28th Feb 2009, 23:22

I'm the original poster here, thought I'd add an update... we're almost at 130,000 now and things are going OK! Hate to jinx by saying this, but we've had relatively trouble free motoring for 2 or 3 yrs now.

Only annoying thing to fail are the door hinges, which turn out to be another design fault. Engine & gearbox still going strong.

Only other thing to fail is the CD player, and AM has completely gone.

12th Mar 2009, 18:11

Congratulations! Many more happy miles to you.

Mass Air Flow Meter: Buy a $6 can of CRC Mass Air Flow cleaner and a $2 Torx 25 security screwdriver bit. It takes literally 4 minutes for a non-mechanic like me to pull the Meter, wash it off, put it back, and have a car that runs like new again. Make sure that the cable connections are solid, and maybe invest another $2 and another minute or so in some dielectric grease to keep the Mass Air Flow Meter's cable and electrical contacts pristine.

At 180,000 KM and rolling, my 1998 V70 is well maintained, mostly by the dealer, looks like new, and while it has had some minor things done per previous posts, it's a great car. I'll keep buying them. As other posters have suggested, make sure the previous owners did the service work if you buy used, and I'd suggest that you wash your air flow meter when you change air filters. If you change your filters and synthetic oil regularly, expect a 300,000+ KM / 200,000+ Mile reliable car. I bought my first Volvo new in 1981 and drove it for more than 20 years and 350,000 KM. I expect to do that with each of my Volvos. They're not supercars, but they are solid and generally worthwhile, and my dealers have been excellent for all those years.

My condolences to those of you with bad luck cars. The good news is, having had your bad luck, you should now enjoy the law of averages and get a good car next, since most of these are at least good.

9th Jul 2009, 19:55

Hmmm, should I switch to a Subaru...no, no, no, can't betray my European roots, just love the Volvos toooooo much. I think I will stay with my 1982 240DL Volvo Stationwagon (had a 1986 240DL Sedan before, just as awesome). Not as luxurious as new models, but dents and scratches will just add character. Plus, who will all these crazy drivers pass on the beautiful Alberta Highways when I am not on the road with the beast anymore. Good luck to all of you!

10th Nov 2009, 17:23

I have a 98 V70 wagon with 190k on it, bought it at 117, one owner, perfect maintenance. It ran great up until about 180k. Then everything started falling apart, which is to be expected of a car at that point. (My husband's old Volvo was 420k when he totaled it, impressive!) It needs around $2000 total in non-routine maintenance type repairs, so we're retiring it early next year.

My word of warning is to people looking to buy cheap high-mileage Volvos: Don't do it if you can't afford the work of things that naturally fail after this much time has gone by. It does become a money-sink, but the thing is, even with all its issues, it'll still start up and go no matter what. Ours has engine issues, transmission issues, etc - but she'll still start up and get us where we need to go.

I don't think I'd have another again, though - Volvo isn't what it used to be and there are now safer and more affordable cars on the market.

16th Mar 2010, 11:22

Hi everyone.

I'm thinking of buying a Volvo V70 and am confused between the GLT and the T5. I'm looking at an 1998 V70 GLT and a 1998 V70 T5...the GLT is selling for $3,495 and the T5 is selling for $2,800. Any input? Thanks!

17th Jul 2010, 21:17

Hi all you Volvo fans...

I'm the original poster here.. We still have car, I'm now in a love hate relationship... We're up to about 150,000 miles now and wondering if I should keep sinking cash into this vehicle or move on? These V70's aren't from the old 240 era... massive maintenance bills that are on going...

Maybe "unfair" because I'm comparing with my only other high mileage vehicle that was a '95 Accord with 220,000 that drove like new on original parts... This Volvo is going through a slow death... it's never been abused and it's regularly serviced, yet it's gradually falling to pieces. The rattling and ride quality is simply appalling. The transmission has started to shift a little awkwardly; I fear the worst and wait for my next $1000++ bill..

Friends with an 850 that was a couple of yrs older have just given up and abandoned the vehicle at the repair shop, after being being given the latest repair estimate.

I would advise extreme caution when buying a high mileage Volvo.

22nd Feb 2011, 11:52

Has anyone had a problem with driving the V70 down the road and it just shutting off? This is my sister's car and she is scared to drive it like this.

If anyone has any information they can share with me please e-mail pritchardgary@yahoo.com.

19th Mar 2011, 18:51

Have you checked to see if the brake calipers are sticking? I had that problem once on a '93 850. They didn't warp the rotors though. Buy Brembo, avoid the problem.

3rd Mar 2013, 16:41

The car is now officially for sale! Anyone want it?

Oil leaks, water leaks, too many squeaks and rattles to mention. Plastics all hard and brittle... Everything breaking, absolutely thrashed.

Hand brake failed soon after buying. Was told it would be very expensive to fix. ABS went out too, engine light on now a permanent fixture, and it's nightmare to get smogged, although there's no visible smoke.

It's a constant expense, $1000 here and another 1000 there. The last major thing to fail was the steering rack, another $1500++. Horrible, horrible, horrible!

Who the heck would buy? It's a throw away... $500?