Volvo S70 SE - deal?

Hey, I'm currently searching for a first car for my newly-licensed daughter (I've got about 6 months till I need it; maybe longer). So far I've been idly surfing autotrader with the following criteria:

Sedan or Hatchback 1998-2004 Any transmission < $6000 asking price < 100,000 miles

Oddly enough, what keeps popping up among the dozens of Tauri and Malibus are a bunch of 1998-1999 Volvo S70 SEs. Really clean looking S70s, with mileage in the 50k range ($5200 asking) to 90k range (under $4000 asking!) They seem like nice, loaded cars that a girl could take to college in a couple years. They certainly seem like a lot more car than some of the others that are in that price range.

Would I regret buying one? What's coming up at 100k that is going to cost the price of the car to fix?

If the A/C isn't working, it's major dollars and time to replace the evaporator, it's the most common item. Timing belts have to be replaced on time, it's an interference motor. There is a major service at 60k, could be why people are dumping them.

The t-belt isn't hard or expensive. The evap core is both.

The major service at 60k isn't that major either. The rest of the 'known issues' are all easy, inexpensive fixes - none of which will leave you stranded.

I think they are really good cars and a bargain at those prices. Plus, they are really safe, which is comforting as your kiddies drive away from home.

Thanks, guys. Nice to know what to look for. There was one not too far from here that I was going to drive, but it seems to have sold. I'll keep my eye out.

99 introduced a new, improved rear main seal. 98 and earlier ones had a leaky one. If you get a pre-99, make SURE the rear main has been replaced.

Teens don't need A/C, it builds character. Makes them appreciate it when they can buy their own car that has working A/C

I picked up a '95 Volvo 850 wagon w/ 5 speed about two years ago, which is pretty much the same car. I have liked it and found some good online support for the few items that I replaced.

Resources:

http://volvospeed.com/maintenance.shtml

http://www.fcpgroton.com/index-exec/

http://www.eeuroparts.com/home.aspx

http://www.volvospeed.com/vs_forum/

http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.php?showtopic=8739

Here is a fantastic write up on the incredible evaporator replacement. http://www.woodjoiner.com/volvo/VolvoEvapReplace.pdf

I have it bookmarked because my AC has needed a recharge each summer here in Ohio. For my climate I seem to be able to get away with a can of 134a in May followed by another can in late August. Other than that, I do not need AC. Two $12 cans is a much better deal than installing an evap.

I have a '96 850 with a 5 speed manual and 170k miles. My wife drives a '98 S70 with a 5 speed manual and 120k miles.

Both had the ABS controller module trouble (well documented on the previously listed Volvo web sites.) Took the controller off and had it repaired for about $100. Easy to take off and replace, but you need an E-4 torx socket.

The 850 needed a heater core last year, neither has needed an evaporator (yet).

From 99-2001 Volvo had some trouble with Electronic Throttle Modules (98 and older had throttle cables.) Lots of information on that here: http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/chat/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=12

Plenty of information on the internet to help you maintain and repair. I buy parts from fcpgroton.com

With the manual transmissions I get 26-27 mpg around town and 31-32 on the highway.

^^^ Really 26 in town and 31 hyw?

In my driving the highest I can get is 27 hyw. Sure, that is just normal driving and not an ultra conservative approach. You know, 70-75mph on hyw.

Do you have to really work yours to get those numbers?

What are the secrets?

Wow, gents, thank you for the great information. I really appreciate the resources.

The most important tools to have with a Volvo is a good set of Torx bits and Sockets. It seems that the entire car is put together with them.

SHO is going away this weekend and I'm picking up a '95 850 turbo wagon....mmmmmmmmm boost!

I would say to get a 98 or eariler, they are pre-network cars and have less electronic stuff to go wrong and would have a better resale value. Otherwise if say you need a power mirror where in a 98 and earlier you cuss, buy a new one remove the old one and install the new. For a 99 and up you do the same as for the 98 but you have to go to the dealer or another shop with the Volvo system to do a download to the car to tell the car it has a new mirror, probably resulting in more swearing.

jrw1621 wrote: ^^^ Really 26 in town and 31 hyw? In my driving the highest I can get is 27 hyw. Sure, that is just normal driving and not an ultra conservative approach. You know, 70-75mph on hyw. Do you have to really work yours to get those numbers? What are the secrets?

No secrets, no extra work. Highway entrance ramps I regularly stick my foot in it and shift at 4000-4500 rpm. Local highway driving (around Charlotte, NC) lucky to be able to go 65-70 instead of creeping. Longer trips 70-75 with the trunk fully loaded and 3-4 people in the car and we still get 31-32 mpg.

I replace the air filter every 15-20k miles. Replaced the distributor cap and rotor at about 110k miles on both cars and use NGK spark plugs (BKR6ES). And I keep tire pressures around 34-35 psi.