getting ready to buy a 2002 XC-70

Big B · Post by **Big B** » 07 Jan 2008, 18:53

Hello all, I'm new to the forum, and I have located an 02 AWD turbo XC-70. It seems to be in great shape, one owner, looks and drives great. It has the 3rd row seat which I was looking for. Due to my height, this is one of the few cars I can comfortably fit in and still get decent mileage.

The only drawback is fairly high mileage at just over 82,000.

My questions are, what should I check/look for on this model? Things like say, was the timing belt changed on schedule etc. I may be able to access the service records, and of course I will get a Carfax.

I have no problem doing repairs, I have done everything from engine rebuilds down. I have owned and worked on all of the American brands, several Japanese, and Mercedes. Of course I wouldn't want to get stuck with any major repairs on this purchase, and I would hope I could trust it on some 6 to 8 hour highway trips.

The asking price is 13K, however they have already indicated they are willing to negotiate. For me this car, with the third row seating, which I wanted, is a fairly rare find.

I would really appreciate any and all feedback on this car.

Thanks in advance, Brian

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 07 Jan 2008, 19:49

It's winter time and cold in your parts right now. Make sure the A/C works. I didn't when I bought our old 850 in the winter time and it needed a new evaporator- not that yours is prone to this. Also check the transmission fluid at these miles and make sure it shifts evenly. Last thing is the AWD system. Make sure it engages correctly and do a visual on that. Even tire wear on all 4 tires is essential for this car although that's hard to know if the tires are fairly new. The better Haldex AWD system began, I believe the next model year. Still can be a very very good car and don't let the miles scare you if it's been well maintained.

Big B · Post by **Big B** » 07 Jan 2008, 20:14

Thanks for the tips. Yes I already thought about the AC. To verify if the AWD is engaging will I need to find some gravel, or just put it on a lift?

I understand the trannies had some programming issues, as well as indecisive and delayed downshifts, but I haven't heard any outright failure complaints.

I figure for a vehicle only 6 years old with 82K on the odometer must be a fair amount of highway miles. The car was purchased new here in town.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 07 Jan 2008, 20:52

Good place to check the AWD is on the side of the road...drive with left wheels on the pavement and right wheels slightly off the shoulder....also engage your brakes on this surface to see if the built in tracs is working properly. More than if the tranny is engaging properly or not, it's the maitainance that is a concern...so look at the fluid...smell it to make sure it's not burned. I'm sure that if JRL saw this thread he would add his in-put. He knows much more about these more recent AWD's than I do.

Big B · Post by **Big B** » 08 Jan 2008, 19:54

Well after much more research I HAVE found quite a few reports of sudden tranny failure. However I must take into account many of the "failures without warning" may have been experienced by those not really in touch with their car and didn't notice the warning signs. At least I would hope so, I don't need a sudden complete failure halfway across the desert with a load of kids.

I need to decide if I should take a gamble with this car, as I really like it, or go the safer, more expensive route with a new (yawn) Toyota I guess.

At any rate I should probably try to get it for 10K to allow for some repair money.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 08 Jan 2008, 20:23

I think you are right...those with sudden catastrophic transmission failure had no idea of how to care for it and bought the Volvo company line that the fluid never needs to be flushed. I would not hesitate at all in getting the car if it's sound and the transmission has been well cared for. 10 grand ain't bad either! Let us know what you decide.