1998 V70 XC What should I look for?

[Schatvet]

I'm in the market for a Volvo after just buying my girlfriend a '99 S70. I am looking for a wagon and have come across a '98 V70 XC. The car has 136K and has sat, untouched, in a parking lot for almost 3 years. That being said, the owner claims to have all service records, all service was performed per manual, and it was all done at the same Volvo dealer. The price is $900 OBO.

I am a mechanic and my father is a body-man, so we are capable of the work. We are going to inspect the car on Friday. Of course I will not be able to start the car since the oil will undoubtedly have condensation in it at this point. Is there anything out of the ordinary that I should be aware of on a Volvo that has sat for so long? Any advice is appreciated, even if that advice is, "Don't buy that car!"

Thanks,
Schatvet

[scot850]

Don't buy that car, or don't pay for it until you have had it running and taken it even for a short run. After sitting for 3 years, apart from flatted tire, you have the potential for a lot of nasty oil leaks from dried out seal, the chanced the prop-shaft will fall apart after a short run due to the viscous coupling having seized, or the center bearing rubber bush having dried out.

The last 2 are not the big issue as you can remove the prop-shaft and run it as a FWD car.

Watch out for the rear-main seal failing after sitting, the front main seal, cam-seals, angle gear rear seal, axle seals (basically all seals). Also, you will need to check (as for any car this age) all rubber pipes, serpentine and timing belt (either can fail and toast your engine). Fuel system, watch for leaks from the injectors.

Really, most of the stuff would be the same for most cars you would buy in your area. You could be very lucky, but I'd rather pay a bit more for a car that has been running more recently even with a higher mileage, or ideally is still running. At least you have a chance of finding any issues more easily.
Might be worth buying for parts if you are thinking of buying another car.

I bought a 1998 V70 XC about 5 years ago, and recently sold it. I never had the courage to find out how much I spent on the car. It had only been sitting for 6-8 months on a garage lot. But did run at least. There always seemed to be something needed on that car. I did learn a lot about it though!!

Hope this helps!

Neil.

[Ozark Lee]

The things to look for are to start with the basics and jack it up and see if it has a prop shaft (drive shaft) installed from the transfer case to the rear differential. If it is missing it may have just been a failed drive shaft or it may indicate a bad viscous coupler or a bad angle gear / bevel gear / transfer case. The transfer case goes by all of those names and it is somewhat problematic on the '98 to '00 versions of the AWD system. If you really want the AWD to work those are all expensive to repair or replace.

The gas is obviously really stale after 3 years. The easy way to get rid of the old gas is to remove the schrader valve core on the end of the fuel rail and clamp a fuel line to the outer part of the schrader valve. From there you can jumper the fuel pump relay and turn the key to position II to let the fuel pump pump the old fuel into a container. You don't have to get all of it out but the more the better. After you get fresh gas in it there is a decent chance it will start. An oil change and a quick peek at the timing belt before you start it would be prudent.

After it starts and drives you can of course more thoroughly evaluate it.

The price is pretty right, as is the mileage, if the body and interior are decent. Since it is a '98 there really isn't anything particularly problematic or unique about the engine. It is a standard distributor ignition with a throttle body and it is easy to work on with fairly basic tools.

...Lee

[jblackburn]

In addition to what was said above, look all around for any evidence of rodents building nests in the cabin filter or engine air filter area, and especially for chewed wiring.

If the wiring is chewed up, run, don't walk away from the car.

Hopefully it was not parked with the parking brake left on - if so, it's probably seized up.

[Ben850]

Welcome to the new shopper.

Scot and Lee, Thank you both, as I may take on a '98 XC.
If I may join this conversation.
So far, I am not aware of any rodent issues. I do know a bit about this car (that I, myself am looking at.), and will not take it until I make it run in the Driveway.
It appears fine, in and out, but has not run since being parked. Two months I understand.
I know what that means. Owner says, it won't start because it may be out of gas, the gauge does not work.
Right.
I will make an offer when I start it. I am not afraid, it will not be the first rodeo, only the first AWD.
Sorry to invade the thread, I am in the same contemplation.
Please, continue.