Hey guys,

Just wanted to get some opinions on a car I looked at this weekend (follow-up to a previous post).

The car is a 1998 V70 T-5 with a 5-speed. 102k miles, all service records, Koni Adjustable sport shocks, and a few other goodies.

After looking at it this weekend here are my impressions - I welcome comments.

1. The car drove like my 1990 760 Turbo wagon. Heavy throttle, slow to spool up, not very "rev happy". This was a little different from the other v70's I've driven (though all have been automatics). Do you think this is a symptom of age, or is it just a function of the drivetrain of the car?

2. Once at a good clip, the car had no problems accelerating. The shifter was a little on the loose side.. I realize this isn't a German or Japanese gear box, but I was expecting a little better feel.

3. The car was white with tan leather. The interior was quite grimy. Has anyone had any luck bringing back a tan interior with lots of elbow grease? I recall my parent's v70 was very difficult to keep clean with the tan leather, especially things like door panels, etc.

4. The car has not had any AC work done. It does, however, have a new clutch and all maintenance items have been completed to spec. Is that a disaster waiting to happen? Unfortunately in the dead of winter in NYC, I couldn't really test out the system.

5. The seller is being transferred so he is flexible on price.. would like something around 12k. Think that's reasonable?

My 760 started to go downhill at about 150k with average maintenance.. Do you think that that's what I can expect with this car? I really can't be sure, beyond the service records, how the car was treated.

Thanks in advance.

1) I'd make sure you have the car checked out. It's a relative thing, but I don't believe that the turbo lag is as significant as you describe.

2) The Volvo shifters have very limited feel and feel very loose. I don't think this represents a problem.

3) The grade of leather is pretty good, and might clean. If it's grimy, this should have a significant impact on the value of the car.

4) The AC evaporator is a time bomb. It will need replacement. This also should impact the value of the car.

5) 12K is way high, particularly for a grimy interior and an original evaoporator. The value of this car should be around 8-9K

1. IMO, there is LOTS of throttle-lag with the HP turbo. OTOH, with the 5-speed, it's usually moving well before the torque converter of other cars loads up. So it should take most automatics off the line, then a naturally aspirated car would catch up, then the turbo would have "spooled up" and it would shoot ahead. But I haven't driven THAT car. If you're uncomfortable ... well, in ANY case, of course have a good Volvo shop take a look at it. (Rawbear Performance in Clifton NJ is close. No endorsement but I've had good luck with them.) Sometimes cleaning the throttle body helps.

2. IMO, vs. a SAAB or a Porsche or a VW Old Beetle "broomhandle in a bucket of walnuts" feel the Volvo is pretty good. But it's no BMW.

3. IMO .... my car is white with tan leather. It is VERY easy to keep clean, but I have cloth seats not leather. Consider having the leather re-dyed if it's too annoying.

4. IMO my evaporator was replaced at about 101,000 miles. I believe the evaporator will eventually need replacement. But that's just my belief. WHEN I do not know. I would adjust price accordingly.

5. IMO check edmunds.com for pricing. they have a pricing calculator, giving trade-in, private-party prices, and retail prices.

6. IMO ... it's a progressive course between "shrowroom new" and the day it's dragged to the shredder before being sent to Korea to make into Hyundais.

Versus a new Toyota, it's likely to be more trouble. Versus leasing a new BMW 745i at $1060/mo. it's likely to be less trouble and probably cheaper too run.

BTW, MANY here would suggest that a 760 with 150k is "barely broken in". You MUST be meticulious about maintaining these cars!

7.IMO I said it before but I would DEFINITELY get the car checked out by a good Volvo shop!

-Punxsutawney Phil

'98 V70T5M, 111k mi.