@117,000 miles, it could be a dream. It could be a nightmare. Have it checked out by your mechanic.

BTW, Japanese cars need brakes, suspension parts and oil changes, too.

-BTC

'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 173k mi, heated velour cloth comfy chairs, factory HD suspension, Bilstein HD, front IPD stabilizer bar, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, XC grill, C70 jewel E-Codes, V-1, Lidatek, IPD stuff, JB Weld, Original Duck tape, zip-ties, two '06 Honda license plate nut impressions in back bumper (gift from daughter), 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 Noel Adams (1952 - 2001)

I just bought a 1998 V70 T5 for a very low $4600. I love it. It's the most exciting (read fast) Volvo I've ever owned since my first 122S in college. I've always owned at least one Volvo. Having said this, I need to say that owning Volvos can be difficult, annoying and outrageously expensive. I do all the work myself with parts from FCP and eEuroparts. If I had to pay someone else to do the work, I wouldn't own Volvos.

My "new" V70T5 has required all sorts of work even though it was in very good condition when I bought it. All new brake pads and rotors, both front door check stops, a complete tuneup, torque and front engine mounts, a rear door lock mechanism, changeover to Mobil 1, and the list goes on and on. Lots of little broken, rattling and cracked plastic parts too. Even had to replace a broken dipstick and tube! Already had a P0108 CEL which may or may not come back.

Can you do the work yourself? Are you mechanically inclined or challenged? Do you know a trustworthy independent since using the dealership is out of the question. If you're looking for reliability, buy Japanese. If you're looking for safety and that European feel with 100HP per liter, buy a T5.

PLEASE STAY VERY FAR AWAY FROM THIS MODEL.

MY 1998 V70 T5 WAGON HAS DONE ONLY 155000 KM (96623 MILES)AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, TURBOCHARGER, 2 X WINDOW CONTROL MECHANISMS, PASSENGER DOOR LOCK, 3 DOOR PANELS, IGNITION LOCK,MANY ROTORS & PADS, OXYGEN SENSOR, ABS UNIT, 2 UPPER ENGINE BUSHINGS, ETC. ETC. ETC.

MY CAR IS AT THE DEALER AND I AM ADVISED THAT IT NOW REQUIRES AN OIL PUMP. I RAN THE CAR SINCE NEW ON CASTROL RS.

RATHER LOOK AT THE 240 MODELS. YOU WILL SAVE YOURSELF LOTS OF MONEY.

If there are no service records, it is going to cost you. You must get it inspected to find out what the CEL is trying to tell you. Have your mechanic inspect the front end ball joints and end links, etc.

Klaus
--
The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are 2 turbos :)