Hi-
I just purchased a 1998 XC AWD with 58 K miles and most all options. I paid $11,750. How did I do? The car was very well cared for and is in excellent shape. I've always been a Volvo owner but never had an AWD. I need to know what to expect for repairs and preventive maintenance. What is its useful life and when I should sell off this car before the real problems begin. Also, does anyone have instructions/diagrams on how to install a 3rd seat with seatbelts in this car? I just bought one online.

Thanks for your help.
PAZ

In my experience, buying a brick that is in great shape and paying a little more is better than a mistreated Volvo at a bargain price.

If the car has been serviced by a dealer, you can get the records if they are not deleted yet (they propably are not). You may not be able to read all the entries, but a lot of them will make sense.

Check the paperwork you get with the car, and look for stickers. I got some of the records for a 6-year old brick from a dealer 600 miles away!

The comment about the timing belt rings true - if you look in the maintenance booklet, the entries list mileage AND time schedules.

In 1995, when we purchased our first brick, an '88 745 GLE, my mechanic said "No more Chevys for the Sousas" He was right!

Good luck with your brick!

It looks like you paid a little much for the car, BUT if the car was dealer serviced with good maintenance records and low miles, then you did OK.

The t-belt is rec to be replaced at 70K miles or 7 years. I would do the t-belt at 60K miles because of age.

The only other thing in AWD, is that you have to use matching tires, all 4, same size and brand. Mismatched tires is what leads to the vicous bevel gear failure.

Chek the tires and if no match, buy 4 new ones now, and start fresh.

Congrats on your purchase. Enjoy.

--
'88 240, '92 745, '98 v70 John, Tampa Bay

Thanks John, your opinion is truely valued.

Other than all the typical problems from the 850 (the 98 V70 is an updated 850), the AWD (especially the 1998, unfortunately) suffer from failures of viscous coupling and the bevel gear. My bevel gear failed at 85,000 miles. Dealer repair cost: $2,000. Various service bulletins warn you to ALWAYS use four identical tires and keep properly inflated and rotated. If you get a flat, you must replace all four tires. Differences in tire size can kill a bevel gear in short order. I was good about identical tires, etc., but my bevel gear still died.

Other than that AWD-specific issue, the 98 suffers from the following (which apply to both AWD and FWD Volvos):

* A/C evaporator has or will die ($1,100)
* ABS unit will need to be replaced ($600 at dealer, but Victor Rocha does for less)
* Oil drip from turbo return seal
* Air pump on engine will fail
* Power door lock system will fail
* Motor mounts will wear out (top and bottom)
* Thermostat will fail (hopefully it will fail open and not closed)
* Gasoline filler neck may leak (mine did)
* Auto tranny may fail (mine did at 76,000 miles)
* My driver's door window switchpack failed
* driver's and passenger's seat belts retract slowly, and will get caught when you close the door, breaking the little red "puddle lamp" on the edge of the doors
* Sensors may fail (oxygen, barometric pressure, etc)
* idle "skip and dip" phenomenon can be fixed with a sofware download by dealer
* bulbs burn our frequently (including dash bulbs and shifter illumination)
* various squeaks and rattles

The good news: the 98 does NOT have the "drive-by-wire" electronic throttle system, which leaves drivers stranded with little notice (sometimes on the highway!)

Good luck. It looks like a lot, but I'm sure you can handle it!

Thank you for your valued opinion!

And you are right...I can handle it. My last car was a 98 V70 and it suffered eight of the failures you mentioned.
Thanks again.