2005 XC70 vs 1999 V70- Reliability

Mattbchillin · Post by **Mattbchillin** » 22 Mar 2018, 12:10

So finally after saving up some money and becoming frustrated with the transmission flares shifting in my 2000 NA with 140K. I have decided to ditch the 2000. So I have been looking at the 2005+ xc70 around 150K, they are pretty nice and defiantly a upgrade. The issue im dealing with is our 2007 xc90 seems to be at the shop for everything and anything, its not as user friendly. So after looking around I found a really low 1999 V70 and it looks to be incredible shape and below 100K. I know going older is not necessary the best idea BUT I would be able to use my 2000 for parts which could be nice.

It seems like our 2007 xc90 is a mess and doesn't seem as well made and user friendly. That's makes me nervous with the XC70. Im looking for something that is LOW maintenance, reliable and easy to do work on in my driveway. Does that 2005 have a lot more problems with it even know it would be a newer in years?

Post by **Rattnalle** » 22 Mar 2018, 12:40

Dont get AWD if you want less stuff to fix. It's a known weak point. The XC70 and X90 share a lot of mechanical parts but differ in electronics.

Mattbchillin · Post by **Mattbchillin** » 22 Mar 2018, 12:51

Havent seen to many 2005 regular V70's for sale seems everything out there in that year is xc90 or xc70 awd. To be honest I haven't seen many FWD xc90 up here in New England.

The biggest part pulling me to 1999 V70 is reliability and ease of maintenance, but it seems like the xc70 have very similar engine bay.

Post by **abscate** » 22 Mar 2018, 13:08

I think you will need VIDA for both. You are bound to have some problems with a 20 year old car where a good diagnostic software package will really help.

I had a PEM problem on my 2005 which was really useful to have wcm and his VIDA come by and turn on my pump in software to eliminate it as a problem.

On the 1999, the trouble spot is the ETM ($500) - pretty much everything else is either bullet proof or easy to deal with. There are some 99-00 only parts as well as the infamous, inglorious "Ba$tard$ thread.

Post by **Rattnalle** » 22 Mar 2018, 14:09

The engines are very similar so there the cars should be about equal.

I'd probably go for the newer car for reliability simply because it's newer. They're really quite reliable and the awd won't get you stranded if it stops working it just won't work.

Post by **oragex** » 22 Mar 2018, 16:31

Mattbchillin wrote: ↑22 Mar 2018, 12:10 Im looking for something that is LOW maintenance, reliable and easy to do work on in my driveway. Does that 2005 have a lot more problems with it even know it would be a newer in years?

I did a video with all the 'little' things I had to fix on my 2003 with 100K miles that was previously well maintained. You'll notice there is a lot of things. But if you'd buy the car from me at this point you'll probably drive it for the next 5 years only replacing the wipers and a light bulb here and there. That's where the whole question is: what has been done or not by the previous owner? I'd even say that I was lucky, for if I would've bough a neglected car there would have been 2x more things to fix.

That's the hole idea, there is no car on the road that doesn't need repairs.

As for the easiness to work on it, the XC90 is a nightmare in certain areas compared to the S60 non turbo. While an S60 with turbo will certainly scratch your skin a lot more than a non turbo engine. The AWD also needs attention.

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 23 Mar 2018, 05:45

Is the 1999 turbo or non?
Are you saying you have room to store the dormant 2000?

A few prices would help describe your situation.
Have you beaten the bushes for the 1999 you're looking at or was it found at one of those charming 1/5 acre used car lots?
I have a friend in Middleboro who's looked at a few cars for me and some of those lots are scary.

I think going from a 2000 to a 1999 with 1/3 fewer miles isn't "older". Asking how much $?

Do you want to dump the troublesome 2007 XC-90? Waddaya think it'll fetch?
Do you like the 2005 XC-70? Asking how much $?

So you're thinking of dumping 2 cars and getting 2, yes?

Post by **abscate** » 23 Mar 2018, 09:51

Get the carfax on both and lets have a look - blank at VIN if you don't want someone stealing the deal (although that is rare, here)

Mattbchillin · Post by **Mattbchillin** » 23 Mar 2018, 10:28

The xc90 is the wife's, we are keeping that. I could potentially keep the 2000 v70 in my driveway if necessary for parts. My biggest concern is getting a 150K vehicle. How does the 2005 xc70 hold up with 150K miles on it? I understand the car fax and looking for repairs but I mean its already 150K on it. The 1999 I saw was in a small dealer a couple towns away. I haven't stopped in to see it or the report, it just had a sign on it 113K for 3000. The XC70 with 150K are around 4500-5000.

Post by **abscate** » 23 Mar 2018, 12:14

Mattbchillin wrote: ↑23 Mar 2018, 10:28 The xc90 is the wife's, we are keeping that. I could potentially keep the 2000 v70 in my driveway if necessary for parts. My biggest concern is getting a 150K vehicle. How does the 2005 xc70 hold up with 150K miles on it? I understand the car fax and looking for repairs but I mean its already 150K on it. The 1999 I saw was in a small dealer a couple towns away. I haven't stopped in to see it or the report, it just had a sign on it 113K for 3000. The XC70 with 150K are around 4500-5000.

1999 for 3k. Drive by, get the VIN, find out who owned it, where, and how they drove it.

I put about 3k into my 99 at 140k, did ETM, all four corners new suspension, new AC, new heater core. The 99 will respond well to a grand or two of refurbishing