About to buy a 2000 or 2001 V70 XC AWD

[ansandvig]

My wife and I are currently looking at some used V70 XCs. We started with the 2000 models and were pretty pleased with one that we found. I originally asked for some help in the 2000 and older forum. Since then, I have found a few 2001 models with similar specs and prices.

We are specifically looking for an AWD model since we're moving to Minnesota, or the "Lower Tundra."

I have little experience with cars in general and none with Volvos. What issues should I look for and ask about when looking at these cars--the 2001 most specifically?

Also, someone in the 2000 and older forum said to absolutely stay away from the 2001 models and, if necessary, look at 2003 and newer models. Is this true? Why? The biggest problem with the 2003 models is the price point. We're looking to pay around $6,000 or less. The 2003 models tend to be closer to $9,000-10,000.

Any suggestions or thoughts? I'll take any advice I can get. Thanks.

[matthew1]

Absolutely stay away from 2001 models unless they've had the transmission replaced.
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =9&t=22759

There are other interesting tips and supporting evidence in our Transmissions VRD category.

[bb4597]

If you buy a Volvo at all, you should consider the 2003 and later, and read all the maintenance threads on this forum ( and others ), to understand what you will be getting into. I just bought ( 2 months ago ) a 2003 XC70 with 98000 miles . It drove fine, but after 1500 miles I get a transmission service needed message. That's when I learned that I had trusted the dealer ( not a Volvo dealer ) way too much.
1) They'd checked all the fluids , he said, and they were okay.
a. The power steering fluid way way low, dirty and off the stick.
b. The Transmission fluid was full to the brim and seeping up the fill tube onto my garage floor.
( what transmission fluid was that, anyway, dealer denied filling it, but it was fresh ).
2) Upper engine transmission torque bushing was totally shot.
3) Lower transmission torque rod bushing was totally shot.
What this all adds up to is some repairs ( luckily so far I'm going it alone, until the bushings are back in business, and I've completely a tranny fluid refill with Mobil 3309 ). Once I've completed the basic fluid refill ( Using the simple Drain and Fill method on this site ) , I'll clear the error codes and see if they re-occur. If so, I'll be taking this to a Volvo Independent in Grand Rapids, Mi, who has a Vida system and can load the latest tranny software, if necessary.
Funny thing is, that my XC70 drives and shifts just fine, in auto and manual ( albeit a little sluggish, I think the check engine light, etc disables the turbo ) , and I COULD go this way forever. You may have a lot of initial maintenance to do.
Love the Volvo , though. It's a new hobby, and the seats are great !

[FCPEURO]

I probably would not go with any of the AWD models from 98 to 2002. They all have the first gen AWD system which is not a good system. Also, the 99 to 01 models have the bad ECM issues which can be a real pain. And lastly, the transmission issues the 00 and 01 models had.

[JRL]

I probably would not go with any of the AWD models from 98 to 2002. They all have the first gen AWD system which is not a good system. Also, the 99 to 01 models have the bad ECM issues which can be a real pain. And lastly, the transmission issues the 00 and 01 models had.

00 XCs have fine trannies, it's the 4 speed, you'e thinking about the 5 speed in an R or the base 2000s
Nothing wrong with a well maintained example of a 99 or a 2000