I posted this in the 850 section since this is a re-badged 850, but I guess it belongs here....

In my area, all the V70R's Wagons I can find are AWD. I cannot find an 850R wagon locally. I know people say that the AWD system is problematic on these cars, but is it really THAT bad that you would avoid buying a well maintained car that is priced well just because it is AWD?

How bad is it? And what does it cost to convert it to FWD only? I see some out there modified that way. Is it pricey to remove the drive shaft? Will the car be throwing codes and be more difficult to get through California SMOG if converted?

I am a performance junkie, and like to target the best of the breed cars in general, but if people confirm that these cars are horrible to own then I will just keep on searching.

BTW, I assume it is correct to post this question here since these early V70Rs are re-badged 850s. Let me know if I should post this in the V70 area instead. Thx.

 

I would not worry about it. If it works, great. If it fails, pull it out. Simple problem unless you want to keep it working.

The best way to keep it in good shape is to run the same size tires all the time. No new and old tire running.

 

Do these cars use a square tire setup or are they staggered?

I don't think I will drive the car too hard anyway, I have the Z06 for that. I just want to be able to have some fun with the car on a freeway on-ramp or that type of thing.

 

All V70Rs stateside are AWD, never seen a FWD R.

My AWD system failed earlier this year and it was expensive to fix. All R's are also automatic.
but the car is better with AWD. The AWD would not have failed had the transfer case not run itself dry of gear oil. A $5 seal for the rear driveshaft.

It's a great car though.