1998 V70 Just Got It

[llamov]

Hello: I just bought a 1998 V70 AWD with 139,000 miles. I bought it from my mechanic; a man who has been my friend and fixed my cars for more than 20 years.

He works out of his home garage, and I was there about a year ago when I noticed a Subaru Forester parked in his drive. I asked about it and when I was told it belonged to his sister-in-law I asked him to let me know if it came up for sale. I've always liked Subaru vehicles, liked the all wheel drive. I live in Northeast Ohio and deliver newspapers in the wee hours of morning, well before the snow plows come out to clear the roads of snow and spread salt to help the morning commuters get to work. I drive a 2001 Chevy Cavalier. It's accumulated more than 300,000 miles and it's not the car it once was. For one thing the heater doesn't work so well and we've had a number of -0F mornings and lots more that have peaked at under 10F. My 68 year old body isn't as tough as it once was and I need a car with heat and one that can handle all the snow and ice.

A couple of days ago, my mechanic told me his sister-in-law was ready to sell, and had brought the car over. There was one problem, however. His adult daughter had fallen in love with the Forester and she and his wife didn't want to hear any talk of me getting the car. Was there any way I'd consider another car? He had a 1998 Volvo V70 AWD. Well, I really need a car, so here I am with the Volvo in my driveway.

The only Volvo I ever owned was a 240 several years ago. It was not a pleasant memory. my mechanic is a big believer in Volvo, though. He owns three of them himself, and thinks the world of this one. He has offered to buy it back if I am displeased! I've already changed the oil, something I do religiously. I'll change the transmission fluid within the next thousand miles.

So, what can I expect and what service should I do ASAP. I don't know when the timing belt was last changed but I know this engine is not a valve bender so I'm willing to wait a little while.

What advice do you have for me? You all know more than I do about my new ride, so I'm willing to listen.

[E Showell]

The engine is most definitely a valve-bender, i.e., interference engine. If the timing belt hasn't been done before it is at about 2x its change interval of 70k for the '98. Also commonly changed with the timing belt -- serpentine belt, roller, tensioner and water pump.

If you don't know the timing belt change history, have it done asap. Moreover, if it was already changed once, you are hard upon its second change interval at 140K, so book that appointment, or prepare to get your hands dirty.

About now, the front struts are probably also a bit soft and could profitably be changed, although if Ohio is anything like my area, I might wait until spring/summer after all the potholes are repaired and let the old suspension take the beating.

[j-dawg]

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/what-is-stage-0.html

[osman]

Trust me you got a much better car with a lot more technical support, and used part availability.

[rspi]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

If the timing belt breaks, it will destroy all 20 valves.

Make sure you have no coolant leaks, especially under the drivers side carpet.

Check and service the PCV system if it is in need.

I only use Volvo or Mann oil filters.

Keep it serviced and expect to get 500,000 out of her.

[rspi]

Oh, I almost forgot, check your coolant hoses. There are 8 of them.