Should I buy a V70?

Palomino · Post by **Palomino** » 07 May 2011, 08:33

OK. I don't own a Volvo yet but have been looking at the V70's for a year or so. I was wondering how dependable they are and what problems should I look for. I own 2 1995 Land Rovers that I maintain myself but I would like to get a daily driver that gets good (better that 12-15 mpg) gas milage and a little less maintanence. I love the looks of the V70 but just don't know much about them. Looking at model year 2001-2004. Any advice before purchasing one would be great!

Thanks
Palomino

otis44 · Post by **otis44** » 07 May 2011, 09:08

I would try to purchase an 04 or newer, as your budget will allow. 01's & '02's seem to be much more problematic (many posts on this site with info), 03's are okay but not as many of them produced, and by 04 most of the bugs were worked out. These cars are about like any other european vehicle, if you purchase a used car that has been neglected regardless of year you have bought a potential maintenance nightmare. The non-turbo model probably gets the best fuel mileage, but is kind of a dog in regards to performance. The 2.5T variant is a good middle ground in regards to performance and mileage.

T-belt and associated maintenance should be done around 100k and around this mark small suspension issues may start to arise, but nothing major. Look for a car that has a good service history and find an indy Volvo specialist who can inspect before purchase and you should be fine. The V70 is a versatile fine car in my opinion. Good luck..

Post by **brandonbeach14** » 07 May 2011, 09:17

I bought a 01 V70 2.4T 3 months ago. It had 115K. The biggest issue is that the timing belt should be changed at 105K. Regular oil changes of 5-7.5k is also important as these engines build up sludge from some reason. Synthetic would be better, but if they changed the oil regularly it would be a plus. You can always do an engine flush with Seafoam or Amsoil to remove sludge. The transmission fluid should be flushed every 80-100K miles as these model years have had issues w/poorly maintained trans. Tune ups are very easy, as is most maintenance, and most maintenance parts aren't expensive. There's a j hose at the vauum canister that seems to go bad on these models too, but it's only about $20 bucks and can be changed in less that an hour. A Carfax will be very telling of whether the car you're looking at is a good buy. There were 3 major recalls in the early 2000's that should have been done with the cooling fan, ECU, and front suspension. If it has had these completed with regular service then it will probably be a good purchase.

Palomino · Post by **Palomino** » 07 May 2011, 10:07

My other options are the Subaru Outback and the Volkswagon Passat wagon but I just like the look of the V70 the best.
Also by looking over the forums its seems that the v70 isn't that difficult to work on.

Post by **Glencoeteen** » 07 May 2011, 10:21

The Subaru's are actually Great Wagon's, I loved how the 04 L.L Bean with the H6 Drove, it only got 23 on the hwy but it was quick and smooth! and the AWD is nice, Please Avoid VW after that warranty is up these cars ( AUDI included) tend to turn in to major major head ache's. but as far as a Volvo goes in the year range your looking at Avoid the 01-02 at all cost unless its a manual. but an 04 would be a safe bet, just try and find out as much about prior maintenance. best of luck, A Volvo is a car in its own and you wont find another like it

Post by **brandonbeach14** » 07 May 2011, 10:29

The VWs are very hit and miss. Many people on this site have 2001-2004 V70s. I have only had minor issues with mine. The engines are great and if the transmission has had good fluid in it they're great cars that will last a very long time.

jjaV70T · Post by **jjaV70T** » 08 May 2011, 13:30

your ???? YES, if you can find the right one..I really like my 03 V702.5T..

I bought a V702.4T 48K ,started Mobil one at 50K the cap and dip stick were terrible.. [dirty],

replaced 4 coil packs, all new [F] bushing and spring seats, motor mounts, at 95K, brakes at 60K EBC green and new rotors , manual flush Trans w/ Mobil 3309 ATF some trans slippin..have had the upgrade done..R+R 3309!

once a year I do the air filter and fuel filter,
next stop timing belt at 103K

pull the plugs they will tell you a lot.

Post by **Fish stick88** » 08 May 2011, 17:16

Plus, if you are a do it yourself kind of guy, this site has so many smart people willing to help,

Woodat · Post by **Woodat** » 09 May 2011, 09:56

I bought a V70 Volvo 3 weeks ago.
It is a AWD (all wheel drive V70, turbo) engine has a 5-cylinder 2.5 litre engine. It has phenomenon acceleration.
I just love the car. It is quiet whether at low speed or high speed, it had extremely comfortable seats, the HI-Fi sound system is second to none.
Ihave a family of four (myself, wife and two kids) and we have space for everything when we go places. It is, I am told, the ideal car to tow a caravan. We do not have a caravan but love camping.
It has done 145,000 miles and yet the engine is bone dry and does not leak any of oil. I find no oil drops at all after the car has been standing for a week in the same spot and that I find amazing.
Myself and my family love it. It is metallic dark green and beautiful.
These are my first impressions of the car:
Faultless driving and performance, the engine ticks over steadily on idle and smooth acceleration on the motorways (hi-ways).
It is rather pricey to insure but then it has a potent turbo engine.
Fuel consumption... not cheap. I get a maximum of 22 miles per gallon in town and about 45 mpg on the motorways (accurate and verified several times). It's how you drive that commands how much fuel the car will drink.
For our American friends, remember that the British Imperial gallons is bigger than the American gallon
Imperial British liquid gallon = 4.54 litres
US liquid gallon = 3.78 litres
The British galon is precisely 1.2 times larger than the US gallon.
--
Bottom line, yes, I would recommend the V70 but make sure it has full service history.

Greg2545 · Post by **Greg2545** » 19 Oct 2016, 19:02

I bought a 2000 V70 XC with 159,000 miles last week. Drove a 100 miles to see it. When I got there the car was good looking from 10 feet,paint and tires were good,interior was granite leather no holes but was worn like a 16 year old car with decent care given to it. Started the car and it was missing,trans shifted good,sunroof worked air worked,cv boots were good, underneath was dry and the pcv was functioning as it should. But ran like doody
Hooked the scanner to it and it showed 2 codes for coils 3 and 5 and a p1218 transmission code. Long story made short I bought the car because of the carfax history 34 service records, no accidents and 2 owner. Got it home for $800 they were asking $2000
Replaced 5 coils and plugs, was oil in 2 plug wells near oil cap so replaced gasket on oil cap air filter,cabin filter. Replaced latch on the hatch and fuel door. Replaced right rear tire had a knot on inside side wall was without a jack and tire tool and replaced it as well. Took it to a Indy repair shop and they cleared the tcu code so after about 600 dollars plus purchase. I have got a nice car.
Buy parts online. Bought all 5 coils for 129.00 plugs for 20.00 Tire was about 75.00 master craft mc440 installed oil cap gasket 3.00. Latch was 50.00. Fuel filler fix 12.00 and hatch panel fix was 6.00. 80.00 in fuel and lunch to go get it thanks to my brother. I got a nice car with all wheel drive cold air, hot heat and good tunes for less than 1400.00
Some good buys if you are willing to do some work yourself