1998 Volvo S70 - what to look for

[erikv11]

I bought my 98 S70 with 177K 3 years ago and now it has about 187K. Here's the major issues it's had that I have fixed since buying it.

Clogged PCV
Leaking rear cam seal (because of cogged PCV)
Bad fuel pump relay
Loose lower ball joint (lower control arms)
Shot upper strut mounts
Leaking radiator
Shot alternator
Torn CV boots
Headlight switch fell apart
Ignition barrel/switch
Leaking heater core
Broken front door stop
Burnt out radio lights
HVAC fault (unknown reason, thinking hot/cold blend door)
Broken throttle kickdown switch (needs new cable)
No reverse lights (PNP switch needed a cleaning)
Bad atmospheric pressure sensor
All vacuum hoses were falling apart

Typical maintenance:
Oil/filter changes
Power steering flush
Plugs, wires, distributor cap/rotor
Air filter
Cabin air filter
Coolant flush

I'm not sure I would call ANY of these a major issue. Well, maybe the radio lights . Major issue may have been averted with the PCV service, it appears. These are all nagging, low level maintenance items on an old car. A major issue is a blown RMS or, like the OP clearly defined, a bad transmission. OP is not new to Volvos so knows there will be maintenance.

Lots of truth in this thread, but I wonder how much of it is relevant to the actual question. I was answering something entirely different (see OP).

[ferocity02]

I'm not sure I would call ANY of these a major issue. Well, maybe the radio lights . Major issue may have been averted with the PCV service, it appears. These are all nagging, low level maintenance items on an old car. A major issue is a blown RMS or, like the OP clearly defined, a bad transmission. OP is not new to Volvos so knows there will be maintenance.

Lots of truth in this thread, but I wonder how much of it is relevant to the actual question. I was answering something entirely different (see OP).

I guess it's up for debate. If it took me longer than a few hours to realize the issue, diagnose the issue, order the part, and replace the part then I guess I would consider it a "major" issue. Especially considering most of these things would have cost the dealer $400+ to repair. Of course they are likely more efficient at diagnosing the issue, but I can get parts much cheaper and labor is free.

[abscate]

I'm not sure there is any car that can touch the P80 seat for comfort.

[Rondo]

I'm not sure there is any car that can touch the P80 seat for comfort.

+1! I had a 2008 Saab 9-3 with the premium leather seats and my 70 sat in the garage waiting for my son. Long story short, wrecked the Saab and couldn't believe the difference in seat comfort when I took MY car back. As long as I can keep it running, the 70 stays with me.

[jenkinskg]

I was reading the list of repairs in this subject "Re: 1998 Volvo S70 - what to look for"
And just realized if people are buying old cars and paying other people to fix anything that goes wrong, it is always going to cost more than it is worth.
The only way to own older cars is to learn them and fix items yourself.
Otherwise you are better off with a lease and no worries, it may be cheaper than keeping old iron running

[erikv11]

Ding ding ding!!! Alas, I agree.

The minor maintenance alone will bleed you out quickly, let alone anything major.