I purchased a 2007 XC70 with 120k miles last May. The used dealer wanted $9000 but I negotiated down to $7800 due to a few issues I found. All 8 pads were thin, the rear discs still had rust after city driving for 15 miles, and Cel Code P0101 appeared with my scanner. In writing PCV box was just replaced so I checked suction with a latex glove to confirm it. He also threw on 4 new tires.

First started servicing the brakes when I drove her home. I first flushed the old blue brake fluid with new SL6 fluid. The rear discs were warped from seized calipers so threw on new rear discs, lifetime warrantied rear calipers, new parking brake shoes and new rear ceramic pads. The front calipers weren't seized but decided to throw on new larger ATE calipers along with the new ceramic pads. The front discs were thick so I let those on.

With a smooth running engine I predicted the MAF wasn't the culprit but a slight vacuum leak causing the P0101 code. The code would only appear on cold starts within 2 to 3 miles so I predicted it wasn't a constant leak. After fully servicing the brakes they still felt spongy so I checked out the vacuum pump and found it was burnt. Knowing the check valve switch is what controls the pump I tested it and found no impedance. The dealer paid for the new vacuum pump and check valve switch I installed. This solved P0101 due to air leaking thru the burnt vacuum pump.

The ATF was slightly red so I know it had been previously flushed. Being dirty and smelling burnt I flushed it with 12 new quarts of Mobil 3309. I first extracted the old fluid and added in the same amount, then removing the trans cooler hose from radiator I flushed out and replaced 1 quart at a time. She's been shifting smooth 2,500 miles later.

The power steering fluid was dark so I extracted then added a 1 quart of Pentosin CHF11S.

Clear coat was peeling on the top side of the hatchback so after wet sanding it I gave it several light layers of FC720 clear coat using my DeveilBiss paint gun.

While removing the cover to replace the spark plugs I inspected the timing belt. Couldn't find any cracks but should I still replace it? If so what brand should I get?

 

You paid at least $2500 more than we would have sold one with a new timing belt, new brakes, new crankcase system, new oil seals, new cabin air filter, new wipers, etc. No wonder the dealer is throwing in a few things.

Geez....

 

After searching for months using cargurus, craiglist, and such it's the best deal I could find in Greater Boston. With all the calcium chloride thrown on our roads it's rare to find rust free vehicles with over 100k miles. Every other XC70 I inspected already had cancer.

 

The dealer paid for the new tires, vacuum pump, check valve switch, wipers, coolant, and PCV system. I've paid for the brakes, fluids, fuel filer, air filter and plugs.

Are the belts and cabin air filter only things left to service?

 

Being in Birmingham AL these cars last until the end of time. The rust issue will destroy any car.

 

I found more 07 with much lower mileage sale for at least $2000 less than you've paid for your car.Sorry.