the engine and even the underside of the car. He had the timing belt done regular, just done at 167,000 along with other maintenance, tires are fairly new with even wear, new brake, new heating core. It's been kept up through a volvo mechanic, same mechanic after he stopped taking the the car to the dealer for a bunch of years ago. Only problem is a rubbing sound from the left wheel, like the caliper isn't opening fully and so the pad is rubbing, but this is not it, he said that the sound appeared shortly after they purchased the vehicle (new 13 years ago) and that Volvo looked at then, and since volvo, his mechanic has looked at and both determined that, that is just the way it is, and the rubbing noise is nothing to worry about. Any thoughts?

I was thinking of offering $3000.

[jblackburn]

Maybe it's just a bent dust shield behind the rotor? I had a rock jammed in mine once and I thought the wheel bearing was going

Sounds good - but I wonder if the oil was cleaned up or something. Most turbo models I have been to take a look at have oil in random places under the engine, because it's just what they do. Look at the PCV system - pulling out the dipstick at idle will tell you whether or not that is clear if you see smoke puffing out of the opening. Many XC's have failing AWD systems - or the propshaft has already been removed. This one may be an exception because it sounds like it has been well-maintained. If you care about the AWD, take it to a parking lot and turn in circles at full lock left and right and listen for weird noises from the rear of the car.

If everything else checks out, go for it! As always with a new (used) car, though, be prepared to spend a little bit of money on something you probably missed.
Things I would recommend doing once (if) you get it:
-PCV system if needed.
-Change the fluid in the bevel gear (see the repair database here)
-Change the transmission fluid.
-Make sure all rubber cooling hoses are up to date. This is something a lot of people overlook, and a popped hose can result in a warped head very quickly.
-Check the condition of your vacuum hoses. Mine began failing one by one last year, and I finally just gave up and replaced every single one I could see.

[August]

Thanks. Good suggestion, I forgot to pull the dipstick when I went over the car. And also good suggestion about the parking lot. Thanks again.

[baygulls5]

I bought a 99 xc70 one year ago, long time Volvo owner. 150km on it and meticulously maintained at Volvo dealership. Beautiful car inside, out and to drive. But basic maintenance and repairs were too pricey, too expensive on gas. Replaced ETM after two weeks, PNP after three months, next came thermostat, spark plugs, 4 new tires that had to replace less than 2 year old new tires and new tires are wearing very quickly, all pricey. Needs brakes done, way too much wear for amount driven. Husband able to do oil change himself after getting "exclusive" Volvo tool from EBay. Also bought key fob case from EBay instead of paying Volvo $200+ for new case. I sold it and just went back to a 1990 240. Simple and inexpensive to repair, easy to do work on it yourself, good on gas. I gave up my cream puff for solid and reliable and couldn't be happier. If you've got deep pockets for basic maintenance and lots of spare change for major repairs then you'll enjoy the ultra comfortable seats, smooth and fast ride.