2004 V70R - What to watch out for?

Post by **scot850** » 19 Jan 2016, 19:32

I am planning to go look at a 2004 V70R at a local auction. Highly un-likely I would buy it, but at $2500 CDN (about $1700 US) and about 130k miles it would be rude not to at least take a look.

There are no pictures posted yet, but I realistically expect it to be a real POS, as it comes from the next province over where the roads are very harsh.

I know the normal issues like regular suspension issues, and might try to sneak my VIDA/DICE in to see if there are any codes, but what other issues are unique to these? I have heard that like S80's they have a complex suspension and steering system and if that is an issue it is definitely time to walk away, but is there anything else? I know the XC70 P2 is expensive in the suspension department as we have just replaced the 4-C rear shocks and springs in that.

Neil.

JeffHicks · Post by **JeffHicks** » 19 Jan 2016, 20:45

Not all the '04 V70s have the electronic suspension. Mine doesn't.

That said, I'm not aware of any weird glitches, other than those that are common to Volvos of that era. I think the '04s were past the bad transmission glitches, and most of the other features don't seem significantly different than earlier models.

Post by **precopster** » 20 Jan 2016, 06:45

ALL Rs have 4C by Monroe.

Check Vida codes and see if any are suspension related. The 4C system has sensors on the strut assembly that can fail and need calibration upon replacement.

The manual transmissions are better of course.

Post by **scot850** » 20 Jan 2016, 12:16

Thanks guys for the advice and guidance.

I had planned to go see this car out of interest, but as the temperature has dropped to -9C with a wind-shill, I've decided to pass. If the car does not sell in tonight's auction, I may run up tomorrow when it is supposed to be above zero, and try to sneak my Vida/Dice and laptop in. They don't like you using this stuff.

Neil.

Post by **scot850** » 20 Jan 2016, 16:14

They updated the web-site today with a picture, and also it is not a V70R but a S60R. Don't need a sedan.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calg ... nFlag=true

They added more pictures on Kijiji (only one picture on their own web-page)

Doesn't look too bad in the pictures, but noticeably they also normally show the odometer, but not here although they do state mileage. Probably a bunch of warning lights on!

Neil.

Post by **oragex** » 20 Jan 2016, 18:54

It really is a low price, lower than a regular turbo or even a non turbo with the same miles. Not that a beaten R would be more reliable at such mileage. The interior looks rough, especially drivers seat with discolored and stretched leather, passenger seat looks dirty, which might mean the last owner didn't really took care of it. It might well be a car that will see the scrap yard in not long time.

Automatic 5 speed transmissions from 2003-2007 were still sensitive to old fluid (matter of solenoids)

Post by **scot850** » 21 Jan 2016, 11:56

Well, just out of curiosity, I checked the auction web-site this morning and the car didn't sell. They did sell the other S60 that has been there for a long time that was a re-build, 2 years older and higher mileage and reserve. I guess that tells you something about the car.....

Neil

Post by **mecheng** » 23 Jan 2016, 06:32

Those are low km and low price. They took a pic of broken mirror so I don't think they are hiding something. If eng, trans are ok with clean title I would buy it in a heartbeat. Some spit and shine and you can easily double your money

Post by **scot850** » 23 Jan 2016, 07:37

Since then the boss has said no, no more cars for now......

Neil.

Post by **scot850** » 29 Jan 2016, 12:49

Well as I was in the area, I decided to drop into the auction to have a quick look at this car, if for no other reason as curiosity.

Well I now understand why the low price.

First thing was when the key was handed over. The spring for the mechanical key was broken, and the battery cover for the opener was missing.

Getting into the car made my skin crawl! It was filthy and had been owned by a heavy smoker. Discolored headlining, with a couple of small burns, ash all over, the center console was missing the cup holder and was full of spilt coffee, and coffee stains on the passenger carpets.

Had difficulty getting the car to start (battery either low or dying). When car started, the engine check light was on with a 'Engine Service Needed' notice on it. Opened the hood and could clearly hear a grumbling from a bearing in the front area of the engine. Could be a pulley or anything else including the timing belt system. Didn't sound healthy! Otherwise engine seemed to run ok.

There was oil all around the steering pump header tank. Never seen that before!

Both headlights were broken. One with a crack from top to bottom, the other with a large hole in it.

Windshield had 3 or 4 large pock marks in it.

Muffler system needed replaced from the cat back as totally shot.

Tried to use Vida/Dice, but although it connected ok, nothing seemed to show for the check light or anything else as issues.

Tried to re-start car to check the trans worked, but battery was too flat.

No apparent major oil leaks other than the header tank mentioned.

Does the 2004 S60R have 4C suspension? Didn't see the button for it in the center console as on our 06 XC70.

Finally, the car has the most hideous aftermarket wheels in black that have horrible center caps.

Lastly there is the drivers door mirror that was destroyed. Both glass and plastic shroud were wrecked.

$2500 Canadian (about $1700 US) for anyone that is nuts!!

Couldn't try the trans as the car wouldn't re-start, and the suspension was impossible to see as the car sits so low.

Even I would have to be nuts (more nuts) to take that one on after my current 'R'.

Neil.