Have it checked out by a shop that knows Volvos. For $4999 it could be a dream. It could be a nightmare. The problem with these cars is that the dream cars and the nightmare cars all look pretty much the same on cursory examination. Things to look for are service records, lots of stamps in the service logbook, and for a timing belt change sticker under the hood. (Should have been done at 70,000 and is due again at 140,000.) The AC is also a problem in these cars, make sure it works. Make sure all the power gizmos, windows, sunroof and lights work, there are a lot of them. Mine has been good enough that I've kept the thing for nearly 10 years, and I was about ready to order a 2007 V70R Volvo last night, and bad enough that I was wondering what was I thinking this morning. Good luck, whatever you decide.

-BTC

'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 171k mi, Bilstein HD, front IPD stabilizer bar, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, XC grill, C70 jewel E-Codes, V-1, Lidatek, Mobil-1 since new.

"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so."-Douglas Noel Adams (1952-2001)