Hello,
I'm thinking of changing to a V70 as I need a vehicle to tow a caravan (1600kg). (My 3 cylinder Suzuki 900cc only gets up hills with a lot of revving and thats just with me in it)
I had a look at a few dealers around Torbay, but to be honest, I dont like the more modern floating dash and feel of the Volvos. I'm after a diesel d5 automatic as I have a dodgy leg.
Ive looked at pre 2006 cars and the cabins seem to be much more comfy and feel more solid.
My only worry is the ones I have seen are around 225K or more miles and I'm a little concerned about reliability and what goes wrong and when! I'm a pretty competent mechanic so things like cam belts and alternators dont worry me but replacing gearboxes and axles is something I dont want to do these days!
Any advice would be appreciated.
thanks

 

first of all, the V70 towing capacity is 3300 lbs (1500 kg) so your trailer is right at the max if not a little bit over. The Aisin transmissions used in the early V70s are fairly reliable but you'd want to check fluid color/smell before purchase. Typical problem areas are the ETM (electronic throttle mechanism), PCV systems that need servicing (typical cause of oil leaks), timing belt maintenance, ABS controller boards (prone to solder cracks). Axles and suspension bits (like strut spring seats and bushings) are all wear items but parts are available and not that difficult to service if you have time/skills/tools. If your main goal is to pull a trailer, then you want to make sure the cooling system is in good working order as well as the transmission cooler and brakes.

 

We didn't get the diesels here in the USA, so I don't know about that, but I bet the transmission is about like you'd expect. They're pretty good. A 20 year old transmission with that kind of wear is going to need an overhaul at some point, even if you weren't pulling a trailer. Overall, these cars are very serviceable and the interior plastics seeming to be the worst headache. They're easy to get to, but you don't really want to take the time and money to get them all perfect. Stuff gets rattle-y. Wear parts do seem to wear out here and there (don't last forever), but parts are very easy to get.