Should I buy it?

davidschaffer · Post by **davidschaffer** » 15 Dec 2016, 16:16

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/cto/5908739640.html

Clean carfax. The timing belt was just replaced (but not the waterpump

). 1 owner and 23 service records from the Volvo dealership.
I asked about the tranny fluid and they say it's lifetime and Volvo does not recommend changing it?

Post by **oragex** » 15 Dec 2016, 16:28

By the description, seems like the ideal vehicle to buy. The drivers seat has little to no wear which possibly means it must have been driven mostly highway miles. Transmission fluid MUST be replaced - and by now all Volvo dealers should tell the truth. The only thing I would carefully check with the car is how the transmission shifts. Have the seller bring the car to a meet point so the transmission has time to warm up, then feel for the slightest kick when changing gears. Ask on forum the safe way to replace the fluid.
The water pump is to be replaced with the 2nd timing belt only on this engine as per Volvo recommendation.

Post by **vtl** » 15 Dec 2016, 16:46

+ Haldex is on its way out, alarm siren is dead or soon be dead, engine pads are sagged, suspension needs a full rebuild, PCV is likely clogged

But it looks nice, in and out, so why not?

davidschaffer · Post by **davidschaffer** » 15 Dec 2016, 17:56

vtl wrote:+ Haldex is on its way out, alarm siren is dead or soon be dead, engine pads are sagged, suspension needs a full rebuild, PCV is likely clogged But it looks nice, in and out, so why not?

Is that all common maintenance for the mileage? What would be the cost for those repairs? Do you feel the car is over priced or just poor quality? I appreciate any input

Post by **vtl** » 15 Dec 2016, 18:40

This is the reason the $35k car costs only $6000 10 years later

Haldex lasts about 10-12 years, suspension and engine pads degrades after about 100k miles or 10 years, PCV goes bad because of poor oil replacement intervals ("dealer serviced"), siren gets a battery leak in 8+ years, depending on how hot is the climate.

The price is fair in my opinion.

davidschaffer · Post by **davidschaffer** » 16 Dec 2016, 06:46

vtl wrote:This is the reason the $35k car costs only $6000 10 years later

Haldex lasts about 10-12 years, suspension and engine pads degrades after about 100k miles or 10 years, PCV goes bad because of poor oil replacement intervals ("dealer serviced"), siren gets a battery leak in 8+ years, depending on how hot is the climate.

The price is fair in my opinion.

It sounds like maybe I should consider a different brand of car. We had a 99v70 awd a number of years ago and really likeed it except for the fact that it always needed some type of costly repair. I was aware that the 00-03 xc70s were problematic but thought that Volvo worked out the kinks by the 04-07 models. Maybe the days of Volvos being a reliable vehical are long over?

Post by **vtl** » 16 Dec 2016, 08:10

There are no 10 years old cars without problems (unless you are in the "the car can start and is able to move, so it has not problems" camp).

davidschaffer · Post by **davidschaffer** » 16 Dec 2016, 08:52

vtl wrote:There are no 10 years old cars without problems (unless you are in the "the car can start and is able to move, so it has not problems" camp).

I realize that. I'm just saying that some are certainly better then others and maybe the Volvo has gotten pretty low on the list of reliability. You give me the impression that the xc70 is on the verge of some costly repairs. I have a 2000 Ford Excursion (diesel) with 280.000 miles on it and have not had to do much more then the regular maintenance. Maybe what I consider regular is more in involved then others interpretation. Anyway, it's probably not a bad idea for me to broaden my search perimeters. The Volvos are really nice to drive but maybe more needy than I have time for these days. Thanks

Post by **vtl** » 16 Dec 2016, 09:04

A guy, who bought my 2002 V70 this fall, was pretty happy too, as the 15 years old car had no problems. Not one. If you get car like that - you are lucky.

Most of cars on the market are junk. Even newer Volvo does not stand of feel like old ones. I don't like wife's new 2016 XC60 as an example. Will run my XC70 as long as I can.

Post by **oragex** » 16 Dec 2016, 14:23

The Volvo reliability concept has certainly changed with the 2001- models. I still believe these are by a margin more reliable than their European sisters - Audi, Merc, Bmw when 10-15 yrs old, but keep in mind, these are still European vehicles that come at a cost. Very good DIY cars, with tons of used parts available. But yes, 15 yrs old will constantly require attention. Then it's also the chance - if PO has already done most of these small repairs, you will have a car with no problems. If none of these repairs have been done however, they will regularly surface after 100K miles. By any means, this is not the car to have regularly repaired at the main Volvo dealer. Either DIY or have a small honest and knowledgeable garage is a must.