Considering a "P2" V70

Post by **rmmagow** » 08 Oct 2013, 09:01

I am going to look at some newer V70's, 2001~2006 or so. I'm aware of the ETM related things with the newer models. What other obvious foibles should I look for? I have a 98 V70 AWD at 203K and running fine. I may "upgrade" to a manual transmission for the P2. Although I still prefer the 96~98 they are getting a bit hard to find in very good shape and the P2 does ride a lot nicer.

bigbrain · Post by **bigbrain** » 08 Oct 2013, 11:57

I'm on my first Volvo - it's a 2003 P2 D5. Bought on 100k....now on 140k...full service history. I pretty much have a problem with it every week...every time I turn the key I wonder what new message it will report!

Biggest single bill so far....blown engine plug which is made out of plastic/rubber and sits behind the flywheel...the plugs cost just £3 (said my mechanic with a smile) but the fitting requires the gearbox to be removed. While you are in there you "may as well" replace the DMF he said...total cost around £1,500. There is a new upgraded replacement plug...the originals can fail at any time...early signs are a slight leak between the engine/gearbox joint...mine blew on the way to work...it dumped all the oil in about 100 yards!

ChiNorm · Post by **ChiNorm** » 08 Oct 2013, 14:59

Avoid '01 models, lots of tranny problems.

IMSITTINGINYOURCHAIR · Post by **IMSITTINGINYOURCHAIR** » 08 Oct 2013, 22:53

does the xc70 have the same problem? I have an oil leak somewhere above the oil pan gasket but below the turbo and it gets on the transmission mostly. it leaks about three qts over 4k miles.

bigbrain · Post by **bigbrain** » 09 Oct 2013, 02:56

No sure to be honest...if they have the same engine and box then it's likely. I had a friend with an S60...they have the same issue. Unfortunately it's an annoying issue given the part is so cheap. From what I hear some of them can limp on for quite a while...mine had no issues at all then one day decided to go pop!

Post by **chrism** » 09 Oct 2013, 09:32

More reason to keep the PCV plumbing in proper working order. Crankcase pressure is the enemy - an expensive enemy.

IMSITTINGINYOURCHAIR · Post by **IMSITTINGINYOURCHAIR** » 09 Oct 2013, 11:13

that's the next thing on my fix it list. I had to see if the trans was going to smooth out before I dug in any deeper. once that's done the front suspension needs some work. clunk on turning the wheel anyone?

bigbrain · Post by **bigbrain** » 09 Oct 2013, 11:43

Check the hub bolts are secure...I also had the same issue...ended up replacing the front wish bones...again they are quite pricey for what they are.

vulvu · Post by **vulvu** » 09 Oct 2013, 13:26

What I've encountered with my T5 2003 250 000 km this far:

Radiator fan control: short circuit in power transistor (needed to replace the whole fan)
Cabine fan: bearing issue
Engine support issues: both underneath/above the engine
Automatic transmission: was replaced in my car after 100 000 km
Instrument panel message window: no ligh (repaired)
Nice to ride: can't do nothing about it

Based on what I've read on the net, all of those issues on the list are more or less common. Then you've got chassis bushing issues, but they don't count; every car with lots of km/miles has issues with bushing. Also in my car, heating of driver's seat was not functioning due to a plug problem and I have replaced boost side air intake rubber hose. I suppose those problems are not common ones.

Good luck with your search!

Jani

Post by **jimmy57** » 09 Oct 2013, 16:06

2001 all and 2002 non turbo have ETM. 2002 turbo and 2003 all have ETA which is close to zero trouble.

P2 have the same front end issues with spring seats, sway bar links, etc. etc. but a hard driven P2 will kill them a bit faster (heavier car).