What goes wrong with 04-07 V70s & XC70s?

lgiesbre · Post by **lgiesbre** » 11 Apr 2011, 07:57

Dear owners of 04-07 V/XC70s,

My wife and I are seriously considering trading in our 2000 V70 XC SE (which we bought new and have loved/hated ever since) for a new(er) volvo wagon. Before making the leap, I was hoping to find a "review" of the 04-07 generation. We're considering the 04-07 models due to the updated design of AWD (since our model), CR reviews that show it to be "very good" as a used car, and the price range. It seems like it might be a good value but I want to know what experiences forum users have had with theirs. What are the weak points in the car? What breaks? In our 2000 car we've had the ETM problem, prop shaft removed, PCV system replaced (twice), and various other problems that are well-documented in the other forum for that model. I've scanned this forum but haven't found a review or list of the main issues to watch for. We need a more reliable car for some cross country trips we have coming up. Thanks in advance for your advice!

Post by **EstVolvo** » 11 Apr 2011, 10:41

I have the same question and similar car than yours - 2000 V70.
Does it make sense to get newer one?
It looks like most changes on newer ones are cosmetic - engines and transmissions seems to be same as they were on 2000.
How many miles do you have on yours?
What kind of oil have you been using?
Have you had any transmission problems?
Hopefully somebody who has had 2000 and 04-07 can answer to our question.

Post by **JRL** » 11 Apr 2011, 15:59

lgiesbre wrote:Dear owners of 04-07 V/XC70s,

In our 2000 car we've had the ETM problem

No ETM issues in 03 to current

prop shaft removed,

No PS issues

PCV system replaced (twice),

Same.
If you don't do many oil changes the system is similar

In general the cars are better but they're still no Jap car and require maintenence

Control arms go bad
Spring seats go bad
Etc

lgiesbre · Post by **lgiesbre** » 18 Apr 2011, 05:32

Thanks for the info JRL.

EstVolvo - We have about 145k. Have been using synthblend since it was new and 100% synth since about 100k. Engine itself has had no problems. No transmission problems either. Body looks brand new (garage kept). Our problems will be familiar to frequenters of this board: ETS, prop shaft, bevel gear, PCV, ABS. Now the AC won't cool, its leaking coolant, and the ETS is acting up again (had it replaced once). Hard decision for us, fix or replace? Leaning toward replace at this point.

Post by **JRL** » 18 Apr 2011, 11:26

Your choice
You know the car
Fix it again and it should be good for another 50-100K miles