'98 V70 XC - Worth Looking At?

BillRoss · Post by **BillRoss** » 19 Feb 2004, 17:31

Am interested in any opinions or what to look for. I'm an experienced Volvo owner having had 2 200 Series and 2 700 Series Volvos over the years (along with 36 other Euro cars, as well). Now I'm thinking of trading my '93 Range Rover in for a '98 V70 XC. Only problem is that this unit has 315K kms (all highway, supposedly) on it. Overall, the unit is pretty clean from what I can tell by a drive-by. The lot wants $12,900CDN for it and it would probably be a nearly even swap for my Rangie (bought at the same lot by the way).

I'm thinking that an V70XC is the way to go to replace my Rover as I live off of a half mile dirt road where I frequently have a fair amount of snow to get through. My other current option Volvo-wise is the same lot has a '96 850R with the 5 speed for $13,900CDN in "arrest-me" red, but I suspect that the 17in. wheels and P-Zeros would not be the ideal winter set-up. And the 247 horse probably wouldn't do my wallet much good either but sure would help the provincial coffers.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 19 Feb 2004, 19:55

I own a '98 AWD V70. Love the car. It's great in the snow (I have a farm with a long driveway), it's comfortable, and it's reliable. The price of CDN$12900 is quite high for 315k, but that all depends on what you can get for your Range Rover on trade.

I'm guessing you live in southwestern Ontario and the XC is white in colour (just a guess though). If I'm correct, I know of the car you're referring to. Not knowing much about your Rangie, if you can get close to an even swap, you're not doing too badly.

I also own an '97 850 (not the R)...great car in dry weather, but the damned thing gets stuck in three inches of snow (too light of a vehicle). Of course, I could always put snows on it, but that would be too much effort.

For the right dollar ($10500 without a trade), go for the XC.

Hope this helps

Post by **matthew1** » 20 Feb 2004, 11:22

Don't have an XC, so can't comment from an ownership standpoint, but drive it drive it drive it, and use your senses. Listen and feel for vibrations. The early Volvo 4wd systems were young, and the bevel gears had a tendancy to destroy themselves if one (or more) wheel(s) was a bit taller than the others, i.e.: owner neglecting to rotate tires, buying cheap tires, mixing tire sizes or brands.

Look for maint. records too.

BillRoss · Post by **BillRoss** » 21 Feb 2004, 17:57

Thanks for the input.

Actually, I'm up in North Bay so the whole "snow-ability" is fairly important, hence my current Rover; but the car may have come from down south. I did find out that it comes with a "complete" set of maintenance records, but I just can't get over the mileage. My one son has had a couple of VW diesels with that kind of klicks and actually higher, but its bizarre what breaks when you get up that far. Its usuually the fiddly bits like switch gear and trim. Not real important to the operation, but really hurts the appeal when they break and not cheap either.

Thanks again

Red Lion · Post by **Red Lion** » 26 Feb 2004, 10:36

I have a 98 XC and really, for the most part, love it. Great in the snow, comfortable to drive, plenty of room and reliable.
My biggest complaint is the mileage, this winter the around town dropped to about 13. Take it out on the hw and it's 25. Brought it to the Volvo Dealership, they check it out and it's fine

They said something is added to the gas in Mass during the winter and it drops the mileage way dowm