We are looking at a 98 GLT S70 with just over 30K on the odometer. What should I be aware of - wary of - prepared for?? I am kind of an "old school" 240 guy -- but the wife says it's time to move up in the world :)!! What's a fair price for a machine I've described (looks clean, etc.) THANX

If you are a 240 guy, then don't buy S70 - you'll be dissappointed.

It is not because of peeling vynil - that can be replaced, or burning light bulbs - never happend on mine, but in general, you will not like the car, it is not that good as 240. In all the respects, excepts radio and smooth highway speeding, it is not as good. There NO that QUALITY BUILD and QUALITY RIDE and QUALITY moderate HANDLING that is present in 240.

Maybe 960/S90/V90 is a better choice ...

or I can sell you mine with 66,000 miles and one year warranty left for $10,000
if you are so persistent :)

Oh come on! The 240 is a hopelessly outdated, pathetically slow dinosaur of a car by 2005 standards. They were hopelessly outdated even when introduced in 1975. Yes, they're simple and sturdy, but so is a '66 Impala.

The S70 is a much more complicated car and thus more expensive to repair, etc., but so is every modern car. If you want an S70, test drive one and see if you like it. If you do, buy the lowest-mileage, newest one you can afford. Take good care of it and maintain it well and it should be much more reliable than any old ceramic-fuse-blowing 240. That's in addition to being 1000% faster, better handling, quieter, safer, smoother, more comfortable, etc. No offense to 240 fans (I had one until last year) but there's no comparison between a 240 and a modern Volvo. (or BMW or Audi, etc.)

there is no comparison between a 240 and FWD volvo, EXCEPT my wallet will tell you a different story.

MAINTENANCE COSTS BABY!!!!

A RWD volvo owner would be disappointed with the high maintenance costs of the FWD volvos, when he compares it to the 240 costs.

By the way, I moved up to the FWD, and I love my V70 GLT, but .....
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'88 240, '92 745, '98 v70 John, Tampa Bay

Nice car. Check kbb.com, edmonds.com, others for market value in your area. Eventhough it has only 30K miles, you will need new belts - timing and serpentine - oil change, tranny flush, etc. I would also get something to clean the injectors along with a complete tune up. Still sounds nice.

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

are the best years of the 850/70 series, before the new dreaded Electronic throttle was introduced.

The GLT is a light pressure turbo, which is nice, BUT

the mileage scares me. 30K miles for a 7+ yr old car indicates the car was used by a little old lady that drove the car one mile to the grocery store and back.

I heard of engines blown because of sludge build up and this would be the perfect example of the engine that will fail bbecause of sludge. The engine never reaches optimum operating temperature, which is required by moving engine parts to get well lubricated.
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'88 240, '92 745, '98 v70 John, Tampa Bay

Maybe.

It could also have been in storage because the owner/driver was out of the country, only used it for long distance travel, etc.

Have the car thoroughly checked by a competent Volvo mechanic--either dealer or indy.

I really like my '98 S70 GLT. The light-pressure turbo is more than enough for everyday driving.

Bryan

With the 240, any problems are cheaper and easier to fix.

98 S70 - strut braces, ABS control module, Air pump, power window switch, headlight switch, ignition switch, vinyl coming loose from the door panels, front wheel bearings (hubs), and you can't reset the service light without a special device.

The engine and transmission are traditional Volvo (bulletproof).

Overall it's a great ride, you just need to be prepared to spend some bucks periodically.

The 98 Glt is in my opinion a kick-ass car. One of the best recently made Volvos... 0-60 in 5.8 sec. Blow away most BMW's or any performance vehicle etc at a red light. Top notch solid engine and superb acceleration. It has never let me down. This thing is a turbo Sherman Tank. I don't care what anyone else thinks or says. Say what you want, but the 98 GLT is my all-time favourite Volvo. Bullet Proof, solid, fast. End rant.

5.8 seconds? Off a cliff maybe.

Oh, and hands down, best looking Volvo by far!