'98 V70 Exhaust Noise

[Bill]

I rescently bought a 98 V70 (my first Volvo) and I really enjoy the
car. After driving it for awhile I noticed that the exhaust (or engine)
noise it just a tad loud. The sound is throaty and resonant so I don't
mind it much but it seems to be more noticable to my wife. Is this just
characteristic of this car or should I replace the muffler?

 

[Inno]

It is not typical at all. My 98 V70 is very quiet. I still have the
orginal exhaust system after 204K but when I had an exhaust noise last
year it turned out to be the flexible coupler between the manifold and
the exhaust system - much more expensive than a simple muffler
replacement unfortunately.

Any muffler shop will put your car on a hoist and show you where it is
leaking.