Is the V70 AWD worth it?

Dan · Post by **Dan** » 14 Mar 2007, 20:34

I am interested in buying a V70 wagon, and am looking for any advice on its performance and the mechanical reliability around 105,000 miles. I had a 94 850 that I loved but after about a month it needed a lot of work (around 140000 miles) Any advice would be appreciated.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 14 Mar 2007, 22:50

If you don't have to have an AWD then avoid the early V70's...they were prone to issues with their drive trains. From '03 or so they improved greatly.

ycmike · Post by **ycmike** » 15 Mar 2007, 09:12

For what it's worth, I have a 97 850 AWD which was the forerunner of the V70 AWD.
Right after I got it, the transfer case/bevel drive unit failed, but I had purchased the car from a dealer and they changed it for free- I believe the part cost was in the $2500 CDN range. It had 155K km. at the time.
I had the viscous coupling go bad, with the symptom of a thump when reversing and eventually jerking intermittantly while driving in cruise. That was another $1500 which I got used from my indy guy (out of warranty by then).
Other than that the thing has been very reliable, never even had a CEL.
The traction on ice and snow is absolultely uncanny, but I guess if I had any advice it would be to get ready for AWD specific components' costs if you want to go that way. I bought a spare wreck to try and mitigate my exposure.

dkretzer · Post by **dkretzer** » 15 Mar 2007, 17:52

At 105K it is due for a timing belt. Check to see if it was done. Also check the car on a lift for play in the driveline. (no doubt there will be some play in the bevel gear, but not necessarily worn out) Even after spending $1300 on my 99 V70 last week I still find the car enchanting. I love the higher seating and the traditional Volvo styling. It has a very tight turning radius like a 240 unlike my wife's S60 which would require a 3 point turn on the deck of an aircraft carrier.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 15 Mar 2007, 18:14

dkretzer wrote:At 105K it is due for a timing belt.

This is only true for '99 and later models...all earlier models have the timing belt change requirement at 70K miles intervals.

dkretzer · Post by **dkretzer** » 15 Mar 2007, 18:28

Thanks for the correction MIJ. I was thinking of my own 99.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 15 Mar 2007, 19:13

No problem.