I finally broke down and bought a Volvo in the 2000s! My 1998 Volvo XC bit the dust and goes to Goodwill on Tuesday. Got a 2005 XC70 with 128K and in really nice condition - needs the timing belt changed and probably crank seal (indication of a leak) but it runs out great so far.

Seems to have just a few common issues, so cross fingers. Ashamed to say I looked for the battery for 10 minutes until I said duh!

Bob Weber
87 Volvos since 1979
Hamilton, Ohio 45013

From the Volvo service manual:
****Service interval for engine VIN codes 52, 54 and 59 is 120,000 miles or 192,000 kilometers. Service interval after first service for all turbo models is every 45,000 miles / 72,000 kilometers. No service required on engine VIN code 68.
***** Models identified by engine VIN codes 39 & 64 sold in California, Massachusetts, Vermont, New York and Maine are classified as PZEV vehicles. The timing belt and tensioner replacement interval for these vehicles only is 15 years or 150,000 miles / 240,000 kilometers.
Maximum replacement time interval for all engines except engine VIN code # 39 & 64 is 10 years.
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If you know where the car was serviced, ask them if they have service records. Timing belt includes tensioner and idler.

Clean off the oil and try to verify where the oil is actually coming from. Crank seal labor is not cheap.

Remember to have the oil and filter changed for the Haldex box. And check the tranny fluid for color.
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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

What happen such an early death.

I am still running the 93/ 850 with no major problems!

Burnt valve on the 98 xc - hate to see it go -- plus it burns some oil too! Maybe someone else will give it life - LOL