Let's just say for $10-12k, I can find 2 very nice S/V70's. I am also biased to the pre 99, pre Ford, pre drive by wire, whatever you want to call it, as I have a 98v70. But over the few years of owning this car I realized what a hidden gem I have. It's very easy to work on in terms of things that don't need a mechanic for. All you need a little skill and common sense.

As far as repairs, all cars need repairs. Some say Volvo's cost more to repair but I don't think so. And if indeed Volvo's do cost more, you're paying for Volvo parts and putting them into a Volvo. You'll get your moneys worth. Know what to maintain and repair andany carwill last as long as you want. Oh and AWD, I don't need it. But if you do, you pay for the luxury like we all do.

 

hello, this is the wife of Michael from Kansas City. am unsure about starting a new thread, as we are still searching for a v70...please redirect if necessary, or instruct me to.

anyway, the aforementioned '98 did not work out - let's just say the interior was far worse than my '98 Odyssey and i have 3 kids under 9 and enjoy fast food so we are moving on...

call me crazy but I do love a manual tran., and have located a 2001 with lowish miles and full maintenance records. i would like to avoid a 2001 automatic (much googling/reading has led to this decision, please don't hate me if you own one and it is wonderfully reliable), but the manual intrigues, for the better mileage and the fact I rarely have to deal with bumper-to-bumper. I would prefer to drive a car forever (heck, I would have done so with the honda, had it proved as reliable as per typical japanese cars, but i digress) and have no resale worries, but what about parts? will my volvo-familiar mechanic (he has all software, etc.) have more trouble locating them and/or finding info. on repairs for a manual, as they are no longer made? am I nuts to consider a discontinued car?

if anyone has experience with this issue, I'd greatly appreciate your input, and thanks in advance!

Estea from KC

 

A work friend of mine has been driving a lowerd 98 V70R awd for 8yrs , he's coverd about 75k and has only replaced the outer cv, joints on the front and a steering rack , and it regularly gets driven hard . on the other hand my 99 xc with the same miles and has towed caravans for most of its life , and its wrecked. i dont know if it's a good or bad thing but i have a local volvo "estate only" scrap yard with possibly 250 cars in stock , he doesnt have any AWD cars in and rarely gets them. i had a prop/driveshaft (gearbox to diff) converted from stock volvo parts , to gkn (land/rangerover) replacing 3 universal joints and the hanger bearing . it wasn,t cheep but it can be done. the cv joints on the drive shafts to the wheels can be sourced for about £100 each and involve circlip pliers ,a drift ,copper mallet and a vice. i think the awd is excellent (when working) and makes a noticeable improvement to whats a heavy handling car , on the V70R AWD with sports attributes its on par with the audi quattro system without any doubt.
hope this helps in any way(sorry bout spellings)
cheers
Daren1

 

My '01 is a manual. Nothing but a joy to drive, and the clutch is silky smooth.