Hi guys, I was looking at getting one of these cars and was wondering what the reliability of these cars was like, what are common repairs or problems, etc. Ive had one Volvo prior to this (1997 V90) and that was a tank of a car that to be honest, didnt give me any major headaches, so i figured id look into these models as im looking for something a bit sportier but can still lug around alot of stuff. Figured this would be a good place to start, so if anyone can give me some info on what to expect from these V70 Rs it would be much appreciated

 

Well, FWD cars are a lot more maintenance. And the 90 series cars are pretty low maintenance cars so expect a lot more. The main complaint that I have heard with the early model AWD is that you have to keep all the tires the same run out. If you have 4 tires worn down to 35% and one goes bad you will likely have to replace all 4 to keep the run off the same or it will strain the AWD system and possibly damage it.

You can look through the S70, V70, and 850 threads and see common problem, especially the buyer's guide in the 850 section. If you do a lot of your own work you should be fine.

 

I've nearly 200k miles on 98 xc70awd and no major issues, knock on wood. Haven't heard of the R having any challenges different than xc70awd.

 

Many people say that 1998 was the best year for Volvos. My son has a 98 S70 T5M and a 98 V70 R and has had no major issues with either. 1998 was the first year for the V/S70 in the US at least. 1997 was the last year for the 850 which is pretty much the same car. I had a 98 V70 GLT and it was about as reliable as any car I ever owned. Just wish it would have towed my boat then I would still have it.

 

The 70 series came out in 1997 in Europe. And it's probably just as good as the 98. The 99 and 00 70 series cars are fine as well, with the big exception of the problem with the throttle bodies. This problem is the main reason people say the 98s are better.

 

I've owned way too many cars, as my wife reminds me. The reason I'm hanging on to my volvo is the seats first and foremost. As the MB/Jag/Rover dealer told me several years ago, Volvo has the best seats in the business. My second reason and what still amazes me is that my v70awd(not R) at nearly 200k miles drives better than what I've owned with 50k miles. So now I'm on a quest to see just how far it can go.

I think making a car that lasts too long is against a car maker's bottom line business, and there are very few examples out there. But my 98 volvo seems to be that example. Good luck!

 

Heh... Volvo, at least here in the states, seems to consider it a point of pride that their cars last so long- They actually encourage people to make them go as long as they can. I'm doing MY part with the 3 Volvos I have- see my signature.

 

I have to agree with JimKW the 98 is the best year (especially if you are into modding the car). In 1999 the car went too electronic throttle control and the ECU is not as friendly to mod's. Not had any experience with this but my 1998 V70R runs like a champ. As soon as I am able I will start modifying it to make it my family sleeper. My car had 176,000+ miles.

 

Hi all, my 1996 855AWD had 210,000 miles on it. No major issues, just normal wear and tear items replaced, until the head gasket started leaking, decided it didn't warrant repairing as it would cost more than the car was worth. Just keep the tyres within the recommended range and there's no problem with the AWD. Later V70's with ETM, XmodeX in the 'states or BBA Reman in the UK modify the ETM with 'non contact' internals, which does away with the parts that always pack up.

 

Hey guys, sorry for the long time to reply back, but unfortunately i did not go for the R or even an AWD model, i ended up picking up a '98 V70 with (i believe) a 2.4L Naturally aspirated I5. I do very much appreciate all the input i got from all of you guys, but i kind of came to realize that i should probably start out with a more basic one and work my way up. i will post pictures of the car i bought in the end if anyones interested though Ill be posting more as i go along with the minor modifications ive got in mind, but for now i suppose thats all (unless someone can point me in a general direction in which i can get a set of Volvo Columba rims in the GTA Ontario, that would also be of much help :P ) Thanks again guys!

 

Pics do not show. As for the wheels, shop around for a broken car or craigs list daily.