Warning signs to look for when purchasing used xc70
 

I just bought a 2005 XC70 with 28k miles on it. The old couple (88 and 92) were going to sell to the Volvo dealer. I offered them $500.00 over what the dealer would give them and got it for $11,500.00. Very pleased.

The problems I've had with it (all fixed now) were broken driver's power seat, blowing coolant out of over-flow tank (new cap needed), front wheel alignment and new battery.

My only other observation is the MPG. It's showing 22.5 which, in comparison to our 2011 Subaru Legacy (same 2.5 liter AWD), is disappointing as the Subie gets a regular 30 and 33 on our Florida trips.

Apart from that I really like the car. Good luck with quest for one.

wow! you are lucky, I wish I had that much luck. I just got back from the dealer after three days of negotiations i finally got the price where I like it. Then I looked again at the dipstick during the final inspection just before signing the contract, and guess what I see some weird stuff floating in the oil. I asked to take it for one last test drive and after coming back i look again and there it was, evidence that the coolant is leaking into the oil. First I thought; Damn it I like this car, but then the next thought was: man am I glad I did not sign any paperwork. The dealer informed me that a mechanic will look at this tomorrow and they will let me know. I wonder what the diagnosis will be...I guess the search goes on....

Good luck! Like your tag. The BF109 was a great airframe. Way ahead of its time.

I was lucky.
 

That's one to avoid. I'm told the XC70 is very fussy about using the correct synthetic oil as it has the low pressure turbo. If water has contaminated the oil it won't have done the turbo any good.

I think there is a business out there buying cars from really old people who give up driving. As they don't want people coming to their home for security reasons, they take the car to the dealer and accept whatever they offer. This is not the first time I've bought right by offering $500.00 over the dealer's price. Ummm! I wonder how I could make that work?

Just got a call from the dealer, according to their mechanic there is nothing wrong with the car. He claims the oil looks just as it should, he does not see anything suspicious in it. I have pictures on my phone that I took yesterday of the oil cap and the dipstick, once I download the images from my phone I will try to post it here so maybe you guys can tell me if I am correct or if I am going nuts.

I could not agree more Bulldog.

There is a good chance that there is absolutely nothing wrong with the car (at least due to this symptom). It may very well be moisture / condensation that causes the oil to foam. This happens if the car sits for period of time, especially if it has been damp or raining. If my 960 has been parked for more than a few days it shows the exact same thing. If I then drive it until fully warmed up the foam is gone and it looks like normal oil. Been like that since new and I'm at 298k on the original 2.9L inline 6. What a fantastic engine!

Then why are they selling "as is?"
Warning signs of lurking trouble - motivated seller and no warranty.
Go back, and watch their response when you ask if you can take it to a reputable, independent Volvo mechanic.

No warranty on a 6 year old Volvo? Or any used car for that matter? Not a surprise.

As far as being a motivated seller, 99% of sellers want the car to be gone ASAP as they have mentally moved on.

That being said, I wouldn't buy a car without a thorough review by either a Volvo dealer or specialist mechanic. Well worth the $250 investment.

Well, I did call a local volvo dealer to schedule an inspection, after informing them that I would like an inspection on a car from another dealership, I was simply told they will not be able to inform me of the outcome of the inspection (even though I was the one paying for it not the dealer) because I am not the owner of the vehicle. Furthermore, the inspection will only happen if I have a representative from the dealer with me or a written letter from the dealership allowing them to perform such inspection. So I gave up on that volvo, it seems there might be a code of honor at play here or something, but I went back to my dealer and told them sorry if you do not provide at least a 30 day warranty on this car I will not buy it. The reply was: sorry no warranty with this vehicle. My reply was too bad.

A Volvo independent repair shop could do the pre-purchase inspection also. I've had this done on a variety of vehicles, Volvo and otherwise, and the shops are always happy to get paid to find a potential new customer. Never once had them ask for the other dealer to be there.