Buying a Volvo for the first time

Bean

Hello knowledgeable Volvo drivers,

I've decided on buying what will be my second car and can't stop looking at Volvos, in in particular wagons.

I don't have a lot to spend, trying to keep it under 6K and What I've come up with is

1998 V70 XC (184,476 km)

2003 Volvo XC70 Wagon (210000 km)

1998 V70 Manual (151000 km)

1998 Volvo S80 T6 Auto (207,000 km)

Is there anything that i should avoid? Or is there a standout model that is better than anther? Also are there anything common problems to look out for with any of the above?

I would very much appreciate anyone's advice

Thanks in advance

Ex850R

Welcome!
Where are you?
Both 1998 V70s are the go.
Yes. Avoid the others like the plague.
The XC in particular has a gearbox that WILL self destruct and they can do even from new.
There is an ace 850T AWD wagon on eBay at $3500 now with 150odd Ks.
Apart from possible angle gear or rear CV joints needing replaced at a later date ( we can help with cheaply ) its manual and very nice.
L.

Ex850R

The early , 98 XC has same AWD as the 850 I mentioned and doesn't have the dumb rubbish gearbox of the later car.

Bean

Thanks so much for your reply, that very helpful.

I'm down In Tassie so there's not a lot to choose from at the moment!

So the one I was looking at that caught my eye was the 1998 V70 XC for 3.2 K. It has new types, battery, re done air con and just serviced apparently with 185.000 on the clock.

This is the link anyways: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Volvo-V70-1998/SSE-AD-3514998/?Cr=1

Do you think this sound okay? I mean if i get two years out of it without too much trouble is sounds okay.

Ex850R

Looks good !
Interior pics would be good.
Service history?
Timing belt should have been done , the PCV system , leads , plugs etc etc , see what they say.
If it hasn't had proper service , ie , parts replaced due to age not just mileage you have room to push price down imho.
Find out what you can , maybe one of the Tassie Bruce's could look or has a good workshop to check it out?
Having said that , I have bought em sight unseen , actually , the one I have now from NSW unseen! It has issues but gas been great.
At this age the rubber and plastic gets fragile so some replacements are needed and if done no reason not to get many more years use!
But it may be all OK too! You can't tell unless has a good check. They are easy to fix , parts cheaper from UK or USA than here so easily maintained.
Keep us informed?
Les

Ex850R

Even cars in Melbourne are doable , just a boat trip away , call Berry Motor Group , Mark , ask what's around , they are a great place.

Ghettobird

Psssst...
https://ozvolvo.org/discussion/2911/1999-v70-wagon-white-slayer-of-flat-packs-king-of-camping-trips-the-ultimate-ikea-kid-hauler#latest

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Volvo-V70-1999/SSE-AD-2698829

Im pretty flexible if you were willing to come up to Melb!

AshDVS

Hey @Bean!
Welcome aboard!
Is AWD a 'must have' on your list of requirements? (ignoring the S80 at the bottom of the list).

if you're after something reliable that you wont think too much about, an 850/V70 FWD car will be quite good.
Turbo cars, of course, will require more attention and more maintenance.

jaykenneally

Id be going with that 98 XC provided it has some decent service history, that or a front-drive model of the same car. The newer XC70 your looking at (the P2 >2000 model) do have gearbox issues - I should know, I own one, with a dead gearbox hahaha.

Vee_Que

Julians car is a good buy, well serviced and needs nothing!

Ghettobird

And he needs it gone, take advantage of his desperation and pick up a good car for not a lot of $$$