1998 Volvo V70 R review from North America

Rear viscous coupling.

Front CV joint (twice within a few 1,000 miles).

Rear Brakes (twice - second time after 5600 miles).

ABS module.

Transmission replaced at 109,000 miles.

Driver's door hinge welded.

Front wheel bearings.

Service light in on again.

Solenoid.

New tires (all 4 since it's AWD).

Gas gauge got stuck in 103 degree heat (took $200, a tow, and a night in a hotel to find that out).

I am living with a diva. This car is sucking my pocket books dry. I have had it for only 17,000 miles (for about 2 years this April) and I've put an additional $5000 into it. It's all the stuff connected with the AWD. I owned a '77 245DL and '93 240. This V70 series just seems overall to suck. I have never had so many problems with a Volvo. I've only owned Volvo wagons since 1992, but this has been the "wonder car". Like I wonder what will light up on my dash next?! And that's about every 2,000 miles.

If you want a Volvo, don't buy a V70 (from the other reviews I've read I'm not the only one struggling with their V70 model). You'll put in a lot more to keep it running than their worth. I'd love to have my 240 with over 200,000 miles (when I sold it), back. It even had the name Babahloo.

Something went wrong in 1998 when Volvo changed their line. I'm grateful to have a very kind and fair Volvo mechanic, so I don't have to go to the dealer.

However, here are the perks. It's a great ride, zooms to action when you need to, like when you merge at 75 mph. from the on ramp. The V70R is a low rider, but you sit up high in the car. There's a built in child's seat, netting, easy drop down seats. We love it for our camping trips. Winter mode is great for our snowy days (in Colorado). But I would not recommend this for anything, but a "town car". The blizzard reeked havoc on my bearings. The suede/leather seats clean up easily, and the third row seats are great for extra kids.

Take your chances. I'm in it for the long haul with all the work I've put into it. I'll give it to my son (who's 6) when he turns 16; by then it may be a whole new car with all my repairs.