I posted a query about a 98 S70 the other nite -- thanx to those who advised! Turns out the one we're considering is a T5 -- 31K miles on it. I know that's the turbo -- what are the plusses and minuses of this machine? Maintenance concerns? I think it'll move faster than my 122S and my 240's.......but I don't want to move all that fast to the local Volvo dealer that has dollar $IGN$ in his eyes. Can my local guy (who is honest) take care of this like he did my 240's?? I appreciate your guidance!

Bought my 98 T5 in 2001...had 33k miles...get regular maintenance at a non-dealer Volvo mechanic...use only Mobil 1 oil cause of turbo. Batoutofhell accel
but at 110k miles turbo is starting to wear...car handles great but not as well as my wife's awd Audi (but is much more comfortable). My major problem was a timing belt ( second one)slipped off ...don't know what happened but it cost me $4000 and the extended warranty company, Source1, is unethically refusing to pay (even if my mechanic had made a mistake replacing the original , the shop is ASE and the warranty is obligated). Engine light comes on then goes off a few days later sometimes...this has been going on for 3 years.Hasn't affected driving.Turbos need clean oil and also need to chill after highway driving before you turn the car off...recommend you go to Circuit City and look into this so you don't have to run out and shut the car off after cooling down the turbo. I forgot one night and the car idled all night. I leave the car running when pumping my expensive high test gas. Love my car but eventually the turbo will die and spending $ 3000 to $4000 on a car worth $10000 is something I have to think about. Good luck...oh yea..starting oil that leather in the car right away ...Volvo leather hardens and cracks quickly.

If your local guy is honest, ask him about a 5 cylinder turbo. Yes, all new machines are harder to maintain than a trusty 122, especially the electronics! But the T5 engine/turbo are extremely reliable and strong. What is weak is the AC, electronic modules, and the stupid OBDII which stores codes but won't let the average backyard mechanic read them. Thanks a lot, Volvo!
You will get used to the HP in the T5 and wonder why your 122 feels like it goes backwards when you step on its gas pedal :)

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