As long-time Volvo fans, this 1998 Volvo S90 is a rather intriguing find. The last of the rear-wheel drive Volvos are in our opinion, some of the best cars the brand ever built. They were durable, ergonomic, and uniquely Swedish. We’ve owned a few 240s, 740s, and 940s, but we’ve yet to experience an S90. That’s likely due simply to the fact that there aren’t many around. These were the very last rear-wheel-drive cars Volvo would build and they were jamb packed with luxury features, but it seems most Volvo buyers at the time were more interested in the 850 series and its more budget-friendly price tag. This example looks to be in nice condition, especially given its mileage, and is ready to be enjoyed. You can find it in Denton, Texas, and is being offered here as a Barn Finds Auction.
The S90 name was used just for a brief time, ’96-’98, then revived in 2012 to be used on Volvo’s flagship sedan. It was an odd move to rename the vehicle so close to the end of production, but the brand was trying to standardize its naming conventions. Prior to being an S90 (or V90 in wagon form), this car would have been labeled as a 960, which was just an updated and slightly restyled 740. The biggest differences were under the hood and inside the cabin. Gone was the venerable B230 series engine, and in its place you’ll find Volvo’s modular engine in six-cylinder form. While the 2.9-liter inline-six isn’t as beloved as the B230, it’s a good engine that provides solid performance. With 181 horsepower, it’s on par with the turbocharged B230, but without the complications associated with a turb0.
For a car with over 200k miles, you would not expect to find an interior in this nice of condition. It’s a testament to Volvo’s quality and to the care that’s been given to this example. It isn’t perfect inside, but the seats don’t show any tears or significant wear, the dash is crack-free, and the original sound system is present and working. The worst issues we see are wavy seat pipping, sun-faded carpets, and failed steering wheel wood. A trip to your local junkyard would likely yield the needed parts to make it perfect again, but honestly, this interior could be used as is. The seller notes that the air conditioning system doesn’t currently work, but all the original components are present. They also note there is some minor hail damage on the roof and hood, but overall the exterior presents well.
If you’ve been thinking about joining the Volvo Club, you really can’t go wrong with any of the rear-wheel-drive models. They are durable, easy to service, and unique. The 240 might be the Volvo that gets all the attention these days, but the end-of-the-line cars are far more refined, offer better performance, and are just as quirky. So, be sure to give this example a closer look and cast your high bid if you’d love to make it yours.
- Location: Denton, Texas
- Mileage: 213,595
- Engine: 2.9 Liter 24-Valve Inline Six
- Transmission: Automatic
- VIN: YVlKS9604W1140841
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
Louie bid $1,150.00 2023-07-02 09:55:59- RoadTripRevivals bid $1,050.00 2023-07-01 20:26:34
- jocky1 bid $950.00 2023-06-30 18:00:24
- RoadTripRevivals bid $850.00 2023-06-30 14:30:35
- Louie bid $750.00 2023-06-30 14:06:31
- P@ku bid $400.00 2023-06-29 01:24:12
- Brandon Burck bid $200.00 2023-06-27 16:15:55
I had a 97 that came from a Capt. In the army who had it in storage while he was deployed until 2005. Traded in on a new Ford. It only had 40k miles on it when I bought it from the dealership. One of the finest vehicles I’ve ever owned. Low cost maintenance and never had any issues with it. Drove it and kept the oil changed, tires rotated and brakes replaced. It had well in excess of 300k on it when I got rid of it. Wasn’t afraid to take it anywhere even after the mileage bump. Nice sporty looking sedan, that didn’t lose it’s style. Need more cars like this in today’s market.
I like this car but then again I drive a Silver 98 S70 but they are rugged, durable and comfortable cars. Even at its current mileage it still has another 100K or more left to go.
I inherited a 1997 Volvo S 90 that was purchased new by my father . It is a gorgeous nautical blue with tan leather and runs like a swiss watch at about 135K miles. Even though it is now 26 years old, it drives like a dream and everything works ( except the sunroof). This is the ultimate Volvo in my opinion.
Has the timing belt been changed recently? How old are the tires?
The Dot code on the Pirelli reads- 1213.Very little wear on these tires because the car has been sitting. Timing Chain is good, belts have been replaced.
Thanks for the quick response. I’m pretty sure that this vehicle has a timing belt, not a chain, and the belt has to be replaced periodically – so when was the timing belt changed?
I agree the 5 cylinders were the best. I had an 850 T5 and now have an S70 T5 Mine had sat in a garage for 2 years undriven due to a medical mishap that I had. I called a towing company to have it towed out and brought into a shop to get it running again. The guy from the towing company brought out his charge pack hooked it up and it started on the 3rd try after sitting for 2 years and idled smoothly.
Is this an interference engine? What was the milage when the T-Belt was changed? I like this Volvo, lotsa miles, may be worth a gamble.
This 98 S90 has been in my possession for about 4 years, I personally have never changed the ‘ t-belt’ or have had to perform any other major mechanical issues. The a/c has never worked but all original parts are intact. The previous owner owed it for approximately 15 years , he told me it put his daughter through college. The car was well maintained by Daves Foreign Car Service here in Denton tx, a shop that was in business since 1985 and was well loved and respected but unfortunately no longer active due to retirement. On Daves Facebook page I found a comment where he emphasized the changing of this ‘ t-belt’ to avoid future trouble. Unfortunately, I do not know how to locate Dave but he knows this car. – That’s all I got-
Timing belt kits are very straightforward on these, 30 min if you’ve changed it before, an hour if you’re meticulous and spend time cleaning up the area. Mr. Perrin can probably confirm the condition of the belt, ease of access and visibility make it a non issue. Another plus for these “analog” Volvos are the metal replacement parts vs today’s plastic. Other owners who have commented here can probably attest to that as well.