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Volvo V70 / XC70
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Comments
1. Something roomy, if not somewhat luxurious.
2. Leather w/heated seats.
3. Wagon > SUV > Van in that order.
4. Decent mileage, would hope to avg 20+ mpg.
5. Reliability is a absolute must.
With this in mind, we are considering a 2001 Volvo V70 non-turbo. Here is the info on the one we're looking at:
2001 V70
44,844 Miles
Navy exterior, dark gray interior
$16,395 Sticker price
It is NOT Volvo certified, or for sale by a Volvo dealer. It is being sold by Toyota of Seattle. The free "AutoCheck History Report" by Experian Automotive shows it to have a clean title. Also looks like it was originally purchased here in Seattle, however unlike Carfax, I can't tell how many owners it has had, or what the odo read at each renewal or emission check.
My overall findings are that the make/model/year is good. Majority of things I've read were positive. However, the few bad things I've read were pretty severe.
My questions are:
What can I expect on reliability?
What can I expect for regular maintenance in the coming months/intervals?
At the given mileage, should any particular service(s) already been performed?
There seems to be a wealth of Volvo knowledge in the posters here, so hopefully you all will be able to help us out!
Thanks! :confuse:
Next major service is 60k. Spark plug replacement.
If the car has been properly serviced reliability shouldn't be an issue.
But, there is hope for my wife who is absolutely in love with the S70...perhaps you could shed some light on this:
2001 V70 N/A
43032 miles
Silver w/Black leather
Sandberg Northwest Volvo (doesn't specify if it's Volvo Certified)
Sticker price of $17995
Here's the kicker, and if any of you have Carfax, I encourage you to look up VIN YV1SW61R412111139.
1 New York owner. Wherever they serviced it, they reported the mileage every time. It averages close to every 5 months / 5-6k miles. Here's how it reads:
1,501 Service Facility - Vehicle serviced
8,299 Service Facility - Vehicle serviced - Miscellaneous service performed
10,208 Service Facility - Vehicle serviced
14,505 Service Facility - Vehicle serviced
19,762 Service Facility - Vehicle serviced - Miscellaneous service performed
21,202 Service Facility - Vehicle serviced
24,292 Service Facility - Vehicle serviced
29,236 Service Facility - Vehicle serviced
31,151 Service Facility - Vehicle serviced
33,978 Service Facility - Vehicle serviced
37,120 Service Facility - Vehicle serviced
Obviously, lots of oil changes. But, I REALLY like that it's been serviced regularly. Although I am taking in to consideration, that for all I know, it may have just gotten air in the tires.
But anyway, we're gonna go look tomorrow. If everything looks good, we may put an offer on it. They're asking $18k. We have already been approved thru our credit union for $17k. We're thinking of offering $16500 cash out the door and see what they say.
Thoughts?
Also, i've referenced various web sites (CarPoint, Consumer Reports, etc) that don't give the V70's the best reliability ratings (mediocre at best).
So, that's where I'm coming from. Thanks again for the input.
lizzzard
If fact, being that it is at a Volvo dealer I don't know that you could buy it for $16,500 plus fees.
Oh well. Problem is, now I want one almost as much as the wife
You could buy an extended service contract though.
If you are buying from a private party an inspection by a reputable Volvo technician is a good idea.
Bigger rims on a 98 Cross Country isn't a great idea. It can damage the AWD system.
Bras really aren't either, the dust gets under the bra and can sctrach the finish.
A clear bra is a better idea, although some of them can be turned yellow by the sun.
:confuse:
Most of the issues w/ the 98 XC's were covered by recalls and upgrades.
Timing belt is coming up for replacement, might want to see if that has been done.
So can anyone give me some great arguments on how the 2 Volvos compare? (Or how the 3 compare, if you have an opinion of the Saab?) We drive in the rain, a lot, and in the snow for ski trips about 5 times a year. We would use the car for a daily short-trip commuter, and for family trips that include 2 teenagers. The main differences I see in the 2 Volvos are: AWD, more powerful engine, electronic climate control, better seating material in the XC. Less important to me are raised suspension, roof rails, body cladding, although I do like the more burly look of the XC. Are there features I'm missing? As owners, how important are these various features to you?
Also, any comments on reliability issues with 2005 models? Does the throttle problem seem to be resolved? Any issues with AWD?
Thanks so much for you help!
Changed the front O2 sensor for $350.00. Light came on again in 20 miles.
Put in a new fuel filter ($110.00) Light came back on in 30 miles.
Where do I go next. I hate to put $1,000 of dollars in the car for nothing?
Can I just turn the light off and sell the car? ( I know that woldn't be fair) but I feel like killing the light.
What else could it be. The codes say we fix what was wrong. Ya right!
Thanks, TJ
I know that there would be more mechanical or maintenance issues with a turbo, AWD which are standard on the XC...but I think safety aspects of the AWD as well as a slight higher stance would help with your vision as well as better protection in case of frontal or side impact.
In over all reliability, Volvo is not that great. I always hear from my parents regarding "this or that" going wrong with their car. I currently own a 95 Landcruiser...nothing has gone wrong on this beast. But, I'm getting bored with the car so these Volvos may just fit the bill....
What prices are you seeing on the XC70s and V70s?
Regards
The extra power of the XC70 is offset by the extra weight of the AWD system, so power is a wash. The added complexity of a turbo engine and AWD hardware could cost extra $ down the road in maintenance and repairs.
When I test drove these two vehicles last year, I didn't even notice the difference in height (4") from the drivers seat - and I seriously doubt if that extra 4" will have any effect on crash safety. If anything, the higher curb weight and center of gravity degrades handling and emergency avoidance.
My opinion is that AWD is far from the panacea that many people think it is. The only time it comes into play is when you are accelerating from a stop or low speed on slippery surfaces - it has no effect on traction when you are cornering, cruising, or stopping.
My V70 has hauled my family to and from the ski slopes at Snoqualmie and Mt. Rainier numerous times without a hickup - on all-season tires. Put snow tires on a V70, and you're pretty much unstoppable. Unless you frequently venture out in Northeast snow storms which demand more ground clearance, the XC70 is a waste, and then in those conditions, I'd argue that a 4WD or AWD SUV (with locking differentials) is the proper choice.
No, I don't see the value in the XC70 at all. In my opinion, it's a "tweener" wagon - a wagon that is compromised on dry pavement, and inadequate in tough stuff.
Just my $0.02
These are prices that seem quite low to me, especially for the XC. They come from a high volume dealership that appears to be experimenting with no-negotiation pricing on some of their cars. It works for me! I tried to get another dealer to match it, and they wouldn't.
Regards, and happy car hunting!
I think the XC is still the better choice. It looks better than v70 and the AWD does make a difference...even if it isn't black ice or snow, the AWD gives you better handling and control in rain or on off road conditions.
The additional height and clearance of the XC changes the point of contact with another sedan in the event of a collision (lower the point of contact on your car is safer for you). For example, if a nissan 300 zx t-bones you in the xc, the point of contact is where the full metal body panel can protect you...If you t-boned the nissan 300 zx your fenders will crash through a weaker point in the zx. If I t-boned the zx in my landcruiser, I'll crash through the window and crush his skull.
As for the turbo, there is no difference in maintenance.
Thanks
Unhappy3
The "Check Engine" light discussion may shed some light too. Good luck!
Steve, Host
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
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Share your vehicle reviews
CON: Cost, you have to get the climate package w/ the lights.
Regular halogens are better on high beam. Expen$ive to replace.
Instead of a more intense light.
In the European versions there is a second light that comes on the augment the xenons on high beam.
Not offered over here though. I think Volvo feels it is too bright for this market and may not be legal.
Instead of a more intense light.
Well, this is the case with many non-xenon cars, too...my S70 uses the same bulb type in the high and low beam positions, simply with a different pattern in the high beam housing.
Not quite the same, in the S70 both the high and low beam bulbs are on at the same time. In the xenon its the same bulb, no extra illumination.
What is required to set up a key fob? Really appreciate the help...
THANKS !!! :shades:
Are we foolish to buy this car? Are we going to outgrow it too soon? It will have a third row seat for emergencies. Does anyone have experience with these wagons and older kids?
Any input is appreciated! If this is not the wagon, is therre one out there that is? I have an Expedition and must downsize...
Nothing will persuade us to get a minivan - we plan on keeping our V70 for many years to come.
While waiting for responses, check out the Extended Warranties discussion.
And congrats on the new ride!
Steve, Host
VIP is a very good extended service contract.
Tire and rim coverage is most useful if you have low profile tires.
Replacement tires for any volvo can be quite expensive.
Tell me what you think please.
'05 2.5t V70
Silver Metallic
Prem
Conv
Clim
$30335 + TTL of 1877
Will be making a decision in the next two days.
Thanks in advance
If it is an 04 or 05 chances are it was in rental service.