should I buy a 98 xc70?

BAZK · Post by **BAZK** » 08 Jan 2016, 10:00

Hi all, My v70 is on its way out, & I have the opportunity to buy a 98 xc70 with good service history & 120k mls, its in good condition, should I get it?? or my other choice is a 02 v70 with 130k mls & decent history, both similar price.What do you reckon?
I much prefer the shape & interior of the ph1 but!!!
Thanks

obayha · Post by **obayha** » 08 Jan 2016, 10:44

Between the two, I would go with the "98 over the "02. To me, the "98 have a better history and fewer problems, but you are dealing with an 18 year old car, but with only a few miles on it. The XC have known problems with the rear axle drive shaft. Remove it and carry on.
I was looking for another '98 but settled for the '99 I have because of the records it had.
My .02
Shane

Post by **scot850** » 08 Jan 2016, 11:01

Both are old cars. But unless you need the AWD system, I'd stay clear of the 98. Many of the parts for the rear suspension, emissions and brakes are either obsolete or hard to find unless used. Most used parts are now 16 years old.

The FWD (?) V70 in 02 year may be the better long term option. Issues there are front suspension, steering and ETM. 5 speedTransmission is also weaker.

Personally, I'd go for the 02 as it is a simpler car.

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 08 Jan 2016, 12:09

I think the P80s look German and the P2s look French.

Now that I have started WW3, buy the one you like. I don't think you get the weather in Bordeaux to need AWD though.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 08 Jan 2016, 14:35

scot850 wrote:Both are old cars. But unless you need the AWD system, I'd stay clear of the 98. Many of the parts for the rear suspension, emissions and brakes are either obsolete or hard to find unless used. Most used parts are now 16 years old.

The FWD (?) V70 in 02 year may be the better long term option. Issues there are front suspension, steering and ETM. 5 speedTransmission is also weaker.

Personally, I'd go for the 02 as it is a simpler car.

Neil.

I would disagree. There may be the added parts of the AWD,
but overall, the P80 is MUCH simpler and more easily worked
on than a P2. The newer car has much more sophisticated
electronics and networking systems. And that awesome tranny...

Post by **precopster** » 08 Jan 2016, 23:42

I guess you have to weigh up some added complexity for the P2 (in terms of extra modules) vs the added safety the new design has, especially high speed stability and airbag protection for side impacts. Also simple misfire diagnosis is much easier on P2s due to coilpack OBDII identification when compared to wires, cap, rotor failure (best solved by throwing them all out) I agree that the non turbo P2s are very reliable due to a simple vacuum layout and very few sources of oil/boost/vacuum leaks when compared to a turbo.

The ETM and the 5 speed auto can ruin a owner/car friendship in no time so if you must choose a P2 try to find one with recent history regarding these 2 items.

It's more like comparing 2 different brands of car when comparing an early P80 turbo to a P2 non turbo so much is the design difference apart from the 5 cylinder layout.

BAZK · Post by **BAZK** » 08 Jan 2016, 23:55

Thanks for the input everybody. I bought my present v70 t only because my son crashed my 240,! and it was cheap with no history,! so problems have risen, but its been good for 3yrs & I like the shape & interior, not sure about the p2's child bearing hips at the back!! but my son (again) says get the newer one

Post by **abscate** » 09 Jan 2016, 05:43

The P2 is the Mona Lisa to your P80 Marlene Dietrich....

Carboncopy · Post by **Carboncopy** » 09 Jan 2016, 15:35

I used to own a 98 XC 70, few things I can say about it. Parts are an absolute pain to find depending on where you live. The AWD system is not really worth the hassle, its a lot of potential maintenance for mediocre performance. If the shocks have not been replaced your in for fun there, the rear nivomat shocks are both a pain to find, and exceedingly expensive. Oh and the location of the rear diff for the AWD prevents you from dropping the gas tank easily should you need to replace a fuel pump, and the same rear diff also prevents easy fuel filter changes. Other then these, I did absolutely adore the XC I had, loved how it drove, how sturdy it felt, the ground clearance it had, the comfortable seats (loved these so much I took out the front seats out before I scrapped mine and they are now used as living room seats). I do actually miss owning one. If your willing to put up with all the problems and quirks of one, then by all means get one. But if your wanting a cheaper, simpler ride to fix, definitely avoid the XC. I can't comment on how the 2002 might be though.

Best of luck.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 09 Jan 2016, 17:37

Sorry, but as a P80 AWD fan, I'm going to rebut again here.

On ice and snow, I've been very pleased with the AWD.
In the summertime, it's also been of noticeable benefit.
This car has NO torque steer and just hugs the road.
It's all mechanical and has no computers, sensors or
actuators to get broken or confused. I like simple!

Other than replacing the front CV on the drive shaft,
I've had zero maintenance issues and just passed 150K.
As long as you keep matched tires on it and don't drive
like a teenager, it's a very reliable system.

Parts have not been a problem. I've had no trouble finding
anything that I've needed for this car, but I buy new. There are
no Volvos in the yards here, but since I'm in it for the long haul,
I don't mind spending a little more for new, often dealer parts.

Nivo's can be had New at reasonable prices if you shop around.
I did mine at about 120K for around $350 for the pair.

I can't argue with the saddle type gas tank, though...
My strategy is to keep the pump surrounded with "coolant".
I try not to let the gas run less than half a tank. Fingers Crossed!

I love this '98 and I'm planning on driving it as long as possible!
Great on the wide open road and the perfect winter car for Fairbanks.