Reliabilty 70/850 VS S60/V70

[madman118]

In your opinions/experiences are the P2 platform cars a lot more trouble than the older 850s and 70 series? Or are they just a diffrent beast altogether. I know the 70 series have their ghosts but are they worse in the 2001 and later versions?

[precopster]

I've owned and driven both types from 2 X '95 850s then a '99 V70 (which is a project car and is yet to be on the road)
to a current 2000 V70. I owned a 2002 XC70 last year and drove it for afew weeks.

I totally refurbished the 850 wagon I owned from engine replacement to heater core to total suspension rebuild (excluding Delta links) then drove and enjoyed it for a year including a long distance 2000km run to Sydney and return (which was the last straw for the cat converter)

I'm doing the same for the '99 V70 project car which has been at times a very slow process. Apart from improved cylinder head design and better dash/door panels/window switches and an extended airbag for head protection there is very little between them (though Volvo claimed over 500 changes b/w 850 and '97 V70) Of course the ETM (electronic throttle management) was on the '99 to '02s so we won't even go there.

The P2 series heralded a totally new body/dash/suspension/airbag design (curtains), a newer much more torsionally stiffened structure and a more rigid safety cell for occupants and for most who had not experienced the new AW 55-50 transmission in the NA 2000 S70/V70 series, a totally new 5 speed transmission with Geartronic as an option. Unfortunately the first of the valve bodies in the transmission (and especially up to '02) were failing very early with Volvo dealers repairing many of them out of warranty for around $3,500-$4,000. Poor initial software for the trans computer and a B4 servo cover that failed early as well as poorly designed solenoids were some of the reasons.
A VERY HIGH waistline considered by some to be very aggressive and modern with an accentuating nose design which bears a family resemblance to all other Volvo offerings from the same era was the trademark shape.

My initial impression of the 2002 XC70 was: "WOW what a power delivery" The turbo was really strong from very low in the rev range until redline. It was my first modern turbo Volvo drive and I could see how I could easily get familiar with the local law enforcement boys. Wasn't too keen on the new high waistline which made rear windows in the wagon seem hard to look out of (I can see why parking sensors are almost a necessity with the new body) Also the rear window is tiny when compared to the P80 series. Door mirrors while much bigger find it hard to give you a clear view of what is behind you because of the way the waistline gathers bulk as it gets higher. The sedans such as the S60 don't seem to suffer from this as much.

From 2000 onward volvo employed variable valve timing as a means of passing smog laws while maintaining power. Sump mounted oil coolers were another improvement that was welcome. The heater core now was a dash removal away from being replaced where with the earlier cars it could be done in around 2 hours or less. More onboard computers are now controlling more functions requiring even more sophisticated diagnostic equipment. For the average home mechanic many maintenance items are becoming a specialist job. With a wealth of fast growing internet based help sites such as this one it is getting easier to maintain a P2 series car.

Hope this personal impression helps.

[fazool]

Its not an easy comparison.

The 850/70 cars were simpler so easier to self-service but they are now older and more worn out. The P2 cars started out with more problems and are more complex to service but are, in my opinion, better cars.

I think, the 2000-2002 P2's are more problematic than the 850/70 cars. I think the 2003+ P2's are better and more reliable but they require more complex service and diagnostics.

If choosing, I would stay away from early P2's. If you want a car thats simple and you can wrench on yourself, go for a 97+ 850/70. If you want a car and don't plan on maintaining it yourself, gor for a 2003-2010 P2.

[billr99]

I'd pretty much agree with fazool, but I still wish I had my '96 850R back instead of the '02 XC I traded it in for. Argghhhhh!

Cheers.

Bill