2001 v70 buying advice

laotzu · Post by **laotzu** » 25 Nov 2010, 11:05

Hi
Sorry, newbie to the site, pardon the newbie question.

But I'm a former 240 wagon owner who upsized to a minivan, now ready to downsize again to a Volvo wagon. I've been eyeing some 01 v70s in my area (chicago) that have the handsome p2 body style. But I am a little concerned about reliability reports (transmission, electronics, etc.) I've read in Edmunds and other places.

So I would like to tap on the collective wisdom of the forum here to ask the following:

*Are there specific things to look for on a visual inspection to redflag any warning signs (for transmission or other)?
*Are there specific things to ask a mechanic to check on a pre-purchase shop inspection?
*Recommended non-dealer Volvo specialist shops in the Chicago/Evanston area?
*Any configurations more troublesome than others (XC, T5, non-turbo)?
*Specifically I am considering the following two models and feedback would be appreciated
http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/ctd/2078517258.html
http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/ctd/2076773282.html

Thanks in advance,
Laotzu

Post by **JRL** » 25 Nov 2010, 11:59

If you MUST buy one of these, not a contest, buy the 02.
The main thing is to driv it for at least 45 minutes and see how the transmission is.
Any hiccups and walk away.
However if you're in Chigaco that one does not have heated seat or auto climate control
Pretty much a base wagon with leather!

Have the transmission fluid checked
And if you do wind up with it, change that (tranny) fluid ASAP and also bring it to a VOLVO mechanic FIRST for a pre purchase check up

ed7 · Post by **ed7** » 25 Nov 2010, 13:24

I'm partial to the '01. Slightly more mileage, lower price, turbo(not a liability). More options, goodies.
Looks like it has the auto-stick option.
I do like the striped carpet in the '02.
Trans service is a must, Timing belt is coming due. Ask for all documentation, service info. Dealers typically toss all the previous owners service records.
Some Specs to look at:
https://www.customers.volvocars.com/own ... 1_V70.html
https://www.customers.volvocars.com/own ... 2_V70.html
Check the Mechanics Files at Cartalk.com to find independent Volvo service around you. http://www.cartalk.com/content/mechx/find.html
Have fun!
Ed

otis44 · Post by **otis44** » 25 Nov 2010, 14:26

Save a few more pennies and go for an 03/04 model. Same basic car w/out the transmission issues. The T5 will be the sportiest, the 2.4 base is a dog performance wise and the 2.4 or 2.5T fall somewhere in between. Turbos don't tend to fail unless the car has been neglected and in that case you wouldn't want the car anyway. AWD to me would be on an as need basis, if you need it get it, if not then there is just more potential for maintenance and problem down the road. Good service history is a must on any of these cars. Regardless of particular model, if you're looking at a Volvo pushing 100k you can figure on having some suspension and other minor normal wear issues as well as some major service coming up if not already completed.

For what its worth, I don't think the carpet on the 02 pictured above is striped, its the way its been vacuumed and/or shampooed. At least I've never seen a V70 with striped carpet before...

Post by **JRL** » 25 Nov 2010, 15:55

I can't believe you actually thought it had a striped carpet!

Post by **priapism** » 25 Nov 2010, 16:10

Don't touch an 01. There's a reason they're so cheap, it's because the transmissions are basically getting torn apart from the day they roll off the lot. Don't make the same mistake I did--$4k car that now needs $5500 in repairs.

laotzu · Post by **laotzu** » 25 Nov 2010, 21:41

Thanks for the great advice guys. I think I'll follow the advice and look for an 03/04 car.

And thanks also for the link to the mechanics reviews.

Laotzu