Considering an '08 V70 - what do I need to know?

ScottMcG · Post by **ScottMcG** » 13 May 2011, 05:58

Hi all,

First off, apologies if this has been covered - I searched but didn't find what I was looking for. If there's another thread for this, I'll go there and read/post.

I'm considering buying a used '08 V70, but am new to Volvos and am curious about what potential problems I should be looking for. It's only got 47000 miles, so there should be lots of years ahead of it. I'll probably get it factory certified so it will be under warranty for the next couple of years. But just because it's under warranty doesn't mean I want to spend all of my time waiting for it to be fixed.

So, what sorts of problems should I look for? The oil looks good, but I have no idea when it was changed last. I'm going to get it up on a lift, and while I know to look for the standard leaks, loose suspension bits, rust holes, etc this will be my chance to find any other problems that may be particular to this model.

I'm open to all suggestions - I really like the car, but don't necessarily want to spend my post-warranty years wrenching on it.

Thanks,
Scott

jda2000 · Post by **jda2000** » 13 May 2011, 06:52

'08+ is the new design, completely different that the P2 volvos ('01-'07), comes with 6 cyl 3.2 engine.

I would look for an '07 2.5T V70 that comes with a more fuel efficient 5 cyl turbo engine, enough power that can be tuned higher. Myself, I like the P2 looks better than the new design.

Volvos rock3 · Post by **Volvos rock3** » 13 May 2011, 09:44

It is completely different than the P2 cars. Our 09 S80 3.2 is nothing like the our 02. We got ours about 4 months ago and have no complaints.

ScottMcG · Post by **ScottMcG** » 13 May 2011, 13:49

cool - thanks. I know it's the new design, and I'm guessing they're not old enough yet to have a lot of people asking about how to fix them. Once the warranties start expiring, I reckon there will be more questions.

I just figured I'd ask here as part of my due diligence. I've still got the negotiation step ahead of me, so it's not yet a sure thing. But as long as we can work out the price and I don't find anything scary on the lift I'll probably join the family this weekend.

Thanks for the info.

Post by **jimmy57** » 13 May 2011, 14:07

The P3 S80, V70/XC70, and XC60 have all been doing very good. They haven't been breaking like P2's did at the same age.
The suspension bushings and upper spring seat issues have gone way past when these surfaced on P2's so these seem to not be issues on the new chassis. Brake life is longer.
Look for any coolant leakage from that line that goes into center of cylinder head, pull up the snapped on engine cover.
Listen for excessive whining noise when started cold. The gear box that drives the cam chain, serpentine belt, and alternator can be noisey. The factory warranty is up soon and any issues with that should be addressed.
The networked electrical system has been far more reliable on P3's too.
The car is quite a bit quieter than P2 models also.

Post by **VCA** » 13 May 2011, 15:37

In addition to what Jimmy posted, I have only one other datapoint: the power brake boosters seem to be a weak point (or perhaps just from this run); I just had mine in under warranty for a hissing noise, and the booster was the culprit--it was on national backorder and the service manager told me he's seen a few of these on '08s, but none on '07s.