Viewing an S70 this weekend, any advice?

[v6en]

The car is a 1998 low mileage example (64k), 2l 20v petrol. FSH, garaged and looks to be in good general order with only 2 owners from new. Timing belt changed around 42k.
Does anyone know if there any particular issues to look out for on these cars? We'll do all the fundamentals as for any car, but haven't seen any consistent problems being asked about on here, which I hope is a good sign.

[4x4]

When was the belt changed? 42k miles could have been 15 years ago

[Simmy]

check heater matrix for any leaks check hand brake works plus all the usual s/h car buying checks . take a volvo friend with you

[Bob Meadows]

This is worth viewing:~
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4g-w4OXeBw
Good Luck.
Bob.

[T5R92011]

If you can smell a "musty old car smell" when the heater is set to hot, which then disappears when set to cold, then the heater matrix is likely leaking and thus will need replacing. Heater Matrix units are a cheap to buy, and replacing is fairly straightforward.

Check if all 4 windows roll up & down via the drivers switch. The electrical contacts inside the switch can get dirty/dusty causing a poor connection, quite a simple job to clean inside the switch though.

Ask if the fuel pump relay has been replaced, if not, best to order a replacement, as they do fail. meaning the car can randomly cut out, or outright not start.

If it's an automatic, check to see if the spring loaded trigger on the back of the gear lever pops outs properly when moving the lever. If the trigger hasnt popped back out when in Park, you will be unable to remove the ignition key unless you coax the trigger to pop back out. You will want to order a new shifter trigger and spring (comes as a pack) and replace the trigger.

Does the engine run rough for a few seconds after starting up (especially after adding petrol) then settles into a normal idle? If so, the EVAP purge valve at the top of the radiator is likely stuck open, so either needs cleaning, or replacing. A new Pierburg Evap purge valve is £30-£50 depending on where you buy from. Very easy to replace, as its right infront of you when you open the bonnet.

Does the exhaust sound like it's blowing in the center of the car? If so, it may jusy be a new exaust clamp needed, which holds the two sections of the exhaust together.

[v6en]

Thanks for all your advice and the youtube video (Bob), much appreciated. Off to see it bright and early tomorrow.

[capt jack]

We've owned an S70 for the past 17 years during which time it's covered around 130,000 miles on top of the 100,000 on the clock when we bought the car in 2005.

It's been ( and still is) a fantastic car. I wish we could find another as good.

Things that have needed attention in that time include:

• Heater matrix - twice, but it's an easy fix.
• Blower motor - again, an easy fix
• Front suspensions struts - the spring cup on one literally rusted away
• Handbrake - shoe delaminated
• Engine top mount - replaced with OEM as the Polyurethane one we tried first caused too much vibration
• Drop links - I've lost count how many, but they are cheap and easy to replace
• Exhaust - from the cat back, after several temporary fixes to the rear hanger
• Electric window switches - both front ones have needed TLC
• Dashboard rattles - extra bracing at either end has helped a lot but not cured it
• SC-805 audio - currently the audio in the car is actually the innards from 3 different units stitched together!
• Boot struts - when they give out it makes the lid nigh on impossible to lift
• Petrol cap - the old one fell to bits, but the new OEM replacement was less than £20
• New front wing - luckily an easy bolt-on job
• New windscreen - a tough lesson in just how rubbish are Autoglass!
• Remote locking - replaced for £35 with the excellent Hawk system
• Fuel filter - this is a bit exposed and prone to rust - leaking fuel!
• Air-con - it's got a leak from somewhere. A new compressor was fitted, and now we top it up in the spring, which will just about last for the summer.
• Driver's seat belt - replaced with one from a breaker.
• Hazard lights switch - replaced with a second hand unit.

It's quite a list, but heck, the car is 25 years old, has covered a quarter of a million miles, is totally reliable, still supremely comfortable, brilliantly practical, generally a straightforward DIY proposition, and returns 30mpg.

Hope this helps - if you've found a good S70 then you've just got yourself a good example of one of the best cars ever made.

Jack