In December, I purchased an '01 V70XC at auction from Volvo Corporate Finance. A likely lease turn-in, had 54k mi on it, with a clean (beige) interior and no pits on the alloy rims, so I thought it was reasonably maintained (compared to other 50 or so they had that day at the auction). I did not come to the auction prepared to buy anything, but when I saw this come in (first car of the day, no one paying attention, so I got it CHEAP! $13k!) I bought it. Never drove one in my life...scared to say the least of what I had gotten into...
Driving home from the auction, I was immediately impressed with the car's handling characteristics, so tight, 54,000 mile old tires gripping like new, no chirps--amazing!
Figured I'd do some maintenance. Took it in that day for the radiator fan recall that wasn't done, and had them flush tranny and brake fluid. Said the radiator coolant didn't need it (nice, honest!). I did the plugs, oil & filter 5-30Mobil1 and air filter (found the date stamp to be August 2000!!! with a nest of insulation some rodent pulled in from prior owner's garage and a bunch of excrement and sticky (urine?) in the filter box). After cleaning out the filter box, I detailed her up, replaced a few blown bulbs, and away we went. I put her into service for my wife, and I took her deteriorating '01 9-3 as my commuter, as my '03 Avalanche hardly cuts it as a commuter with gas prices these days and my further 40 mi/each way commute.
Only complaint with "Vivvie the Volvo" has been suspension knocks/rattles over bumps--used to be just in cold weather now is all the time. I suspect a common issue with bushings? One other thing--car does not COAST at all. Idle speeds the car does not creep forward--you have to hit the gas just to roll out of our level driveway--is this drag from the AWD system? Is this normal? Advice requested.
Assuming I can find another bargain, I'm now going to sell the '01 9-3. Thinking of an AWD S60 R which fits my personality/driving style a bit more. Can I be equally as thrilled with this replacement vehicle? Anything else I should know (or be doing) to ensure surprise free, reliable driving with the '01 V70XC or the upcoming S60 purchase ('02-'04 model year likely). Many thanks from this convert/newbee. Safe travels!