New guy! Some questions about V70R, XC70 Cross Country and the V70
 

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum. I currently drive a 2000 BMW 528 with 212,xxx miles. I'm giving it to my son and I looking at some Volvos. I would prefer AWD since my current RWD is HORRIBLE in snow. I found a 2004 V70R with 75,394 miles for $13,999 http://www.jimcolemaninfiniti.com/Wa...8878-used.html . I also found a 2004 XC70 Cross Country with 87,045 miles for around 13k http://www.hiloautosales.com/vehicle...lersite#ar_top . Last but not least, a 2004 FWD V70 without the turbo with 58,687 miles for $10,995 http://www.hiloautosales.com/vehicle...lersite#ar_top .

I really like the V70R, but is it going to cost more to maintain? What are some common issues amongst all three of these cars? I'm going to be putting a kayak on the top, and a bike hitch on the back so with the V70R I would need to buy a rack, but it already has a hitch. Can someone give me some helpful insight as to what I need to be looking for/ at? Also... just wondering, how many miles to these things usually last. Like I said, my current Bimmer has 212,xxx. Thanks in advance, Corey.

You're there
 

Hello, These 3 2004s are all in the clear regarding bad transmissions ('01-'02) and bad, early design bevel gears in the AWD ('98-'03). When Volvo sent me an information sticker for my owner's manual regarding the ETMs, only the '01 and some '02s were mentioned. Looks like they cleared up the bad ETM design too. You're in the promised land.
Everyone worships the Rs. I assume the interior of the R is more tasteful than the XC. Also, they probably don't have any maintenance records on any of these vehicles so prepurchase inspection is a must. I have pedestrian tastes and the budget to go with them so I'd lean toward the 2WD. Refresh the fluids and maintain these cars and you'll match your 528's 212 with ease. These Volvos will be no more expensive to maintain than the 500 series you're giving to your son; maybe less.
Wanna station wagon? Get the non-turbo (regular gas, cheaper tires). Wanna go Zoom-Zoom? Get the R. Need a horizontal towel rack between the front seats? Get the XC. Kira

Thanks Kira! I was a little worried on the maintenance of these cars because I read about some bad trannys and what not. But I kind of ruled out the FWD one just because I would really prefer the AWD, and heated seats for me is a must ;). They've spoiled me for so long it makes the Maryland winters bearable! I'm going to test drive it anyways tonight, along with the XC. This weekend I'm going to test drive the R and make a decision from there.

EDIT: I just did the carfax on the R. It's had 3 owners and in 2005 it was sold as a Volvo certified car. Could it possibly still have a warranty on it? If so how would I figure out how much time is left on the warranty?

3 owners in 5 years? Might make me wonder why. And remember, their asking price should be a starting point not the final point for sale. Just be sure you are budgeted for repairs and up keep. High milage, price accordingly.

P.S. The V70 is front wheel drive. Put a set of snows on it and you won't need AWD.

Well just bought the V70R! :) It's in EXCELLENT condition. It's been in warranty its whole life except the past 5 month. The dealership is going to put 4 new tires on it because the ones that are on it now are a little big and rub the inside of the fender when turning, then they're going to deliver the car to my house on Tuesday. I can't wait! Thanks for the help!

Congratulations on your new purchase. First thing to now is -

http://www.v70r.com/forums/index.php?act=home

Once you drive an "R" model the others just won't do.

Thanks, I'm gonna join now! You couldn't have said it any better. This car is actually for my wife, it's going to be her daily driver and she really wanted a XC. She test drove one and loved it! She was reluctant to test drive the R because she felt that it was too much car for her. Once she drove it tho, she fell in love and didn't want the XC at all. :D