How good or bad is this model?

That is a very good year of a model that is, overall, a good car.

At 60K the accessory (fan) belt should have been replaced.
Thermostats often fail at 70K. As mentioned, new timing belt needed
at 70K. These items are fairly easy to service and are not too
expensive. 60K is a big service and you should check records that the
work was done. You might need new front brake rotors on the next set of
pads since they last about two sets of pads. Expect about 35K out of
front brake pads (varies by how car is driven) and 70K out of rear.

Maintain it by the book and keep on top of problems and it will
server you well. Many people seem to think Volvos are "tanks" or
"bricks" that you drive and forget; they are not, you have to keep
them maintained. The owners manual booklet has documentation that
lists the mainenace schedule in detail.

If you like to maintain things yourself you will find rotuine items
like oil, filter, brake pads, rotors, etc. pretty easy jobs. Even
the timing belt is not that difficult (but you do need some mecahnical
experience before tackling this).

This site lists the most common problems and their repair procedures:

http://volvospeed.com/maintence.htm

You don't mention which model you have (GLT? Base? R?) but the 97's are considered pick of the litter.

Timing belt change may be coming due (my 98 S70, same car) has a 70K limit on the T-belt and the serpentine. ABS/TRACS controller starts going buggy around now - it's a solder problem on a PC board, and it usually requires a replacement at $350 per.

Do the routine and required maintenance faithfully. If you have a turbo (GLT, T5, R) you'd do well to switch to synthetic.

Good luck. You've got a great car. Welcome to the 'Board.
--
(98 S70 T5SE misc mods, mostly lighting) (92 940GLE)

As for the 97: I have a 97 850R from new. The car has 56,000 miles on it currently. I have had nothing from the ordinary go wrong(out of warranty:knock on wood)except for my passenger side visor which hangs at a 45 degree angle. One of my power window buttons is not working--but that may be due to the fact that the cup holders are directly above it and I have seen moisture in the switch area, so that may be the problem. My thermostat went out at 50,000 miles: a fifteen minute and $20 fix. My battery had to be replaced at 4 years. I have replaced brakes shoes all the way around once.


I maintain it religiously via the owners manuel and servicing schedule. It is much cheaper to do this than buy a new car.:) I was told by both a dealer mechanic and service writer that the 97 is arguably the best year made.

I have a '97 850 sedan. Bought with 17K and now four years later have 114K. Still runs great. Have used both synthetic and regular oil, but always change under 5,000 miles. Replaced front pads twice, rotors once, rear pads once, rear shocks once, emissions air pump and check valve at about 70,000, right front wheel bearing at about 70,000. I do plugs (OEM) about every 30K and cap and rotor about each 60K. The car still feels, runs and looks nearly new. What a great car!!!!