Possible Purchase - V70

[chrism]

I'm considering the purchase of a 2003 V70 non-turbo with 150,000 miles on it. The car is in excellent condition except for a few issues. I wondered what the associated costs are in correcting these things as it would likely be a negotiating item at purchase.

1.) The current owner doesn't have info on when the timing belt was last replaced. I'm thinking it may need to be replaced as a precaution.

2.) The RH CV boot leaks lubricant.

3.) The digital clock freaks out. When you first start the car, the clock rapidly scrolls forward as though someone is holding the adjustment knob. The owner says it quits scrolling after you drive for a while.

Can someone give me ballpark estimates for these repairs or are they DIY type repairs for a fairly adept shade tree mechanic. Any special tools required? Thanks.

[precopster]

Hi Welcome to the forum. There are some very good write-ups on cambelt replacement & CV boot replacement on this forum. If you don't mind following step-by step directions the whole procedure is quite easy and within the reach of the average mechanic.

At this mileage I would be considering the automatic tensioner, idler pulley, water pump & front cam seals. The whole set costs $217. Most forum members are not big fans of non-OEM cam seals so the entire OEM set costs $318.

First work out if your CV is an aftermarket one. If it isn't the CV boots offered by FCP & IPD will probably fit. $12 for the kit

Try Tom's Foreign Auto parts (also an eBay seller) for the clock display (you may need to replace the whole panel) It ranges from $150-$250

Also check for a shooting vapour stream out out of the dipstick hole when the engine is running & warm. This means the PCV system requires replacement (costs you about $100 in parts and about four hours labour) and a possible Seafoam treatment.

Let us know if you purchase. I would be taking at least $1,200 off the street value for the repairs if all of the above is required.

[chrism]

Precopster, Thanks for the reply. Somewhere I read that the clock issue is sometimes remedied with a resolder of a chip on the circuit board. That would be cool, but wouldn't hold my breath.

I'm not beyond tackling the CV boot and maybe even the timing belt, but it seems there is some sort of special tool to secure the cams while the belt is off - is that true? How about the CV - any special pullers required?

I'm a cross-over from 30+ years of driving/repairing RWD red block Volvos, so this sideways engine stuff is a new adventure for me. We also have a 2005 S80 with the 2.5T, so an investment in special tools isn't out of the question (if the same works for both).

Any opinions of the 2003 model year in general? Some people say don't go newer than 1998 unless you can afford to go for about a 2005 or newer. I don't know what the supposed weaknesses are in those mid years. Plus it seems that every year has its particular achilles heal.

One thing that kinda attracted me to this car is that it's a non-turbo. I don't need the extra HP of a turbo, and that's just one less component that would have eventually needed attention.

[otis44]

Nothing wrong with the 03 model, it was a short production year so you don't see as many of them as some other years. It is a definite upgrade from the 01/02 cars. I'm not aware of any glaring issues with the 03 model, you are going to have general maintenance issues such as those you have mentioned above, but you are probably going to get that with any 03 car with 150k. Take the car for a good long drive, get it inspected if possible and see what you think. With those miles you will probably have some suspension components nearing the end of their life, electrical gremlins seem to pop up from time to time on these cars as they age as well. Such as the clock issue you mentioned, door switches, seat switches, etc. But, none of these issues would be a deal breaker for me they are just annoying more than anything. As you stated, in general newer is probably better if you've got the cash, but overall the 03 model is a decent car.

[jimmy57]

You may need a DIM (inst. cluster) or a DIM repair.
The clock is actually in the CEM with the DIM just displaying it.
I wouldn't buy the car without a full car DTC readout.
A lot of codes will likely be in that list but some are "normal" and others foretell large expenses.