All Doom and Gloom

g4gvb · Post by **g4gvb** » 10 Mar 2011, 13:32

Reading this forum with everyone asking about this problem and that, which is understandable, its where everyone comes for help after all, but it make me wonder, generally how reliable are v70's compared with similar car from different stables. How many of you would say "I'll never buy another volvo". or "You will never see me in anything but a volvo".

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 10 Mar 2011, 17:21

I have had issue with my Volvos, but I have had issues with all cars in some shape or form. I will admit though, it seems like the newer volvos are not as reliable as the older ones.

Post by **priapism** » 10 Mar 2011, 17:34

Most of the cars on this forum have 150k+ miles on it. It's normal.

Post by **jimmy57** » 10 Mar 2011, 21:09

I have been associated with Volvos and other car lines for about 30 years. All cars have gotten better. All cars have their issues and the issues change. The older cast iron 4 cylinders will run a long long time but you will put a lot of water pumps on them. Timing belts too. They were old technology with poorer valve angle and didn't break stuff when belt broke. They didn't make very high specific output and that as a rule aids longevity.
Newer cars of all brands have some issues with suspension bushings. European models are the worst as they are trying to keep good driving feel and make the ride better through bushings with voided areas (holes) and those do fail at lower milage. The spring seats you will read a lot about are one of those items that is to address noise and harshness damping and the rubber ages and hardens and the bond with the metal goes away.
I am not saying there are not some areas Volvo could have dome much better on.
I see items all carmakers could have done better on.

Post by **boosted5cyl** » 11 Mar 2011, 09:53

Its human nature and true for most car forums in my experience. Its the same on BMW, VW and Ford Forums too. People post when things go wrong and rarely when they are OK.

Otto2005s60 · Post by **Otto2005s60** » 11 Mar 2011, 21:18

I, too, am new to the forum and a proud new Volvo owner (S60 2005) that I bought with known suspension issues. I put 350,000 miles on my first car, a used delta 88 convertible I saved up for and purchased. I sold it for more than I payed for it 13 years later. I wanted a P1800 but they sold it before I had enough saved up and it was much more difficult to find used cars in those days, especially when you were on foot. I added over 300,000 miles to my 79 Chevy blazer 4x4 I bought used. I put 250,000 on a jeep j-10 I bought used and currently have about 250,000 mile on my Ford Excursion diesel (I will not sell this one) and yes, I bought it used. The point I am trying to make is that any quality car can last a long, long time. Mine last because they are maintained. No vehicle can travel hundreds of thousands of miles without wearing out some parts. If you notice, though, most of the issues that seem common are simply rubber bushings wearing out. My new used Volvo has 122,000 miles on it. Had I bought it earlier in its life, I would have probably replaced most of them at 100,000 miles or the first sign of deterioration. Still, the paint looks like new, the motor runs flawlessly and there are no knows issues with the transmission. I am confident enough in this car to have bought it with known problems I will fix. I will then drive it for the next two years before turning it over to my daughter as her first car. If you are contemplating buying a used Volvo, I would highly recommend one even though I am just getting to know mine. I would also suggest continuing to monitor this forum and learn from problems others are having. My Volvo has 122,000 miles on it. Too many for some of the bushings, not for others. Still, easy to fix. It will have a new water pump, timing belt, and tensioners before long. Would it make 150,000 miles with the ones in it? Probably. Would it make 200,000? Fair chance. Would it make 250,000? Unlikely. The cost of doing well earned preventative mainenance before major problems arise is cheap in the long run. I am not a mechanic nor an expert, just someone who knows how to get a lot of miles out of the vehicles he drives.

P.S.-My S-60 is comfortable, stylish and an absolute blast to drive. My daughter may have to fight me for it.