1998 Volvo S70 - what to look for

[gntl2000]

Hello everyone,

I currently have a 2009 XC90 V8 AWD. We are looking at adding a 1998 S70 T-5 manual trans to the stable. This one in particular has over 225k miles on the clock. In looking at it and in driving it, you would think it had half that many miles. The car is very well maintained. It does have an ABS light on but that doesn't concern me too much. What should I look for in evaluating this car? I am not overly familiar with this model so I'm wondering if these have chronic major problems or if they are pretty dependable cars.

I was almost ready to give up on Volvo after the second trans in our 2004 XC90 T6 AWD went. I'm trying to avoid picking up something like that and I figured I would go to the forum.

Thanks in advance!

[cn90]

Just get a pencil and paper and slowly scrolling through the pages, the same issues will keep coming up...
- PCV
- Wheel bearings
- Cap/Rotor
- Bougicord
- Heater Core
- Radiator
- RMS leak
- Valve Stem Seal leak
- Starter motor
- Fuel Pump
- Front Cam Seals
- Rear Cam Seals
- Timing Belt
- Water Pump
- Thermostat
- Hoses, especially the 2 turbo coolant hoses
- Brake pipes
- Brake flexible hoses
- ABS Module rebuild by bba-reman dot com
- Radio light bulbs
- Sunroof leak
- Timing Belt
- WP: Aisin
- Dashboard trim detached
- Evaporator (HVAC system)
- Zexel AC compressor
- Axles (use OEM or NAPA axles if possible)

HTH...

[FLXC90]

What kind of maintenance history/records can you get on it? What he said, minus what has been done, unless it is due again. It's a twenty year old car that will need some love, but it will all add up to less than a T-6 transaxle job-I know! And the 98s were the last year of "simple".

[dosbricks]

Yes, they are dependable if they are well maintained. Specifically major systems like PCV, cooling system, and the timing belt and the stuff in there that moves or rolls with it.

[Ou2mame]

It really depends on how mechanically inclined you are. A timing belt kit is like 200 bucks, but much more if you have someone else do it. So it's all relative. If you don't do your own work, definitely take everyone's advice and check the pcv and timing belt. I would also consider doing a compression test to make sure the engines even worth putting money into.

[erikv11]

98 is a great year to buy, and in T5-M you are looking at a gem.

These are dependable cars but at nearly 20 years old they will require steady maintenance. Many of the things that cn90 lists are uncommon problems, do not let that scare you (I have never replaced a starter or an A/C compressor and I have owned 6 of these p80 cars; etc). Tune-up parts (cap, rotor, wires) are routine, minor items, and belong nowhere near a list of "chronic, major problems" that you asked about. Since the one you are looking at has likely been well maintained, at 225k it will have had many maintenance/repairs performed already.

So, to answer your actual question: The only chronic issue that leads to major problems is the PCV, try to find out if that has been maintained. If not, you could have problems with cam seals or worse, the rear main seal. The other bona fide major issue is valve stem seals, most p80 cars have them leaking by now. Check for smoke after long periods of idle.

Otherwise, do all of the usual inspection you would do on any used car, cn90's list is relevant for that, just to know what needs fixing to give you a clean start. I agree to pay special attention to the cooling system if you buy it; again it is in no way a chronic major problem but if it fails, it can be catastrophic.

[RigsPGT]

Are you looking at the black one in Tampa or the silver one over in Clearwater? The one in Clearwater is a one owner and one thing I confirmed with the seller was the dash squeaks. I specifically asked him that and he admitted it having a few dash rattles here and there. Not a bad car but it does have some miles on it!
Look for stains in the front carpets (heater core). I saw some on my T5 when I first purchased it and the previous owner had it removed and bypassed.
Another thing that comes to mind, strut mounts and also check oil level as it might be low unless the owner had it changed recently.

[cn90]

1+,

Forgot to add:
- Control arms, endlinks, struts, strut bushing/bearing
- EVAP solenoid
- Numerous underhood vacuum hoses.
- Axle CV rubber boots
- Parking Brake shoes falling off.
- Muffler shop welded are between catalytic and front muffler pipe
- Coolant reservoir cracked at 130K.
- Gas pedal (Accelerator) cable
- Hood release cable @140K
- Leak at wiring entrance into fuel pump cover.

Most of these issues...I tried my best to write the DIYs in forum...

I have to go to bed but will add some more tomorrow lol...

PS: If you want less headache, find a 2004-2006 model with 2.5T engine and 80K-100K, then you will be OK.

[jcdillin]

Agreed on that one, wife had an 06 2.5T V70 and we never had to do anything at all to that car except tires and the usual fluid changes.

[dosbricks]

Maybe this will stimulate the OP's interest:
YouTube video of a T5-M at Nurburgring (warning there is a bit of profanity)