xc70: How capable off road? (pre and post 2001)
 

Hi, I'm new here. I'm considering buying an xc70. I love the looks of this car! I especially like the crispy lines of the pre '91's but I have two concerns:
1st, I understand the later models, especially from 2004 on, are a lot more reliable (do I hear a few chuckles out there? :-) Any thoughts on this?
2nd, in the 2001 redesign, the ground clearance was raise from about 6" to 8", and suspension was beefed up. Obviously, some attention was paid to off road performance. Can anybody relate off road performance experience in general for these cars? Can you drive dirt roads to campgrounds and so forth? Does pre/post 2001 make much difference? Any interesting off road experience at all, fun anecdotes, dire warnings, amusing tid-bits, etc...?

(I'm leaning towards a 2004 xc70 for supposed improved reliability and improved off road, even though I like the lines of the pre '01 xc70's better. sigh)

The AWD will mostly help on steep gradients and in the snow, when FWD doesn't have enough traction. There are some videos on Youtube showing the Volvo off-road and it performs fairly well, the Subaru probably has a better system but post '03 Volvo used an electronic Haldex clutch system which works better than the viscous coupling on the 01-02 models. You're right about the reliability, the main problem is the transmission which Volvo claimed was fill for life. However, by '03 the owners manual says the transmission fluid should be changed at 60K? and they apparently beefed up the valve body in these transmissions.

I live in the snow belt and drive a Geo Metro with no problems an also drive dirt roads. I even had it off road. I am sure a Cross Country will do everything you want it to, but if you are looking for more aggressive off-road use, then I suggest a 4X4 truck.

The later models were no more reliable than the older models in my opinion, but it's your choice. Good luck with your search!

i agree with being cautious about the transmission. it's actually a great unit but volvo made a big mistake (or profit?) by telling people to never change the fluid. other than that there should be no major problems. if you do want a pre-'03 xc just do what i did with my v70 and make sure there are service records of the ATF being changed. thankfully, there are people out there who ignored volvo's "fill for life" recommendation.

'99 XC off road
 

I've used my '99 for years on the beaches at the Outer Banks of NC. Gone through some rough, deep and hot sand. But if you get caught up to your pan in sand or mud you could get in trouble because then the AWD can't lock on anything as the wheels are lifted and don't turn if they can't grab onto something. If only they had a low-speed locking differential option. (Nissan has it on their AWD.) That would make the XC a true off-road contender.

'99 XC70 Sandstone, 129k
'06 XC70 Ocean Race, 250/500
'98 V70 Coral Red, 125k
'99 Saab 9-3

Thanks, everyone! I think I've located a 2006 that's a peach. I had an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection. He came up with: replace bulb over license plate, fill wiper fluid. I may be driving her home in a couple of days :-)

Sweet! Be sure to post some pics.

I picked up a 1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer for my off road needs. Dana 44's front and back, Optional 2wd, full time 4wd in High, and of course, 4LO.

360 AMC V8, 2V autolite carb.

3 speed 727 Torqueflite automatic.

Paid 400 and drove it home, needs the floor pans replaced, lower rear quarters replaced, rocker panels replaced, and the 4WD needs to be hooked up....But for about $1500 I should have a very capable onroad/offroad machine. Add another grand for trim and woodgrain panels...and paint, and It's a slick machine.