Ok, quick question.....

My son is looking at a 2002 C70. Car is black with 170,000 miles. Apparently no known issues outside of a cracked windshield. Asking price is $3000

How reliable is this year/model? Reason I ask is that we have a 95 850 turbo with 240,000 miles and it has been great. We also had a 2001 XC70 that was not so great.

I have done ALL the work on both cars so I know my way around a bit. Is the motor is the 2002 the same inline 2.3 or 2.4 five cylinder that is in the 850 and XC series? Are their issues with the throttle control module like there was on the 01-03 XC-70. What about the transmission on the C70. Is it the old style like the 850, or the newer style (more finicky and requires special fluid) like the XC-70.

Lastly, I am going to do go with him to look at it and drive. Anything I need to be aware of to look out for specific to this model.

MANY THANKS!!!

Glenn

 

Hi, this is my first post, but who cares. I can answer your questions at least partly.

From 1999-2002 Volvo used a different electrical throttle control module, supplied by italian manufacturer "magneti marelli". They are a real weak spot within that quite robust engines. Before 1999 and after 2003, you did not hear of broken throttle modules, they were just lasting very long. Just in that short time span you experienced lots of trouble with this small part. Somewhat expensive as a new part and some work to change it including new software that has to be uploaded (i heard that)!

Volvo had a Recall in US and A and Sweden, (Recall NHTSA N° 06V441000 / Volvo USA Recall N° R155) - covering all (!) imported Volvos with Magneti Marelli throttle modules between 99-2002 (S/V/C70I/S80/V70II,S60) concerning 366.000 cars. I heard they even had to change that part after the waranty expired after a lawsuit. I dunno if that is true.

So, this is a definitive weakspot, when it occurs, the engine warning lamp will light up, the car will have unstable rotational speed, then problems to start, then will entering engine safe mode, you definitely will feel it.

Some germans claimed they could clean it, or there were companies that would disassemble it and clean it thoroughly, and that could help in some cases.

Please google for that problem and its solution, this is all i found out about this.

regards Marian

PS: i am planning to buy a 2000 C70 2,4T manual (champagne) with only 60.000miles and the car has such a problem... i hope the owner will fix it properly and then i will take it, as it is in perfect condition. Price is a bit higher tough