The search feature is your friend
Suzanne,
Congratulations on your new purchase. With a bit of regular maintenance, and the awareness that electrical issues seem to be the primary source of problems for newer cars, you will be well prepared to drive your 1998 XC for many years.
There are several enthusiastic people on this forum. However that does not mean that they visit every day, and read/reply to every thread. Even the most enthusiastic people have to take a break from repeating themselves to take a breath.
Your question has been a popular one on this forum, so it is reasonable that there are not many responses within the narrow 24-hour window to your specific question. Perhaps if you were to do a search on this forum using the phrase "new owner" or "newbie" or "purchase", you would find several instances where enthusiastic people have replied to similar questions.
You will find suggestions for having a qualified mechanic look the vehicle over before making a purchase, specific items on the car to check, suggestions for particular dealers to visit/avoid, and maybe even some local owners who might be willing to help you.
Try using the search function, and you might be amazed at what you will find. Then if that fails, start clicking on the previous pages and scanning the titles of posts that look interesting. Yes, it takes some time, but it will likely be less time than spent by the side of the road waiting for a repair that could easily have been avoided.
Some topics of interest to you will include:
-ABS module failure
-AWD system maintenance
-tire replacement
-repair history (timing belt, front upper spring perches, cabin air filter)
-ETM (although note that your 1998 does not have the flawed design part of the 1999 and later cars)
-recalls and upgrades, like the wiring harness to the headlights
-VOPLE system downloads
-spare keys and remotes
Good luck with your new car!
1999 XC70 Nautical blue/taupe, Cannondale Spica wheels, ipd skid plate (weekends)
1991 Alfa Romeo 164S (daily driver)
1967 Ford Mustang coupe (show car)
...and several other Italians ... (for fun)
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