as the title says, i'm looking to buy my first volvo. what i've been looking at are 2001-2002 v70s. of course i was a little taken aback after reading about all the problems they seem to have, especially the transmission problems. however after doing a lot of research i feel a little more comfortable about that issue as it seems it boils down to three things, the shift solenoids, the b4 servo cover and not mistakenly removing the b4 band bolt to fill the transmission. my budget has me looking at cars in the low to mid 100k mile range and so far all the transmissions seem to be okay. i was wondering if it would be wise to take care of the solenoids and b4 cover as a preemptive measure or should one wait until there is evidence of transmission problems. 'an ounce of prevention...' vs 'if it aint' broke don't fix it'.
right now i am looking at one that has the airbag light on and am wondering does diagnostic work tell you why it is on and also can you purchase a tool that will let you diagnose it yourself. i did do research on this matter but many of the posts were a few years old and a more recent post pointed to a tool on ebay by autel for about $150. can someone tell which model to get and would this tool be able to tell such things as where the airbag problem is as well as clear the code. as i said most of the old posts seem to say that this is only able to be done by a volvo dealer or a shop specializing in volvo repair.
lastly,i've been avoiding cars with turbos because it seems that having one is just another problem waiting to happen. is this an unfounded fear. i've already passed up on a very nice t5 wagon. the base v70 i tested recently seemed fine to me but then i've been driving a 97 gmc safari the last ten years.
thanks in advance
john
looking to buy my first volvo
In general, as long as you change the oil regularly, Volvo turbos are ususally good for at least 200 k miles if not a lot more. Not to worry. Also, IIRC, these models don't have the ETM on the turbo cars.
What's your budget? I am trying to convince my one eyed wife that the 02 V70T5 she inherited from her father is too big for her.
Good luck.
What's your budget? I am trying to convince my one eyed wife that the 02 V70T5 she inherited from her father is too big for her.
Good luck.
chinorm
my budget is in the 3 to 4 thousand range and i keep seeing cars in that price range and in fact passed on a 2001 with 130k miles for $2700 which had some front bumper repair work done on it but the guy kept dropping his price(went from $4400 to $2700 in three days) i started to get nervous that there was probably something else wrong with it. anyhow i imagine you are in chigago. and while i originally thought i might be willing to fly out of state for a car, i'm starting to think i need to see the car in person first and look it over real good and test drive it to make sure it doesn't exhibit some of the symptoms i've read about on this forum and others regarding the transmission and acceleration stumbling. there are two t5s in my area right now for $3900 and $4900. but i'm still inclined to go non turbo.
do you have any pictures of your wife's?
my budget is in the 3 to 4 thousand range and i keep seeing cars in that price range and in fact passed on a 2001 with 130k miles for $2700 which had some front bumper repair work done on it but the guy kept dropping his price(went from $4400 to $2700 in three days) i started to get nervous that there was probably something else wrong with it. anyhow i imagine you are in chigago. and while i originally thought i might be willing to fly out of state for a car, i'm starting to think i need to see the car in person first and look it over real good and test drive it to make sure it doesn't exhibit some of the symptoms i've read about on this forum and others regarding the transmission and acceleration stumbling. there are two t5s in my area right now for $3900 and $4900. but i'm still inclined to go non turbo.
do you have any pictures of your wife's?
Why do you want pictures of my wife?
Oh, her car. Sorry, but her car is mint bordering on perfect and out of your budget, even if I could convince her to move on.
Perhaps JRL (he is a dealer on this forum) has got something for you? I would be real hesitant to buy an '01 where I didn't know the entire vehicle history. He might have something suitable for your needs.
Good luck.
Oh, her car. Sorry, but her car is mint bordering on perfect and out of your budget, even if I could convince her to move on.
Perhaps JRL (he is a dealer on this forum) has got something for you? I would be real hesitant to buy an '01 where I didn't know the entire vehicle history. He might have something suitable for your needs.
Good luck.
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JRL
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You don't really want a non turbo, boring and quite slow
You also do not want any 2001s and many 2002s, just too many issues, tranny, ETM etc.
Expect to pay at least $4500-5K for a DECENT Volvo unless you want 150-200K miles and one that may need some (possibly major) work to boot... (most do).
You also do not want any 2001s and many 2002s, just too many issues, tranny, ETM etc.
Expect to pay at least $4500-5K for a DECENT Volvo unless you want 150-200K miles and one that may need some (possibly major) work to boot... (most do).
Mod note. Jim passed away in early 2022, his contributions to this forum are immortal, and he is missed. RIP
2000 V70R Black, 144,000 miles Wife's R.
2007 V70 2.5T White/Oak 111,000 MILES. Polestar tune, IPD bars, rear spoiler, dark grey Thors, DWS 06, HU850, sub.
2000 V70R Black, 144,000 miles Wife's R.
2007 V70 2.5T White/Oak 111,000 MILES. Polestar tune, IPD bars, rear spoiler, dark grey Thors, DWS 06, HU850, sub.
okay i guess i'll have to up my budget and/or be a little more patient.
jrl i'm aware of the transmission issues with the '01,'02 years but are most of the common problems or equipment failures isolated to those two years and not '03 and beyond. i've read a lot a about the etm problems as well as bad dims and uems.
lastly, i've found another '01 manual and am wondering are there any issues with the manual transmissions and do they hold up well.
jrl i'm aware of the transmission issues with the '01,'02 years but are most of the common problems or equipment failures isolated to those two years and not '03 and beyond. i've read a lot a about the etm problems as well as bad dims and uems.
lastly, i've found another '01 manual and am wondering are there any issues with the manual transmissions and do they hold up well.
Last edited by nnn4865 on 02 Apr 2013, 13:06, edited 1 time in total.