Moving up from 99 to 03 (V70)

[jbrown122]

Found a very clean 03 V70 (2.4-non turbo), with 115k in my area. Good price. Drove it for a while. Everything seems nice, its quiet, tight, smooth, and comfortable. I'm close to putting a deposit down, but I'd like to check it out a bit more.
Besides tranny fluid (smell, level, color), and service records, what else should I look for?
I believe that the problems with the trannies for 03+ were taken care of, am I wrong? Thanks.

[velorider]

I don't have experience with more then my wife's s60, but starting around 100K I started experiencing component wear with some of the front suspension components. From other posting on Matthews forum, my expereince sounds typical.

1. Control arm bushing replaced
2. Outer Control Arm replaced

Other commonly worn items are the top engine mounts and transmission mounts.

Regular maintenance requires the timing belt to be changed at 105K. Hard to inspect for unless the belt shows obvious signs of cracking.

Hope this helps.

[jda2000]

'03 V70 is a good model year if regular maintenance has been done.

make sure the timing belt has already been changed with 117k miles, o/w replace it ASAP

[jbrown122]

Took it for a nice long drive today. I don't think the timing belt was done, but I will have it inspected (or replaced) asap by my mechanic. Besides that and a new set of tires, should be a good purchase, I hope!

[jjaV70T]

Hello, I have a 03 v70.2.4T..99K.. I bought it at 48K, Mobil 1, replace all fluids, ALL, front end bushings, spring seat, and inner tie rod ends. Mounts front, and lower...AND if the timing belt was not replaced, deduct 750.00 from the sale cost..THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE.. 1000.00at a dealer.. thats my 50 bucks worth..aside from rude people denting the sheet metal at parking lots(i can park in no mans-land AND a lone car, parks right next to me..) but REALLY like this Car