1998 V70AWD Would you buy this car?

[Chai]

I wrote to rspi to ask him this question because his videos are so helpful. And just now I realized I can ask all of you, too. So here goes.....

I am thinking of buying this Volvo V70 xc AWD:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/cto/4634013611.html

The mileage is a little high at 178,327 but the car has been well maintained (as far as I can see). Visually, it is very nice. Not that that matters so much

The current owner has had it for about 15 K miles. The car has been maintained by Specialized Auto in Santa Cruz since about 58K miles -- the same place I took my previous Volvo. I can see lots of service records, and the current owner also had a Carfax. No accidents, clean title.

The timing belt was replaced at 102K miles (so maybe that has to happen again).

The owner has no record of PCV work or head gasket replacement. I can ask Specialized Auto in the morning. The owner just recently had a service with cabin filter, air filter, fuel filter, brake fluid and spark plugs at 178,327 miles. (There was a previous major service at 127K).

Because it was serviced at Specialized Auto, I know they would have told the owner if the car had leaks or needed to have something done.

Transmission flush at 81,110 miles.

The tires are great.

The AC works fine.

I did not test drive the car because I ended up looking at it during rush hour and it would have been pointless to try to take it on the freeway. I’m going back to see it again tomorrow Wednesday mid day.

Another person is interested in it and the owner wants it gone asap. He’s asking $3400, which seems ok to me, even if I have to do the timing belt again -- but not if I have to do too much more than that.

I’m a tad nervous about the mileage and the fact that it’s AWD.

Please tell me -- would you buy this car?

Thanks!

Chai -- (a little old lady who knows pretty much noting about cars but found Robert Spinner's videos very informative)

[Chai]

I noticed the air intake duct from the fan to the ECU box (the accordion style flexible section) has holes in it, but my guess is that that is no big deal...?

Thanks again

[abscate]

Chai - if you want this car to roll around Santa Cruz and an occasional freeway trip, I think it is good. It is a bit on the high side but perhaps not in CA and especially Santa Cruz. You could buy it cheaper elsewhere in the country, but that doesn't help so much, does it?

The holes in the ECU duct are no problem - I patched mine with tape and then bought a replacement next time I ordered from one of the fine vendors who support MVS. It was a cheap part.

With a good independent garage who knows the car nearby, I would be comfortable buying it.

[jreed]

Chai-- This could be a nice car. The photos make it look very clean and well cared for. Given the car's age though, you should be expecting to have to make repairs, some of which will be expensive especially if you're not going to do the work yourself. You could potentially have to do work on the suspension struts, seats or control arms, the brake calipers or lines, the steering, etc. I don't want to try to dissuade you from buying it... just a word of caution that there may be lots of work needing to be done on a car such as this, some of which might not be apparent at the time you buy it.
Good luck!

[abscate]

And don't let the 6 cylinders listing on CL disturb you when you only find 5...




...and fair warning, after you close the deal on the turbo, it will be called

Chai's T

[850 LPT]

This could be a nice car, but I would try and find out a little more about the repair history.

At this mileage, a lot of suspension bits would be shot. This means that they really should have been replaced, but I would make sure. For example, the rear shocks (Nivomats) would never make it this long, and they are pricey at about $350 plus install.
Also, check if the AWD is indeed in working order. If it is, then some parts will most likely have been replaced, the driveshaft comes to mind. The angle gear and viscous coupler could last this long with proper maintenance, but you never know. Find out if and what has been done here, because repairs on the AWD system are expensive.

Good luck. This car looks like a clone of mine

[rmmagow]

Chai, I own a 98 V70AWD, 224,000 miles but the AWD had to be disconnected due to propshaft failure. Be aware that this is not a big deal, the car can run in FWD mode essentially forever. I'm guessing you don't get much snow in CA anyway.
They are good cars, especially the 98's but they'll need a little bit here, a little bit there just about constantly at this age. A key consideration is either having the ability to do your own work or having a good independent mechanic that specializes in Volvo/Saab and maybe doesn't object to you providing parts for some work.
I bought my car at 155k miles and yeah, I can do a fair amount of work on it but I have left the heavy work for my mechanic, control arms and exhaust work. Plugs, oil changes, brake work I do myself and it has been cheap. The old Volvo has yet to leave me stranded and is more comfortable than my old Mercedes. I'd go for it. Maybe watch "Wheeler Dealers" on TV and see if you can get a few quid off the price, good luck.

[jblackburn]

Drive in tight circles around a parking lot and listen for the tell-tale noises that AWD Volvos make when there are problems underneath (clunking, etc).

Look for oil leaks, ask about timing belt service, etc.

Cosmetically, it looks to be in excellent shape for its age.

[rspi]

As always, I suggest that you stay AWAY from these cars if you do NOT do your own work (or at least most of it).

That being said, I don't think the mileage is anything to be concerned with as far as the motor goes. These motors can go 500,000+ miles without any head gasket issues as long as the car is NOT overheated. Other things wear out and will need to be repaired, serviced, etc. Check door locks, window functions and I think I would try to save a few dollars for the timing belt job but that may be a minor thing if the current service company does the work for $700 or less.

I got a call yesterday with someone wanting to sell me the SAME car here for $5,700. I told him that he was WAY OFF.

[tryingbe]

I'd take it to Specialized Auto and paid that hour labor to have them check it out before giving the seller $3,400.