Volvo V70 Wagon Experience

gadgetfiles · February 2005

Well, pulled the trigger on the V70 over the V50. I was trading in a Jetta, have 2 growing kids and am 6'3 - so the V50 didn't look much bigger than the Jetta I was getting out of.

Have to say I love the V70. Wife drove an 850 for 11 years and while I see passing similarity, this is a much nicer vehicle.

Can't say enough about Gorges Volvo in Omaha, NE either. They did a great job, made it easy and am looking forward to a long relationship with them. They are building another dealership in Lincoln, NE which is good and apparently they have a dealership in Wichita as well.

Couple questions - currently the vehicle doors don't lock automagically (like when you hit 15mph) I thought I saw a reference somewhere that the dealer could program it to do this if you wanted. Is that indeed true?

Also - the car doesn't make any noise when you lock it (i.e. horn noise) Is that something you can have the dealer turn on as well?

I miss my XM radio - does anyone have a suggested model that they are using that seems to fit well in the car? I have a SkyFi - but the wires etc really junk the car up.

Also - apparently the antenna for the stock radio (the 6XX series) is built into one of the windows (?) Any way to boost that signal at all - I'm getting static on FM stations that are 50 mi away and have always been pretty strong in other cars.

Finally, any internet sites you recommend for accessories or discounted Volvo parts? I have a Jeep and for the Jetta there were a number of sites you could go to to buy VW or Jeep parts at discounts from what the dealer sold them at.

I'm specifically thinking of things like those little headlight wiper blades they charge $15 each for etc.

Thanks all!

dmarcus48 · February 2005

The locks can be programmed by your dealer, they're really nice. There shouldn't be any cost to you as you're still in the "12 adjustment period". I know the car doesn't make any noise when locking or unlocking, just a brief flash of the lights when locking. You might want to look into the hidden menus on the radio, you can make a big improvement in the sound by adjusting it. don't know it its "allowed" to post the website where you can find information on the programable features and hidden menus, email me if you want it.

gadgetfiles · February 2005

Thanks for the information. Don't find a way to email you - but would love the information. If you would send it to gadgetfiles@mac.com I would really appreciate it.

04tsxpdx · February 2005

I am thinking of buying a V70 for family car purposes. I have not yet driven the car, but my tendency is to go for the 2.5T to get adequate power. Can anyone who has driven the 2.4 and the 2.5T comment? Is the 2.4 underpowered?

wilburpan · February 2005

We test drove the 2.4 and the 2.5T. Both my wife and I thought the 2.4 felt underpowered, but the 2.5T was zippy enough for us. We haven't been able to test drive a T5.

We haven't bought a new wagon yet -- still in the shopping/test drive phase, but the only other wagons that felt more zippy than the 2.5T were the Outbacks with the 4-cylinder turbo and the Saab 9-5 Arc.

sondagsakare · February 2005

Solvents don't seem to work in removing wax from trim.

Lengthy discussion and personal experience provides this remedy: A white (plastic) eraser takes it right off. Not just any old eraser--must be a plastic eraser, like a Koh-i-noor brand or similar. Best wishes.

Not just weight by the way, we are shrinking in height relative to Europe as well.

04tsxpdx · February 2005

Thanks for the info. I've driven the Subaru 2.5GT (very nice), but my wife doesn't want another Sube. I figured the 2.5T was the way to go. Might pursue the R or T5, but I doubt that I will be driving this thing that much.

camydog · February 2005

All,

Thanks for the info about getting the wax off the black trim. I have not had a chance to try them due to rain in the area but I will soon. I will also look for the eraser if alcohol doesn't work.

My new problem is a check engine light that came on today with two messages. The first was 'car is in reduced power/limp home mode', as my wife passed on to me, and the second is Engine System Service Urgent.

Any ideas? I was thinking an O2 sensor.

The car is an '01 V70 T5 Auto with 30k miles. Still under warrantee for this repair, I would think.

Thanks.

fedlawman · February 2005

My wife and I test drove both and found the 2.4 to be more than adequate. It's not as quick as the 2.5T, but the 2.4 has some nice midrange grunt.

We took our 2.4 on a cross-country vacation last summer. Loaded with 4 people and stuffed to the gills with luggage, it still handled the Siskiyous just fine!

I'm sure we made the right choice, and I'm comfortable with the money we saved up front, and maintenance wise, the money we may yet save down the road.

Good luck with your shopping!

P.S. We have a 6-speed TSX too. They look great together!

tomeldan · February 2005

Hi All,

My wife and I are now in the market for a volvo station wagon. Here are our hopes/requirements:

Volvo V70 2001

Trim: Order of preference - T5, 2.4T, XC70 (if within means)

Price Range: Max: $22-23K (we'd like to keep it no more than 23K,

including tax/licensing and all those other fees we may incur)

expectations)

Max Mileage: 48K or less

Color: Silver, Black, Dk Blue, White

Bells and Whistles: A good combination of added features would be

wonderful. Currently nothing really stands out as a "must have". I'd

assume many of the auction vehicles comes w/ pretty decent

packages to begin with. However if forced to suggest a must have,

it'd probably deal with what's under the hood: T would be nice, T5

would be awesome

I am debating on whether or not I should go through a typical dealer or if I should go through a private dealer, someone who happens to be a good friend of mine. Question about CPO...How valuable is it to have a care certified? They way I see it, it's just an extra thousand or more just to have that certificate. If I chose to buy from a private dealer (who would in turn get our car at auction) can I be rest assured that I will be getting a quality car w/ a clean history?

I'd like your feedback/advice/opinions on the following:

1. Is 23K a reasonable price for a 2001 v70 T5?

2. Is there anything from you experience that I should worry about when purchasing a 2001 v70?

3. Is it imperative to have a CPO vehicle? Should I choose to go w/ an private/independent dealer what steps should I take to ensure I'm getting a quality car?

4. Anyone out there strongly suggest I go through a dealer instead? In my opinion there's just too much pressure when dealing with salesman.

5. Any other suggestions are welcome.

Thanks,

Vince

volvomax · February 2005

Volvo CPO includes a warranty for up to 6 yrs or 100000 from the time the car was new.

Pretty worthwhile IMO.

An independent dealer will be cheaper but they won't do all the things that are required to certify a car.

A Private party car is potluck.

I don't know if you've shpooed at a Volvo dealer but most of them aren't high pressure places.

04tsxpdx · February 2005

Thanks for the advice. I have to go and drive both, but I'm sure my wife won't care either way. Regardless of which one I get, the TSX will be mine when I do get the Volvo! Kind of makes the whole 2.4 vs. 2.5T thing irrelevant for me.

fedlawman · February 2005

"Kind of makes the whole 2.4 vs. 2.5T thing irrelevant for me."

That's the way I thought about it last year, and it's proven to be true.

We have no regrets.

sondagsakare · February 2005

Little late; sorry. Could be 02 or a dirty throttle body.

gadgetfiles · February 2005

Have an '04 V70 w/ the auto wipers. As they work currently, if I leave them in the auto mode - turn the car off - start it again, and it starts to rain - the wipers will NOT react. If I turn them off and then back to the auto position they work perfectly.

Just checking if this is what should be happening.

fedlawman · February 2005

That's how mine work too...

volvomax · February 2005

They are working perfectly.
Check your owners manual, you have to turn the wipers on each time you want to use them.

gadgetfiles · February 2005

I have an '04 V70 - has 8000 miles on it - 2k of those are mine (bought about 4 weeks ago).

I use the T1 tripmeter primarily - and reset it to zero with every tank of gas. The last three tanks of gas, I have noticed that when I get to about 350 mi on the trip meter, go in for the night, when I come to the car the next morning, both meters (T1 and T2) have been zeroed out. This has happened the last 3 tanks.

I am positive that my wife hasn't been near the car - kids either. And I am also positive that I didn't "accidently" brush against it and reset it. If you test it - you have to push and hold for it to reset - it's something you have to intentionally do.

I've ruled out weather - all three times it's happened, it's been above freezing - and the car is garaged.

Since the trip meter is electronic, I'm concerned that this might be a signal of some other problem which will just get bigger over time.

Any thoughts on this?

fedlawman · February 2005

This has happened to me twice.

Once during a cross country trip where I was using the odometer to calculate fuel economy and total miles driven.

I had forgotten about it until your post...

volvomax · February 2005

There was a software issue w/ the trip odometers.
The computer was thinking in km and not miles and zeroing the odo's after 600 miles(1000 km)
Perhaps you need a software update.

gadgetfiles · February 2005

Called my local dealer - and there is a software patch for this issue. I didn't even finish my explanation before he said "and the trip odo is zeroing out?"

Taking it in on Wednesday.

camydog · March 2005

The erasure worked. Nothing else did. I washed the car today and it looks great. Thanks for the advice.

As for the check engine light on the '01 T5, it went away. We called the dealer and they said if it comes back bring it in. They said they couldn't do anything unless the light was still on. I'm sure they could read a code in history with OBD2 but since it 'corrected' itself there would not be anything to repair.

kpevav · March 2005

I just bought a certified used 2004 V70 2.4 with the premium package (leather seats, moonroof, dual climate controls, automatic dimming mirror) from our local Volvo dealer. The car was put into service on 11/30/03, and has just 14,432 miles on it. I traded in a 2003 Mazda MPV, and there is a little adjustment, from the height (now that I own it, the Volvo sits lower than I expected even after test driving it for awhile), and the visibility seems obstructed by some of the pillars. One thing came up last night: the rearview mirror did not automatically dim. I read the manual, but do not see any controls. Any suggestions what might be wrong? Otherwise, everything else seems very solid.

kpevav · March 2005

The premium package, it turns out, does not include the auto dimming mirror. Too bad the salesman told me otherwise. Oh, well.

larryrod · March 2005

I have an '01 V70 T5 and had the reduced power message. A few minutes after receiving the message, my engine shut down (while I was driving).

The problem on my wagon was the throttle control module. Volvo replaced it at no charge under the extended emissions warranty.

catfootfog · March 2005

My old 1987 Volvo 760 turbo is still functioning fine.
I have never had a big problem with it since 1986. Just had to replace normal stuff like brakes and tires, etc. So...am kind of attached to it. It is SO comfortable. When my back went out my car was the most comfortable seat I owned.

However, here is the situation:
-- it is pre-air bags
-- the interior roof fabric is coming down
-- 147K + miles
-- the latches to let down the back seats have broken
--the ride is noisier than it used to be
-- the windshield is rather pitted so I am afraid to drive into the sunset

I heard someone say you will know it is time when you are afraid to take your car on a long trip.
I dont know that I am scared.... just apprehensive, knowing it has mechanical parts that have been working faithfully for 19 years...

Is there any reason I shouldnt give it away? I figure it isnt worth much as a trade-in and I could trade it for some housecleaning...

I have been looking at the V70 2.5 turbo.
It sounds the closest match to my dear old 760.
Or should I look at other cars also?
Is the Volvo still as reliable as my old 760?
I have never bought a car on my own and I am pretty nervous about it.

Is this a good time of year to look into buying a car?
or will there be more in the way of incentives come summer?

Thanks to anyone who has any thoughts to share.

CatFootFog

KCRam · March 2005

Well, the question one must ask themselves is simple: can I afford a big-ticket failure, or can I better afford new-vehicle payments instead? While I drive a (much) different class of vehicle than you, I had the same dilemma. My 96 Dodge Ram was over 120,000 miles, and I was not at all interested in driving it any further than my office. Visits to friends in the next state were out of the question. So my choice was, keep the old truck and look forward to about $5000 in service and repairs this year (and that's assuming nothing had catastrophic failure), or control my budget with payments on a 2005 that shouldn't cost me an extra cent other than oil changes.

I chose the 2005 Dodge Ram, and now I have the peace of mind that I can go anywhere, any time, and not have to worry about a cash/credit-draining repair expense.

After 18 years, you'll probably never feel comfortable in any new car, but at the very least, take some test drives, or see if a rental chain offers what you're interested in and rent it for a few days.

kcram
Host - Wagons

uniden24 · March 2005

I have owned Hondas for years. Stopped by chevy when I immediately notice that the Honda was much more reliable.
A friend has bought Volvos for yrs and keeps them until they have 200-300K on them. I looked at a V70 and thought it would work great for us.
But consumer reports doesn't give the Volvo a very high reliability report. We plan on doing traveling and the every day thing with it. We live in a small town in WI about 50 miles from the nearest dealer and my friend said we should go to Milwaukee to buy about 125 miles away. Currently we have the choice narrowed to the Odyessy, Sienna, Volvo V 70 and maybe the Outback.
My concerns are the reliability during our travels from WI to MT and further west. I noticed there are not many volvo dealers between us and MT. I can't imagine being towed from SD to the nearest dealer. any comments

catfootfog · March 2005

Thanks for the response. I hadn't thought of renting one to try it out. That is a great idea.

I have pretty much decided I *do* indeed need to get a new car.

I just hope the V70 seats are as comfy as the 760s.... My sister has a new Passat wagon and its seats are no where near as comfortable ...

luvsleddogs · March 2005

Hello all...I'm new to this forum. 2 weeks ago someone made me a "volvo saved my life" member. My dear '97 850 wagon was a total loss. I was nearing the 300K mile mark, and looking forward to many more miles. Now I'm in the market for another car. I am trying to decide between the V70, and the V70XC. Any recommendations? I'm also trying to decide between the V70M and the V70GLT. At this point, I'm overwhelmed with options, but running out of time with the rental car. Any ideas? I'm trying to stick with a '99-'01 model, since I want to spend less than $20K. Thanks!!!!

lancerfixer · March 2005

Glad to hear you're ok. I'd say for better long-term reliability, stick with a front wheel drive, over the XC models. Fewer mechanical parts means fewer things to go wrong; less weight and mechanical friction translates to better mileage. IF you went 300k on an 850 without AWD, there's noreason to think you'd need it now! :-) Additionally, a front wheel drive model would obviously have a lower purchase cost. Bear in mind that some '99 and '00 models (the first years of the electronic throttle sensor) had some issues and if I remember correctly, there was an extended warranty offered on the throttle modules. Volvomax or someone else may be able to elaborate. Otherwise, just follow the normal rules...Carfax, maintenance history, etc.
As far as going with a turbo or non-turbo model, that's a decision you'll have to make when you drive one...does the non-turbo provide enough power for your needs (in my case, the answer was "no," and I went with a turbo, even on the lighter S70.)

Good luck.

zeusoscar · March 2005

Hi Larryrod,

How many miles did you have on your T5? My T5 just did the same thing yesterday.

Thanks!

john56 · March 2005

To moderators and members - new to list and had not read "rules of road." I am very sorry and it will not happen again.

robr2 · March 2005

Then go and delete your post instead of letting it sit there.

Good for you though and actually taking responsibility.

gnewton · March 2005

I have recently purchased a xc70, 2001, w/ 70,000 miles. I have noticed that the electrical/electronics seem to be a little "quirky". Sometimes when I go to set the cruise it turns the cruise function off and can not be turned on again until you shut the car off and restart. The hi/lo beam switch on the stalk sometimes does not turn on the high beams. I have only quickly browsed the message board(new member) but have seen a couple of other messages left about electrical/electronic problems. Has anybody run across what I have described? If so, any comments. Thanks

KCRam · March 2005

not a prob, John... we were all new here once

kcram
Host - Wagons

simonb · March 2005

We have experienced a few minor problems with my wife's 2001 Volvo V70 XC such as the door locks requiring replacement. However from time to time the heater turns itself on when the car is switched off and key out of ignition and blows full bore until the battery dies. Its happened about four times in the past 2 years that we have owned the vehivle. Unfortunately the problem is not readily reproduced to demonstrate the problem to the Volvo service crew. Anybody else experienced this problem? Any suggestions welcome.

harbordweller · March 2005

I purchased a used T-5 about 7-months ago and have had to replace the Electronic Throttle Control and now my ABS module appears to be failing. There are several other oddities about this car as well as a really annoying suspension rattle a horn that doesn't work, and cruise control that sometimes doesn't work and faulty parking light. I have spent around $4,000 in the last 6-months on tires, servicing, ETM, etc. etc. and I figure I have another $2k before everything is taken car of.

Despite the above issues, I really like this car but I am a little nervous about what else may pop-up and cause severe damage to my wallet

My question is this: Is it your (collective) experience that this car is likely to keep costing me lot of money for as long as I own it or is it a good bet now that it will run more reliably?

I am thinking of trading for a Japanese car but would rather not. Anyone's experience would be appreciated.

Thanks

elias · March 2005

hello harbordweller. what year is your T5 & how many miles? i would bet that the car wouldn't keep costing you money at the same rate unless perhaps it is many years old & well over 100k miles. however, i think there is little doubt that a similar-year&miles japanese car will require fewer repairs and at less cost. re suspension rattle, my V70 has eaten a few tie rods, have those been checked? and if the horn doesn't work - that will fail inspection, right? re the parking lights - in my experience volvos eat bulbs early & often. also in our v70 it is possible to 'cross thread' the rear brake/parking light such that it doesn't light properly - is bright when it shouldn't be. also replacing the bulbs requires quite difficult hand & wrist twisting at least for my uncoordinated self. regards, /eli

elias · March 2005

has anyone had a dstc failure in the brake booster? our 2001 v70 2.4t intermittently gave an error code that points to the brake booster. dealer recommends "wait and see" since it is a $1000 repair and is intermittent. sure enough the error recurred once after the dealer saw it, but just that once. i consider dstc a crucial safety feature for the wife & kids especially. so if i am convinced that it is a "hard failure" of the dstc i will surely have it repaired or will trade the car... my understanding is that if the brake booster fails, the dstc will not be able to apply brake pressure to the individual wheel when required, and i wonder if dstc will "know" this until/unless it actually tries to apply a brake - when the steering angle compared to vehicle yaw indicates spin/understeer/oversteer.
thoughts/comments? thank you, /eli

PF_Flyer · March 2005

While I don't own a V70 (Now that brings up an idea for my boss... supply hosts with access to all the vehicles that their boards cover...LOL) I did THOROUGHLY enjoy having a fully loaded V70 as a rental on a trip to CA a couple of years ago. More importantly, the wife and kids LOVED it, which is saying a lot since my kids are on the tall side (one over 6 foot) and are ALWAYS complaining about rear seat room and being stuck "back there". IF I could fit it in the budget, the V70 is something I wouldn't mind seeing in my driveway!

PF Flyer
Host
News & Views, Wagons, & Hybrid Vehicles

kamala95 · March 2005

I just received the spring email from Volvo advising of the special deal for the upgrade kit for the sirius radio in 2005's. Any idea on what the cost is of the kit? Typical labor hours?

We are now @ 5500 plus miles on our 05 V70 and couldn't be happier (had problem with front passanger window the first week, and that was it. Software upgrade took care of it). I'm going to get the extended warranty within the next 12 months, and we are going to try and keep it long term. Took my buddy for a ride in it tonight (after riding in his S70 I decided to look at Volvo more seriously) and he was very impressed by the ride and the comfort.

Looks like we will both be long term Volvo consumers.

George

larryrod · March 2005

The wagon had just under 70K miles at the time.

zeusoscar · March 2005

Thanks Larry .. mine did the same thing at 47k!

Funny thing, I spoke to a dealer in Massachusetts and it is covered; howver, I spoke to a dealer in New Hampshire and it is not covered. The explanation I got was that Mass has an emission standard while NH does not. Anyway, glad I don't have to pay $1200 to replace this.

volvomax · March 2005

Figure somewhere north of $700 for the Sirius kit.

kamala95 · April 2005

Thanks Volvomax.

I think I will pass and look to add when I trade for my replacement work car in a couple of years. That is pretty steep.

George

kamala95 · April 2005

I had reported when we bought our V70 that I would get back at some interval to give a status report.As it is going in 4 its 7500 mile check tomorrow, I figured this would be a good time.

Likes: Love the ride. Seems to have plenty of power for us. I read how some were concerned with the smaller engine, but it scoots along just fine for us. It is very quiet and smooth. Seat is the most comfortable I have ever had. I have a bad back, and thus far in extended driving (4 hrs to Pgh PA & 1.5-2 hrs to DC) have had no affects. We may be going to NC in May, so that will be the true test. I have tons of head room (almost 6'2") and this is with a pretty upright seating position.

Far roomier than I had ever realized *chest area and up. Gas mileage has been about what I expected (approx 28 MPG mostly highway. My wife can drive it over 30 MPG). Use premium fuel. Dealer did tell me mid grade would work fine, but I feel better using the premium and cost isn't that much difference. Seems to do best with Shell gas, and worse with Hess (talked with my buddy w/ the S70 and he has had same experience with Hess gas). Sound quality is pretty good for a base stereo.

Problems/dislikes: I really wish I had sprung 4 the 6 CD changer. Single is not enough. CD player seems to freeze up after having played it for an extended period. Gets hot awfully fast it seems. They will look at it tomorrow. Insert for the foglight space is loose on the passenger side. Found out when I first handwashed the car, but wasn't loose enough to take it back to the dealer. They will tighten it up tomorrow too. Those are the only two negative things we have experienced thus far.

Overall: My wife (who is the primary driver) loves it. I am very happy with it and highly recommend to anyone interested. Very solid feel. Kids miss the truck (Explorer EB), but not by much.

George

blueovalnut · April 2005

Regarding the satellite radio, see the most recent posts in the V70/XC70 general forum.

Steve

aschulze · April 2005

My 2002 volvo XC70 is at 78 000 km and I am in the process of deciding whether I should get the extended warranty. What are the types of problems I could expect for the next 80 000 km and would it be worth the $2 500 plus tax cost (in Canadian dollars)?
Thx

billv70awd · April 2005

We got a used 98 V70-AWD w/ 7.5K miles on it--got xtended warranty, max available (3 years or 125K miles, whichever came first, for I think something lik 2.5K. Wife insisted. Why are women always right?
Within the warranty period:

2x air-conditioning ($1K a pop) fixes. (Still need interior expander/whatever--the cooling piece, requires removal of dashboard--something like $1.5K, but warranty's expired); There's always a battle w/ dealer about "cost of diagnosing A/C problem is not covered in warranty"--about $150--evenif they know what the problem is already.

3x or 4x replacements of "door motors" (auto-locking assemblys--which are $125 parts, $125 to 150 labor--and dealer in Boston is now $100/hour labor price)--this is a weak link in the design. Seems to happen when someone is trying to open the door while the "unlock" auto button is being depressed. Requires human communication to coordinate/avoid the problem.

R-front control arm replacement; r-front wheel bearing replacement;

Repair of gas tank--handy-dandy leak at filler-neck/tank junction.

Still has oil leak that's been vexing us since day 100. Now at 140K miles, and desperating seeking solution, in a lazy sort of way.

One ugly feature of AWDs is that if you blow one tire and new tire's something like 2/32nds deeper in tread than other three tires, you're urged to get a matched set of new tires. Seems like onboard computer(s) ought to be able to take care of the differences, as that makes a blowout cost c. $500 instead of $125 for high performance tires. (this is a turbo).

billV70AWD

Volvo V70 Wagon Experience

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