My wife wants a wagon and we really want an 855 but also looking at V70 FWD & AWD. Could you tell me what to look out for when purchasing. Maybe some differences between the v70s and the 855s? I've heard horror stories on the S series after the Ford takeover but I've also heard the v series was the one shining light.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Steven

Personally, I like the location of the window switches on my V70. AWD is nice in the snow and ice, but starts to make funny noises and makes for a much larger turning radius.
Same problem with the AC evaporator.
The T5 runs!
The vinyl on the doors pulls away from the backing and looks ugly, Volvo tried to go green with their glue and it doesn't work.
1999--> have the ETM, it gets better in 2002. But the styling changed in 01.

Shop, shop, shop. There is one out there with your wife's name on it.

Klaus
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(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

Thanks guys. I ended up with a '98 GLT it has some mileage (99k) but it had all of the service records back to the first 5k service. Does Volvo really reccomend service every 5k for the 70 series? I know you said the ETM didn't start until '99 but what is it? I've heard about throttle body problems but I can't remember if that was just the Cross Country or if it was all of them.

Talked to an indy mechanic who said V70 was a good car and he thought the '98 was easier because you don't have to deal with computer downloads. So can I expect this thing to last as long as the 850's or not? I'm approaching 130k in the 854 and planning on driving it for at least another 130k. I guess it doesn't matter now but just curious.

Thanks for the replies,

Steven

What you got was a very good wagon. It will reach 200K, with oil changes and good maint practices. Just like your 850. Have fun with a great station wagon.
BTW, if you find any problems, let us know. MIJs advice is very good, do all of them.

Klaus
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(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

Nice find! It should last as long as the 850's. That's what it basically is with some newer body and interior design changes. The "service" every 5K miles is the oil change. At your miles I would go ahead and begin thinking about 02 sensor replacements (2 of them) within the next 20K miles or so as well as the serp. belt at 120K miles. Other than this, switch immediately to synthetic oil and Mobil-1 synthetic ATF if it hasn't already been done (good write-ups are available on how to do a transmission flush on your own). Also, go ahead and change out the fuel filter. Another thing worth checking out and cleaning or replacing if completely clogged up is the pcv hose system along with the oil trap. If you do this before things get too clogged, you can avoid your rear main engine seal from leaking. I tend to buy parts at www.fcpgroton.com and do many repairs myself. I avoid the dealer and take my car to an independent mechanic who is knowledgable with Volvo's when things are beyond my own ability or when I'm too busy. I hope this helps.

Oh, about forgot...the ETM is the electronic throttle body. All volvo's from '99-'01 have them. Yours doesn't. Your mechanic is right about the computer downloads. Luckily for us, neither of us have to deal with that either.

Good luck and feel free to email me anytime about any issue you have or questions you might have.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

MIJ, I'm a little rusty does Serpentine belt = timing belt?

No, the other one...the service belt that drives the alternator and A/C.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

That's right. Thanks again MIJ.

Thanks again guys. Is the timing belt recommended at every 70k like the 850? Also is the ATF flush the same as the 850? I assume it is. I am a intermediate DIY with my 850 since I started on the board back in '01, several screen names ago....:-)

I guess I could look this up on my own but thought I'd throw it out there.

Thanks again for your input.

Oh also, is the bay 13 site still out there? I lost the link after changing HD on my pc.

Thanks,

Steven

Yes, they are all the same. The TB is also at 70K miles on this one. From '99 it changed to 100+K miles as it uses a manual tensioner. The '98 still has the automatic tensioner and with the second TB change, that along with other moving parts within the TB area should also be changed. Treat this car the same way you would an 850.

Btw, one thing you're eventually going to come up against is the inability to turn off the service light. It will come on every 5K miles. You really don't have to reset it...it's a reminder to do your oil change. But, if you want to buy a tool to do it, I would recommend you keep your eyes out for the Draper Reset Tool. I bought one from eBay about a year ago for $70 or so including shipping.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

Thanks for the info MIJ.

The S and the V are the same exactly except one is a wagon and the other a sedan, as well as the S completely being done away with from '01 on. Stick with the '98 V70. It doesn't have the ETM and you'll be able to do more with it yourself in regards to repairs. The AC evaporator is a bit more robust than the 850, but still can go. Make sure the cabin filter has been replaced on a timely basis and it will help prolong the life of the evap. Other than this, I can add that the T-5 is a hoot, and to stay away from the early AWD as they have been known to go bad and are expensive to fix.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

We have a 99 V70 non-turbo. It has a little over 100k miles on it and has been a great car. We did experience the ETM problem, as everyone will. Other than that, it's been about as reliable as our Honda or Toyota -- and it rides better.

From what I've heard, I would avoid the AWD models. You'll also experience fewer issues with a normally-aspirated engine, but I wouldn't consider the turbos particularly troublesome.

Be sure to get the scoop on the ETM situation. Good luck.