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Comments
At least the 98s did not have the infamous electronic throttle module.
We owned a 2000 XC which we bought new. It's a very nice car, but the fuel economy driving around town is terrible (16 mpg) so we just traded it on a Ford Escape Hybrid. It does everything we needed the Volvo for, cost less brand new, and gets almost double the mpg. Certainly the XC was a safer car, but improvements in all cars have pushed the state of the art forward. I suspect the Escape is safer than the last of the 240 series cars, for instance.
I got this car through the Overseas Delivery Programme. Nice.
My wife drove it for 5 years. Now, with the third (and last) child, she moved onto a minivan, so the '86 had to go, and I moved into the Station Wagon.
I like it-- solid 30.5 MPG to work. 66 Miles round trip, so it's real good.
Here's my problem. I idle at about 875 or so. When braking, right before the car stops (2-7 MPH or so) the RPM's sometimes retard down into the 500-650 range, almost stalling. I occasionally get a loss of power braking assist, it's so bad.
Anyone have an idea?? It also "chugs" pretty good on startup in the mornings-- if I don't drive it for more than 1 day.
I did all the MX on the 240 myself, I look at this V70, and it's greek to me.
The V70 has been dealer maintained up through the 45,000 miled service. Ready to can them. It has 56,000 on it now.
Any advice?? I don't see a V70 MX board here...
Thanks
Jeff
None of the chassis reinforcements, made simply to pass govt safety tests.
Even if you only get rear ended, no anti whiplash protection.
They are not bad cars, just nothing that you can hold up as a credible alternative to a Volvo.
I'd look at the vacuum leak possibility first, it's usually the cheapest to fix anyway. There's also a possibility the computer might have stored a code, if you have access to an OBD-II scanner you might learn more (you'd know at least as much as the dealer tech at that point!).
Volvo, meanwhile, is clearly heading in the opposite direction. The fact that Volvo's answer to $2/gal gasoline is a bigger engine in its SUV, and a bigger engine in its "entry level" model speaks volumes on the shift from one of their core values, care for the environment. I've owned 5 Volvos (2 PV544, 1 244, 1 855 and 1 V70XC) and with the exception of the 855 wagon, each has been a step backwards with respect to fuel economy. The V70XC, even though it was 5 model years newer than the 855, had a higher pollution index.
Someone said "Without a liveable environment all other considerations are irrelevant". The crash safety of my car doesn't mean much if I can't breathe the air.
I'll start trying to track down the vacuum system. I'm sure nothing is as easy as it was on the 240, but as I move into the "MX required" years of the car, I guess it's about time to get under the hood.
Jeff
If the underlying structure isn't strong enough an airbag won't be enough.
As for Volvo's and the environment. A 244 pollutes more just sitting than the ULEV II V8 does running.
A PV544 is nowhere near as efficent as an S40 T5.
Time and technology have allowed for more performance and better efficency.
The 855 vs Cross Country argument is flawed. If you were to compare an 855 to a V70 that would be better. The V70 is more powerful, more refined and more efficent.
Base-32,756
Frght-685
Met Paint-387
Climate Pkg-537
Prem Pkg-2575
Conv Pkg-683
Wood St. Wheel-279
Bi-Xenon lights-602
16" Xenia Wheels-258
Sirus Sat Prep-55
HuU 850 Stereo/6 CD Changer-1032
Park Asst-344
DSTC-597
Int. Air Quality-150
Dealer Adv fee-250
$41,190
+ 3% over invoice (see above prices, all are invoice)
or a total of $42,425.70
This compares to MSRP of $44,220.
I need to make a decision fairly quickly. Also, dealer advises that Volvo is hiking prices by $500 the first of the year. Has anyone heard that?
Haven't heard about a price increase though.
@#$%! in- basket!
If you place you order before 12-31 you can be price protected.
Is there any way to option out an XC70 to hit 6000 GVW ?
I just can't see the Volvo value proposition any more. And with the dollar continuing to weaken it's not going to improve in the near future...
kcram
Host - Wagons
It uses the Volvo blueprint, but without all the high strength steel.
It is the sum total of a vehicles weight, weight of all possible occupants, cargo, fuel etc.
An XC70 can't achieve a 6000 lb rating.
The rating must be certified by the Fed Gov't.
What don't you like about the FX or the XC90?
Volvo USED to be a special, different kind of company. I think they've lost some of that. Volvo used to be willing to buck perceived customer demand if it was in the interest of safety or the environment for instance. Now it seems to me that Volvo will deliver a car that is safe as long as safety concerns don't get in the way of marketing.
Consider the availability of "privacy glass". Volvo did not offer it on their production vehicles (I'm guessing the limos had it) until about 2002. Then it starts showing up everywhere. The problem with "privacy glass" is other drivers now can't see through the vehicle to traffic ahead of them or on the other side. With a large tall vehicle like the XC90 drivers need to be able to see through but I have yet to see an XC90 on the road without the darkly tinted windows (I know you can or could order laminated side windows that were not tinted, but I've never seen a vehicle so equipped).
The privacy glass issue is a red herring. Large, glass structures need tinted glass to avoid cooking everyone inside like a Block Island lobster.
Privacy glass is a marketing requirement, and nothing else. It is a safety hazard (which is why percentage of window tint is regulated by law in some states) and by caving in to the marketing department Volvo engineers have compromised their integrity. The same goes for efficiency. Volvo could have designed vehicles with better fuel economy but they've become addicted to the enthusiast press for more, more, more power.
The reason trucks are allowed is because, by legal definition, a truck only has to have three windows (windshield and front door glass - think of a panel van as an example). All other windows on a truck are technically "optional" and can be as dark as the manufacturer wants.
kcram
Host - Wagons
As for tinted windows, or privacy glass, at least here in SoCal it's if not a must have, a nice have. You're right that it's hard to see through vehicles with tinted glass. That means you need to keep your distance to the vehicle a bit farther and absolutely do not tail gate (I HATE tailgaters).
My point is that privacy glass is sort of in the grey zone to be a safety issue or not. You could argue that with the tinted windows the car doesn't get as hot so the driver is less bothered and more alert, hence it's safer. You could argue that, but it doesn't make a lot of sense. Neither does the privacy glass being a sign of Volvo no longer being safety conscience.
The car is equipped with the Premium, Climate, and Convenience packages and is also equipped with Bi-Xenon headlamps.
Their price: $39,052.
-$1500 incentive.
for a final cost of $37,552.
I think this is a vast improvement over what my local dealer offered. Comments anyone?
p.s. I think this XC seems like an excellent buy.
Car is being offered at retail Kelley book.
Is it certified?
If not, you should be able to do better.
-Likes-
1- Ride & Comfort- Unbelievably good. We went down to a wagon from a EB Explorer, and my wife initially had concerns over the vehicle size difference. Seems that the rear seating area is more comfortable for all. Booster seat is a big hit for our little guy (6 yrs old). Air filtration & climate control (love the dual temp knobs) seem to work superbly. I really like the filtration system. Radio seems to work fine, and gets stronger reception than vehicle it replaced or my work car.
Usable cargo room is pretty comparable as well.
2- Performance & Fit/Finish- Again a success. I thought the 2.4 would drag a bit when all five (3 adults and 2 kids) were in the vehicle, but acceleration is more than adequate for us. Approx 30 MPG highway, and 25-27 in mixed conditions. Gas mileage has been fantastic. Again coming from the Exp, no comparison. Fit & Finish is as expected, excellent. Very solid vehicle.
3- Purchase experience- Worked with Stadel Volvo in Lancaster County, PA. Very favorable experience and recommend them highly. Not high pressure or expected tactics. Hopefully the beginning of a long lasting relationship.
Dislikes- Thus far pretty minor (obviously). Would like the clock in the center console/radio area, versus where it is located in driver dash. Seems that a 6 CD in dash changer should not only be available, but standard for a vehicle in this class. Auto dimming mirror should be standard too I think. Overall, has been a great experience (thus far). Will post additional impressions around mid year.
Conclusion- We cross shopped to Passat TDI, Magnum, Subby GT & OB XT Ltd, and this vehicle bested all in our opinion (all factors considered). I'd say OB/GT were second, but seating room was noticably smaller.
http://www.volvocars.us/FinancialServices/Overseas/
This program allows you to save thousands on a new volvo, but you have to go get it in Sweden, and they give you free airplane tickets, one night lodging, allow you to drive your car in europe, get insurance for it, then ship it home for you. This deal is cheaper than your dealer, and you get a free airfare to Sweden roundtrip for two. I am not a spammer or salesperson. Just a cheapskate that looks for a great deal. Screw a volvo salesman....they know the type of folks that drive volvo..frugle (another word for cheap..tight..miserly)
Thanks,
I get a "thunk-thunk" under the driver-side floor board when moving and turning slowly. The problem is intermittent and the dealer can't figure it out. Very disappointing.
I never had such a problem with my Dodge Caravan, Acura Integra, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Dodge van, Toyota pick-up.
And my wife's S60 rubs a wheel when turning full left. The dealer said they all do that. Huh? Fix it! It's true they might all do that -- I heard a customer complaining about the same problem with her S60 while I was in the service department.
Not good. If it's not soon fixed, I will not buy another Volvo after I trade these in in three years.
Story Part 2: I have a 2004 wagon and I noticed a similar clunking noise! Oh well...I guess if that's the worst thing....
I drive 130 mi. round trip daily - all interstate in Nebraska. I'm carrying some precious cargo in the form of my 3yr old daughter.
I have access to the Ford X plan.
I went to our local dealer and was checking out the V50 AWD units - which I would buy pretty loaded in terms of options - sticker around $35k.
He pointed me toward a 2004 V70. It's the 2.5T, metallic green (yuk) pretty loaded - sticker at $38k. It's a retired demo w/ 7,000 mi. - they are asking $29k.
Love the price, size, options, slightly better gas mileage of the V70.
Wondering about the AWD system and if I should insist on getting a car with that. I like the traction - but I really only need it 5 or 6 days a year. I figure if it's too bad, I shouldn't be on the highway. And I have a Jeep Liberty if it's really urgent.
The v70 is auto with the winter driving option and the DTSC skid control. Wouldn't that be enough for most situations? It's doubtful that I would be switching tires to snows BTW - although I believe in good, good all-seasons. (just being honest)
I'm wary of the V50 since this is it's first year. Since I don't know what the Xplan will yield for me, I don't know if this is a $9k decision or something more like a $4k decision (although that's still a good chunk of money)
Appreciate any thoughts about the AWD system and the V70 in the snowbelt. Or reliability of the '04 V70.
As far as traction, unknown to me...this is my 3rd Volvo...with your daily mileage, it would be worth it. PS I have a 3 and 1 yr old...I'm banking on Volvo keeping us safe.
The V50 probably will be $3000 more than the 04 V70, if they are firm on the $29k for the V70.
The V70 would be fine, the combination of FWD and DSTC will see you through most days.
Obviously the AWD would be better.
Is it 3-4k better?
I have a 2001 XC with 70K in excellent shape with $600.00 of new tires. I'm selling it and getting new one. I'm asking $20,000, and everyone says they would love to have it but I'm asking way too much. Why? the NADA book in my area says trade in is $20.5 to 21K and average retail (private person is about $23 to 23.5K. Anyone have any ideas? I don't think the book can be that far off. People seem to want it for about $12 to 15K max.??? The car is loaded and in perfect,really perfect condition. Puzzled?
Thanks for your comments in advance. Hughes
It is purely competition. When people buy used, they are looking at a lot of factors. Being a Volvo is not necessarily a good thing, when repairs are so expensive.
If the trade-in is 21K, why are you trying to sell it for 20K?
Trade it.
Trade-in is prob $14-15k real money.
Private party is probably $16-17k.
What hurts you is the mileage.
People tend to be wary of high mile luxury cars.
1. Current rebates on new XC70's
2. Dealer lots LOADED with Certified Pre-owned ones.
Yours isn't dealer certified, and it has no warranty. Besides, '01 wasn't the best year for this car, repair-wise.
My sister-in-law paid about $32K for a (loaded) 2004 Certified Pre-owned XC70 with 16,000 miles five months ago. I think she could have done better, but she didn't haggle as it was exactly what she wanted-- including the Ice Green color.
in addition to improving snow performance those 5 or 6 days a year. An IIHS study recently showed impressive reductions iin accident rates and fatalities for ESC/DSTC-equipped vehicles.
AWD not only costs you more up front, it costs you in lost fuel economy every day you drive it. I can't see any cost/benefit advantage for it if you only need it a few days per year.
I have about 13k on the V70 we bought last summer. Only problem so far was a loose rubber seal at the rear gate, which Volvo replaced when they did an oil change. It's a very comfortable travelling and commuting car. Excellent cargo hauler, too.
For the kind of driving you do, I'd lean toward the V70.
The V50 might be better for mostly city driving where you'd want more maneuverability.
Anyway, I waxed my V70 before it was shipped and I got wax on the black side trim and can't get it off. Any help is greatly appreciated.
It is good to be back in the good U.S. of A despite culture shock. Support our troop.
Thanks.
kcram
Host - Wagons