Looking at a 1998 V70 XC, advice wanted.

[abscate]

Thanks for the advice, between browsing on here and a Facebook group post that was 95% "that car isn't worth that much and would cost more in the long run ", so I'm not going to pursue this one. Here's the link if anyone wants to check it out!

https://www.eclectic-garage.com/invento ... 70/457965/

I'm still interested in getting into the wagon club, what years/models should I look at for a daily driver?

The dealer ask on that car was $12888

He probably bought it at auction for $3000 tops

[foggydogg]

Thanks for the advice, between browsing on here and a Facebook group post that was 95% "that car isn't worth that much and would cost more in the long run ", so I'm not going to pursue this one. Here's the link if anyone wants to check it out!

https://www.eclectic-garage.com/invento ... 70/457965/

I'm still interested in getting into the wagon club, what years/models should I look at for a daily driver?

Likely excellent instincts on skipping this one, $13k for a 26 year old AWD anything is a pretty stout ask.
The rear suspension bits on these cars are all bolt on and unique to the all wheel drive application, and those cars made up such a small percentage of the total production run it made no sense for the company to produce spares past the federally mandated limit. Same is true for aftemarket, there just isn't the volume to support small part runs.
Unless you have a real need for AWD, life will be less complicated with a fwd platform. '99 is a transition year for Volvo P80s, '00 started the first full year of electronic throttle control, '01 began the P2 run; all have their individual ... Personalities.
Look for a car from the south or out west, don't be shy about crawling under and having a look, and good maintenance records would be more useful than a low mileage claim.

[erikv11]

Thanks for the advice, between browsing on here and a Facebook group post that was 95% "that car isn't worth that much and would cost more in the long run ", so I'm not going to pursue this one. Here's the link if anyone wants to check it out!

https://www.eclectic-garage.com/invento ... 70/457965/

I'm still interested in getting into the wagon club, what years/models should I look at for a daily driver?

98 AWD, in any condition, would be a complete mistake.

To get into the wagon game look for a 98 FWD if you don't mind singing the restoration blues, or an 06 or 07 in either AWD (XC70) or FWD (V70). Good maintenance records are a must.

[SparksLP]

I would be looking more for a daily driver, so year round use in Ohio. I don't necessarily need AWD, never had problems with FWD in the snow before. A manual would be awesome, but not necessary. Basically, if I'm buying something, I want all the wagon goodness but as bulletproof as possible.

[foggydogg]

I would be looking more for a daily driver, so year round use in Ohio. I don't necessarily need AWD, never had problems with FWD in the snow before. A manual would be awesome, but not necessary. Basically, if I'm buying something, I want all the wagon goodness but as bulletproof as possible.

'98s can be reliable - I daily one at the moment - and by '00 the P80 platform was...(ahem) pretty mature, so issues are well known. Avoid '99s just because of the split year parts application, abscate has a whole thread here devoted to that particular sport. I have no experience with the next generation.
As mentioned a good maintenance track record and no rust or damage history would be a better guide than just mileage numbers.
Most manual wagons were more basic models which should help narrow the field; a bonus in my book is they tend to be slick tops too
( I hate sunroofs.)
Let us know how the search goes.

[erikv11]

I would be looking more for a daily driver, so year round use in Ohio. I don't necessarily need AWD, never had problems with FWD in the snow before. A manual would be awesome, but not necessary. Basically, if I'm buying something, I want all the wagon goodness but as bulletproof as possible.

Agreed FWD is sufficient, plus AWD has its own set of issues - FWD gets you closer to bulletproof.

Overall in the rust belt (e.g. Ohio) I would recommend looking for a '06 or '07 V70. The '98 is still my favorite year but there are almost none left that aren't in bad shape. Turbo is more fun but more maintenance-intensive. figgydogg's point seems on point: V70 NA manual might be just what you want.

[MoVolvos]

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Here is an interesting one but you have to use one of their Brokers unless you're a dealer or dismantler. Auction is tomorrow morning.

If the AWD breaks will using just the FWD be similar in terms maintenance as a reg FWD?

Selling Branch: Central New Jersey (NJ)

2000 VOLVO V70 R
Buy Now Price: $1,000
146,576 mi
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The interior and door cards!

https://www.iaai.com/VehicleDetail/40811948~US
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[abscate]

Friends don’t let friends buy 2000 Rs……

[MoVolvos]

Friends don’t let friends buy 2000 Rs……

.
Even for another R as PaRts ?
.

[V50M66]

Run. Run very far. Don't look back, just keep running. The AWD on P80 is a NIGHTMARE.

No parts availability whatsoever, painful to work on, unreliable, and did I mention ZERO parts availability? None. Zero. Aftermarket, nope. Factory, no longer available. I had to make my own rear shocks for my car. I went through 2 driveshafts in 9k miles. You have to drop the entire rear subframe to do a fuel pump, when it's a 30 min job on FWD. Finally have it out? Too bad - you can't get a new one that's quality or worth installing. Downpipe removal requires also removing the angle gear, driveshaft, exhaust, and passenger axle. Want to replace the upstream O2? Out it comes. Oh, and when the exhaust rots out or falls apart when you take it out, there's no aftermarket solutions that aren't junk. Time to go custom! Nothing is designed to fit the space it occupies, so everything is in the way of everything else. Nothing is designed to be worked on.

Yes, it's that bad.

I have a '98 AWD. This summer, I went through the process to rip all of the AWD crap out and convert it to FWD with a delta link like all other FWD P80 cars. This process was very much worth the cost and headache - the pain of keeping an AWD on the road (as I did for a year and a half) was a total disaster and not even remotely worth it.

Agreed that the car in question is worth $2500 max. But that's only if you're insane and like having an empty wallet and making your own parts.