What to watch out for when buying a used '08 XC70

jlindse1 · Post by **jlindse1** » 02 Jun 2013, 16:18

After my '99 V70 with 233,000 miles on it conked out 3 weeks ago due to a blown head, I have decided to go with another Volvo. I have been checking out the XC70 as an upgrade from the V70 and like the change to the body styling that year and the fact that they are higher off the ground and a little sportier. I found a 2008 in excellent condition at a local dealer. I know a fair amount about Volvos, having owned 4 or 5 of them over the last 20 years, but no little about the cross country. Can anybody can share their knowledge about the XC70 platform and things to watch out for, especially in the 2008? This car has around 97,000 miles on it but doesn't show or drive like it does. While I'm not afraid of the mileage, however, at some point this car will need repair and I am used to doing that myself with the V70 and S60 I own. Can these cars be serviced by the average DIY mechanic? Any information would be appreciated.

Rocky · Post by **Rocky** » 02 Jun 2013, 21:32

3.2 or T6 engine?

jlindse1 · Post by **jlindse1** » 05 Jun 2013, 13:40

3.2 non-turbo. The car went through the 130 point inspection by the Volvo dealer and only had 2 things wrong (battery post corrosion and an O ring on the power booster weeping oil that needed to be replaced) both of which have been fixed.

wasaabi · Post by **wasaabi** » 21 Aug 2013, 18:16

I will tell you my experience with an '08 that I bought certified pre owned 3 years ago with 40k. Best buy ever. Make sure the car is totally solid (I noticed a lot of discrepancy with pre-owned "certified" cars...surprising).

The car has been ultra reliable. I am super picky. No major issues. Minor stuff like AC compressor, vacuum pump, rear suspension part, were replaced under warranty. One set of brakes/rotors. New tires. New battery. That's about it. Now with 93k. It was an outstanding buy. Now would have been even better because the CPO warranty has been extended to seven years.

People complain about the 3.2 motor. Those complaints are unwarranted in my opinion. It is plenty powerful if you rev it up (either via auto kickdown or manual shifting). It's surprising how much it likes to rev and how smooth it is. Would have been great with a manual transmission.

It is known that this generation is more reliable than the last. So now the thing to look for is overall care that previous owner put into it. The most important thing I learned is just because it is Volvo CPO does not mean you don't have to thoroughly check it out and drive it for a while.

jedentag · Post by **jedentag** » 20 Dec 2013, 01:21

If you want to buy a used Volvo XC70, then it is important that you review the official NHTSA auto recall reports to find problems and defects in the Motor Trend used car buyer's guide

McKay · Post by **McKay** » 06 Feb 2014, 12:48

wasaabi wrote:Minor stuff like AC compressor, vacuum pump, rear suspension part, were replaced under warranty. One set of brakes/rotors. New tires. New battery. That's about it. Now with 93k. It was an outstanding buy. Now would have been even better because the CPO warranty has been extended to seven years.

I'm not complaining or anything. But those are not minor stuff by a long shot. Minor in the sense it's warranty work.
Thousands of $$ from ones personal wallet is major.

Check the paint job on doors where the door meets the body. Especially weak and will provide excellent spots for rust.
Heavy car that sits high so check springs, shocks and linkages.
Check the oil history. Engine requires specific full synthetic A5/B5 engineered for Volvo. All other is bull.