Ok - my cousin is very interested in purchasing a cross country volvo, but he is not a car guy, but appreciates a nice car. I on the other hand am a car nut, and therefore I am on the research path for him.

His budget is 15k +/- and has found an 2001 xc for about that amount. He has an itchy trigger finger, but I told him to wait until I asked actual owners about them. The only thing I found (may be wrong) is it appears 01 was the first model year of this body style, and consumer reports has a lot of black dots on the 01, but the 02 has a lot of red dots. Naturally, my car experience tells me A. The first year of any car is usually not the best and B> Consumer reports often is not always right.

PLEASE Share your experience! I will get a call for help everytime this thing goes in the shop - so I have an direct interest in what he purchases!


THANK YOU!

FWIW - We are in Upstate NY, and this will be his wifes car, but also the family machine on weekends, trips etc.

 

ETM issues might still be a problem on the 01 models. If it hasn't been replaced, it will run him or her about $1k.

 

Crafty, I am sorry to say that the 99 through 01 Volvo's just aren't up to Volvo standards. I have freinds that have those year models and they are in the shop almost monthly. Since Ford took over they have been plagued with all kinds of problems. At the very least do a Carfax on this car.

 

If you are really looking for a reliable Volvo do not consider anything past 1998 as this was the last year that Volvo made Volvos.I dont know much abt the XC models but if I am not mistaken the XC70 started in the model year 1998.So I would look into those as a possibility...
for sure they are not as expensive as the newer models...good luck in your search....

 

Have a 2001 XC we bought new. Other than some minor trim issues that dealer fixed car has been stone cold reliable and an absolute joy to drive. For whatever that is worth. BJ

 

honestly, if his budget is $15k total cost, besides tags / insurance, i would agree with the post by bne . he could look for an 'older' model volvo. this was my case. i had about 9-10k budget planned. instead of buying something for that cost, i went a little cheaper, and found a great deal on my 96 850 wagon, for 5k. planing on using the rest for upgrades/mods. Maybe with your help, he could get a good car, and use the rest of the budget to sort of customize it, upgrade it, or whatever. he may not be into modding much, but if he's male, there should still be a gene somewhere in his dna for maybe different wheels and/or tires. if he found an 850 T-5 or R class with the turbo, if its in good shape, he would probly still have enough left over to personalize it.

edit: also, may want to rummage around this page, see what common problems/comments/questions others have had. i did the same before i commited to my purchase

https://volvoforums.com/forumid_15/tt.htm

 

I recently traded in my 2001 XC70. Always ran perfectly. Had a little glitch initially with the neutral control. (01's go into neutral when stopped.)

Absolutely no other problems in 80k miles to speak of.

Traded in for a S60R which so far, 6100 miles is perfect.

 

hey fishertheband,
How much did they give you for the trade in of your vehicle? how much money did you pay for your R model?