best year for v70 xc?

larryh · Post by **larryh** » 01 Jan 2006, 09:44

i've got a 94 850 turbo wagon now and i love it, but it's got 230,000 miles.. i'm interested in the v70 xc for my next volvo..
are there any year models that i should avoid? should i stick with what i've got? what is the best volvo wagon made?
thanks for your opinions,
larry

Post by **JRL** » 01 Jan 2006, 11:56

larryh wrote:i've got a 94 850 turbo wagon now and i love it, but it's got 230,000 miles.. i'm interested in the v70 xc for my next volvo..
are there any year models that i should avoid? should i stick with what i've got? what is the best volvo wagon made?
thanks for your opinions,
larry

Now that the ETM issue is at least being "resolved" naturally a 2000 (for the early style is the best of these.
If you're considereing a newer (P2) car go with a 2002 or 2003. Stay away from a 2001, more problematic being a 1st year model and the ETM was revised for 2002 (among many other items)

Post by **matthew1** » 01 Jan 2006, 12:07

Let me add to what JRL said...

I prefer the new body style, so 2001+ for me (2000+ in non-North American locales), and if you want to avoid the ETM problem entirely, get a 2002.

Of course there's much more to consider than body style. The AWD system being as important as ETM, for one, although ETM considerations are mitigated substantially by Volvo's addressing the issue. ( https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/chat/p ... m.php?f=12 )

I spoke to a Volvo dealer tech just 3 days ago and he said the AWD system on the older body style suffers under two conditions: different sized tires, and surprisingly (to me), not enough/leaks transfer case fluid.

The new system has no reported gremlins that I'm aware of, and in 2003 M.Y. the XC70 got the same Haldex AWD as the S60 AWD ( http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp ... le_id=2662 ).

saltydog · Post by **saltydog** » 02 Jan 2006, 09:54

let me add that you should run from the '01 like it were a pygmy chasing you with a flaming elephant dung tipped spear.....& rethink dumping current car - I wish I had.

larryh · Post by **larryh** » 04 Jan 2006, 20:02

thanks for the info. it's good to know what to avoid!
i do prefer the older body style, and the 850 is sooo comfortable for me. i can drive it for hours....does the xc handle like the 850? i'm guessing no, with it being a little bit higher...

saltydog · Post by **saltydog** » 09 Jan 2006, 13:08

You're right, with a higher centre of gravity, the XC displays more body roll BUT, I threw some 17" 'R' wheels on mine & dumped the crappy Pirelli Scorpions for some Toyo's (keep same OD - very important) & the handling is close to my old 96 turbo wagon (XC is heavier as well) surprisingly though, the added ride hieght gives a very nice ride even on the lower profile rubber - better than the 850 & the handling is aided by the XC's center console 'chicken bar' that you can brace yourself with......it all helps.

g7uclg · Post by **g7uclg** » 08 Feb 2006, 02:16

I have a 98 Cross Country and a 94 850 and they drive totally differently. The 850 does feel like the Sport Wagon they named it while the Cross Country has a heavier feel. I like them both, but the fact that they look very similar should not leave you thinking they feel the same.

In terms of repair record, the 98 XC was a disaster with a long string of minor and not so minor problems, including a bunch of recalls. However it seems to finally have settled down.

I bought the XC because I wanted the better traction of all wheel drive, and I definitly got that. It feels much more secure in the snow than the 850, which certainly wasn't bad itself.