2002 C70 Convertible - should I buy it?

wenter · Post by **wenter** » 11 Jun 2015, 09:53

Hi, all
I have recently came across an AD on craigslist for a 2002 C70 convertible with a transmission problem. I have read a lot about issues other have had with same model transmission. The car has 98k miles on it which makes me to believe that simple fixes might take care of the issue. I have not seen nor test drove the car yet, however I would like to estimate possible expenses for the repair. To my knowledge there is CEL related to linear solenoid.

Possible expenses:
Car - 1200
Vida/Dice - 150
Fresh ATF fluid - 70
Seafoam Trans Tune - 15
B4 servo cover - 25
Latest TCM software - 150?
Master power window switch - 250
Total at this point about 1900.

If simple seafoam addition / multiple ATF drains would not have good effect next step would be to replace solenoids which adds another 300. In this scenario the cost is getting closer to 2200-2500.

I am not new to wrench turning. How would you estimate my chances of having nice convertible for 2500? Or should I just forget about it and look for a different 1998-1999 c70? 2005+ ?

Post by **Rondo** » 11 Jun 2015, 11:13

At 98k, you should make sure that the timing belt has been done. IIRC, the 99+ models called for replacement at 100k. If you don't want to do it yourself, your looking at another ~500.

Post by **kahl** » 11 Jun 2015, 13:27

I don't see how you could go wrong, $1200.00 and low mileage. We have a 2000 convertable in the family that took a lot of tweaking to get the top to function correctly. We also installed a strut brace to diminish chassis flex.

wenter · Post by **wenter** » 11 Jun 2015, 13:48

Do you guys think that transmission fill/drain or solenoid replacement should get me going?

There is 1998 C70 with manual transmission and 125k miles not far away for about $2k. Is there a big difference between 98 and 02 cars?

Post by **abscate** » 11 Jun 2015, 14:23

Research this to find out if this is the troublesome AISIN transmission on the V70 and S70 series.

The P80 cars are much easier to source parts and work on without dealer intervention, in a nutshell.

The car has 98k miles on it which makes me to believe that simple fixes might take care of the issue.

The value of this car will be determined by how the previous owners took care of it, not time and mileage.

We have had two threads in the P2 forum this past month about cheap cars that were bought that never ran due to module issues.

wenter · Post by **wenter** » 11 Jun 2015, 14:54

1998 has manual transmission, so it is not likely that it has AISIN.

The 2002 has the AISIN AW55-50 with 99.9999% probability.

Post by **precopster** » 11 Jun 2015, 15:38

Drive it and report symptoms as accurately as you can. We're here when you need us! !

wenter · Post by **wenter** » 14 Jun 2015, 17:41

The car is trashed! Interior is terrible. All leather is cracked and very dirty. Rear window is attached with some bad glue and is falling out. Top has tears. Engine starts fine. When driving there is no 2nd or 3rd gear it slips badly.

I have decided to pass on on this car.

Hope there is a nice volvo convertible waiting for me somewhere.

Post by **abscate** » 14 Jun 2015, 18:06

Time to look at the 98 stick!!