2000 V70-XC To buy or not to buy?

misterbigman · Post by **misterbigman** » 21 Nov 2015, 17:44

Hello!
First post here, and I'm wondering whether or not to buy a 2000 volvo V70-XC. I just took the car for a test drive, and it drove spectacularly.
A bit about the car:
-Two owners, the first was a volvo mechanic, the second, the person who owns it now, has had it for a brief period of time and is selling it because he needs a bigger car for his family.
- It is turbocharged AWD
- 149k miles
- Everything electronic is functional
- A/C and heat work
- Tires and brakes in great condition
- New timing belt within the last 10k miles
- Recent oil change
- Leather interior
- Moon roof
- CD and tape player
- heated mirrors
- Bonus the headlight wipers work
and that's about all I know about it. When driving it, it handled well, and when I took my hands off the wheel it did not veer in any direction. The title is clean, it's been in no accidents. Body is in great condition aside from some scratches.
He's selling it for $2900.
I don't know much about these cars, but I did own a non turbo V70 wagon that I loved dearly. Driving this car seemed like a major upgrade. I really want to buy it given the lower miles, and condition of the car, but I'm not sure if I should be wary of the vehicle or not.
Any advice?
Thanks so much

Post by **Matty Moo** » 21 Nov 2015, 18:54

The only thing I'd be wary of is the t-belt. I treat every car I get like it's never had it done and I replace everything. As long as the guy is telling the truth it sounds straight.

misterbigman · Post by **misterbigman** » 21 Nov 2015, 19:05

From the little bit of research I've done on these cars, they seem to have a great propensity for failure in regards to the AWD system. I don't really have the money to sink into a bunch of repairs, and after reading another thread on there I am extremely wary of purchasing the car. Are my fears unjustified, or are XCs a money pit?

jcdillin · Post by **jcdillin** » 21 Nov 2015, 19:15

Is the AWD something you are looking for? It's very simple to remove the driveshaft and just keep the car as a FWD car. That's if someone hasn't removed it already.

Post by **Ludermilch** » 21 Nov 2015, 19:23

You have probably already read about the Viscus Coupling, front Axle CV and the angle gear being problems. They are not hard to replace if you are mechanically inclined.

I have a 98 and I love my XC. You will spend money on most any car that is 15 years old. The bad is parts from the dealer or even aftermarket can be pricey, the good is there are many of these cars that owners give up to junk yards and salvage company that you can get most any part you might need for much less.

My affection for the car keeps me constantly looking for things to upgrade or replace because I want to keep this amazing, capable, comfy, stylish tank.

misterbigman · Post by **misterbigman** » 21 Nov 2015, 19:31

jcdillin wrote:Is the AWD something you are looking for? It's very simple to remove the driveshaft and just keep the car as a FWD car. That's if someone hasn't removed it already.

It's not something I'm specifically looking for, but since moving to Oregon I've wanted to get out to some places where I know AWD would be handy.
I also am not mechanically inclined and after having my 98 V70 wagon's engine blow on me I've been wary about buying another car. I'm looking for reliability, space and something that's not going to break the bank when it comes to repairs.

Post by **rspi** » 21 Nov 2015, 20:07

If you don't like to work on your car yourself, just run.

Post by **erikv11** » 21 Nov 2015, 21:49

misterbigman wrote:... I'm looking for reliability, space and something that's not going to break the bank when it comes to repairs.

Alas, you are not looking for an '00 Volvo V70-XC, it will eat your pocket book alive if you don't do the work yourself. Think something like Toyota, I own both and for the same vintage, the Japanese cars have a tiny fraction of the repair needs.