Purchase 01 XC70 AWD?

greg850r · Post by **greg850r** » 24 Apr 2018, 17:26

I want to know what you think. The carfax shows T belt at 100,000 and it has 216,000 on it, so I figure it needs one right now. Car is on a little dealer's lot 2 1/2 hours away from me. Carfax shows 3 owners NY car (dealer serviced), then Chicago (dealer serviced) finally traded in by owner 3 (serviced at PepBoys) at a dealer in Illinois who sent it to auction, presumably over the miles. I know 850s pretty well inside and out now but this is not a model I have any experience with. Comments welcome, I need an education. For $2,300 if its a decent driver for my wife for the next 2 years, I got my money's worth.

https://www.burkeautoandatv.com/vehicle ... r-mo.shtml

thanks all, you're the best.

Greg

hethaerto · Post by **hethaerto** » 24 Apr 2018, 18:10

Buy it. First: drain the ATF and replace with Amsoil Signature Series ATF. Drive it a few weeks then do it again.

Amsoil ATF solved all my trans issues, the same issues that inspired other Volvo owners to replace their transmissions.

Post by **oragex** » 24 Apr 2018, 18:11

An 01 xc is not the best choice to enter the P2 world, even more so given the number of owners and the distance to travel.

If the AWD is not a must (for winter 4 good winter tires are a much better choice imo), an S60 from 2004-2005 and up with less than 150k miles and no more than 2 owners would be a better choice. These cars can last perhaps more than a 850 but when they are neglected the story can change. At around 150k the repairs do pile up so the more the PO has done (with the correct brands) the better. Main points would be several suspension parts, PCV, AWD among others.

Post by **abscate** » 24 Apr 2018, 18:13

Greg...you need to drive it from a cold start to a hot highway run and the transmission has to be flawless.

If so, it’s a decent buy.

hethaerto · Post by **hethaerto** » 24 Apr 2018, 18:14

I drove my 02 XC70 for ten years, now my oldest daughter is driving it.

It needed a new fuel pump (recall), front hub bearings, and rear tail lamp housing assemblies. That's it.

greg850r · Post by **greg850r** » 24 Apr 2018, 22:15

Things of note from the carfax:

03/25/2003
7,548 mi
Recommended maintenance performed
7,500 mile service performed
Engine/powertrain computer/module reprogrammed
Body computer/module checked
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked

01/06/2012
96,100 mi
Computer reprogrammed
Front brake pads replaced

07/19/2012
103,188 mi
Computer reprogrammed
Timing belt replaced
Drive belt(s) replaced
Sway bar link(s) replaced

These were all done by the 2nd owner at
Patrick Cadillac
Schaumburg, IL
855-688-3573
patrickcadillac.com

One more from 3rd owner done at PepBoys
03/26/2014
136,502 mi
Maintenance inspection completed
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked
Oil and filter changed

Do you think any of these were about the software that caused trans problems with these?

Post by **abscate** » 25 Apr 2018, 01:23

Nothing of note there. Unless that’s Caddy dealer also had a Volvo franchise , there Is no way they would be doing warranty ECU reprogramming.

You HAVE to drive this thing to see if the trans is in good shape. The first generation 5 speeds had a bad neutral stop software feature that slammed them, so you need to assess that. They have their own special sticky thread for discussion.

Quoting Volvo expert Jim...”Don’t buy a 2001 unless it’s perfect” and “ keep an eye open for the rare heated third seat”

Post by **vtl** » 25 Apr 2018, 05:32

hethaerto wrote: 24 Apr 2018, 18:10 Buy it. First: drain the ATF and replace with Amsoil Signature Series ATF. Drive it a few weeks then do it again.

Amsoil ATF solved all my trans issues, the same issues that inspired other Volvo owners to replace their transmissions.

I would never use Amsoil ATF again in this transmission, it has waaay too low viscosity index. Idemitsu Type-TLS is the closest match, Toyota T-IV is OK too.

hethaerto · Post by **hethaerto** » 25 Apr 2018, 09:45

vtl wrote: 25 Apr 2018, 05:32
hethaerto wrote: 24 Apr 2018, 18:10 Buy it. First: drain the ATF and replace with Amsoil Signature Series ATF. Drive it a few weeks then do it again.

Amsoil ATF solved all my trans issues, the same issues that inspired other Volvo owners to replace their transmissions.
I would never use Amsoil ATF again in this transmission, it has waaay too low viscosity index. Idemitsu Type-TLS is the closest match, Toyota T-IV is OK too.

Amsoil sure makes my trans operate well.

Post by **oragex** » 25 Apr 2018, 11:59

I always recommend this site. Keep in mind that the situation may differ, plus there are always owners who don't acknowledge all the faults. Also, the car in question has 210K miles on it, so expect to have plenty of things to fix, no necessarily all big items

http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/volvo/xc70/