Been contemplating replacing my aging 97 850 NA. 165K, runs o.k., but needs a fair amount to get it tip top.

Eyeing up a 2004 V70 2.5T Looks real sharp. Price is good. Anyhow my 850 has been fairly reliable andI typically stay away from first model year cars so wondering if the 2004's are o.k. I've read quite a bit herein about the 01's and their poor reliability, hoping Volvo was able to improve things by 2004.

Also I do a fair amount of wrenching myself, but also wondering if things have gotten significantly more complex such that I'll be forced to go to the stealership?

Any thoughts on this? Any special concerns or things to specifically check out on the 04 I'll be test driving?

thanks

 

I can tell you now, that my '04 v70R is in wonderful shape mechanically. there are absolutely no problems in that realm.

I have, however, experienced problems electrically. i can't speak for anyone elses experiences, but so far my electrical problems stem from what the volvo dealer things is issues rooted in the CEM.

I haven't been driving the car long enough to give any other real hints or tips.