Need advice, thinking to buy 2002 V70 XC

volvoCLE · Post by **volvoCLE** » 26 Apr 2010, 18:36

Please advise me regarding the purchase of a 2002 Volvo V70 XC, which has about 50,000 miles. The car appears very clean, runs quietly, and drives as one would expect such a car to drive. I like the car, and it should serve all our needs, but some of the reviews of this car have given me a moment of pause...Are these bad cars, or are the owners just picking these cars to death? I had a 240, and it was bulletproof! I am trading out of a truck due to fuel economy issues and very much need the utility of a wagon (no minivans, please!) I don't mind working on my own car, I'm actually a good mechanic. Are parts that hard to find? Should I pass on this, or should I welcome the challenge? Hmmmmm............

850 Turbo1 · Post by **850 Turbo1** » 26 Apr 2010, 18:42

How much?

volvoCLE · Post by **volvoCLE** » 26 Apr 2010, 18:57

About 13K

Post by **jblackburn** » 26 Apr 2010, 19:24

I thought that price seemed a bit high, but that's actually reasonable according to KBB. See if you can talk it down a little bit. I was looking at a 2004 FWD V70 for $12.5 K, but it had more miles.

Take care of the bevel gear and transmission as soon as you get it and every 50K from thereon, and it will be a good car assuming it's been treated well up to this point.

Take it around several tight (yes, the XC's turning radius is awful) turns in a parking lot somewhere and listen for strange sounds from the rear.

Have the transmission software update applied at the dealer. Take it in and ask them to check for any updates; they should not charge you more than 1 hr of "labor" for this.

Parts are not hard to find, but as I'm sure you know from the 240, expensive.

Let us know if you end up getting it, and we'll start pointing you to basic maintenance things that probably need to be done to it.

volvoCLE · Post by **volvoCLE** » 26 Apr 2010, 19:30

Thanks for the advice- I am trading down from a newer truck, due to poor gas mileage, and I was impressed with the economy of the Volvo, considering the space. I like the car, I'm just scared about having to find a way to come up with thousands for a tranny, etc. Extended warranties are very expensive, I'm also considering a Subaru, but it's just not the same car!

Post by **jblackburn** » 26 Apr 2010, 19:38

Subarus are boring and lethargic and not great on gas either. I drove 2 myself when looking for a new car, and they were dead last on my list.

The major problem with 1998-2002 models is the AWD system. If taken CARE of, it will last a good, long time, and even after that, you can just drop the driveshaft and convert it to FWD.

The other major problem with 2001's, at least, was the transmission. The 2002's have issues sometimes, but they tend to fare much better as they never had the stop-neutral feature programmed. Get that software update, and flush the fluid if it looks dirty.

The ETM is the other issue, but you've still got 2 years left on the 10-yr warranty for it. Even after that, they can be rebuilt for much less than the cost Volvo wants for a new one.

volvoCLE · Post by **volvoCLE** » 26 Apr 2010, 19:48

Thanks. I have been looking for a service schedule for this car, I think I can do a lot if not all the maintenance myself. I am actually considering two V70 XC's, with similar mileage. One dealer has a 50/50 warranty, one has a full 90 day warranty. The extended warrantys are expensive. Guess it's hard because I still have a full factory warranty on my truck. We like the car, we're just nervous. I'll call the dealer tomorrow and ask about the programming you mentioned. You say the ETM still has two years of warranty left? This car is drive by wire, so to speak?

850 Turbo1 · Post by **850 Turbo1** » 26 Apr 2010, 20:10

What truck do you have?

jda2000 · Post by **jda2000** » 27 Apr 2010, 08:08

$13K for a '02 with a 100K miles is too much.
Keep looking and be patient. If you are not afraid of buying online, then search for a southern car that has not been exposed to snow and salt. They are much cheaper down here, as the AWD is not needed and people buy them because they look VERY NICEEEE

volvoCLE · Post by **volvoCLE** » 27 Apr 2010, 19:55

It has about 50k...I'm going to see it this Saturday, will probably make a decision. I'm also thinking of looking at a newer model, but since I'll be using the car for work, with lots of boxes, tools, etc., seems to me I'm looking at the right car. I really need the fuel economy- you have to travel more today to get where the work is! And if you have to downsize from a truck, you might as well drive the most comfortable car you can.