2004 Volvo V70 2.4, what do you think

akalita · Post by **akalita** » 25 Apr 2012, 15:25

Hi guys and gals; long time lurker, first time poster. I used to own several Volvos, from 1994 960, to 2000 V70, then jumped to japanese cars for a while, but i think i am finally ready to own another Volvo. So there is a 2004 Volvo V70 2.4 (non turbo) listed for sale at a semi-local (within 3 hour drive) Mercedes dealership. It's a one owner, automatic, judging from pictures it has 3rd seat, with only 85K miles on the clock. Per Carfax, all maintenance/service was done at a local dealer and car spent its entire life in the south, so no rust. Their asking price is $8995, which seems to be slightly below KBB retail value, but not by much.

My questions is, do you think this price is good? Are there any issues to look out for? I know the AT issues have been worked out by 2004, but any other things to watch? Overall, do you think this would make a good, reliable (I do most of my own maintenance and repairs, with good local Volvo shop nearby for anything major) family transportation?

Post by **fazool** » 25 Apr 2012, 15:36

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... te#p230486

akalita · Post by **akalita** » 25 Apr 2012, 15:43

Thanks fazool, and my apologies for failing to disclose that i've read your post top to bottom

. I guess I wanted to see if there are any weak points in that vintage Volvos (kinda like 2001-2 V70s are known for bad transmissions). I did arm myself with your suggestions on the post, but was wondering if someone knew any specific weak spots of 2007 V70 (couldn't find any myself after looking at some boards). Also, if the price is ok for that year/mileage/etc....

Post by **jimmy57** » 25 Apr 2012, 16:30

Is it 04 or 07?
I think you mean 04 as the price fits 2004.
Good year. Last year for the glass lens headlamps that do not haze over with age like the 2005 and later plastic lens lamps.
Non-turbos are very reliable and get fuel economy.

akalita · Post by **akalita** » 25 Apr 2012, 16:42

Sorry about the typo. Yes, it's 2004 model. Didn't know about the glass headlights on 2004 V70 models. Thanks

akalita · Post by **akalita** » 27 Apr 2012, 13:44

Alright! Super excited, as i've placed the deposit and going to pick this car up tomorrow at the Augusta, GA. This will be our main family hauler (getting rid of our current 2010 Mazda CX-7, which was super reliable but the seats/confort on long trips that we take very often was very bad). I am very excited to get out of the CUV/SUV game and back to regular cars, as well as get back into the Volvo. Here's to hoping the car is as nice in person as it was in pictures/salesman's descriptions.

Post by **chrism** » 27 Apr 2012, 15:33

Akalita,

I own the same car, V70 non-turbo, but mine is a 2003 with about 160,000 miles on it. I paid less money for it but I knew it was needing stuff fixed on it. As I have pretty well worked all the bugs out of it now, I am really starting to enjoy the car. My wife drives a 2005 S80 2.5 turbo and to tell you the truth I prefer the non-turbo. It still has plenty of get up and go without the inherent turbo issues, and as someone else pointed out, the mileage is good - actually a little bit BETTER than good.

BTW, when you said "southern car" I had to look up your profile. I'm in Woodstock also. (small world.) If you have questions, shoot me an email. I can point you toward the local repair shops that can be trusted, unless you shadetree most stuff yourself like I do.

sven · Post by **sven** » 27 Apr 2012, 15:56

I have an 03 v70 non turbo and Im consistently getting 26-28 MPGs. Car has been excellent. The only issue is the DIM needs repair (blinkers on dash dont work) and I replaced the control arms.

akalita · Post by **akalita** » 27 Apr 2012, 16:37

Thanks for responses guys.
Chrism: will definitely hit you up if I have any questions. On my last Volvo (2000 V70), i used to do most of work myself, but for large items (or ones i couldn't be bothered to do) i would take it to Volvo Professional Repair in Alpharetta. That Volvo is still seen sometimes around Towne Lake neighborhood.... Some times i'm guilty of attempting a repair i know I had no business attempting, but thankfully those guys were able to fix it for reasonable charge. But if there's a good shop that works on Volvos that's closer, that'd be even better.

Sven: that's good to hear. I'm looking forward to keeping that V70 for a looooong time. Up until now, the longest i ever kept the car was 3 years; not so much because of the issues, but because i tend to get bored rather quickly. Sounds like the 2003-07 are the years to have for the V70s.

Post by **chrism** » 27 Apr 2012, 16:59

Didn't realize I was talking to a seasoned Volvo owner...

Volvo Professional Repair is it. They do have another location in Marietta on Lower Roswell Rd that works better for me cuz I work down that way.

Also, they'll do a pre-purchase inspection for about $90 if you want to do that, and if the seller agrees to let you. If they won't let you, I would start to wonder why.

BTW - my rule of 50% - No matter how long you look over a used car, you'll only see 50% of what's really wrong with it.