1998 Volvo V70 GLT 2.4L

Summary:

An excellent, fun, reliable car

Faults:

Right-front wheel bearing.

Hatch struts.

Cup-holder.

General Comments:

I made comments on this site back in 2006-01-26, about a year after I had purchased the V70 at 83K.

It now has over 150K and has been an excellent vehicle.

After years in the Florida sun, the paint still looks good, with no rust, despite the fact that I live within 4 blocks of the Atlantic Ocean.

Other than normal maintenance involving brakes and tires (and one wheel-bearing) I have had almost no problems with the vehicle.

I broke the cup-holder with my elbow, but it is inexpensive to replace.

I can't relate to the unhappy owners; my experience has been wonderful.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th June, 2009

1998 Volvo V70 XC

Summary:

Financial disaster to maintain, but great to drive

Faults:

There have been regular failures of minor things -- windshield has stress crack, interior power plug (lighter) sockets have collapsed, rear window trim has popped off several times.

Engine mounts have been replaced.

Just today replaced front brake rotors. That's all smaller stuff.

The bigger stuff has been staggering. Second timing chain failed at 100,000 miles, and more recently the head gasket failed. Those were each $4000 disasters.

Dealer replaced interior sensor and other components of A/C system at a cost of $800, and gave the car back to me still blowing hot air!

A very costly car to maintain. I have lost confidence in the brand, and regrettably the dealer's ability to correctly diagnose and fix problems.

Will feed it money for at least another winter, because it is a terrific snow and ice car. Next year another car, but not a Volvo.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th November, 2008

7th Nov 2008, 12:07

I don't now if you are aware, but it has 185,000 miles. You will get problems at this mileage - just wear and tear!

12th Jan 2009, 20:41

Timing chain? These use a timing belt and if the belt fails just like on ANY interference engine, the cost of repairs will be very high.

29th Jun 2012, 07:41

You complain about the A/C, though you say it's a good snow/ice car? How hot does it get where you live?

My '98 V70 (non-turbo) is the best wagon I have EVER had, and I usually drive BMWs. Take care of these cars (fluids, timing belt) and don't sweat the small things, and these cars will take great care of you for hundreds of thousands of miles/kilometers.

JG.

In reply to 29th Jun 2012, 07:41

28th Aug 2012, 23:41

I don't know about the poster, but I live in Winnipeg, Canada, and tonight I can sleep outside with short sleeves, and in the winter it is -40 Celsius. It can snow and also be hot in the same place in a year.

29th Aug 2012, 20:54

The car has 185000 miles on it. No matter how good the brand/model, you will run into wear and tear issues.

Volvo just happens to be very expensive in repairs and parts, compared to let's say a domestic sedan or lower end Japanese/Korean sedan.

Very few mechanics will work on European cars as well, and those who do, charge big money.

I see tons of old Volvos for sale on Craigslist in good running condition for very cheap prices; they don't sell because people are scared of the expensive repairs these cars may need. They are older cars, and still run good with higher mileage, but people are scared and don't want to take the chance; cannot say I blame them either.

1998 Volvo V70 GLE 2.3 turbo

Summary:

Excellent

Faults:

Right front wheel bearing at 200,000km

Left front wheel bearing at 220,000km

Power Steering pump and rack as 240,000km

Breaks at 150,000km and again at 250,000km.

General Comments:

This car is as good as the 1990 240 I purchased new and drove for 402,000km.

Very reliable, comfortable and a pleasure to drive, but needs snow tires to perform excellent in winter.

The sound system is Alpine and with the 8 speakers is aw-some.

I purchased this car used 3 years ago and currently I have 282,000km and expect to see the 400,000km before I replace it. At 50,000 a year this should not take too long.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th February, 2008