Another Volvo. This one for my son, his first car. Looking at a 2000 S70. I know all about the 850 problems (A/C, susp., PCV, etc.) but my question is, How many of these were resolved in those five years of production? And does this car at 124k miles $3399, private owner, have the nightmare potential of my 850? Won't see or drive it till Sunday. The guy says everything works. Any quirks that year? Could save me lots of time and money. Thanks again.

 

850, issues??? Those are not issues, those are maintenance items. Well, maybe not the AC but that's a small problem for a 15+ year old car.

The S70 has all the same dna issues plus a few more. The big thing to check on is the DBW throttle module. Should have a yellow sticker on it somewhere.

 

Thanks for the reply rspi, this car has a carfax we'll run tomorrow with 38 entries, could be very good or very bad. I'm convinced these cars, when puchased used, are all about the PO and their service records. That DBW throttle module, factory recall? and did they toughen up that AC evaperator after 850? And should it have failed by now? Thanks

 

The evaporator is still a problem on the S70- I think it's the same part number actually. No telling how long it will last but I would imagine it would have failed by now.

There was a recall for the throttle software, but not for replacement of the throttle. It was covered by an extended warranty, which would be expired by now.

Suspension is basically the same as the 850, as is the breather box setup.

 

I'm not sure if an ac evaporator would have been replaced by now. I replaced one about 20 months ago on a ‘95 so they can last quite a while. I wouldn't do it again unless it leaks down within 30 days. My current 18 year old one takes about 4 months to leak down so I'm not doing anything about it. 4 Cans per year at $8 per can doesn't bother me a bit, especially since they claim it doesn't effect the ozone.

Most have replaced the throttle module by now but rumor has it that it should have a yellow sticker on it.

Getting these old cars is a crap shoot. The only thing that you can be sure about is that he will likely love the car and you or he will be tinkering with it all the time. I tinker with my 850 a little. Not bad at all, now the S70, I'm usually doing more serious stuff to it all the time. If my daughter wasn't in it, I would hate to see that car coming. In the past year I have done a head, rebuilt both front axles, replaced rotors, changed a temp sensor, replaced/rebuilt 3 door latches, freed a stuck door, replaced brake lines, replaced sway bar end links, replaced a battery and replaced a coolant tank. I'm sure I missed something but that was only the past year. It has about 175,000 on it now. It now needs an exhaust manifold, control arms, a manifold lug and the dash repaired.

As for my 850, I had to fix the cruise which ended up being a problem with the wire harness connection behind the dash at the cluster connection, timing belt and a few plastic parts. That's been about it. I need to do the valve stem seals, ball joints, steering rack (it's leaking), and something is going on with the alignment at the front drivers side. I'm also having issues with a P0422 code which is likely related to my stem seal leaks with oil blowing through the after market cat. It has 222,500 on it.

Both cars look good and can be driven across country but do need a little work.

 

Well, thanks Guys. but passed on the S70 and went for a 2004 S60 2.5T. Son is like a kid on xmas. Bought it from a German mechanic who doesn't do Volvos, but IS doing control arms and supplying OEM T-belt parts. Car has 113K. Now ISO local mech to do labor. (Don't have the time) Any suggestions? Will P/U friday. Thanks again for ALL your help. Introducing son to the "brotherhood" of proud Volvo owners is enhancing his "first car" experience and is gratifying. And this forum will be a part. Thanks again, so look for a newbee on the S60 side, and his old man.