I have a S70 '99, my wife loves it.  It is a very pretty car, drives
well, good stereo, dual ac/heat control ( more important than you know),
comfortable on long trips.

We paid $9k for ours w 80k miles

j.

Bo,

I don't own this model, but have been looking.  Here's what I've been told:

1. The non-turbo has adequate performance, without the turbo
maintenance/replace expense around 100k (your mileage may vary :).
2. 1998 is a good year for S70, general statistics-wise, for fewer problems.
3. It's a luxury car, be ready to pay the price with regular maintenance
from a qualified provider.  This means the expensive dealer, or if you are
lucky to find a truly experienced Volvo mechanic who works independently.
I.e., Bubba's cousin down the street probably does not qualify.

Unless there's something wrong with this car, it should last as long as you
want it, and then some.  Highly recommend that you take the car for a very
inexpensive pre-purchase inspection by a qualified Volvo mechanic.  They
should confirm for you if the bumper scuffs are only cosmetic, or not, plus
give a thorough inspection of all the mechanicals.  The notion that little
old ladies' cars are good used car opportunities is a myth.

Pat

In an earlier contribution to this discussion,

It *might* be a bargain - but be a *bit* careful!

I'm not quite sure what you'd need to do to an S70 to get through a set of
brake pads in 26,000 miles (*and* require the discs to be skimmed)! Is the
mileage genuine? Has this old lady owned it from new, or could it have been
"clocked"?

If the mileage *is* genuine, she has probably done a lot of short journeys -
where the engine has not had time to warm up properly - resulting in a lot
more wear than you would otherwise expect at this mileage. If she has made a
habit of bashing the corners, what *else* has she done to it? [I assume it's
probably an automatic transmission? If it's a manual, the clutch and gearbox
has probably had a bashing!]

As someone else has suggested, you should have it expertly inspected by
someone who knows what to look for.

I have to agree with the question about the brakes needing doing at that
mileage.  Is it worth checking for further signs that it has done more
miles, such as seat wear, etc.  My V70 has done 26k & pads & discs are still
original.  I would expect an old lady to have treated hers much better.  Buy
in haste, repent at leisure...