looking at a v70

smatt1079 · Post by **smatt1079** » 08 Mar 2008, 11:34

I'm looking at a 98 V70 turbo tomorrow. After all the problems I had with the S80 I'm wondering if I should really look at any more volvos.

But, I need to get a beater to drive back and forth to work for a while. Any thoughts on these? What should I look for? Is this built anything like the S80? I see they are grouped here with the 850's, and I do love the 850's (even though one is giving me a hard time right now) ...

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 08 Mar 2008, 12:12

Great car but depending on miles and maintenance, expect the usual:
Front suspension,
Tranny fluid,
PCV serviced?
Oil leaks (bad one is the rear main seal...turbo return line is easy/cheap).
Brakes,
ABS module
A/C Evaporator shot?

Check it out thoroughly and make sure it has good service records.

smatt1079 · Post by **smatt1079** » 08 Mar 2008, 14:17

Thanks, it does have a lot of miles, but again i'm just looking for a beater and its a good price.

I'll keep an eye out for those things.

smatt1079 · Post by **smatt1079** » 09 Mar 2008, 09:12

oh yea - what about the awd system on these? Anything I should look/listen for there?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 09 Mar 2008, 14:49

Avoid the early AWD system...they were plagued with problems and not really perfected until '03 or so.

smatt1079 · Post by **smatt1079** » 09 Mar 2008, 19:16

thanks, nice car, but i'm staying away.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 10 Mar 2008, 12:39

MadeInJapan wrote:Avoid the early AWD system...they were plagued with problems and not really perfected until '03 or so.

At the risk of jinxing my drivetrain, I disagree...

At 109K, mine is just fine. Run the right tires, change the fluid
on schedule and they do their job.
These are pretty simple, "Dumb" systems. Bevelgear, VC, Diff.
No sensors, actuators or computers to fail!
Sure, there have been problems, but, I'd hazard a guess that
many of these bevel gear problems occur because people don't
pay attention to their cars.
And MAYBE some damage comes from abuse...
( Not that anyone would blast around like a madman in an R...

).

My point is, if you are in a northern climate, it 's a good thing!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 10 Mar 2008, 16:20

Yes, some people have had good service from their early AWD Volvo's. Many have not. Especially if you're buying it used with somewhat high mileage, beware! If you don't need AWD, avoid it. If you feel like you do, get it checked out thoroughly and then keep your eye on all of the things mentioned. Uneven tire tread is one of the main killers of this system...this also means that you really can't run the spare tire. If you buy an early AWD I would suggest you replace the spare with a real tire and rotate it in with the other 4 to keep the tread evenly worn.