Used 1998 Volvo V70 XC 4dr Wagon AWD Consumer Reviews
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What A Great Car
Found a 1998 v70xc last year (2010) at a used car dealership with a 104,000 miles on it. The dealer had all the maintenance records, which showed a trip to the dealership every 5,000 miles. The interior and exterior looked brand new--the back seat looked like it had never been ridden in. Obviously garaged and pampered by the prior owner. I had to fix a broken motor mount, and the rear hatch struts were weak, which I replaced. About $450 for both. It now has a 121,000 miles on it and has been trouble-free. My independent Volvo mechanic is jealous. He says the 1998 and earlier volvos are tougher than the current ones. Finding a good independent volvo mechanic will save you lots of money.
Be careful where and how you get repairs done
We just bought a 1998 V70 XC awd with 238,000 miles on it. WE quickly learned something it may be helpful to pass on. Volvo delaership work and Volvo parts will break you. Example: Heater core replacmeent - from Volvo $800. It is a two hour job and you cna do it for less than $200. Or you cna find a good independant mechanic who does not blindly charge book rates and get it done for $400. Front Struts - this needs to be done by a professional unless you have special tools or knowledge, but you cna pay over $1000 at Volvo or about $600 at a decent indy shop. There are quite a few other items that are relatively easy to do yourself and if you find after market parts -
- Base WagonMSRP: $3,9951,001 mi away
- GLT WagonMSRP: $7,9951,179 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $3,9991,540 mi away
great car overall
Purchased in 2004 with 64,000 miles for my wife, she didn't like the 95 850 turbo wagon because it had too much power. The light pressure turbo and AWD is much better for her. I use high quality parts and do not have tire, brake, or other components wearing out prematurely. Currently have Michelin Harmony and ceramic brakes, best ride of any car I've owned and the AWD makes the snow disappear. Has not left us stranded in 10 years. Not transmission problems, averages 22 MPG, can get 28 MPG on interstate. High quality and good design. As others posted, it is expensive to maintain at dealer. I do most of the work, however, I do have a friend that helps me with more difficult repairs.
Oh my god repairs. No love after 120k.
First of all, I love this car, and the Volvo brand. This wagon is excellent, and the engine is to die for! Seriously, just stomp on the gas, that makes a believer out of anyone who laughs at the wagon =). That is if your car is working. When my family purchased this car at 80k, no problems at all! Now at 180k Here's an abbreviated list of repairs I have done/paid for in the past 2 years alone. One faulty computer. Three faulty O2 sensors. Two distributor caps (its fun when the cars stalls while it's raining) Front& Rear Axel, Brake pads, and rotors. Sunroof. Timing belt, radiator, heater core. AC system, various electrical issues, Now a new turbo? No thanks. Massive oil leak. ugh.
THis Will Help
I have 2 Volvos:850 & V70 both with nearly 200K. As you read these reviews, bear in mind there are 2 kinds ov Volvo owners: those who don't do squat themselves & expect 0 maintenance cuz it's a Volvo and get disappointed when they get gouged from dealers. (industry wide) And the other group are folks like me who do work selves and run em 4 ever. By huge margin, easiest to work on, extremely durable well-made. Don't be intimidated by the ignorance-based reviews: these cars will run for 300K easy! look online for maintenance helpful volvo sites! the inline 5cyl GM tried to copy: the motor is bulletproof!Local tranny shop almost never sees Volvos! Neg w/V's=little plastic trim interior stuff.