GOOD
This 1998 has only 158,000 miles, the last 100k or so with my wife and her family. I have been its primary caretaker since ~115,000 miles, being extremely nit-picky about about anything drivetrain or safety related. When I did not do the work myself, it was handled exclusively by Volvo specialists. The work I have recorded includes:
- Headlight assemblies (L and R) @ 155k
- Tires, battery @ 148k
- Exhaust system past catalytic converter, camshaft seal @ 140k
- Radiator, catalytic converter, thermostat, front brake hoses @ 135k
- Control arm ball joint (LF), transmission flush @ 130k
- CV assemblies / front axles (L and R), top engine mount @ 128k
- Timing belt and tensioner, serpentine belt @ 125k
- Brakes (all four), rotors fine @ 125k
- Fuel injector pump and relay @ 117k
There is no rust and no major body or interior damage. No accidents, non-smoker. Power windows and locks, heated seats. We have driven nice and easy. It lives in DC now, but most of our ~100k it has been in suburbs and small towns. It has usually been driven about once a week.
BAD
There are half dozen little things wrong with the interior (bulb for the gear shifter, loose shroud for steering column, etc.) that bug me, but I never got around to fixing. Similarly, the exterior has some blemishes that I never got around to tackling with the touch-up paint I bought (your FREE gift with purchase). The major negative points are:
- Failed Washington DC emissions inspection, throwing codes P0410 and P1405. These are for the Secondary Air Injection System (SAS), and my mechanic confirmed that the air pump and upstream valve need to be replaced. This is pricey to fix at the shop, but these forums can show you how to fix it yourself with Volkswagen parts. There was also something on the inspection report about gas cap pressure, but I do not have any details.
- A/C has a leak in the evaporator. The charge only lasts 2~3 months, which can get you through the worst of summer.
- Heater core leaks some coolant, which can occasionally be smelled through the vents and accumulates slowly on the inside of windshield. There is also a small amount of coolant visible on the outside of the heater core.
- The passenger side inside door handle is inoperable. The problem is a bit of broken plastic on a connector at the end of a cable. I jury-rigged it and it lasted for several months, but came undone again.
Other than that, no problems.
SUMMARY
This is a great running car for someone who does not have to deal with emissions inspections, or has the means to retrofit a cheap Volkswagen secondary air pump. It is an easy project car for a hobbyist or modder, offering no drivetrain drama. It is a great parts car for someone engaged in drivetrain drama. I do not want to give it up, but our one-car household needs an upgrade. I would love to sell it to Volvo person. The price is firm to minimize hassle, and I told you everything I know. Now let me know if you want to buy it!!
Brian
Reach me at contactapplicant1 ~at~ gmail ~dot~ com
Link to all photos: http://sarahbrian2014.smugmug.com/S70/n ... /i-zxqKgtF
