'98 V70 Manual Wagon - May be coming up for sale

[E Showell]

Folks -- I am thinking of selling my '98 V70. It is a non-turbo, front wheel drive, rare 5 speed manual transmission.

342K on the clock, but it had an engine swap at c. 244K with a used unit from Erie VoVo represented to have c. 80K on it. So, best guess is the engine has about 180K on it. Regular oil changes with Mobil 1 10 W 30 hi mileage for about the past 8 years.

The clutch was replaced last year and I put about 20K a year on the car -- mostly highway commuting. Rides like it's on rails at 90 mph on the highway.

I really don't want to sell the car, but in my spare time I do youth soccer refereeing and am noticing some left knee issues. I don't think they are helped by working the clutch.

Shifts beautifully, since the clutch is relatively new and I changed the gearbox oil with the expensive Volvo stuff (my mechanic said there was no need to, the stuff that came out was pristine) when the engine was swapped.

It has some defects, the most substantial of which is non-functioning A/C, believed to be due to a clapped out compressor. I have a replacement and will do in the Spring if I end up keeping the car. That having been said, it just got a new heater core. P.M. me for details if you are interested. Someone left my wife a parking lot "gift" in the form of a two fisted size dig in the driver rear quarter panel behind the wheel and a little higher (SUV bumper more than likely). My body shop guy will fix for $400. Also a clementine sized clear coat blemish on hood. Body shop should redo as a warranty issue (a deer ran into the front passenger fender a few years back). Alternatively, I have another hood in the appropriate color that could be swapped in.

I have many extra body panels for the car -- hood, rear hatch, couple doors, front and rear bumper covers and some misc. parts, including some that would help in converting it back to an external clutch slave cylinder for those who might be so inclined. Color is Silver Sand Metallic with black leather interior (and heated seats). Tires on all four corners were new in August/September. I drove the car to Chicago and back two summers ago and it went to Maine and back twice this Summer.

I am thinking in the $2,500 range. If you think that sounds like a lot, go find another manual wagon that drives this nicely and get back to me.

Car located in Northwest New Jersey, although I wouldn't hesitate to drive it cross country tomorrow.

[E Showell]

Ok, so here's some more info. I won't know if the car is for sale until I find a suitable replacement.

In the meantime:

Seats in very good condition. Driver's was recovered with an Elwood Indus kit several year ago and is showing well. Passenger could use bottom cover replacement. I have used cover in very good condition.

Timing belt, all associated tensioners, rollers and serp belt all recently replaced. Delta links done. Rebuilt power steering rack installed about 2 years ago. Dead fuel pump replaced. Tailgate struts are fairly new. Has XC style roof rack and Cetus alloy wheels. Coolant reservoir and cap are relatively new. All radiator hoses replaced preventatively with Volvo hoses. PCV service done. Has new cabin filter and engine air cleaner. Plugs (Volvo), Bosch cap and rotor and Bougicord wires all relatively recent. ECT and thermostat replaced. Sunroof was replaced with good used panel because the perimeter trim was rusting. Has been updated with '99 + style fender side marker lights. Dead cruise control stalk, headlight switch and emergency flashers replaced. Radiator replaced, although not all that recently. Brakes new, calipers (rebuilts), pads and rotors in Aug/Sept. 2016. ABS unit rebuilt. I recently replaced the accelerator cable too.

No CEL displayed. Gets c.25 mpg in mixed highway/city using 89 at between 75-80 mph on highway (single occupant, unloaded). Lower speeds would undoubtedly improve mpg.

All major systems, with exception of A/C, fully functional.

Has the usual dashboard squeaks, but I imagine they'd be addressed when the A/C was repaired. One niggling gremlin -- ever so slight occasional idle fluctuation (max 100 RPM and more like 50-75) at stoplights with the engine warm. It has done this since day one of my ownership. I have been unable to remedy.

Like I said, I was planning on keeping it, but my left knee is telling me otherwise.

Forgot to mention new this year aftermarket CAT and exhaust (Borla). It is the second one I've had on the car. They will generally rust out in three years time, so it is good for another two.

Headlights were replaced with good aftermarket units because silvering on originals was shot.

Has Volvo trailer hitch, but installation not completed (needs to be wired, have all the parts).

Rear main seal was done when the clutch was replaced.

It is definitely for sale. Price $2,000.