I am looking to get into a V70 or XC70 wagon for a reliable family car. Initially I wanted to get a 1998 because I had read it was a good reliable car, but since I have to get financing to buy it, I am restricted to a 2001 or newer, 2004 or newer drops a point off the interest rate.
Mostly I have looked at 2001's, but I am also looking at 2002, 2003 and 2004, AWD is a requirement.
However I keep reading about the high rate of transmission failures. Is there a specific transmission that is prone to failure? The AW50AWD, AW42AWD, AW55-50SN, AW70/71?? I'm not sure which transmissions. I've found my info at (www[]volvoclub[]org[]uk/vin_70[]shtml) How can I tell what gear box is in what car? The VIN doesn't help for US and Canadian cars since the 9th digit is used as the Check Digit.
Do the trannys in the V70 have a higher than normal failure rate?
Which V70/XC70 in the 2001-2004 range does NOT have the higher tranny failure rate.
I have searched the forum but couldn't find any specific information.
If anybody knows the what and wherefore of these wagons and their gearbox I would be grateful to learn as much as I can. Thanks

edit, I reposted here because I thought the general forum might not be the right place to post. I didn't know how to move the post, so i reposted. sorry about the double post.

 

Hello, The short of it is with the 2004 model year you're in the clear. You only need to avoid a neglected transmission with brown putty for fluid. Search "transmissions" on this board and Brickboard. Expect to change the bevel gear (transfer case) fluid once you find a 2004- car to buy. I did the search when researching possible B4 servo woes. I didn't memorize everything I read but the first two sentences above might be all you need. Kira