Hi folks, I am very keen to buy a V70 for my wife to use as a big safe car for her childminding buisiness. She does not do a lot of miles so mpg is not a great factor as long as it is not really bad. The car I am going to see is a 1997 V70 2.5T with 120k miles. I would be greatful of any advice & experience of this model and any common faults to look out for before buying. Many Thanks, Richard

 

I would have it looked at before you take it. They are fantastic cars but some of the things could be spendy if the previous owners didnt do the proper maintenance. I have heard that the timing belt is a biggie and pretty common. I have not had that problem but have heard it should be replaced between 70K-100K. (so I would ask or have it checked). Overall I think they are great cars and if taken care of they will run for ever. I have a friend that has over 300,000k and still running like a champ. He is actually the reason I bought mine. Also with the inline 5 cylinder it gets pretty good gas mileage but still has a lot of power.

I have only owned mine for a month or so, so I dont know a ton but I hope I was somewhat helpful.

 

There is not a 97 V70. Are you looking at a 850 wagon? The timing belts on these cars are replaced every 70k or 7 years, which ever comes first. If your looking at a 1999 or newer V70, then the belt is replaced at 105k or ten years. At that mileage, you will need to pay attention to the cooling system. More then likely, the radiator and heater core may have been replaced already.

 

Hi,

control arms and other steering related stuff as ball joints are 'common weakness' as far as I know. Having V70 2.5T -99 and (some of) these are replaced 2-3 times since Dec 2004 I bought my wagon.

Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) is quite common fault in 99-01 or even in -02 models. When ETM gets fault it usually has some affect in driving e.g. roughness in acceleration, sometimes splutters in start. The module has to be replaced. BTW. There was service recall some years ago and Volvo went on extending warranty up to 10yrs or 200k miles.

Best,

-juussi

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Volvo V70 2.5T -99
BMW E39 523i Touring -97