I have a '96 850 and a '98 V70 AWD I just picked up (I work at VW- it was a trade-in). The 850 I have put alot of miles on it for the time I have had it. It has been awesome. The V70 I picked up with 102k on it. All the services were stamped and have been taken care of (previous owners also Volvo nuts like me). It runs like a brand new car. Very solid. The main thing with any used car you consider is how it has been maintained. Do the owners have any records of oil changes, tune-ups, timing belt changes, and so on? Also, get a Carfax report on any vehicle you are purchasing. Run your fingers where the front fenders meets the hood and also in the rear. If the paint is not smooth and is rougher than the rest of the car, then it most likely was repainted (=wrecked). If the vehicle has been in an accident and not reported, then it will not show up on Carfax. Take the car to get checked out by a mechanic. If the owner is secure about the car they're trying to sell you then they should not have a problem with that, it's only fair right. Pre-buy inspections typically run around $75-$100 around here (Dallas). The Carfax report will however let you know if the car has a salvage title and flood title (stay away!!!). I love Volvos. With good care, and I don't mean taking it to the dealer or mechanic every 1000 miles (even a Hyundai will last a long time if that's the case) your Volvo will hold up much, much longer than most makes. I know this message is long but I hope it was also informative for you. Good luck with your search.

malmo99

'83 240 215k
'92 745 152k
'96 850 133k
'98 V70 105k
=605,000 miles- all run - they're not called bricks for nothing

The manila envelope that I use for my service receipts is now over 3 inches thick. I'd guess about $2000/year in service and repair costs (I don't really WANT to know!), but I put a lot of miles on my car.

The cars are certainly "maintenance intensive" and it's not just non-essential items. In fact, my AC evaporator is about the only non-essential item I've replaced and that was done under warranty.

If your heater core begins to leak, you can't just stop using the heater.

I love-/ike my car (depending on what's most recently gone right or wrong) but I've never recommended these cars to anyone, not even as a new car.

If you want a Volvo that's cheap to run, look at the 240.

-BTC

'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 155k mi, front IPD stabilizer bar, rear factory HD bar, Bilstein HD, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, e-codes, V-1, Mobil-1 since new, Michelin Arctic Alpins

"In fact I perform very little repair on a car if it does not fall into the category of saftey or running."

A Volvo is probably not a good choice.


I have a friend who is looking at a 96 850.

I told my friend that Volvos are not Hondas, Nissans or Toyotas. If you are not willing to get involved with the maintenance of a Volvo before or when it breaks, don't buy one unless you have unlimited funds for your dealer's service department, bottom line!

I have a 98 V70 and I love my car. Its a blast to drive. I try to do as much preventive and non-scheduled maintenance on it as I can. The car has lots of life at 118K and its going to 200K at least.

If it's over my head though, I'll take it to my indie shop. I avoid the dealer like the plague. I have at least two great places to buy either aftermarket or genuine Volvo parts at great prices. This spring I plan to change the radiator hoses (for the first time)and replace the coolant and the brake fluid for the second time) I do get a little nervous when the check engine light comes on, so I bought an OBD-II code scanner to help me diagnose problems.

This site is outstanding for Volvo owners.

I and others on this board have saved thousands of dollars with DIY maintenance.
Either you try to fix it when it breaks (as all cars will eventually do)or your dealer will try to break YOU.

Just my .02

Stay away from the FWD volvos, high maintenance cars.

You got to love your volvo to keep spending money on it, that simple.
--
'88 240, '92 745, '98 v70 John, Tampa Bay

No matter which model you buy, you will invest $1000 each year just to keep it running. Why not get a Buick Roadmaster stationwagon? Lots of room, every shop in the USA can work on it, and when you run it in to the ground we won't care.

Klaus
--
98 V70Rawd(101Kmi), 95 854T(85K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)

if you perform very little service on a car, do NOT buy either. In 3 years, I've had 22 separate things go wrong with my '96 Turbo wagon (bot used w/ 55k on it), ranging from vacuum T to axles to blower fan to engine fan to interior problems to O2 sensors to PNP switch and on and on. Just numerous different things. And yes, I take care of the car well.
I want to like the car; very fast & practical. But VERY high maintenance for me.