Absolutely outstanding! I have been working on these Volvos for about 15 years and I have never seen better explanation of its weaknesses and symptoms!
I just bought one from the same year (glt) with about 160k on the dash three months ago, i’m curious if you still have yours and what all you’ve had to service on it
I know this video is 2 yrs old. Thank you for taking the time to educate everyone on what to look for in purchasing a used Volvo. I have a 2000 S70, and I know most people do not keep their cars for 16 years. I had to replace my A/C evaporator last year and it was very labor intensive. The entire dash had to be removed. I was able to prolong the inevitable since a mechanic had told me to always keep the fan on, just on low. I had already replaced the A/C compressor years ago. I have 158K miles and I have an "old fashioned" mechanic who is honest. The other issue you need to look at when buying a used Volvo, is the exhaust system. Volvo doesn't sell it in parts, it is all or nothing. My mechanic just welded my catalytic converter but this will be the last time he can do a quick fix. I have a hole developing in my tailpipe and once that is bad, I will have to spend the $1,700 to replace the exhaust system. I've asked around if it would be wise to invest $2,000 into a 16 yr old car and the answer has been yes by most people who know my car and Volvo in general. If I bought another used car, I'd be possibly buying someone else's problems. I researched older model Camry's (a popular car) and found that some people replaced their catalytic converters more than once and the price was slightly less than that of a Volvo. I am not a mechanic and freak out when something goes wrong on my car. I have not replaced many things. 2 yrs ago I replace the original starter. I've had American made truck before this and I can't tell you how many starters, oxygen sensors, alternators, etc. that I replaced. If a Volvo is maintained, it should last up to 400K miles. Lastly, if you read or get a chance to look at a CarFax, it is important to note the number of owners. I'd be hesitant to buy a car with more than 2 owners. A friend purchased a Volvo wagon and at first glance, it appeared to be a great car for little money. It was a bad investment and it had 5 owners. Again, thank you Robert for posting the videos. Wade
Wade, I think with older Volvos, Your talking about in many respects a love of the Volvo design and styling. For one person that does distance driving, chances are they upgraded to newer low miles Volvos rather than continue to repair their old model. But yes when one falls in love with the Volvo, you buy an older model knowing that often some replairs have not been done.
I bought my 95 850 turbo for 2000$ not knowing that my pcv system was bad, my ac wasn't working, and the turbo hoses were cracked. I installed a new pcv system myself and replaced all my turbo hoses myself and recharged my ac too. Saved myself about the cars worth in repair. It now runs like a champ
Glad I know how to service all of those issues myself! There is no way I would pay so much money to have a shop install a $30 Head Gasket. I mean, it's a day job on an inline engine! I would gladly give up my day to save $5,000!
If they're aluminium block , you need to have both the head and the block planed. Removing the block and stripping all internet components that is not a 1 day job. Of course any bozo can unbolt the head, scrotbright the surfaces, put a gasket and reassemble in a day, but that gasket won't last.
I have a 1994 850 turbo and i tell you it seems simple to rebuild but maybe i am better off selling off all these engine parts or part by part to have enough cash to buy a. V70 or an all whell drive cross country ? Anyone know how i could do that?
I really like this guy. He has the right mixture of simplicity of presentation while preserving the delivery of a lot of information. Good job! I wish my car looked as nice as yours. The gloss coat on my paint is coming off and it looks terrible.
I agree, this is one of the best videos on presale inspections! I do not own a Volvo but have fallen in love with a 2008 V70 that is being sold through a used car dealer so no records are available. This will be my business and pleasure vehicle and This video has increased my knowledge and potential confidence level in doing a prepurchase inspection. Timeless video, thank you!! Oh, I will call around and get 2024 pricing as I know this video was created before the nationwide inflation!!
My grandmother bought a new 240 in 1987 In 07 i bought it off her. 2017 im still driving it. Iv put 3 timing belts on myself. About to do a 4th because im about to take a over 3000 mile vacation trip. Love this car.
I was about to buy one today but then I tried the rubber glove trick - no compression, also the coolant level was higher when I came back from testdrive.. thank you for the video totally wouldn't recognized the issues without you!❤
Thanks for the awesome video. Usually ride a scooter to work, but wanted a rainy day car. Just bought a '96 850 wagon. Paid a few hundred dollars for it from a coworker. 136k miles. Has some front end damage but still runs like a champ. Glad I found your videos. Thank you very much!!
God bless you Robert for uploading this video. I'm thinking to buy a 850 and this is gonna come in handy :-). As a matter of a fact these instructions also apply to a wider range of manufacturers.
I own a 99 s70 and I've gone through issues with trying to work on it and get it inspected. I just saw that a 97 850r is for sale down the road from my house. This video is kinda scaring me with the prices lol because I really want it xD.
Hello Robert. Thank you Sir! Your videos made recently purchasing a '96 850R a much easier decision and saved me several hundred dollars. I found one with 85k miles and now know what needs to be done and what to be aware of. All of your videos were of great help and very informative. After owning Buicks' and Chevys', I never thought I would own a Volvo. Yet, Its a quick, well built car. Thanks Again!
Wow! Great video, Robert. I own a 2001 V70 non-turbo with 258k+ miles which I inherited from my ex and sold off my Lexus E300. It was a really hard decision. It has been serviced by the dealer until a year or so ago when I found an honest, independent mechanic who has saved me a ton of money - just hard getting him to find time to do the work, and these videos give me some peace of mind so I know what's going on and how much things should cost. The Volvo dealer has been charging me a bit more for doing some of these repairs than as stated in the video. I figure on spending a couple thousand or more every year to maintain it, which is still way less than having a car payment. Looking forward to getting another 1/4 million miles with the old girl! Super encouraged to hear you've done so much cross country driving. Keep up the good work!
If he gave you a volvo he shouldn't be your ex!! Just joking if there's one thing I've learned in my 24 years its that volvos will outlive most relationships haha
Hello Mr Robert. I Carolyn. I have a 1998 Volvo Wagon with 200,00 plus miles. And I love it. It runs great. I like to pamper any car that I have. So I thought I see what information I could get to help me keeping it running good. Watching your video of the 5 top things/ extras was great. Thanks so much. Very beneficial.
I'm looking into buying a Volvo, and though i have quite a bit of experience with cars, it is nice to hear the specific problems for which to keep an eye out for. I did not expect for you to go into such detail and i believe more videos like this should be circulated. Thank You!
Thank you, I wanna be well armed when I go shopping. U have provided me with sufficient understanding so I can be more aware of what to look for and not be too easily fooled and have some bargaining backup info..Again THANKS a bunch!!!
Hi Robert, doubt you will see this since this video is 10 years old, but thank you so much for these videos. I am 20 year old, and just bought myself a 600$ 1998 v70 t5 as my first car. I didn't see this video before buying it, but thankfully the owner I bought it from had taken great care of it, the low price being from the exterior condition of the car, as his son wanted to repaint it, but abandoned after sanding it down. Your channel is a gold mine, and I am watching every video about the v70 to learn about my new car. Thank you again
One of - if not *the* best resource for V70 DIY on the net. Outstanding effort - well known and often quoted in the worldwide community of brick drivers. Keep it running, Robert. And thank you very much.
Thanks for the upload Robert. I have a '98 V70 Torslanda with ONLY 123,000 miles on the clock. It's the low power 10 valve 2.5 litre, but it still impresses me with its power and handling qualities. I've had it for approaching six years, and have no plans or need to replace it. It's supremely comfortable, fast, does 30+mpg on a run, and has never let me down. I love my V70. ;o)
Thank you for the honesty and non-biased review, I greatly appreciate that especially in these modern times I think now you have convinced me to purchase an older S70 that looks really nice and has been properly maintained as I can do some maintenance things myself
*** dankjewel, gozer *** R-Dude :) Thats Dutch for "thanks, dude." You just saved my ass. I'm a total goof on car-tech, but i'm handy and i got a keen mind, so i checked your vid, did all the test, and turns out the T5-R that i had in mind, was indeed a total turn-down. It checked on 4/5 o/t things. Had gasket, airco, valve stem seals and PVC all not good, so thanks for savin me some very bad feelings. Car I looked up is currently stated in Netherlands, so if any of you guys is thinkin' bout buyin a car up north, gimme a shout, i'll hook you up with the 4-11. Cheers from sunny Amsterdam.
I just purchased a 99 Volvo S70 yesterday with 55K miles (one owner, garage kept it's entire life in NYC). I watched this video three times, read about common faults and made a checklist using this video as the foundation to my inspection guide. It passed all the major inspection points plus other issues. Thank you, Robert! Oh, I'm commenting using my wife's computer.
we watched it together. the car is in such great shape, but we'll have to have a shop replace the timing belt (and water pump since the cover will be off ) in about 15k miles. I also watched the front strut replacement video, and it seems pretty straight forward, so I might consider doing that myself around the same time. Would you recommend installing the strut support bar you have on your 850?--I see lots of photos of engine bays with that same equipment. you rock!
a friend of mine had a clogged up engine like you mentioned. when i pulled the dipstick it flew up sky high cause of all the pressure that was building up haha.
I am happy to own a '96 850 T-5 since 2010. Purchased for 1500$. I knew from the beginning, that I will keep this car as long as possible. Thats why I "invested" some money to (for example) change the timing belt and the Head gasket, had cost me 1500$ both together. In the mean while I changed suspensions, Brakes etc. I have now over 250.000 Miles on it. And it's still running like a new car! I have reached the top speed again this summer (240km/h, about 150mph). I may have already known the most of the typical 850 issues (A/C Clutch), but this vid of yours does exactly what it should: To warn people and help test and fix the issues. Very usefull informations! Thank you Robert! UA-cam needs more videos like this one!
Thanks for this video. Tentatively considering 850 ownership after a pretty bad experience with an S70. This type of real world knowledge really helps.
Is it possible to replace a timing belt and pcv system yourself? And if so is there any like tuning or other add ons I should do later once replaced? I have a 1995 volvo 850 t5r I purchased a while back, and I have an oil leak near my exhaust headers, any tips? Thank you for your time loved this video!
best tip video ever seen on UA-cam about anything. Robert gets straight to the points that are relevant without nonsense and even instructs without complications. Thks sharing such important informations.
Robert.....you are awesome!!!!! Thanks for the tips, I purchased a V70 last fall just thinking I was going to keep it as a work car....and it turned out to be the best vehicle I have ever owned. I drive into Canada from Ohio once a month. Not only is this car a beast, but it saves me a considerable amount of money especially since I went full synthetic. I'm currently having some issues with my suspension due to the bad Ohio roads....should I look I go for a total suspension upgrade, or replace what's needed?
Shawn P I suggest you replace what you need in pairs. I would do rear shocks and front assemblies with strut mounts & spring seats. Thanks for watching.
Interesting stuff to know, even though I've owned a '99 V70 for five years now, and a '99 S70 for the last four, and guess what? The first jobs I got done were the cam belts on both cars! The S70 has about 85'000 miles (still a juvenile!) and the V70 has about 256'000 miles. As my dad always used to say "Look after your car, and your car will look after you . . . . ". Love your videos, Robert, and thank you from the UK.
Robert, your videos are so helpful, they have helped me do a lot of minor things on my old volvo and now that I want another one I decided to look over your videos before I buy a wagon-you are heaven sent! Thank you!
Extremely helpful video. Thanks Robert! I just purchased a 1998 Volvo S70 w/ 355,000 miles! It is in ridiculously good condition given the mileage. Not even a door ding! Paint is in excellent condition. I did your PCV glove check on the oil cap. A ziploc sandwich bag w/ rubber band works good if you can't find a disposable rubber glove. The system was indeed clogged up causing the baggie to fill up and the smoke coming out of the dipstick. I'm pretty sure this system was original so I chalked it up to needed long term maintenance. Somehow it passed CA emissions with a clogged PCV. Also did the timing belt kit w/ water pump since there were no records of that EVER being done. Again, maintenance. Outside of that all they did was replace the thermostat, replace the coolant, oil change, and new oil and air filters. The thing runs like a top. Zero leaks. Tranny seems to work just fine. $1,500 cost. $2,300 in hard maintenance costs at local mechanic. $3,800 total investment.
THANK YOU SO MUCH MR. ROBERT FOR THIS HOW TO VIDEO!! I am considering purchasing a Volvo convertible and happened to have ran across your video, and so glad I did!! I have just adopted you as my virtual mechanic!!! For us women who don't know much about mechanics of a vehicle or don't have a personal mechanic, this was so very helpful!!! I cannot say thank you enough as this will help me negotiate a better deal on the Volvo I'm considering purchasing. I clicked like and subscribe!! Thanks again!!
Tks so much robert. Purchased a 94 850t and have had to do several repares already. Your expertise has made these repairs so much easier than just diving in. Your awesome !!
Robert DIY I paid a shop to replace my power steering rack. Parts and labor $800. The rack has failed again after only two thousand miles from the same place, the left tie rod seal. I have to replace it again as it's out of warranty. Who makes a good power steering rack? This will be $1,600 once I pay for the second time. Thank you
Robert - I just want to say thank you very much for all the time you spend making these videos. Was out buying an 1994 Volvo 850 T5 today and because of this video i was able to negotiate a very good price for the car which btw was in a really good shape despite the age.
I'm going to look at a nice used V70 R today, much more confident thanks to this awesome video, which I have been watching for months! Thank you, Robert!
Hey mr robert. I just wanna say thank you for spending quality time to share these information. My dad had these when i was younger and im planning to buy one soon. With that said, thanks abunch i hope god grants you wealth and health. Ali,from Malaysia
Me and my brother are using one of these as a mobile mechanic work vehicle. It a 96 850 wagon 5 speed. We’ve been racking miles on my 12 Civic and decided to learn stick to use it. It’s more useable for that anyway. This video will be a big help to know what we need to watch for
I just finished replacing the accelerator cable on a '98 Volvo base model. Thanks to your video, it prepared the work and made it relatively easy. Great, simple explanation...
Robert, thanks for all the information. I had a '96 850 for 17 years then the head gasket blew. Loved that car! Now have a '98 V70, wish I knew some of this info before I bought it. But the thing about Volvos, they are built to last like no other car if taken care of properly. It can be expensive if you have to have someone else work on it for you, but the parts last longer than american cars and with proper instruction, there are many things you can do yourself. Keep up the great work, need your clear and concise directions. Thanks again!
You are such a rad guy, Robert. I've ran into countless problems on my 99 S70 throughout my 3.5 yrs owning it- small and large. I've replaced/fixed my ABS module, door panels, door handles, locking mechanisms, the entire dash (TWICE), intsrument panel bulbs, radiator, cal seal, etc. I could go on and on..... If it weren't for your videos or help on the MVS forum, I don't know what I'd do.
Ashlee Naccarato Sorry to hear that you have so many minor issues but glad you've been able to find help to guide you through fixing things and saving you money. Thanks for watching.
After listening to you I'm not so scared of my S70...I'm terrified, lol. Fortunately I've a neighbor or two that are mechanical and a bit tech savvy. I'm taking your advice and going through the vehicle, hoping all is not too bad. Thanks Robert.
Well done. Excellent presentation. My youthful Ford/GM mechanic days are long past, but I know when somebody “knows.” you give good, easy-to-follow descriptions and cautions that anyone with a bit of DIY can handle. The fact that you can simplify things down like that means you are both expert in the topic and a professional in delivery. Thanks for the video and especially for the caution at the end.
Always loved the Volvo 340/360 440/460 and 850 models.... thanks for promoting these quality cars Robert DIY.... great videos always enjoy watching them.
thankyou for another 5 star video :) my PCV went bad this summer, from not burning ~any oil to about a month later I was under minimum, a real shock and painfull drive home to fill up 2 Liters (oil stick min to max is 1,5L) when I pulled the oil stick smoke came out, $850 at Volvo dealer to change PCV, crank case and oil catcher (they said they put in a new upgraded model that last longer) I will do these checks when buying my next car :)
Excellent job. Video and explanations are thorough and slow enough for green guys like myself to understand and feel comfortable going forward and checking out this vehicle for purchase. Much appreciated Robert DIY!
Glad you get so much positive feedback as it's richly deserved, excellent clear instruction from a guy clearly gifted & able in the art of educating & helping others. Many thanks and very best wishes from an appreciative Volvo fan in Scotland.
THANK YOU, Robert. You answered my question right at the beginning - INTERFERENCE ENGINE. I got rid of my Honda Goldwing motorcycle for that same reason. As you say, if the timing belt goes then so does your engine. That's all I need to know to pass on a local buy for a Volvo 850. As I watch the rest of the video and you keep saying how expensive all these different repairs are, it makes me wonder why you like to specialize in the Volvo. I see in the right hand column that you have another video explaining that so I'll jump over and view that video now.
Great tips! I love my 1996 850R and my 2002 V70 XC. The 850R is a wolf in sheeps clothing. A great little car! The V70XC is all wheel drive and goes around corners really well. They're both wagons and very versatile. Thanks for sharing. You're videos are awesome!
I absolutely love my p80. Had the tensioner pulley fail in the timing while i was driving so i've been doing a somewhat costly repair. Got a used engine since the pistons were pretty badly dinged up and a hammer was dropped on my head. Your videos have been amazing.
Just went to look at a very nice condition 95 850, the glove blew up instantly and droplets of oil flying up! Not too long ago I wouldn't have known to check that, thank you!
Thank you for the information. I watched this video just before inspecting a very nice looking volvo 24o that appeared to be in excellent condition that was being sold by a volvo mechanic shop for a out of state customer. There was fresh oil all over the oil pan, bell housing, passenger side of engine and on valve cover. There was pressure blowing out of oil cap. The Volvo mechanic told me that it was suppose to blow out and not suck in and all to do to the pcv system was to clean the flame trap and nothing else. Your information helped me make a decision. Thank you
You're welcome. Red block engines are different, very different. The PCV system is a lot easier to deal with, however they do have an oil trap box that can be cleaned or replaced. Besides that, if you are trying to sell a car, it should not be blowing oil out all over the place. lol
Thank You Robert! I own a 98 S78 and it's a great car! It's a 5 speed too, very rare. If the sales numbers I saw are correct, there were only 50 made that year. Needles to say, I cherish it! I love my volvo. It's been a great car since we got it in 2012. Very reliable Daily driver. A few maintenance issues inside due to old age but anyways, peppy, safe and comfortable. You've given me a great place to start on refurbishing my Volvo. Thank you sir.
Great video. I was able to pick up a great 1996 volvo 850 turbo for 600 dollars, which needed a little work on the brakes and radiator, but now it is running perfectly.
Robert, Very thorough. I have done many of these repairs including the heater core. It is impossible to cover all of the nuances. Replacing the oil cap gasket (Rubber washer) can prevent back engine dribble and keep the top of the motor and spark plug covers clean.
Great video - another example of how important it is to perform proper maintenance on ANY car, and failure to do so can cost in excess of $10k in this example. Maintain it properly and it'll run forever and cost a lot less.
I really enjoyed this video. Informative, good pace and no nonsense. Robert knows every nut and bolt on that car. Great to see a fellow Volvo enthusiast.
Robert's videos have been EXTREMELY helpful to me as a new 1996 Volvo owner. I am very grateful. Always very clear and exactly what you need to know! Thanks, DW
God sent! Pure love and wisdom plus reliable skilled craftsman! What a simple but super detailed video. Thanks a lot for saving us plenty of time and helping us prevent hassles. Thanks and keep safe
Thanks Robert, very informative. I am now in the market for exactly one of those Volvo models. A friend of mine has 2 850 wagons, both with more than 500,000 kms. He never had any major problems, I replaced the clutch on one of them. Very robust even in the rust hell of Montreal Canada. MY 98 Jetta TDI engine now has more than 490,000 kms but I feel it's time to move on to something safer ( much respect for my GF!) and a little larger. I am hoping to find one that needs one or two issues to get it cheap as I can fix whatever needs to be done, but as I am looking to find one in the south west( no rust),it has to be able to be driven across the continent. I will make a list of what to check for from your video and let you know what treasure I find. Cheers and keep up the good work
outstanding information! used this info when I went shopping for my daughters first car; found 2 cars had major issues based on the information here-actually then talked with the owners and sure enough, they knew they had problems but were hoping to sell it to someone and let them have the problem...
At his is fantastic I been driving Volvo car for quite some time ...I never thought about those instructions means those facts..now I learned from a well educated man like you. . I personally thank you for your good teaching.....
Absolutely outstanding! I have been working on these Volvos for about 15 years and I have never seen better explanation of its weaknesses and symptoms!
Jim Rollins Thank you for watching Jim.
@@RobertDIY i found a s70 with no key is it hard to get a new one made???
Just bought a 1998 S70 with 136,000 miles. It is my first car ever and these videos are precisely what I need to learn how to take care of this car.
+Dualhammers Very nice. Thanks for watching. Hope it serves you well. - ua-cam.com/video/-2oIeIhpV44/v-deo.html
I just bought one from the same year (glt) with about 160k on the dash three months ago, i’m curious if you still have yours and what all you’ve had to service on it
I also bought one, A 1998 2.5 SE. Actually have some questions but i dont know if anyone could answer some.
I know this video is 2 yrs old. Thank you for taking the time to educate everyone on what to look for in purchasing a used Volvo. I have a 2000 S70, and I know most people do not keep their cars for 16 years. I had to replace my A/C evaporator last year and it was very labor intensive. The entire dash had to be removed. I was able to prolong the inevitable since a mechanic had told me to always keep the fan on, just on low. I had already replaced the A/C compressor years ago. I have 158K miles and I have an "old fashioned" mechanic who is honest. The other issue you need to look at when buying a used Volvo, is the exhaust system. Volvo doesn't sell it in parts, it is all or nothing. My mechanic just welded my catalytic converter but this will be the last time he can do a quick fix. I have a hole developing in my tailpipe and once that is bad, I will have to spend the $1,700 to replace the exhaust system.
I've asked around if it would be wise to invest $2,000 into a 16 yr old car and the answer has been yes by most people who know my car and Volvo in general. If I bought another used car, I'd be possibly buying someone else's problems.
I researched older model Camry's (a popular car) and found that some people replaced their catalytic converters more than once and the price was slightly less than that of a Volvo.
I am not a mechanic and freak out when something goes wrong on my car. I have not replaced many things. 2 yrs ago I replace the original starter. I've had American made truck before this and I can't tell you how many starters, oxygen sensors, alternators, etc. that I replaced. If a Volvo is maintained, it should last up to 400K miles.
Lastly, if you read or get a chance to look at a CarFax, it is important to note the number of owners. I'd be hesitant to buy a car with more than 2 owners. A friend purchased a Volvo wagon and at first glance, it appeared to be a great car for little money. It was a bad investment and it had 5 owners.
Again, thank you Robert for posting the videos.
Wade
+G W Grote thanks for sharing.
Wade, I think with older Volvos, Your talking about in many respects a love of the Volvo design and styling. For one person that does distance driving, chances are they upgraded to newer low miles Volvos rather than continue to repair their old model.
But yes when one falls in love with the Volvo, you buy an older model knowing that often some replairs have not been done.
At about the 3:30 mark, I decided to start taking notes. This man is an inspector with a detailed report.
Thanks for watching
I bought my 95 850 turbo for 2000$ not knowing that my pcv system was bad, my ac wasn't working, and the turbo hoses were cracked. I installed a new pcv system myself and replaced all my turbo hoses myself and recharged my ac too. Saved myself about the cars worth in repair. It now runs like a champ
Good deal
luis garcia need help buying one today !
Haha you sound like Slim Pickins off Dr Strangelove....great video by the way.
Glad I know how to service all of those issues myself! There is no way I would pay so much money to have a shop install a $30 Head Gasket. I mean, it's a day job on an inline engine! I would gladly give up my day to save $5,000!
I know this is hella late but I won't pay that much either. Dad used to be a mechanic so he can tell me what to got to get the job done
If they're aluminium block , you need to have both the head and the block planed. Removing the block and stripping all internet components that is not a 1 day job.
Of course any bozo can unbolt the head, scrotbright the surfaces, put a gasket and reassemble in a day, but that gasket won't last.
shodanxx ; CAN YOU name those Internet components that need to be stripped? Modem? WiFi router? Man those old Volvo’s are ahead of their time eh?
I have a 1994 850 turbo and i tell you it seems simple to rebuild but maybe i am better off selling off all these engine parts or part by part to have enough cash to buy a. V70 or an all whell drive cross country ? Anyone know how i could do that?
@@metaljew4456 hahahaha
I really like this guy. He has the right mixture of simplicity of presentation while preserving the delivery of a lot of information. Good job! I wish my car looked as nice as yours. The gloss coat on my paint is coming off and it looks terrible.
+Al Bishop Clear coat peal is hard to deal with. Thanks for watching.
I rarely heard a man speak American English so beautifully. That's the accent that should be taught in schools across the globe.
Thanks for your kind words and for watching.
9 years later and this video is still super helpful, thank you. Planning on buying a 2000 volvo glt se tommorow!
nice
I agree, this is one of the best videos on presale inspections! I do not own a Volvo but have fallen in love with a 2008 V70 that is being sold through a used car dealer so no records are available. This will be my business and pleasure vehicle and This video has increased my knowledge and potential confidence level in doing a prepurchase inspection. Timeless video, thank you!!
Oh, I will call around and get 2024 pricing as I know this video was created before the nationwide inflation!!
My grandmother bought a new 240 in 1987 In 07 i bought it off her. 2017 im still driving it. Iv put 3 timing belts on myself. About to do a 4th because im about to take a over 3000 mile vacation trip. Love this car.
+Charles Graham I use to run my red block belts 75,000. About every 2-1/2 years.
Robert, you are the Volvo Zen Master. Thanks for all of your videos.
+Devin Miller thanks. You are welcome.
I was about to buy one today but then I tried the rubber glove trick - no compression, also the coolant level was higher when I came back from testdrive.. thank you for the video totally wouldn't recognized the issues without you!❤
No compression? What's that mean?
@@RobertDIY *did not suck the glove in, not my first language sorry 😅
Thanks for the awesome video. Usually ride a scooter to work, but wanted a rainy day car. Just bought a '96 850 wagon. Paid a few hundred dollars for it from a coworker. 136k miles. Has some front end damage but still runs like a champ. Glad I found your videos. Thank you very much!!
TheSavvySwede Very nice. Thanks for watching. - ua-cam.com/video/-2oIeIhpV44/v-deo.html
Im a car guy and this comment triggers Me..
This is like watching Volvo porn I can't stop
LOL
newton raymond LMFAO
God bless you Robert for uploading this video. I'm thinking to buy a 850 and this is gonna come in handy :-). As a matter of a fact these instructions also apply to a wider range of manufacturers.
Yes they do.
+Robert DIY Thanks. I see you have a lot of other videos regarding Volvo. Keep up the good work :)
Kaktus Jack jn
I own a 99 s70 and I've gone through issues with trying to work on it and get it inspected. I just saw that a 97 850r is for sale down the road from my house. This video is kinda scaring me with the prices lol because I really want it xD.
Hello Robert. Thank you Sir! Your videos made recently purchasing a '96 850R a much easier decision and saved me several hundred dollars. I found one with 85k miles and now know what needs to be done and what to be aware of. All of your videos were of great help and very informative. After owning Buicks' and Chevys', I never thought I would own a Volvo. Yet, Its a quick, well built car. Thanks Again!
+Kirk Norris very nice. Thanks for watching.
+Robert DIY: In the future, If it is no trouble, I would like to ask you for advice. Right now the airbag SRS light came on and will not shut off.
chris broussard's dad out here making these helpful videos, thanks guy
Very valuable information. I plan to purchase a 1999 V70r and this video has prepared me much better than I was before. Great job brother.
+Willie Caldwell You're welcome.
Wow! Great video, Robert. I own a 2001 V70 non-turbo with 258k+ miles which I inherited from my ex and sold off my Lexus E300. It was a really hard decision. It has been serviced by the dealer until a year or so ago when I found an honest, independent mechanic who has saved me a ton of money - just hard getting him to find time to do the work, and these videos give me some peace of mind so I know what's going on and how much things should cost. The Volvo dealer has been charging me a bit more for doing some of these repairs than as stated in the video. I figure on spending a couple thousand or more every year to maintain it, which is still way less than having a car payment. Looking forward to getting another 1/4 million miles with the old girl! Super encouraged to hear you've done so much cross country driving. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for watching
If he gave you a volvo he shouldn't be your ex!! Just joking if there's one thing I've learned in my 24 years its that volvos will outlive most relationships haha
Hello Mr Robert. I Carolyn. I have a 1998 Volvo Wagon with 200,00 plus miles. And I love it. It runs great. I like to pamper any car that I have. So I thought I see what information I could get to help me keeping it running good. Watching your video of the 5 top things/ extras was great. Thanks so much. Very beneficial.
Carolyn Canady Good deal. Thanks for watching.
I'm looking into buying a Volvo, and though i have quite a bit of experience with cars, it is nice to hear the specific problems for which to keep an eye out for. I did not expect for you to go into such detail and i believe more videos like this should be circulated. Thank You!
Thanks for watching.
Very informative. I had an 850 as one of my first cars 10+ years ago... I miss that tank!
LOL, what are you driving now?
Robert DIY Daily drivers: Ford Fiesta ST, Fiat Abarth, getting rid of whichever sells first though.
Nice.
Your videos are the best. Helped me with my 940 and even now when i'm considering buying a T5 S70, this video is gold.
you are welcome.
Thank you, I wanna be well armed when I go shopping. U have provided me with sufficient understanding so I can be more aware of what to look for and not be too easily fooled and have some bargaining backup info..Again THANKS a bunch!!!
Joaney Batchler You are welcome. Hope things go well.
Hi Robert, doubt you will see this since this video is 10 years old, but thank you so much for these videos. I am 20 year old, and just bought myself a 600$ 1998 v70 t5 as my first car. I didn't see this video before buying it, but thankfully the owner I bought it from had taken great care of it, the low price being from the exterior condition of the car, as his son wanted to repaint it, but abandoned after sanding it down. Your channel is a gold mine, and I am watching every video about the v70 to learn about my new car. Thank you again
You are welcome
ua-cam.com/video/-2oIeIhpV44/v-deo.htmlsi=nIo0DF8V4XFMsJlM
ua-cam.com/video/IE3d-pf2aAY/v-deo.htmlsi=gRLuqUtI7x7YEkaD
Simply amazing. Clear and substantive. An excellent communicator / instructor. A pleasure to watch. Thank you.
+Robert F. Thank you for watching
One of - if not *the* best resource for V70 DIY on the net. Outstanding effort - well known and often quoted in the worldwide community of brick drivers. Keep it running, Robert. And thank you very much.
Thanks for the kind words and for your support. 🙏🏾
I'm considering one of these legendary vehicles and I'm SO glad I found your channel, top man!
Thanks for watching
Thanks for the upload Robert.
I have a '98 V70 Torslanda with ONLY 123,000 miles on the clock. It's the low power 10 valve 2.5 litre, but it still impresses me with its power and handling qualities.
I've had it for approaching six years, and have no plans or need to replace it.
It's supremely comfortable, fast, does 30+mpg on a run, and has never let me down.
I love my V70.
;o)
+SarkyBugger Very nice. Glad it's holding up for you.
I feel a lot smarter after watching this... thanks!
handymandan100 Good deal. Thanks for watching.
Thank you for the honesty and non-biased review, I greatly appreciate that especially in these modern times I think now you have convinced me to purchase an older S70 that looks really nice and has been properly maintained as I can do some maintenance things myself
Hope you find a decent one. 👍🏾
*** dankjewel, gozer ***
R-Dude :)
Thats Dutch for "thanks, dude."
You just saved my ass. I'm a total goof on car-tech, but i'm handy and i got a keen mind, so i checked your vid, did all the test, and turns out the T5-R that i had in mind, was indeed a total turn-down. It checked on 4/5 o/t things. Had gasket, airco, valve stem seals and PVC all not good, so thanks for savin me some very bad feelings. Car I looked up is currently stated in Netherlands, so if any of you guys is thinkin' bout buyin a car up north, gimme a shout, i'll hook you up with the 4-11.
Cheers from sunny Amsterdam.
You are welcome.
I just purchased a 99 Volvo S70 yesterday with 55K miles (one owner, garage kept it's entire life in NYC). I watched this video three times, read about common faults and made a checklist using this video as the foundation to my inspection guide. It passed all the major inspection points plus other issues. Thank you, Robert! Oh, I'm commenting using my wife's computer.
+Anastasia Kudrashova lol, do watch the post purchase video.
we watched it together. the car is in such great shape, but we'll have to have a shop replace the timing belt (and water pump since the cover will be off ) in about 15k miles. I also watched the front strut replacement video, and it seems pretty straight forward, so I might consider doing that myself around the same time. Would you recommend installing the strut support bar you have on your 850?--I see lots of photos of engine bays with that same equipment. you rock!
Not really, unless you take corners hard.
This is a keeper Robert! All good info, I can always rely on you! Thanks
You are welcome.
This video is old, but wow! What a resource! Thank you sir!
You're welcome!
a friend of mine had a clogged up engine like you mentioned. when i pulled the dipstick it flew up sky high cause of all the pressure that was building up haha.
+BoraBora yikes!
Planning on buying a V70 2.5TDI in about a month and I'm really happy that I stumbled upon your videos! Thank you!
+Deividas Gedgaudas Thanks for watching.
Hi Robert. I'm going to look at a '94 T5 wagon tomorrow.
This video was just what I needed.
Cheers.
I am happy to own a '96 850 T-5 since 2010. Purchased for 1500$.
I knew from the beginning, that I will keep this car as long as possible.
Thats why I "invested" some money to (for example) change the timing belt and the Head gasket, had cost me 1500$ both together. In the mean while I changed suspensions, Brakes etc.
I have now over 250.000 Miles on it. And it's still running like a new car!
I have reached the top speed again this summer (240km/h, about 150mph).
I may have already known the most of the typical 850 issues (A/C Clutch),
but this vid of yours does exactly what it should: To warn people and help test and fix the issues. Very usefull informations! Thank you Robert!
UA-cam needs more videos like this one!
+blitzgreek Thank you for watching.
Thank you Robert! I have found alot of your videos very helpful to keep my surf wagon rolling. god bless you!
Thanks for this video. Tentatively considering 850 ownership after a pretty bad experience with an S70. This type of real world knowledge really helps.
Well said!
Is it possible to replace a timing belt and pcv system yourself? And if so is there any like tuning or other add ons I should do later once replaced? I have a 1995 volvo 850 t5r I purchased a while back, and I have an oil leak near my exhaust headers, any tips? Thank you for your time loved this video!
best tip video ever seen on UA-cam about anything. Robert gets straight to the points that are relevant without nonsense and even instructs without complications. Thks sharing such important informations.
You are welcome.
Robert.....you are awesome!!!!! Thanks for the tips, I purchased a V70 last fall just thinking I was going to keep it as a work car....and it turned out to be the best vehicle I have ever owned. I drive into Canada from Ohio once a month. Not only is this car a beast, but it saves me a considerable amount of money especially since I went full synthetic. I'm currently having some issues with my suspension due to the bad Ohio roads....should I look I go for a total suspension upgrade, or replace what's needed?
Shawn P I suggest you replace what you need in pairs. I would do rear shocks and front assemblies with strut mounts & spring seats. Thanks for watching.
Interesting stuff to know, even though I've owned a '99 V70 for five years now, and a '99 S70 for the last four, and guess what? The first jobs I got done were the cam belts on both cars! The S70 has about 85'000 miles (still a juvenile!) and the V70 has about 256'000 miles. As my dad always used to say "Look after your car, and your car will look after you . . . . ".
Love your videos, Robert, and thank you from the UK.
Thanks for watching and sharing.
owner of a 95 850 turbo wagon 140k miles
love the car hate the up keep.....
+k piety They are great cars but 21 years old, they do need care.
Robert, your videos are so helpful, they have helped me do a lot of minor things on my old volvo and now that I want another one I decided to look over your videos before I buy a wagon-you are heaven sent! Thank you!
+jinny cherry you are welcome.
+jinny cherry you are welcome.
Thx man, that covers a lot... Proud former owner of an '06 S80 (P2).
Extremely helpful video. Thanks Robert! I just purchased a 1998 Volvo S70 w/ 355,000 miles! It is in ridiculously good condition given the mileage. Not even a door ding! Paint is in excellent condition. I did your PCV glove check on the oil cap. A ziploc sandwich bag w/ rubber band works good if you can't find a disposable rubber glove. The system was indeed clogged up causing the baggie to fill up and the smoke coming out of the dipstick. I'm pretty sure this system was original so I chalked it up to needed long term maintenance. Somehow it passed CA emissions with a clogged PCV. Also did the timing belt kit w/ water pump since there were no records of that EVER being done. Again, maintenance. Outside of that all they did was replace the thermostat, replace the coolant, oil change, and new oil and air filters. The thing runs like a top. Zero leaks. Tranny seems to work just fine. $1,500 cost. $2,300 in hard maintenance costs at local mechanic. $3,800 total investment.
+JuggyGales1977 thanks for watching. Glad to hear that it's running well.
Very good sir! Well done and spoken. i got smarter of this :)
Thanks again Robert, this will save me lots of unnecessary heartache. Valuable information.
John Spannbauer True, thanks for watching.
Well done sir! Very informative video!
Thanks for watching.
THANK YOU SO MUCH MR. ROBERT FOR THIS HOW TO VIDEO!! I am considering purchasing a Volvo convertible and happened to have ran across your video, and so glad I did!! I have just adopted you as my virtual mechanic!!!
For us women who don't know much about mechanics of a vehicle or don't have a personal mechanic, this was so very helpful!!! I cannot say thank you enough as this will help me negotiate a better deal on the Volvo I'm considering purchasing.
I clicked like and subscribe!!
Thanks again!!
Thank you for watching. 🙌🏾
Outstanding video thanks for sharing
You are welcome.
Tks so much robert. Purchased a 94 850t and have had to do several repares already. Your expertise has made these repairs so much easier than just diving in. Your awesome !!
You are welcome.
Steeeeeeering rack! Big issues with a leak out of the tie rod seal!
Yes, so is a bad fuel pump on the AWD cars but it's not a common issue.
Robert DIY I paid a shop to replace my power steering rack. Parts and labor $800. The rack has failed again after only two thousand miles from the same place, the left tie rod seal. I have to replace it again as it's out of warranty. Who makes a good power steering rack? This will be $1,600 once I pay for the second time. Thank you
1998 v70 t5
Haha! 2022, used leak stop for 3 years, not perfect, but not bad.
Robert - I just want to say thank you very much for all the time you spend making these videos.
Was out buying an 1994 Volvo 850 T5 today and because of this video i was able to negotiate a very good price for the car which btw was in a really good shape despite the age.
Good deal. Congratulations.
Top things to check before buying a Volvo: YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
just kidding lol
+DoctorBoost LOL
hahahaha you are right
If this YMH check fails, does that mean I buy a Volvo ?
I'm going to look at a nice used V70 R today, much more confident thanks to this awesome video, which I have been watching for months! Thank you, Robert!
you are welcome.
Hey mr robert. I just wanna say thank you for spending quality time to share these information. My dad had these when i was younger and im planning to buy one soon.
With that said, thanks abunch i hope god grants you wealth and health.
Ali,from Malaysia
Thank you very much.
Thanks I'm looking at a 1993 model, owned by a mechanic today. Very helpful...
You are welcome.
Me and my brother are using one of these as a mobile mechanic work vehicle. It a 96 850 wagon 5 speed. We’ve been racking miles on my 12 Civic and decided to learn stick to use it. It’s more useable for that anyway. This video will be a big help to know what we need to watch for
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Great video - right to the point with no rambling and repetition --- thanks.
Thanks for watching.
I just finished replacing the accelerator cable on a '98 Volvo base model. Thanks to your video, it prepared the work and made it relatively easy. Great, simple explanation...
Awesome!
Top work Mate ! , Very informative in-depth explanation of the problems with these great vehicles 🇦🇺
Glad you enjoyed it
Robert, thanks for all the information. I had a '96 850 for 17 years then the head gasket blew. Loved that car! Now have a '98 V70, wish I knew some of this info before I bought it. But the thing about Volvos, they are built to last like no other car if taken care of properly. It can be expensive if you have to have someone else work on it for you, but the parts last longer than american cars and with proper instruction, there are many things you can do yourself. Keep up the great work, need your clear and concise directions. Thanks again!
Thanks for watching.
You are such a rad guy, Robert. I've ran into countless problems on my 99 S70 throughout my 3.5 yrs owning it- small and large. I've replaced/fixed my ABS module, door panels, door handles, locking mechanisms, the entire dash (TWICE), intsrument panel bulbs, radiator, cal seal, etc. I could go on and on..... If it weren't for your videos or help on the MVS forum, I don't know what I'd do.
Ashlee Naccarato Sorry to hear that you have so many minor issues but glad you've been able to find help to guide you through fixing things and saving you money. Thanks for watching.
After listening to you I'm not so scared of my S70...I'm terrified, lol. Fortunately I've a neighbor or two that are mechanical and a bit tech savvy. I'm taking your advice and going through the vehicle, hoping all is not too bad. Thanks Robert.
LOL You are welcome.
Awesome video. Comprehensive, concise and precise. It also talked me out of buying a used Volvo. Thanks Robert!
You are welcome
Thanx, I'm getting involvo-ed with my friend's 850 repairs lately.
You are helping ppl out a lot...RESPECT U 4 IT!
Thanks for watching
Wife has an 850. Looking at buying one myself tomorrow, thanks for all the great hints on what to look for!
groundskeeper 52 Thanks for watching.
Well done. Excellent presentation. My youthful Ford/GM mechanic days are long past, but I know when somebody “knows.” you give good, easy-to-follow descriptions and cautions that anyone with a bit of DIY can handle. The fact that you can simplify things down like that means you are both expert in the topic and a professional in delivery. Thanks for the video and especially for the caution at the end.
Thanks for the kind words and for watching.
Always loved the Volvo 340/360 440/460 and 850 models.... thanks for promoting these quality cars Robert DIY.... great videos always enjoy watching them.
Cool, thanks for watching.
This guy aint no joke. He knows his stuff.
thanks for watching.
thankyou for another 5 star video :)
my PCV went bad this summer, from not burning ~any oil to about a month later I was under minimum, a real shock and painfull drive home to fill up 2 Liters (oil stick min to max is 1,5L) when I pulled the oil stick smoke came out, $850 at Volvo dealer to change PCV, crank case and oil catcher (they said they put in a new upgraded model that last longer)
I will do these checks when buying my next car :)
Pontus Åkesson Ouch! Glad you found the problem.
This guy does a good job of explaining some basic car check out items.
Thanks for watching
Excellent job. Video and explanations are thorough and slow enough for green guys like myself to understand and feel comfortable going forward and checking out this vehicle for purchase. Much appreciated Robert DIY!
Thanks for watching.
Glad you get so much positive feedback as it's richly deserved, excellent clear instruction from a guy clearly gifted & able in the art of educating & helping others. Many thanks and very best wishes from an appreciative Volvo fan in Scotland.
Thanks for watching
THANK YOU, Robert. You answered my question right at the beginning - INTERFERENCE ENGINE. I got rid of my Honda Goldwing motorcycle for that same reason. As you say, if the timing belt goes then so does your engine. That's all I need to know to pass on a local buy for a Volvo 850. As I watch the rest of the video and you keep saying how expensive all these different repairs are, it makes me wonder why you like to specialize in the Volvo. I see in the right hand column that you have another video explaining that so I'll jump over and view that video now.
LOL, The constant tinkering keeps me out of trouble.
Great tips! I love my 1996 850R and my 2002 V70 XC. The 850R is a wolf in sheeps clothing. A great little car! The V70XC is all wheel drive and goes around corners really well. They're both wagons and very versatile.
Thanks for sharing. You're videos are awesome!
Thanks for watching and sharing.
I absolutely love my p80. Had the tensioner pulley fail in the timing while i was driving so i've been doing a somewhat costly repair. Got a used engine since the pistons were pretty badly dinged up and a hammer was dropped on my head. Your videos have been amazing.
ouch
@@RobertDIY you got that right lol
Just went to look at a very nice condition 95 850, the glove blew up instantly and droplets of oil flying up! Not too long ago I wouldn't have known to check that, thank you!
You are welcome
Thank you for the information. I watched this video just before inspecting a very nice looking volvo 24o that appeared to be in excellent condition that was being sold by a volvo mechanic shop for a out of state customer. There was fresh oil all over the oil pan, bell housing, passenger side of engine and on valve cover. There was pressure blowing out of oil cap. The Volvo mechanic told me that it was suppose to blow out and not suck in and all to do to the pcv system was to clean the flame trap and nothing else. Your information helped me make a decision. Thank you
You're welcome. Red block engines are different, very different. The PCV system is a lot easier to deal with, however they do have an oil trap box that can be cleaned or replaced. Besides that, if you are trying to sell a car, it should not be blowing oil out all over the place. lol
Looking at a 1996 Volvo GLT tomorrow will keep all this information written and ready to check off. Thank you for making this video.
+dzcafe you are welcome.
Thank You Robert!
I own a 98 S78 and it's a great car! It's a 5 speed too, very rare. If the sales numbers I saw are correct, there were only 50 made that year. Needles to say, I cherish it! I love my volvo. It's been a great car since we got it in 2012. Very reliable Daily driver. A few maintenance issues inside due to old age but anyways, peppy, safe and comfortable. You've given me a great place to start on refurbishing my Volvo.
Thank you sir.
+Serge Conus man, there were a lot more 5 speeds than that made. Is it a T5? Thanks for watching.
It's the regular non turbo s70
Lots and lots of those.
Sir, this is the most informative straight to the point easy to watch automotive tips video I have ever watched. Thank You My Man
Thank You So Much!
you are welcome.
Glad I found this guy. He seems very knowledgeable and encouraging
Thanks for watching
Great video. I was able to pick up a great 1996 volvo 850 turbo for 600 dollars, which needed a little work on the brakes and radiator, but now it is running perfectly.
Ryan Hall Sweet. Volvo's are almost timeless so you can drive it as long as you'd like.
Thanks, walked away from a buy because of this today, surely saved me some money
Thanks for watching
Robert, Very thorough. I have done many of these repairs including the heater core. It is impossible to cover all of the nuances. Replacing the oil cap gasket (Rubber washer) can prevent back engine dribble and keep the top of the motor and spark plug covers clean.
Robert Casey That is true. Thanks for watching.
Great video - another example of how important it is to perform proper maintenance on ANY car, and failure to do so can cost in excess of $10k in this example. Maintain it properly and it'll run forever and cost a lot less.
Thanks for watching.
I really enjoyed this video. Informative, good pace and no nonsense. Robert knows every nut and bolt on that car. Great to see a fellow Volvo enthusiast.
Thanks for watching.
Robert's videos have been EXTREMELY helpful to me as a new 1996 Volvo owner. I am very grateful. Always very clear and exactly what you need to know! Thanks, DW
ua-cam.com/video/-2oIeIhpV44/v-deo.html
Thanks for watching.
God sent! Pure love and wisdom plus reliable skilled craftsman! What a simple but super detailed video. Thanks a lot for saving us plenty of time and helping us prevent hassles. Thanks and keep safe
thanks for the kind words and for watching.
This is a great channel me and my mom own Volvos and it's nice to see someone giving good advice about them
Glad you like them!
Thanks Robert, very informative. I am now in the market for exactly one of those Volvo models. A friend of mine has 2 850 wagons, both with more than 500,000 kms. He never had any major problems, I replaced the clutch on one of them. Very robust even in the rust hell of Montreal Canada. MY 98 Jetta TDI engine now has more than 490,000 kms but I feel it's time to move on to something safer ( much respect for my GF!) and a little larger. I am hoping to find one that needs one or two issues to get it cheap as I can fix whatever needs to be done, but as I am looking to find one in the south west( no rust),it has to be able to be driven across the continent. I will make a list of what to check for from your video and let you know what treasure I find. Cheers and keep up the good work
Cool, thanks for watching.
Sound advice! I'm thinking of buying a V70 and these are the things I need to know. Thanks Robert!
You are welcome.
outstanding information! used this info when I went shopping for my daughters first car; found 2 cars had major issues based on the information here-actually then talked with the owners and sure enough, they knew they had problems but were hoping to sell it to someone and let them have the problem...
+Jordan Bankit LOL, they usually spill the beans if you listen long enough. I usually get those cars real cheap.
At his is fantastic I been driving Volvo car for quite some time ...I never thought about those instructions means those facts..now I learned from a well educated man like you. . I personally thank you for your good teaching.....
ua-cam.com/video/ZqdHDqGKYV0/v-deo.html
Thanks for watching.