New Member--- looking for Volvo Information

[IH8-V8]

Hello,
Yes, I am a "newbie", but am a member of numerous other forums. I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction so that I don't upset any of the senior members on this board. I am new to Volvo's, and I am in the market to buy a 1998 or 1999 V70 AWD R. I have been building turbo Nissan, Honda's, and Toyota's for over 10 years, but now need a practical daily driver that has some zip. This being the case.... I was curious where on this forum I could locate information about the V70 AWD R. I was hoping to get some feedback on any problem areas this paticular car has. How is the overall reliability of this vehicle.... Cars.com doesn't view this model very highly....which is contradictory to everything else I have heard when it comes to Volvo's.

If anyone would like to offer up there thoughts on this vehicle, or can recommend what to keep an eye out for mechanically---it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.

Scott

[matthew1]

Never owned one, but it's a close cousin to the 850.

Engines: outstanding
Turbo: outstanding
Seats: outstanding
Safety: outstanding
Character: quite a bit
Road feel: so-so
Suspension/ride : so-so
ABS module: moderate failure rate, expensive to replace
AC: sometimes problematic w/ evap
Roof rails: crap
(there's more of course, but I'm pressed for time)
Value: outstanding if you do your own work and find a good sample
Overall: ok to very good, depending on if you do some of your own work

Go here and search on 'bevel'
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/search.php
That's going to be your biggest worry with the gen 1 AWDs.
Maintenance records?

[matthew1]

And check this out:
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtest ... ticle.html

[IH8-V8]

Those 2 links were VERY helpful. I refuse to take my car to mechanics, so I like the idea of having to maintain the vehicle on my own. That being said--- I am noticing that a common theme in many of the posts is PROPER MAINTAINANCE

Is there a comprehensive list that includes all of the maintainence and milage intervals for the V70 R?

Every "consumer report" article I read consistantly gives this vehicle a "below average" rating. I am very confused since this is the first time I have heard of Volvo having a poor record. I am not worried if creature comforts like A/C, and other electronic gadgetry has issues.....I am mainly concerned with the mechanical reliablility of the vehicle. I have noticed that quite a few of these wagons are on their second transmission----I am assuming that is due to the "bevel" problem indicated in the links above. Would I be correct with the following assumption:

I should pay a little more for a wagon that has been properly maintained, and I should continue with the scheduled maintainence religiously. This will ensure the reliability and longevity of the vehicle I hope

Also---I have read that some sites list the gas milage at 21/28, others at 20/25----- What sort of milage is actually obtained on these vehicles.

I know I have written a lot---but I really appreciate the previous responses....

And if anyone would like to check out my 417 WHP FWD Nissan Sentra---Please check out www.importMS.com

Thanks again

[matthew1]

Every "consumer report" article I read consistantly gives this vehicle a "below average" rating.

I know. I think it's because AC evaps went, ABS modules went, some transmissions went, and people contacted VCNA and got no love.

I should pay a little more for a wagon that has been properly maintained, and I should continue with the scheduled maintainence religiously.

Yes

Also---I have read that some sites list the gas milage at 21/28, others at 20/25----- What sort of milage is actually obtained on these vehicles.

I've gotten as much as 29 on hiway, 17 when front O2 sensor was out/city