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Volvo V70 / XC70
Please continue discussing the V70XC here.
Below is a link to the past discussion.
Volvo V70XC
Thanks!
KarenS
Wagons host
Below is a link to the past discussion.
Volvo V70XC
Thanks!
KarenS
Wagons host
0
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
Many XC owners have reported a loud, pulsating thump at roughly 7 hertz when one or both rear windows are rolled down. This is the air rushing by the windows and setting up harmonic waves. Call it physics or call it a design defect, it generally stops if another window is cracked. Evidently, some other car and truck brands do this, too. Not a problem for me since I rarely drive around with only the rear windows open, but it seems to have really upset some people. A small plastic wind deflector might help.
We're happy with our Volvo, but I had to admit that the car is not as refined as the price tag suggests it would be. Your experience as well as some of my own confirm this. And the Volvo Service team is the worse bunch I've ever dealt with. I often feel like if I wanted to deal with this much hassel from a service department, I would've bought a Dodge or something. I hate to say this, but I don't think we'll be repeat buyers. The company has this attitude that keeps it far removed from the needs of the customer.
Too bad, the XC could easily be the best car on the road if they would just finish the job by adding little things like alternator blow out idiot lights and Service Departments that seem to care. I'd be pretty ripped if my wife and kids were out on I93 for an hour and a half!
It saddens me to read the tales of woe from unhappy XC owners (any Volvo owners for that matter). I wish VCNA and or their local dealers would take the time to make their customers happy and resolve any issues. Volvo is still sort of a boutique car dealer (ie compared to Ford or GM) and it shouldn't be that hard to take care of those unfortunate incidents where the customer isn't happy. One unhappy customer posting/communicating their frustration on Edmunds or Brickboard can "scare away" ten possible Volvo customers. Wake up VCNA!!! Take care of your customers; or someone else will!
Okay, Im done.
Hope you see some difference, but for us we can't say enough about our dealer.
Does anyone have any opinions as to when would be the best time to buy a 2000? When will the 2001s come out? Will it pay to go for a 2000 when the dealers are trying to clear space for the new model? Does Volvo offer any incentives on a regularly recurring basis?
Thanks much for any info.
I have several questions I would like to post to the group and hope that I can get some questions answered.
The car has 22,000 miles
1. The rear brake pads a completely worn down. The fronts are about 50% worn. Usually the fronts go first because they take the brunt of stopping weight. Has anyone seen this or know about this? Manufacture defect?
2. I also had to replace the tires. They weren't completely useless, but with winter coming I wanted something more reliable. Again, kind of strange that the tires worn so quickly. Anyone have a similar situation?
3. What are folks getting for MPG? I'm getting like 24MPG highway and 19MPG city.
TIA for the responses,
Peter (Boston Area)
Your problems are certainly not unique and addressed in Part I of this conference (#466-468)as well as on Brickboard, the Volvo Club of North America's web based chat board. My '98 XC needed new brakes at 30K and I just replaced the tires with the OE Contis at 32K. I get about 22 MPG, mostly rural driving.
To my knowledge, Volvo does not consider these early brake pad requirements a "defect" but only one of the many quirks of owning such a "durable" car.
After needing two jumpstarts in today's cold weather, I think a new battery is next. This may still be under warranty but I haven't heard of this problem yet.
I get 22 MPG, mostly rural driving.
The function of brake pads is to wear out! Mileage is NOT a good indicator of brake pad wear, so pad thickness should be checked on every tire rotation (5-8K miles). The pads are plainly visibile and it takes about 10 seconds per wheel.
Brake pad compound is complicated - I would guess that Volvo compounds are designed for very cold weather, and may be softer than those on many other makes.
Dave
My recommendation would fall towards Dunlop or Michelin. The V70XC SE I am looking at has the Michelin tires as an option. Go to tirerack.com and see the choices available.
Good Luck.
What a car....
BTW, as stated in previous messages:
- all brake pads were replaced at 30k
- our original Conti-Touring tires are in very good shape (my wife drives the car, not me).
Thanks,
jgran
BTW, did I say 3 years? This car is not quite 2 years old yet. My wife really racks up the milage. About 20k/year!
jgran
BTW, did I say 3 years? This car is not quite 2 years old yet. My wife really racks up the milage. About 20k/year!
jgran
Also, this message board seems to have died down since the x/c II file was formed. Is there another message board on some other web site with more participation?
on a new 2000 XC and have done my homework. I
just found out that there is a $1,500 incentive
being offered. Volvo offered a $2,500 incentive on
99's some time ago and I was hoping that someone
might be able to confirm the current amount for me?
It looks like there is a $300 holdback as well.
Any feedback on the 2000 XC would be appreciated as
well. I'm planning to try and buy tomorrow
(1/29/00). Thank you!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
interesting. The passenger window control button on the *drivers control panel* is dead on our '98 XC with 36k miles. Next trip to the dealer it will be fixed, but it seems like this is a weakness on the XC. The window can be operated using the passenger control panel.
I also have to have my drive train examined. When shifting into and out of overdrive the car makes a very low volume "boom" noise. I hope there's nothing wrong down there.
jgran
Please share your findings about the "boom" in your drive train. I'm hesitant to buy my bother-in-law's otherwise fine '98 XC w/40+k after hearing him mention similar noise.
scott535is
Thank you.
looks like the overdrive boom was solved rather easily, which is a great relief to me. The mechanic simply changed the transmission fluid and that seems to have solved the problem. I really leaned on the gas pedal when I picked up the XC, with effort I could replicate the problem, but in anything resembling normal driving the problem is pretty much gone.
I think that the transmission is not as "tight" as it should be when pushed. It is now obvious to me that the problem springs from a mechanism in the tranny logic that at times has trouble deciding which gear to use. When you push it (floor the gas pedal about half way) the xmission "hunts" for the proper gear. During this hunting time the engine is spinning faster, so when the tranny finally decides on a gear you hear the "boom" as the drive train is lurched into harmony with the engine. Of couse, the original problem I was experiencing is that this "hunting" effect was taking place during normal driving conditions and not when I was stressing the drive train. That is the problem that is now pretty much history.
In any case, the problem is solved to my satisfaction. I'd much rather they change the tranny fluid than change the tranny -- if you know what I mean. If they perform major surgery on the thing it would no-doubt perform worse than it did in the first place.
BTW, I read somewhere (owners manual?) that the tranny fluid is changed every 15K. The dealer told me that in reality they only change it every 60K. Interesting...
jgran
A word to the wise, FORCE your dealer to change your fluid at least every 30K miles (our problem showed up at around 34K).
jgran
jgran
My 90 Toyota 4 Runner burnt out both front lights within the first six months. I concluded that it was probably the sub contractor that supplied Toyota with lights (Sylvania, probably low bid). I put in new ones (not Sylvania) and didn't have a problem for 4 more years.
So with Volvo, is the problem the bulbs (or supplier of the bulbs) or the electrics? I suspect the bulbs as I have no burnouts on my 99 (now 1 year old).
Steve
jgran
all have been repaired by dealer under warranty but we are beginning to wonder if the car is worth owning beyond the warranty period. I just hope brake pads and alternator aren't next. I wish Toyota hadn't topped making the AllTrac wagon. There is no comparison with repect to the level of comfort or drive but reliability counts and Volvo doesn't seem to have that figured out.
The XC is a dream to drive
Very nice car, very nice. And Joe Harrington @ Alan Beyer Volvo in Syracuse NY is new to sales (having worked in their service area for 12+ yrs) and was VERY knowledgeable about the car and quality and what is most likely to break down.
Check them out.
I am in Canada, so the benefit of XC's AWD is obvious, and I also prefer a little bit extra power. But the 98 XC is 3-year-old with 33750 miles (though the previous owner took good care of it and told me he hadn't experienced any problem, save the headlight bulb burned out), while the 2000 model (a rental car) got only 10000 mils. Also the 5-sp auto on the 2000 car is a plus -- very smooth and makes the power output felt not bad at all.
One of my questions that I can't find answer from any other resources is: Does the side airbag on 98 models also protect driver/passenger's head? From the brochure of the 99 model, I can see it is. But not sure the 98 model.
My sister also has a '98 XC and her family has driven between IA to PA over Christmas the last three years, each time in various amounts of ice or snow and feel nothing can compare.
There is a downside though, we have both experienced some of the nagging problems that liter these pages. Fortunately, our local dealers have been very good about correcting most of them and it has a 4-year warranty. Perhaps the '01 model will be better.
ray71, a more appropriate cause of action would be to not recommend your dealership! The price you paid for your 7,500 mile service undoubtedly includes many extras in addition to the minimal items specified by Volvo for your 7,500 mile service. It's quite common for dealerships of all makes to add items they feel are warranted (whether they are or not) which increase cost and is the reason why service prices vary so much from one dealership to another. You should call your dealership back and ask them for the list of just what they performed for 7,500 mile check vs. the list in your maintenance booklet.
For what it's worth, my Volvo maintenance costs have been about the same or less than cars like the Accord and Carry. If you check, you will find that Volvo's maintenance costs are lower than BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus, etc. While I wouldn't call them cheap I still don't think a decision to dump a Volvo based on scheduled maintenance costs can be readily rationalized based on costs of comparable premium cars.
Regarding your customer service experience with VCNA, there are no excuses there and VCNA's slow response times (if any) are well known. Out of curiosity, what did they say in their response?
Thanks.
-rod
rdollie@home.com
As to Volvo's response--their representative said they had no control over the hourly rate charged by dealers.
As to comparable vehicles a friend who drives a $150,000 Ferrari said he payed less for his first oil change than I did. My Suburban costs slightly more than my Volvo Cross Country and its service costs are 1/3 that of the Volvo.
Just for further comparison today I contacted Volvo relative to obtaining workshop manuals for the 2000 Volvo Cross Country. In the past, my last two Volvo, an order form for shop manuals came with the vehicles at the time of purchase. Not this time and now I know why! The full set of manuals for the 2000 Volvo Cross Country can be had only electronically and for the miserly sum of $1700.00--yes the decimal point is in the correct position. Shop manuals for the Suburban are less that $200. It is one thing to pay for quality--it is another to be ripped off. The Volvo shop manual section covering the suspension and brake systems is $400.00.
I will not sell this Volvo till it starts giving me problems but I believe one should consider total ownership costs when buying a vehicle. I "assumed" the costs of maintenance would be similar to my 93 and 85 wagons which had been comparable to my Toyota's. My assumption made a "donkey" of me. I hope my messages to the list will allow others to fully and accurately evaluate the costs of owning a Volvo.
A local dealer Volvo gave me a new XC off the lot for an overnight test drive, had less than 20 miles on it. I took it back to them with almost 200. Since I spend a lot of time in a car I wanted to see how it felt after a few hours behind the wheel. What a ride!!! And those seats are so incredible. It was snowing and icy and I couldn't resist the big open parking lot near my home, try as I might to get the thing to spin out, it just wouldn't. I took it up a mountain pass and the motor didn't even feel like it was working hard. My Jeep would have been downshifting frequently to maintain the 75mph, not the Volvo.
So it's taken me almost 4 months and a lot of soul searching trying to decide if I really wanted to spend 40K on a car, but I pick up my new XC this Saturday for $800 over invoice.
I am considering replacing my current UV (when the time comes) with a Volvo V70 C.
Unlike most suburban UV owners I do actually make use of some of my Isuzu
Troopers talents. In the summer I tow a 2500 lfs boat and trailer, and in the winter I take
it up in the snow where the four wheel drive is an asset.
I would really like to replace the "truck" with a sport wagon, but it has to be strong enough
to do what my Isuzu does routinely. Wouldn't mind something that handles better, rides
nicer, looks better, and gets 20 mpg! All of which the Volvo should do.
So the Volvo seems to provide me with the room and carrying capacity I need. It also has the
four wheel drive. My question is does anyone tow a trailer with theirs? Is this a fantasy or a
reality? On Volvo's website they did note a 3300 lbs towing capacity and show a optional
tow hitch. The dealer I went to today did not even know what the towing capacity of the
vehicle was and quoted me something closer to 4500 lbs. OOPS!
Also of interest, I have to admit, is quality/reliability concerns. I had really positive impressions
of Volvo, but quite frankly, the feeling here on Edmunds is pretty anti-Volvo. Mostly complaints
about quality and reliability. My Isuzu Trooper has 85k PERFECT miles on it. Nothing has
broken, I did the rear brakes at 80k miles, and it weighs close to 5000 lbs! My other
two cars are a BMW 318i and a Mazda Miata, again no real problems so far with either.
So am I going to be alarmed at the dealer attention a Volvo apparently requires?
I really appreciate opinions! Any and all please fire away.
Thanks.
I ended up with the Java/ taupe, dark brown interior, into package, cold weather and touring. Additionally, I got the windows tinted this morning and I feel that this already sleek vehicle appears MORE stealth. I also utilized my Father's z-plan through Ford so my price was 1% below dealer invoice....a pretty good deal in my opinion.
If I can answer any questions for anyone please let me know.......happy Volvo driving!
1. The width is over 73". That's getting into SUV and van territory. Is the width a problem when it comes to city driving and parking (especially)?
2. The standard keyless entry/alarm system: As far as I can determine, it has an auto-relock feature. Is it a full passive-arming system? Does it have audible arming/disarming indicators(ie. beeps, horn)? Hood & hatch protection as well? Does it only arm if all doors/hood/hatch are closed? The salesman said there is an LED but it only lights up at night. What's with that? So in daytime there is no indicator that the system is armed?
Thanks for any info.
We're getting ready to replace our '98 BMW 528 sedan (97K) with a wagon. Are there any XC owners out there who think (or thought) their cars are ugly but were able to overcome it? We're leaning toward an MB E320.
Seriously considering the XC but seriously concerned about mileage. Ratings are deplorable. (Not compared to an SUV, of course, but compared to a car - for instance, the V70.) What has been your actual experience in city and highway driving? This would be really helpful info. I like the XC for its high stance (minimizing override from the SUV collision, I hope) and the added traction of the AWD, but mostly I'm in reasonable weather. Little snow and normal rain. Thanks a lot.
I've owned many a vehicle including a 1999 V70 and never encountered this type of problem, or reply from a dealer. My theory is I normally rotate the tires myself and always torque the wheel nuts, this last time we had the dealer do it and shortly there after the problem started... I suspect the dealers mechanic tightened the lug nuts excessively with an air impact, thus warping the rotors.
The bad news is it's about $130.00 for the pads and she was told it would probably happen again in 12,000 miles.
Anyone else experience this problem?
The dealer has been INCREDIBLE. The BEST shopping/buying/servicing experience I have ever had. My hats off to Sill-Terhar Motors in Broom field, CO. I am disappointed with Volvo North America. They don't seem very interested in walking the talk, but that's a different story.
This car is a real eye catcher. I can't even count the number of people who have stopped me in a parking lot to ask about it, or have craned their necks around to get a better look as they pass me. Of course, not many people pass me