New Potential V70 owner

stiffy · Post by **stiffy** » 03 Oct 2005, 18:02

Hello,
this is great - a forum just like the one I'm familiar with over at ShopForum for Mercedes (the car I currently own).

I'll cut to the chase - I'm thinking of getting a V70 - probably 97/98 model - have one kid and another soon to be released (still a twinkle in the eye, but not too far off). This car looks practical (I especially like the 7 seat aspect - and the leather trim) - it's got great form factor as well. In Australia the price range is between $13K - $19KAUD (about 10 - 15USD).

I'm not familiar with Volvos - I owned a SAAB 9000CS in France and it seemed pretty similar to a Volvo (in looks and features), so my question is a broad one:

What are the general issues with these cars that I should familiarise myself with prior to purchase?

I have a reasonable mechanical knowledge (my father's a mechanic - so I've handed him plenty of tools throughout my life) - so don't hold back (what I don't know I'll ask him).

Anyway - I'd appreciate any thoughts you guys might have on the subject.

thanks in advance...

stiffy · Post by **stiffy** » 05 Oct 2005, 01:04

So - I guess the V70 is the perfect car - no issues at all.
Not even a leaking heat exchanger - so nothing like a Saab.

Nothing at all.....?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 05 Oct 2005, 08:23

Don't do it. Buy yourself a nice reliable much-easier-to-have-repaired Japanese vehicle. I'm an 850 owner and I'm serious. And for equal time, consider a new or used Saturn.

Post by **matthew1** » 05 Oct 2005, 10:44

These threads should help:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/chat/p ... php?t=5163
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/chat/p ... php?t=5247

stiffy · Post by **stiffy** » 05 Oct 2005, 18:08

Thanks Matt - I'll read those posts.

I guess the trade-off between a European and a Japanese car is utilitarian compromise. I owned a Toyota in my youth - and I was amazed how resilient it was - I once drove across Australia non-stop for over 30 hours and roasted the tailpipe off the manifold - I never really managed to totally destroy that car - but it was always a soul-less driving experience and full of plastic and bits that broke off. Despite this though, I'd always give the same advice to anyone who was looking for a car based purely on ease of maintenance and reliability.

I haven't been entirely scared off buying a Vulva - and have already learned from the first post (in Matt's links) that the V70 is more or less the same as an 850 minus the flame trap. I was hoping that some of the fundamental issues affecting the 850 were eliminated in the proceeding models.

I'll keep reading...