I had a beautiful 2005 V70 2.5t. I had it since new and with 80k miles, it was trouble free. It was totaled. I'm looking to replace it. What should I look for in a used one. 2001 or newer, what years should I avoid? Issues I should check for. How about the XC70?

 

Bummer about your '05!!!

I don't have too much experience w/newer models; sounds like you had good experience with '05; would suggest same/similar vintage. IMO best yr was '98 but they're getting pretty old now... good luck.

Oh yeah; do you really need XC in LA? Or are up in the mountains all the time?

 

My understanding is that 2005-2007 is the sweet spot for reliability with the P2 series V70 and XC70.

I have a 2005 V70 with 87K trouble free miles. Both my wife (her primary car) and I would hate to lose it. Sorry to hear about your loss. Hopefully no one was injured (you didn't say in your post).

 

I have bought two vehicles via the Volvo Certified pre owned program and the benefits are great. we have an 02' V70XC with 114K and it is flawless. I put dedicated snows (Firestone Winterforce) mounted on steel wheels, on it in winter and my 4x4 pick up barely leaves the driveway, the wagon is unstoppable with good tires! Good luck...

 

We bought a super low mileage lease turn in '06 V70 two years ago and it has had no problems except the )#$@()*%$(* rear window washer. Which isn't the worst problem in the world. Averages a little over 20 mpg with the turbo motor and the cold weather we have in the Midwest. Better in summer. My wife fills it with 87 octane gas, too, and no problems. (She won't spend the $$$ extra for premium and when I've used 93 octane for a few tanks it makes no discernable difference).

Note, however, for whatever marketing reason, Volvo has not sent the wagon version of the new V70 to us, although it is available in Europe. We're dinosaurs, I guess.

 

I would be interested in the answer to this thread, myself.

I own a 1998 V70 GLT which runs flawlessly. However, I want to go with a newer V70 XC with AWD and a tow package, so I can pull snowmobiles in the winter.

My local Volvo shop has been in business for 42 years working on exclusively Volvo vehicles. The mechanics have told me to steer away from the 1999 to 2003'ish AWD cars. I have been told the Transmissions are weak, and the AWD systems ALWAYS fail. They are a ticking Time Bombs. This news breaks my heart, as the 2001 to 2003 models are right in my cash budget for a car.

Any other opinions on this?

 

Hello, I got opinions on this: 1) You know the scoop on the good and bad years for V70s, 2) You should be real glad you have a great running 1998. Where is this straightforward dealer located? 3) Enjoy waiting the next year or two before you can afford the vintage you want. 4) Enjoy selling what will still be a high demand car-your '98. You're a lucky dog, Kira

 

Kira,

The shop that I go to is not a dealer. It is a Volvo junkyard with a repair shop. Three lifts, three mechanics, and a salvage yard of ONLY Volvos. All makes, models, and vintages. The man that owns it, has been collecting Volvos since the early 1960's. He is wildly popular in these parts (Northeast, Ohio). Pretty much everyone with a Volvo brings their cars to his shop. His sons have taken over the repair business. It is on a very non-descript back road in a rural part of Ohio. You crest a hill, and see Volvo cars piled 3 and 4 deep, covering acres of property. A wonderful treasure for me to live so close to, as I can get little parts for my cars for a reasonable price off of their many wrecked salvage V-70's and S-70's. They wrench on Volvos all day long. They are extremely well priced and straightforward with information about what is good and what is bad. I think he does my timing belts for around $90, while I wait. As for giving pre-purchase advice, he tells me that the fly-by-wire and early AWD systems can be a nightmare. Something about drive shafts and the carrier bearings. Says many people actually disable the AWD on many of these cars. Very discouraging. Here he is:

http://www.volvoshopinc.com/

I love my 1998, but would be afraid to pull a trailer in the snow with it. I will always keep my 1998 as a backup car. Want an AWD so bad, I can taste it. Love the 2002 body style.

Sorry for hijacking the thread. Just looking for the right year of AWD V-70

 

I have finally narrowed it down to a '05 or newer. We are trying to stay under $12k. On the rear washer, try blowing through the nozzle with an air compressor, sometimes wax or gunk clogs it. Also, I just got back from Europe, not only do they still sell the V70, you can get a choice of diesel engines. Volvo with 40 mpg! Anyway we are on the lookout for a clean 2.5t. Thanks everyone for the advice! PM me if you have one for sale.