New To Volvos, Need Advice on What Model To Get.

swm · Post by **swm** » 13 Sep 2007, 14:10

I have been in older model 91-92 Saabs for a good 5 years now. They havent required alot of maint. to keep on the road, and have run great. The 92 900S i have now is suffering from body rot, and im ready to move on. Id like either an volvo S70 or 850. My trouble is i dont know which. I like the newer look of the S70s, but maybe the 850s are more reliable and less Maint intense. I dont care which i get. Im looking for advice on which direction to go. Also, will these cars run my wallet dry to keep on the road? no matter what im looking for one of these modes with 80-120 k on the odo, i dont want TOO many miles on it. I have been reading alot on Volvos and listening to peoples issues is causing me to think about going to another brand. Can anyone share their opinions on model of choice and personal experiences?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 13 Sep 2007, 15:12

From what you've posted, I'm assuming you're looking at a sedan. Any of the cars you mentioned are about 10 years old or older, so keep that in mind when trying to find one. I personally bought a S70 and was looking for a T5 for the fun factor and I also had a stipulation that it would have to have under 100K on it. Today that is much harder. I think a lot of the 850 kinks were worked out (well, except the A/C Evaporator- only slightly better and ABS- which is the same) with the S70's and the S70 looks better. I have had very little issue with mine. Expect to (even with good maintenance records) replace much of the front suspension and flush the transmission when you get yours...that's at least a couple of grand to get the car up and running to par. If you want to modify from there, then you're looking at another couple of grand, so get one with good service records, make sure the A/C works and that it has as low miles as possible as well as low price. Compared to the SAAB, these cars don't "rot," as you called it, although there are some squeaks usually in the interior that have to be ironed out. On the S70 '98 model (and maybe '99) there were issues with the door panel vinyl separating from the door- this is cosmetic and makes no difference in how the car will run, but be aware that most, if not all of the S70's have this issue no matter what. Good thing about the '98 and older (850's) is that the computers are such that they lend themselves to DIY (do it yourselfers) much more than '99 and up. I'm sure others will chime in with their opinions.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 13 Sep 2007, 15:15

It depends on your budget. The 850 and the earlier S70s are functionally nearly identical. The interior on the S-70 is a bit more refined but, particularly on the 98 models, the door panel covers tend to shrink and come unglued. They are fantastically reliable if they are maintained and, compared to a Porsche, the parts are quite reasonable. Compared to a Chevy the parts are a tad pricey.

If you read through the forum I can see why you might be frightened but keep in mind that this is where folks go when they have problems so - almost by definition - everything you read is a problem.

If you are mechanically inclined they are actually quite cheap to own as they are easy to work on. If you don't do your own wrenching they can be fairly expensive as the dealership shop rates are obscene.

The paint, primers, and rustproofing on the cars is excellent. I just picked one up from Chicago and it has no rust at all other than in a couple of stone chips that weren't repaired. The engine was very corroded and the A/C accumulator was rusted through so it was apparent that the car was subjected to a lot of road salt.

The things that go wrong with all of the 850s are:

1) The odometer gear, it breaks and the car quits clocking miles.

2) The glove box door latch tends to break. It was broken on my '94 and I repaired it. On the '96 it had the new style latch already but I don't know if it had been changed or if they had figured out that they had a problem by then.

3) The air conditioner evaporator is subject to failure, particularly if the car is not equipped with a cabin air filter. This is a big job to have repaired as the dash must come out.

4) After '95 the ABS module is almost certain to fail but you can get it rebuilt for around $125.00 and it won't fail again.

The most important thing on any of them is to get the timing belt changed every 70,000 miles (50,000 if it is a '93 or a very early '94).

my 2c,

...Lee

chuckcintron · Post by **chuckcintron** » 13 Sep 2007, 15:16

I can speak from the 850 perspective.

Let's just say that if you are going to consider a used Volvo, you had better not be doing it if you are maintenance-adverse. See the thread:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/chat/p ... hp?t=12382

for a similar discussion on a last generation 850 someone was considering.

Personally, I own this car because I love the safety, driving experience, and the personality of the turbo inline-5. I also like the fact that it is very easy to work on, and almost any of the usual repairs can be done by the (ambitious) shade-tree mechanic. I live in a very rust-conducive location -- and this car refuses to rust. Even the undercarriage looks practically new.

Regarding resale value and low repair costs -- if those are important factors then you need to look to the land of the rising sun, not at Volvo. I normally do not recommend these cars to friends/family.

-Chuck

jbm · Post by **jbm** » 14 Sep 2007, 07:27

I have an 1997 850 wagon and it has been great. I bought it with 140K miles and I am up to 165K now with no major problems. As to the 850 or V70, I don't think they are that much different, so go with the nicest car you can find.

I have a non-turbo and it is fine but it is kind of slow. A turbo would be more fun to drive but you have to change the oil more frequently.

swm · Post by **swm** » 14 Sep 2007, 08:48

WOW, thanks for all the feedback, its very much appreciated. i am looking at a sedan. Thanks for all the "what breaks" comments, thats kinda what i was looking for, sounds like suspension in these cars is certain to need replacement sooner then later. This is going to be a commuter car, nothing more. to and from work, we have a family car already, so i dont expect the world from it, just nicer looking them my rusted 900, with a less dated body style, and nicer to drive overall. i dont mind repairs and maint., i just hope they dont stack up fast and furious. This car will not be modded in any way. Im hoping to check out this S70 today. Any further feedback is welcome.

S70
http://tinyurl.com/224yrq

and an 850 i had my eye on
http://tinyurl.com/23llrk

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 14 Sep 2007, 17:46

Looks pretty nice....make sure the A/C works...and get the Carfax and have it checked out by a good mechanic....look for oil leaks under the engine as well. Mileage is right!

swm · Post by **swm** » 14 Sep 2007, 23:10

Sorry to drag this thread out, i hope no one minds, i find everyones help useful.

That S70 was pretty beat for the mileage. The ride wasnt impressive, though the AC worked, the body was pretty rough. Doors didnt shut solid, and the sales guy had no idea if the Timing Belt had been done...and no records...

Im moving on. Can anyone comment on a couple other choices im considering? Price negotiable of course...if peopel can give an opinion of what i should try to get on pricing for any of these so i can get an idea, would be helpful too

1998 Volvo S70 5spd - $5188
5 Speed/113k
http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/car/422580908.html

This one looks real nice, but the mileage is higher then id like. Seller emailed me that he is the second owner, and he bought it from a guy he works with, all records since he owned it, and timing belt was done at 144k. and he used Mobile 1 synth every 3K religiously.

98 Volvo S70 T5 Manual - $5299
5 Speed/169K
http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/car/420648207.html

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 15 Sep 2007, 07:02

I would test drive both. Once you drive the T-5 I'm thinking you won't want the non-turbo. My T-5 (auto) is at 157K and runs great so don't let the miles spook you but at those miles and price make sure the front suspension is sound. If not, get him to come down on the price 5-800 or so. You do know that unless he converted the T-5 from auto to manual that this is a rare one....they only imported 500 or so into the U.S....unless it's a Canadian version...in that case you'll see KM on the dash and not Miles.

Good luck!

Added: If you do like the T-5 but the one above doesn't pan out, JRL (a member here) is selling a maroon colored one that is very very nice (won't need any work at all and comes with warranty). His has less than 100K miles but you'll pay a bit more for it. http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=82889

swm · Post by **swm** » 17 Sep 2007, 14:04

im trying to get to see it this week, if it is a rare find, i better move fast. Is the asking price seem fair...assuming the suspension is in sound shape? anything to be worried about on the turbo itself? hows the lifespan on these. If everything is in good shape, would i be insulting the guy to offer 4500-4750?