Info required on 98 S70 T5

[Bernie Brown]

I'm considering buying a 98 S70 T5 with 89,000 kms on it. It's a 5 speed
with all of the regular features - leather, sunroof, etc. It appears to be
in great shape, all over, with the exception of a small scrape on the rear
bumper (the plastic coating is actually scraped off in an area that is about
2 X 3 inches in size - the car is black and this does not show very much). I
drove it and it seems to work fine - shifts and steers great but the turbo
lag drove me a bit crazy. What are some things that I should be concerned
about with this vehicle? I am planning on taking it into the local dealer to
have it checked, if I get really serious about the car. Thanks in advance.

 

[AB]

Main things to watch are:

If it has a fly by wire throttle (I think this only applies to 99 models but
if its a late 98 perhaps it applies) they have a habit of suffering a
throttle control module failure - cost about US$1000 to sort out but it will
possibly do it again in about the same mileage (usually between 100-200k
kms). It there is a mechanical cable to the throttle no problems there.
T5's are hard on brakes so check the condition of the discs. Not expensive
but a negotiating point if they are worn.
All S70s suffer from collapsing upper strut mounts (usually around 120k kms
or so). Again not expensive but negotiating argument. Similarly they suffer
from sway bar links wearing. Cheap to fix but a negotiating point. Both
these problems result in noises from the front suspension.
There are a lot of posts about ABS units failing on 98MY cars and that can
be an expensive repair.
Earlier cars had a lot of Aircon problems which are also expensive to sort
but you are probably ok there.

Other than that look for the usual - oil leaks (especially around the clutch
housing as rear main seals are time consuming and expensive). Look for smoke
under acceleration and also on overrun. Excess smoke on overrun can indicate
a turbo on its way out (unlikely at that mileage unless its been caned).

As for the turbo lag, you do get used to it...

Al.

 

[Guest]

Main things to watch are:

If it has a fly by wire throttle (I think this only applies to 99 models but
if its a late 98 perhaps it applies) they have a habit of suffering a
throttle control module failure - cost about US$1000 to sort out but it will
possibly do it again in about the same mileage (usually between 100-200k
kms). It there is a mechanical cable to the throttle no problems there.
T5's are hard on brakes so check the condition of the discs. Not expensive
but a negotiating point if they are worn.
All S70s suffer from collapsing upper strut mounts (usually around 120k kms
or so). Again not expensive but negotiating argument. Similarly they suffer
from sway bar links wearing. Cheap to fix but a negotiating point. Both
these problems result in noises from the front suspension.
There are a lot of posts about ABS units failing on 98MY cars and that can
be an expensive repair.
Earlier cars had a lot of Aircon problems which are also expensive to sort
but you are probably ok there.

Other than that look for the usual - oil leaks (especially around the clutch
housing as rear main seals are time consuming and expensive). Look for smoke
under acceleration and also on overrun. Excess smoke on overrun can indicate
a turbo on its way out (unlikely at that mileage unless its been caned).

As for the turbo lag, you do get used to it...

All the above plus look very carefully for un even front tyre wear, and
pulling to one side (it should not) and be prepared that front tyres on a
manual T5 will only last 6-10,000miles, unless you drive it very gently!

Check the clutch for smooth take off and no juddering, also for no leaks
under the bell housing- the rear crank oil seal is a weakspot on all the 5
cylinders.

If indeed the turbo lag is very excessive, alittle can be done to improve it
by tightening the turbo wastegate, but only do this if you know what you;re
doing. Too much and the ECU will throw a fit.

Tim..