Looking to replace my Saab wagon with a 01-05 V70 AWD t5 or R non XC type setup. I was looking for a buying guide or things to look out for. Seems the t-belt is a givien and check the turbo for signs of wear. Any sludge problems with these motors or other majopr issues to watch out for? Looking to spend less then $16K so milage will be higher so I need to know what to watch out for. Thank you in advance and I hope to be a fellow owner in the next few months.

 

Sounds like a bad idea by the looks of this thread.

 

All I know is that the R's usually are driven quite hard and wont be a good buy. My v70 had 200k on it, works like a charm but I have to replace a joint by the right front tire cause of a faulty "rubber protection". Check those and make sure to do really hard turns i high speed when test driving. The owner probably wont agree, but what can you do. Test driving with nervous owners is .. fun =)

 

I don't like being the negative one all the time so I let someone else do the deed first.......

I agree with Hman, any used performance car be it Volvo, Saab or any other car is very likely going to have issues.

What to look out for? IMO everything. Transmissions problems especially, electrical problems are another. Watch out for Check engine light resets, have the car checked to insure that OBDII is not in test mode, which would indicate that the check engine light was recently on.

If you buy used from a private party, you want to see the maintance and repair records and have a Volvo specialist look it over. If from a dealer you want a good warranty at mininum a 6month/6,000 mile warranty. IMO, stay away from " pay day" car lots, Volvos there will almost always have big problems.

Personally I would save up a few more grand and get a Volvo certified used car, They come with better warranties and you aren't locked into one dealer for service.

 

Don't be scared of performance Volvo's, make sure that
service records are up to date, and that the oil changes have been done at least every 4-5k,(turbo models) buy a v70 post 03, they ironed out most of the issues by that time.
Volvo's are made well, just because it's a performance car it does not mean it's been treated bad.
they are built to withstand a bit of stick. make sure you test drive it at full operating temp, that way you will see if the tranny has any issues,
But really it's all in the maintanence of the vehicle.

good luck
v70 2.4t

 

Thank you for the advice thus far, I still want a Volvo, any number of starts to get a reset cel to reappear?