Need an XC70 cross country expert opinion!

chrispassmore · Post by **chrispassmore** » 31 Aug 2012, 09:43

Hi everyone, my 1999 V70R is keeping too expensive to upkeep and there are a few things coming down the road that I know are going to be big $$. I'm looking at selling and moving to a more "practical" AWD like the cross country. I'd really love to stay with Volvo since I've owned 4. BUT, I keep reading that the 2000 XC's have terrible transmission, the ETMs, driveshafts, etc.

Here's my question....when did Volvo work out the kinks for the cross country? Should I try to grab a 1998/99 XC or go a little later like 2003?

I just need to know which years were the most reliable.. THANK YOU!

Post by **rmmagow** » 31 Aug 2012, 09:48

98 or 2004 up I'd think. 98 has no ETM but still has the sometimes quirky propshaft. Others more knowledgeable than me will chime in.

Post by **precopster** » 31 Aug 2012, 11:35

If the 2000 XC is a turbo (and from what I've read all are a LPT: low pressure turbo) you will still have 4 speed AW50-42LE gearbox just like an 850.

The ETM is there of course and this is another story. My 2000NA V70 has the same axle shafts as the '99 version. Don't know if this is the same for XCs. Hope this helps.

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chrispassmore · Post by **chrispassmore** » 31 Aug 2012, 11:50

Thank you. So are you saying the 2000 with some of the same setup as an 850 is a bit more reliable than 2001 and up? Are the 98 or 99 XC's more reliable than the 2000?

Post by **rmmagow** » 31 Aug 2012, 13:36

Personally, I think 98's. Check out Hanson Specialty in MA, good rep. Or Car Emporium in Warwick.

Post by **precopster** » 31 Aug 2012, 17:21

The B5244T (used in 2000 plus cars) is a smoother engine than a B5454T as the casting for the block has changed with a flatter panel on the exhaust side and manual shimmed at the factory tappets are used and never tap. Accessory bracket is new and alternator is easier to access from '99 on. Power steering is slightly lighter in feel due to a new pump whose pulley diameter was revised from the 2000 model year.

Yes most engine parts from a '98 are shared with previous years down to '93 and are far easier to source as are less scarce. It's just that at this age far more can go wrong due to time so previous maintenance is crucial (though this applies to all years)

If both were new I'd favour the 2000 (better car) but when reality sets in a '98 in good condition will tip the scales.

In 2001 and 2002 auto valve bodies were poor though if replaced with a Volvo product at a dealer would be an upgrade shared with 2003 and up. Safety of the P2s is unbeatable with full curtain airbags and a stiffer new structure, though personally I'm not a fan of the rearward vision due to the high waistline and small rear window.

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