1998 Volvo S70 GLT review from North America
"This car is reliable, affordable, sporty and a great value"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Nothing.
General comments?
I see all the S70 bashing and have to disagree with the general asseessments. I had a 1995 850 which I put 250,000 on before selling it. It was the most reliable car I've ever owned. The 98 S70 is pretty much the same car - uses the same engine, and even the same doors. I bought mine used with 72,000 in November and have put 20,000 on it already. No problems whatsoever. Have owners service records before me and he didn't have any of the problems listed either. Headlights fine, brakes last, runs perfect.
Regarding expense of owning a Volvo - find a Volvo repair specialist that you trust. The dealers are "extremely" expensive and the last place to take your car. Locally they charge $700 for a timing belt, I get mine done at a small Volvo specialist garage for $135. I actually own two Volvos and will buy many more because I have such a trustworthy reliable place to get them repaired if they do break.
Recently a garage quoted me $380 for rear brakes and rotors. I bought the pads and rotors off the Internet for $130 and changed myself in less than an hour. They're great cars to work on - very easy.
Seems like there were a few lemons out there judging by other posts, but I wouldn't let that deter you from buying a Volvo. They're great cars - reliable, safe, and last forever.
Recommended reviews
| Great car and service from dealers and independent mechanics, but didn't live up to the Volvo name |
| Great vehicle, but potentially costly |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1998 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | turbo Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 72000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 92000 miles |
| Previous car | Volvo 850 |
| Date of Entry | 30th June, 2005 |