Overall a good car (I still miss my 1991 Volvo 240 5spd!).

I have owned it since new. Besides routine maintenance like ANY OTHER CARS (oil change, brakes, batteryetc.). And here is the scoop particular to this model:

- Mileage 30 mpg on highway ride.
- Ground strap for pass. airbag done by dealer, no charge (recall item).
- Headlight switch, 1st one broke (no lights at night), changed it free, 2nd one broke 1 yera later, I am on 3rd one.
3rd one broke, I got fed up and fixed it myself using Plumbers Glue for PVC piping. Works great the last 6 years. If you need details, I can send you the detail ( I wrote it in this forum a few years back).

Since I am a DIY person, I have done these:

-fuel filter at 60K
-thermostat at 60K
-flush ALL fluids (coolant, auto, brake) at 2-yr intervals.
-Timing belt + TB tensioner at 60K
-Serpentine belt changed at the same time.
-Upper Engine Mount broke, I used IPD engine mount, works great for the last 20K miles.
- Cruise Control non-functional. Turned out the bracket holding the stop switch was a bit off the brake pdeal, adjustment made and OK now (no cost for any parts, just my labor).

-The Rear door vinyl panels lifted up a bit (bubbled) and I cannot fix it and is living with it. Basically a cosmetic issue.

Essentially, good car (not as good as 1991 240 5spd) but it would help alot if the owners can do the maintenance (cost issue).
Otherwise use a good independent Volvo mechanic.

Hope this helps.

cn
1998 V70 auto 77K miles