Hello all, first time member, long time stalker, love the show. I don't own a Volvo now, but I'm in the market for another ride as my '92 Trooper, while stone cold reliable, needs to be parked and given some love as a reward for 233,000+ reliable miles (full disclosure, I've only driven 22,000 of those miles in 3 years of ownership). And as I look around, Volvos keep popping up in my secondary price range. So now I plan on searching the threads for all the info I need to make an informed purchase. In case you want to know, I'm looking at a V40, a S40, a V70 Cross Country, all 2001, and a 2003 C70. Thanks ahead of time for any information and help I can get.

 

first question is, do you need or want AWD?

The 40s prior to 2004 are often called the Neds cars (ie Netherlands build) and are a different chassis and many components while the 60 and 70 lines are a common platform. Those models have the option of FWD or AWD and use variations of the 5 cylinder "white block" engine (as did the 850 models).

Each model has its own virtues and the fault areas seem to be common to the platform and design generation. In all cases, I'd shop based on available maintenance history, and other signs of care. Start with a full Carfax report to see who's owned, and where, noting any accidents and dates for dealer service. Then see if the P/O kept records. Finally inspect the car (or have a pro) closely for signs of work, neglect etc. These cares are due a timing belt every 10 years or 100K miles so a 2003 may or may not have had its second timing belt. Also, if buying from a private owner, a good rule of thumb is how clean is the car (including in the engine area)? I subscribe to the notion that if somebody isn't up to keeping the car clean, how likely are they to being proactive on routine maintenance.

 

Thanks mt6127, AND would be nice, but I have the Trooper for that. My criteria are, gets better than 15mpg highway that I get now with my work tools in my Trooper. Can hold at least 2 of my tool boxes, and as you pointed out, have been well maintained. The V70 is private party, and the PO listed in his ad that the timing belt was just replaced. The 40's are actually at the same dealership, and the C70 is at an auction house, and at 89,000mi is the only one under 100k. I like the wagon idea, room and fuel efficiency, but the AWD system scares me because it's not something I can tear apart and fix like a standard transfer case 4X4. All are under $3k, and that gives me room financially to buy a beater truck for work if need be. Dealer offers AutoCheck on their cars, and honestly, the convertible is a SoCal dream in that, unless it can carry 200+ pounds of tools in the trunk, it's probably last on the list. Thanks for the reply.

 

My '00 S40 gets 28-30 MPG highway and my '95 850T gets 27 highway (I typically cruise at 75) so all of these models should be a big step up on mileage. FWD's generally do 1-2 MPG better than AWDs of the same model family. Note the newer the model the better the MPGs. My '12 VW CC (which has the direct injection design) gets 32-34 MPG highway (and can do 0-60 in 6.4 sec) so the newer engines gain efficiency.