Recommended inspection points-2000 V70XC

VoVo · Post by **VoVo** » 20 Feb 2011, 14:14

I am thinking about purchasing a used 2000 V70 XC with 144K miles. The car looks and drives excellent. I checked the undercarriage and everything is clean. The suspension sounds and feels good. The only thing is more exhaust noise than I am used to, but the seller says that the AWD produces more noise. The other thing is a slight smell from the heater when turning on and off....could this be a problem? The seller says that all Volvo's have that characteristic smell. I do not see any evidence of a leak..and the smell does go away after a few minutes.

I guess what I would like to know from the group is any advise on what to look for. The timing belt, water pump, and brakes were recently done.

The carfax has a Recall #S25045 El.Thr.Sys SW Upgr. listed. Is this something that can be performed today, eventhough I would be the 4th owner?

The price is $4,600.

Thanks in advance.

Post by **jblackburn** » 20 Feb 2011, 15:34

The other thing is a slight smell from the heater when turning on and off....could this be a problem?

Does it smell a bit like maple syrup? If so, that's the heater core, which is an easy fix and a common failure point around this age. It could also just be a nasty old cabin air filter; I pulled this one out of mine earlier this year.

The timing belt, water pump, and brakes were recently done.

All good selling points - those are costly to take care of if you have them done somewhere else.

Check for a yellow sticker on the throttle body (this means it has been replaced under warranty - they are a common failure on the 1999-2002 models, and expensive once it goes out of warranty). Look for any evidence of oil leaks under the car. Drive around in tight circles in a parking lot both ways and listen for odd noises from the AWD system (and make sure that the driveshaft is still there!). Check the transmission fluid level and color. Check that the AC system works and blows cold. You shouldn't hear the compressor clicking in and out every few seconds; this means that there's a leak in the system and the A/C evaporator will probably need to be replaced.

I did notice an XC was a bit louder than my T5, but it wasn't in very good running condition either. Recalls can be done for any owner of the car.

Those are all the basic starting points I can think of, anyway. Hope this helps!

Post by **JRL** » 20 Feb 2011, 15:53

That's a bit high for a private party sale for a 146K mile XC
If the noise you're hearing is more like a rumble noise, it could very well be that the front (lower right ) motor mount has completely collapsed and the engine is actually on the subframe
If it's original, I can guarantee you that this is probably the problem.
Heater smell, needs a heater core.
You now have $350-$450 worth of repairs and I'm sure it will need more work.

The recall came out in 2006, this was not a well cared for car if the owner ignored his recall notice.
Who knows what else he has not done!
(yes you can have it done for free at Volvo, a simple ECU flash)

Car is worth $2500-$2900 as-is private party sale, but
HAVE IT CHECKED OUT BY A VOLVO MECHANIC
The seller saying those things proves that all he is is FULL OF SH*T as none of that is true
Personally I would stay away

VoVo · Post by **VoVo** » 24 Feb 2011, 08:59

Thank you for the great feedback. I was suspicious of the smell. I will investigate the heater core and filter. I have purchased the car, and replaced the fluids. The car is running great with no strange noises and good performance. I have had the car innspected and everything checks out. I really can't understand why someone would not do the basics when they have a realiable car. I found the transmission fluid and air in need of a change out...I will give this baby the TLC she deserves, and help her to grow old gracefully. I believe I heard a sigh of relief while changing the fluids!

I did the AWD circle trot in the local high school parking lot, and everything sounds tight.

Thanks

nwhitney · Post by **nwhitney** » 24 Feb 2011, 10:46

Check the upper motor mount as these are a common repairs. It's easy to swap out and fairly cheap. I think I spent $60 for a Volvo brand. Does this car have a turbo? If so that should be checked out as well. I think rebuilds go for around $500 and new ones are about $1500.

1911colt · Post by **1911colt** » 20 Mar 2011, 15:59

Wow a bit pricey, I paid 2600.00 for my 2000 v70xc and it had 147000, now has 180,000+ with no major work outside of normal wear issues and oil and fluid changes