Advice on '01 V70 T5

bpc2646 · Post by **bpc2646** » 27 Sep 2011, 16:40

I have an opportunity to pick up a 2001 V70 T5 with 125k for around 6 grand. Car will be fully serviced and inspected before all is said and done. Looks great, has 3rd row, immaculate interior for 10yrs old, navigation and cd/tape player. It is a 1 owner car also. The car drove fine and stopped fine but was a little bouncy on the hard stops in the suspension. The car also shuddered a few times in the 18mi mixed stop-go and hwy that I drove it. In records I saw a trans service (!) Clearly an issue with 2001's and I don't want to fool around with a dying trans. Few other things I will have to have fixed are the tailgate struts (absolutely gone) and several scratches and dent dr. dings. Set of new matching Toyo's are on the car as well. Thoughts on what to look for and what to check before going further?

Post by **JRL** » 27 Sep 2011, 16:46

At 125K the suspension will probably need to be completely rebult, but the biggest issue as you mentioned is the tranny

bpc2646 · Post by **bpc2646** » 28 Sep 2011, 14:37

Ok so I will have to look into the trans service and see what I can find out about that. Ill probably drive the car again to see if I can get a better read on whats going on. As far as the suspension goes, when a rebuild is done what does that entail for a V70 of this year and mileage? Lastly is 125k a service interval on this car? Thanks...

draser · Post by **draser** » 28 Sep 2011, 17:49

125K may become a service point if you decide to buy it. However, 105K is timing belt time, so a record should show that. Shudder may have to do with spark plugs, fuel filter that should have been replaced by now - plugs at least twice. If tranny fluid was not replaced during that service, it should be. And then there's the regular high mileage maintenance items: rad hoses and antifreeze replace, brake system (lines, MC, rotors, pads, fluid), vacuum hoses, compression test, oil pressure test. Suspension rebuild at this time is shocks and spring seats (to rebuild your own struts - assuming springs are OK), control arm bushings, sway bar bushings and end links. Also, you may want to listen for noises while driving straight (wheel bearings), turning (CV joints), also test steering at low speed (parking) turning wheel left/right. Inspect tires for uneven wear. Inspect engine bay for leaks, under car for leaks. Inspect rubber boots - CV joints and tie rods, ball joints. See what works and what not as far as electrical/electronics (dash board, lights, HVAC). Car's got years and miles - good luck.

billshoff · Post by **billshoff** » 29 Sep 2011, 10:20

The 2001 Volvo s have been troublesome so do a lot of homework before you buy. This is the very best web site for info on '01s:
http://howardsvolvos.webs.com/
He has a list of serial numbers that pinpoint the troublesome Aisin-Warner Geartronic transmissions. Good luck!

Lotus seven · Post by **Lotus seven** » 30 Sep 2011, 02:31

Hi, Read your post and would say that you need to look around more before you buy. I picked up an one previous owner 03 plated V70 T5 with 90k on the clock for £3250 just four months ago from Bristol. Had full service history, 6 months tax and new tyres all around. £6000 is way too much especially with 125k on the clock. Things to look for are as mentioned, Geartronic box although I have not had a problem they do need looking after. Front suspension tends to be hard and the bushes wear including the drop links and beware of the steering racks going as these are expensive to replace. Otherwise a good, fast, very fast, extremely fast family workhorse.

bpc2646 · Post by **bpc2646** » 30 Sep 2011, 18:08

Well 6k is the asking price and I would hope to get that down and work any fixes into the price to get my moneys worth. And its $6k

Also, while I am thinking of it, does anyone know how many miles these 2nd gen. v70's are usually good for? Assuming maintenance is done right* The engine is relatively similar to the 850 and 70 series no? I've always focused on the 850/70 series and learning more about them and know nothing about the 2nd gen V70. Thanks

Post by **igel513** » 01 Oct 2011, 17:11

$6k for that car is too much IMHO. I suggest u look for an 03 or newer since most of the earlier flaws had been fixed.

D_V_ENT850R · Post by **D_V_ENT850R** » 01 Oct 2011, 18:35

I agree 6k too much! Picked up an R with 158k for 3k! Great body and strong running engine! Look around if it has many dings and scratches, suspension issues, possible trans issue....... Might not be worth the trouble!