Opinions on the early AWD Volvo cars reliability

JRRuiz · Post by **JRRuiz** » 17 Dec 2009, 07:37

I presently own a '97 850 Wagon and in the market for another vehicle. I love my '97 but it's a quite basic bottom of the line vehicle with a winter package. I'm looking for mechanics opinions of the early AWD XC V70 Wagons. Are they reliable, would you recommend or not and why?

Post by **E Showell** » 17 Dec 2009, 07:55

Disclaimer -- I am not a mechanic.

I was looking to replace family '96 850 wagon this past Summer. I spoke extensively with my now retired mechanic -- Volvo factory trained who subsequently went out on his own and worked only on Volvos -- who suggested it was best to avoid at least the first model year of AWD and perhaps better to avoid the first couple. He also advises generally against the turbos in pre-owned vehicles as they must be scrupulously maintained and with a pre-owned vehicle you just never really know.

I've never had a turbo, but have found the normally aspirated Volvo's I've owned, if not spectacular, adequate to the task.

Good hunting and let us know how you make out.

Post by **E Showell** » 17 Dec 2009, 10:36

P.S. -- I've had TRACS on my cars and generally put snows only on the front wheels (I know folks disagree with that strategy, but it has worked for me), and only have problems in deep snow due to the cars' low ground clearance and getting up my steep gravel driveway if it is iced over. Even with a manual trans. if there's ice on the driveway I generally won't make it up the 17% grade.

I've never felt the need for AWD out on plowed roads, however.

Post by **matthew1** » 17 Dec 2009, 12:59

JR, tools to help you - the Buyers Guide, the Volvo Repair Database, and probably a few dozen posts here in the forum you can find with Search.

mdv · Post by **mdv** » 17 Dec 2009, 23:10

I recently switched from an 850turbo wagon to a 98 V70R AWD.
Can't speak to the reliability - too soon to say, but I hope it's good...

But a few observations if you are thinking of switching:
even without snow, I prefer the way the AWD handles in a couple of situations: when pulling out and turning from a stand e.g. when turning onto a busy road; and in the wet, it feels a lot more stable. Haven't tried it in snow, although I might agree that the FWD with TRACS was fine in the snow.
A couple of downsides that I hadn't thought of until I had driven for a while:
-the AWD makes the car a lot heavier.
-the AWD greatly reduces the turning circle - I used to love the tight turn of the 850 turbo wagon - the AWD is nearly 4 feet wider, curb-to-curb, which is surprisingly annoying.
-and, it turns out, there is more to get paranoid about with the AWD.

Mark

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 18 Dec 2009, 00:11

Here's a Positive opinion for you:
Got mine almost 5 years ago at about 90K. I'm just coming up on 120K and couldn't be happier!
The AWD system is Stone Simple. It's entirely mechanical and anyone with a grain of sense
can easily keep it in good shape for many years by keeping a few things in mind:

> The tires should be regularly rotated and kept a relatively equivalent diameter.
> The fluid in the bevel gear needs to be properly maintained.
> Resist the urge to "Drive It Like You Stole It" (IE: neutral drops, attempts to impress
girls at your high school, high rev spinning from ice to pavement, etc.).

I find the AWD is a tremendous advantage in handling, grip and has zero torque steer.
On ice and snow, it is very confidence inspiring. In the rain? It's a Rock.
I don't have any issues with the extra few pounds. Around here, it just improves traction!

OK..It HAS got the turning radius of a school bus...No denying that...Oh well...
The heated seats MORE than make up for it. And they are waaaay comfortable.
I've got all the time in the world when I'm in the heated seats!!!

As for your mechanic friend? The system is the same for ALL Gen 1 cars.
He may have been referring to issues with the ETM found on '99's and '00's.

My advice? Drive one
( Be sure to bring some tunes for the Killer Stereo!)
and THEN make the call.

Best of Luck!

mdv · Post by **mdv** » 18 Dec 2009, 21:57

A very reassuring post. Thanks for that.
I am still getting used to mine, and still have some things to work on, which I hope will improve the experience. But I hope to get many years of pleasure and fun from it; who knows, maybe even love it as much as my 850turbo one day.

Found this interesting looking post on maintaining and testing the AWD system on V70R.com :
http://www.v70r.com/forums/index.php?au ... icle&id=41
Sounds a little technical and I cannot get any of the pictures to display in my browsers.
Do you do any of those test procedures? Are they worthwhile?

Mark