46 of 50: Lisbeth: 1998 Volvo V70 T5 AWD
When we created “the list” we imagined Lisbeth being the sexy P2-chassis Volvo V70R. These could be had with a 6-spd manual, AWD and 300hp from a turbo inline five; what’s not to like? Unfortunately these are harder than we expected to find on only 24 hours notice. No tips for the exact model came in, and we couldn’t find one ourselves. We could wuss out and feature a 2007 automatic V70R for near $15k but we’d rather stick to the DT ethos of cheap, fun performance. Luckily this previous generation (850 based) V70 was submitted and it’s a damn nice car for the price. Find this 1998 Volvo V70 T5 5-spd for sale on craigslist in Boston, MA for $6950. Thanks to Arthur C. for the tip!
This isn’t an R model but the lower-output “B5234 T3” turbo inline five is pretty close. It made 237hp from 2.4 liters when new which is not too impressive these days, but in a lighter ’90s chassis and with a manual trans means it should scoot pretty well for a wagon. This one looks to have an intact interior, a rear facing 3rd row seat for the kiddies, working AC and a nice white body. It could stand to be detailed; merely polishing the haze out of the plastic headlight lenses would make a world of difference aesthetically. These V70 wagons are still depreciating and this is being listed by a dealer, so we’d suggest trying to haggle on price even though it is a rare, solid car.
Arthur C. says: “here’s a SUPER hard to find 1st gen v70 T5 manual. There were something like 250 (I’m rounding, but pretty sure it’s way less than 500) imported in 1998, and 1998 is the year to have. It’s not throttle by wire, way less electronics overall. I test drove it, it’s legit. Only 87K miles, very tight, and pulls great!”
If that’s not an enabling endorsement, we don’t know what is!
This feature is part of Daily Turismo’s birthday celebration of 50 cars in 24 hours.
Headlights in these cars are glass and sadly this car is now AWD. Check heater core, AC Evap core, and as always with a northeast car, check for rust. These cars like to hide it under the rocker(panel) covers towards the rear dog leg.
When test driving, open the hood and pull the oil dipstick at idle. If it puffs like a steam engine, you've just bought yourself some bargaining power – the PCV service on these cars is an intake-manifold-removing 2 hour job. If you don't pay close attention to the PCV, then you're looking at a rear main seal, which it makes sense to check at this mileage too. Also, at 87k, it's time for a timing belt service, so subtract $1200. Of course, if it's been done already, then add some of that $1200 back.
For close to $7k, all of the above problems should be addressed. If they're not, start chipping away, and read up on MVS / VS / SS (Volvo enthusiast sites) on how-to do. Most of these are driveway jobs, save the RMS.