I currently own an ‘01 S40 and am looking to buy an ‘01 V70 X/C for my wife to drive and for us all as a family to go on road-trips with. This particular vehicle is in great condition. I've know the owner since I was born and she purchased it through the local Volvo dealer new and has since had it serviced at the local independent Volvo shop (Who has a much better, long-term rep than then dealer). She has all the records and has spared no expense in maintaining this car. She has performed a pre-sale inspection as well. I have no worries about the current condition of this car (as I know the shop very well) but I am picking all your brains out there about common issues with this car. Maybe the top 5-10 common issues with it outside of regular maintenance.

 

We had an 02, and had zero issues with the car, that being said 01-02s have been noted for transmission and ETM failures, but as I've stated our 02 had neither (we purchased it in 04 @50k and traded it in 10 with 120k).

 

we are really pleased with our 01. we've had it now for 14 months and prob. put 2500 in it in service but it was all typ. stuff for a 115 k car. timing belt right away and things like brakes, new tires and suspension parts. I love the git up and go and am happy with the 25mpg avg. its my 1st drive by wire car and i love the way it shifts

 

junk it as soon as you start having issues, good XCs are hard to come by, but most are lemons. Not saying XCs suck, Volvo has a lot of cool stuff in them, but they just didn't do a good job making it all reliable.

 

Kind of harsh but also can be said for most any European vehicle. Audis, Mercedes, BMWs, Land Rovers, VWs, etc from that era all had their major issues. If you get a good one keep it for ever.

My experience is that Volvos were by far the best of the lot from that time period. Mercedes and Audi were the worst. I drove my 1988 MB 300TE till 225k miles with no problems. Sold it 13 years ago and the new owner is still driving it daily. I had a 1992 MB 600SEL which went 200k, no problems other than piddly interior switch issues. Rest of the car was bulletproof. 1997 Volvo 960 - 300k so far - no problems. Everything from MY 2000 - 2002 is junk. 2000 Audi S4 bought new - sold at 18k due to multiple powertrain issues. 2002 MB CL500 bought new - sold due to major issues from day 1, including severe rusting.

My 2004 XC90 T6 - still going strong!