About to check out this V70R Wednesday. Few Q's for yall

STREETFIGHTER50 · Post by **STREETFIGHTER50** » 06 Feb 2012, 23:21

So I've been looking to get into another wagon lately & found this V70R on CL that I'll be looking at this Wednesday. Please give me some opinions/info as I've never had an AWD car before.
*Is there a lot more maintenance compared to the FWD V70's/850's?
*What are the things I should be looking out for most?
*How can you tell if it's a real "R"?
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/2815195187.html

Gentleman Mac · Post by **Gentleman Mac** » 07 Feb 2012, 05:45

I'm not an expert, but I would think the VIN would tell you what you needed to know; the engine size number would also give some information. Also, I didn't know the "R" series was AWD; I thought only the cross country model was AWD. If it's legit, that would be awesome even if it needs some work.

Post by **JRL** » 07 Feb 2012, 06:04

It's probably an R, those are R wheels.
Bear in mind that at 100K most of these need a lot of work.
You need to have it checked out at a Volvo mechanic before you buy (the best $100 you will ever spend)
At 100K usually some of the front suspension needs rebuilding, the CEL could be a CAT converter ($1000) 02 sensors, SAS pump ($$$), it may have AWD issues, etc.
You also need to see the service records

Post by **rmmagow** » 07 Feb 2012, 06:53

Are you handy with cars? This is probably the best year for the R and for V70 in general. AWD, big things would be the propshaft and the angle gear. It will need TLC regardless but it is a great car when it's running right. Me, I'd low-ball an offer with cash in my pocket and see what happens. Drive it first, see if you can bring it someplace to have it checked out. CAT is expensive, o2 sensors aren't too bad. If you do end up getting it, be sure to come back here and let everyone know. There's a great write up for a through Stage 0 job on this car or a car very much like it. If you do not have a clue about working on older cars you may want to skip this one. If you don't mind getting your hands dirty I'd say go for it. Goo Luck

Post by **JRL** » 07 Feb 2012, 07:00

With all that we both said, if it's in nice cosmetic condition the price is definitely right for the miles, so have it checked out

binglax09 · Post by **binglax09** » 07 Feb 2012, 07:01

Jim, umm what!? you see CEL and think cat. convertor? that rare and you know it.. Also the SAS is a simple 99 cent fix. The O2 sensor is cheapish and NO the CEL won't be on for ANY AWD failure as the AWD is 100% mechanical.

Like I said on VS, and Jim said here, at 100Kish your going into the first round of failure items. People love their low mileage vehicles but what they don't understand is that they can be the most expensive. So can higher mileage but at least if they were maintained, the major stuff has been replaced.

AWD sucks if it starts having issues BUT the good thing is that you can go FWD with a matter of removing the drive shaft. Easy peasy!

Post by **jblackburn** » 07 Feb 2012, 07:08

Probably a good 70% of check engine light issues are as simple as cracked vacuum lines throwing off sensor readings.

binglax09 · Post by **binglax09** » 07 Feb 2012, 07:11

OR it's actually the service light that's on haha

but, if you really want it, then get that scanned at autozone or whatever and see what the code is. Don't assume!!!!

STREETFIGHTER50 · Post by **STREETFIGHTER50** » 07 Feb 2012, 21:13

Thanks for all the replies folks! I will check it out tomorrow. I'm hoping I can get off work early enough to see it in some day light, but if not I guess I'll have to meet her in some bright parking lot...
Few more Q's:
*So making it FWD is easy as removing the driveshaft? Is that something common to do on the AWD cars?
*Where are all the VIN# sticker/tag locations on all the body panels?
*Does the '98 V70R have a 4 speed or 5 speed automatic?

Post by **jblackburn** » 07 Feb 2012, 21:30

So making it FWD is easy as removing the driveshaft? Is that something common to do on the AWD cars?

Yes. The AWD systems (bevel gear, driveshaft, rear diff) are common failure items around this age/150K miles or so.

*Where are all the VIN# sticker/tag locations on all the body panels?

Just inside the windshield is the most easily visible one. I think there's another under the hood.

*Does the '98 V70R have a 4 speed or 5 speed automatic?

Good old reliable, virtually bulletproof 4-speed. I've got 214,000 miles on one and it's still shifting great. The ratios are stupid tall, it hunts gears around town, and it has virtually NO off the line or 25-40 acceleration in town (this is mostly due to the total lack of bottom-end power on a T5/R motor - once the turbo picks up, there's a huge surge of power at your disposal). But the transmissions will last pretty much forever.