I think I want a Volvo wagon, please educate me

Billc1015 · Post by **Billc1015** » 01 Mar 2012, 11:38

jblackburn wrote:
Sorry, that's nonsense.
Ok, not a new 5.0. But the crappy early 2000's ones people think are awesome, sure.

I don't care what the numbers on paper say; go race one. The T5 gets a terrible start, but it REALLY pulls after 30.

Even more fun is sitting at a light and having some kid in a rice burner with a tin can exhaust system pull up next to you while revving his engine and you blow the doors off him in your Volvo wagon.

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hammertime · Post by **hammertime** » 01 Mar 2012, 11:47

The changes from the 850 to the early V70 are mostly cosmetic. Hood, grill and front fenders changed a bit. Interior trim, dash, door panels sleeker on the V70. Window switches moved from the center console to the doors. The mechanicals on my '96 and '98 are identical.

67chevelleSS496 · Post by **67chevelleSS496** » 01 Mar 2012, 13:19

So it sounds like a 1998 v70 should be added to the search in addition to the 95-97 850 wagons, that adds lots of local cars to look at.
Nobody talking me out of a turbo apparently.

I guess it comes down to finding a nice one with recent maintenance. There are a couple 96 850s advertised locally that claim recently rebuilt head/top end, and other misc $$$ thrown at them recently. I need to comb through the v70 ads now.

Post by **jblackburn** » 01 Mar 2012, 13:23

Really the only reason a 5-cylinder ever needs top end work is if it was overheated or threw a timing belt. The only reason they overheat or throw timing belts is because people don't take care of them. I'd shy away from those and just look for one that's been well maintained all the way through.

Thinks like "new top end, new transmission"...makes me wonder how badly the rest of the car was neglected, as those things are very hardy if taken care of properly.

67chevelleSS496 · Post by **67chevelleSS496** » 01 Mar 2012, 13:39

point taken

Post by **rspi** » 03 Mar 2012, 06:11

Turbo Volvo wagons R.O.C.K. I actually use to stay away from turbo's because of the same concerns, however, I purchased one for my daughter (S70 GLT) and now look at the turbo as a safety feature. Either turbo will work, the T5 (high pressure turbo) or the GLT (low pressure turbo). Yes, I have spanked a few V8 Mustangs off the gate in the GLT out the gate, had a couple of state troopers to verify that

The GLT's are faster out of the gate and don't pull as hard as the T5's do above 70 mph. The only reason to get a NA car is for the 5 speed manual. There are a few V70 T5M's out there but it's like going on a treasure hunt and having to take a trip to purchase it sight unseen (which I have done more than once).

Most people shy away from the '94 and '95 cars because they don't think they have OBD-II port, just about all the turbo's do, just check under the coin holder.

Volvo did a great job with controlling understeer in these cars. The handle pretty good as long as the suspension isn't shot.

If you drive like an old lady you can get the mileage that I do. The V70 will get a little better mileage due to the better high gear ratio. We get about 33 mph on the highway in the S70 at 73 mph.

Here is a buyers guide that might help you.
http://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-850- ... ide-13678/

Post by **matthew1** » 03 Mar 2012, 10:54

Agreed, turbos are rarely a failure point on the Volvo whiteblock 5-cyl engines.

I beat an ex a cop car (had the spotlight and wider rubber telltale signs) on one of those metered side-by-side freeway entrance ramps just yesterday. I powerbraked knowing he'd go for the shot, judging by his aggressive driving up to that point. We were even until about 30mph. Then my 850's boost hit and stayed at 10psi and it was game over.

Post by **writer100** » 03 Mar 2012, 16:18

I have spanked a few V8 Mustangs

As they say, denial is not just a river in Egypt.

Anytime any of you bench racers is in Southern California, pm me, and we can settle this with a friendly wager. It can be Matthew's Volvo site exclusive!

67chevelleSS496 · Post by **67chevelleSS496** » 08 Mar 2012, 00:53

So far, the wagons I have looked at in person were totally clapped out. Not one of them hds a working odometer, all reeked of coolant, and their trans fluid stinks and shifts funny. We did see a broken down v70 on the 101 freeway that Saturday too, my friend who was driving me to look at the cars suggested that might be a sign.
Not looking to do a total mechanical restoration, so I am started to get discouraged by what I have seen for sale in pre-99's.
I have two months to keep looking before I need to buy, but I may have to consider alternatives.

Post by **rmmagow** » 28 Apr 2012, 21:31

98 V70 - even AWD. Try for 120K ~ 150K with either service records or one owner maintained. Change the TB and water pump if it's due or last change unknown, drain and fill transmission fluid, use mobil-1 sysnthetic trans fluid or equiv.
These cars are easy to fix and stay fixed. AWD can be a problem. The propshaft fails. Take it out and run FWD. You can replace the propshaft for $450.00 with a rebuilt. I have a low pressure turbo, had a high pressure (v70R). The hi is pretty sweet and swift but needs 91+ octane. The Lo runs ok on 89 (not so well on 87). Once you've got any kinks worked out, these old things are great. A good one can be had for under 3K.