We are looking at a 1998 S70 GLT turbo,56k miles. Did Volvo get the A/C-Evaporator problems sorted out by then? (our '93 850GLT started leaking @100k, & I am not removing the dash to replace it). Any other problem areas on this year? Thanks Much, Phil

* ABS control module
* power window controls (connectors work loose)
* power door locks
* oil leak at turbo
* running rich on bank one-code (o rings on injectors vac leak)
* secondary air-- air pump loads up with water and dies.
other than that not a bad car.

Just had the evaporator replaced in my 1999 V70 with 145,000 km. (90k miles). this is hugely expensive as the entire dash has to be removed. I have heard of a warranty on this up to 100k but don't know if it applies for 1998 models.

Would be interested in any techniques for extending the life of the evaporator.

My evaporator was replaced at 101,000 miles under the 100,000 mile extended warranty. :)

If you have an 850 you know about all the other stuff.

-BTC

'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 165k mi, front IPD stabilizer bar, rear factory HD bar, Bilstein HD, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, e-codes, V-1, Mobil-1 since new

"The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at or repair." -- Douglas Adams (1952-2001)

Thanks for the info. What is the deal with the extended 100K warranty? Does that cover the A/C system only, or items as well? Phil

I disagree with those that say the 98's are better than the 99 & 2000's. The 98 is essentially the same as the 850, but with different exterior and interior. Mechanics are very much the same. The 99 & 2000 S70's ride much better, and the AC is better than the 98S70's/850's. The handling, braking, and most other things are about the same as the 850's. I have driven 98's and I think there are a lot more sqeaks, etc., than on the 99's. True, the ETS is a known problem. It WILL fail at about 60,000 to 80,000. But overall, I like my 99 S70 considerably more than the 95 850 I had.

What is the "ETS"? Thanks, Phil

Another name for ETM (Electronic Throttle Module, body or system). Don't worry...yours (and mine) don't have one, being a '98. They were standard on '99 and above and prone to failure and EXPENSIVE to replace. It is a good idea to clean the regular (controlled by wire) throttle body periodically though.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon

I think most of the important potential issues were already pointed out - the only one I would add is the Secondary Air Pump and SAS valve. This seems to be a common failure on cars of this vintage and can be a costly affair to fix.
Your timing belt will also be due for a replacement around the 65k mark.

THANK YOU for all the info! I am printing it for future reference. We have a '93 850 w/195K and still runs great. I can't get my wife to drive anything but a Volvo now! We live in Pa w/a son in Wyoming and wish our 850 had 150K less on for the trips. I decided to buy the '98 S70 w/55K as the owner bought it new locally, did all services and has the dealer receipts, he just did an ABS module fix (Trac & ABS light on) last week for $550.00, new state & emission inspections and is super clean. As you said, all 4 inner door panels need some attention. A/C is cold (for now). Thanks again for your time and all the useful information. Phil Forney

IMHO this is the best model year S70 to buy...by staying with this year an avoiding the '99 and newer, you don't have the ETM issue at all ($1000 replacement on later model S70's). A/C Evap is a bit more durable (possibly because it has a cabin filter that keeps contaminants out of the system, but still, it will probably spring a leak eventually. Mine is at 104,000 miles without issue. ABS unit is a weak point but Victor Rocha can fix it (do a search here for him) if you take it out and send it off (all total of $150 compared to 6-800dollars at dealer, and it's back to you within a week!). He gives you great instructions, and even the mechanically uninclined can do it. Front-end suspension is another area that can be a sore spot...lots of rattling, etc. Beef it up with IPD antisay bars and heavy duty end-links as well as new shocks, struts, shock and strut mounts and front spring seats if this is a problem. It is possible to make the suspension on these cars smooth and tight without jarring. You can get good deals on all of the above mentioned parts at www.shox.com If it's not listed on their site, call them...they have them. The Bilstein Touring shocks/stuts are a nice alternative to the stock and they are cheaper too at Shox. Other than this, if you have a turbo, let the engine idle for a few minutes or drive around without the turbo after a hearty run to get the oil out of the turbo. It there's an oil leak, it's most likely the turbo return line "O" ring...easy fix and cheap. Door panels can buckle on the inside but I haven't had this problem. If they do this, there is no longer a kit for their replacement and there is no good way to repair them so a re-upholster shop seems to be your best alternative. Also the master window switch tend to eventually go bad in these cars. You can get a new one off of eBay for a bit over $100. Other than these things, the car is pretty much bullet proof. I recommend the T5 model in either the auto (like mine) or 5 speed which is more fun.

Lots of upgrades available for these cars: IPD ECU, giving it about 290HP as well as auto dimming rearview mirror from www.borton.com for under $50.00. They also sell the antenna down-switch to keep the antenna down while listening to CD's, etc. for under $50. Also, a company called USA-SPEC sells a iPod adapter that works great and controlled through your head unit (get it from Crutchfields). Should last 3-400,000 miles if you change oil frequently or use synthetic (I use Mobil-1 and change every 6k miles) and flush and fill the tranny (also use Mobil-1 synthetic here)....Good luck with what you decide to do!
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon