2001 vs 2002+ v70 reliability Topic is solved

[CIK7]

In my v70 vs s80 post, someone said the 2001 is to be avoided because of a lot pf issues. Can y'all please explain what sets the 2002+ apart from the 2001? I found a 2002 v70xc in java brown metallic with all available options, 177k, military veteran owned, 'meticulously' maintained $4k. I have also found a 2004 v70 t5 248k $3,500 meticulously maintained (75yo dude), 2004 xc70 used dealer 177k $2k, 2x xc90 v8, 2003 s80 2.9 103k $2500, and 1996 960 wagon w/3rd row 200k $2400. 2001-2002 and 2005-2007 are the most sold v70 models. Is this because the 03 and 04 are best proven? Please be specific. Perhaps if this thread receives enough in-depth info, it vould be added into one of the special categories. Kind of like what was done on the xc90 and which models to get and avoid.

[SuperHerman]

Two main changes, based on my 2001 XC70 and 2002 XC70, of the past that makes one better than the other.

The 2001 has more transmission issues b/c of valve body solenoids. Not a big deal and can be serviced with a TransGo Kit or Rostra solenoid swap.

The 2001 has the MM Throttle Body and the 2002 has the Bosch. The Bosch is a superior design and doesn't suffer from age and use failure the MM does. The MM can be converted to a contactless SACR set up with a few hours of work, solving the problems.

After that I don't think one is better than the other.

Final note, the Volvos are much cheaper in MN, especially for the miles on them. In addition the paint and interior are not in as bad shape from the harsh sun. Volvo does a great job of rust proofing so the panels are solid, but some of the under body parts have more rusty bolts.

[CIK7]

Two main changes, based on my 2001 XC70 and 2002 XC70, of the past that makes one better than the other.

The 2001 has more transmission issues b/c of valve body solenoids. Not a big deal and can be serviced with a TransGo Kit or Rostra solenoid swap.

The 2001 has the MM Throttle Body and the 2002 has the Bosch. The Bosch is a superior design and doesn't suffer from age and use failure the MM does. The MM can be converted to a contactless SACR set up with a few hours of work, solving the problems.

Any more 2001 cons? And any reliability pros cons between 02, 03, and 04? I dont want newer than 04. I like the older equipment and bold quality-look of the glass headlights. 05+ look cheap made. And I hate the HL eyelet sprayers, prefer traditional HL wipers

[Blacklab467]

I love my '03 and it has the Haldex instead of the earlier fluidic coupling which is said to be problematic. That said, as a mechanic, I've had to rebuild the AWD on mine and fundamentally the fluidic coupling looks like a way better design. Apparently they seem to have more problems. Your right though, nicer interior in the pre '05's. I like the woodgrain accents and the seats seem to be more comfortable, the glass headlights are nice but make sure to have a couple spares, Although the glass is super thick, I've busted two on the way to the mountains where they put gravel on the ice roads.

[SuperHerman]

I thought your request was not about AWD. Regarding AWD, the newer Haldex system is better functionally. I don't recall the cut off year, whether it is 02 or not. The mechanical design is fairly robust, suffers from leaks at this age that one has to service or complete failure could occur. It is straight forward, but hard parts are getting scarce and expensive. The mechanical design is easy to convert to FWD - just pull the drive shaft. The leaks are not too different than the newer design - aged seals. Newer design have electronic components that can be problematic to resolve, but it is a safer design because it is more intelligent. Pick your poison. For your state fwd is just fine.

Other than that most of the parts are the same (other than those mentioned in my first post).

I would not run from an 01 if it is in excellent condition. Under a $150 in parts for the SACR upgrade to cure the MM issues. Under $200 to rebuild the valve body to address most shifting issues which cause issues for the 01. There is a chance you don't have any of these problems.

All Volvos have to have their PCV system serviced and there water pumps and timing belts serviced - regardless of year.

[abscate]

The 2001 also came with neutral stop software t HST slipped the gearbox into neutral on full stop. By mow, most of them went to a dealer and had that removed, but it was tough on the solenoids.

If a 2001 drives and shifts well, no reason to avoid

[CIK7]

I thought your request was not about AWD. Regarding AWD, the newer Haldex system is better functionally. I don't recall the cut off year, whether it is 02 or not. The mechanical design is fairly robust, suffers from leaks at this age that one has to service or complete failure could occur. It is straight forward, but hard parts are getting scarce and expensive. The mechanical design is easy to convert to FWD - just pull the drive shaft. The leaks are not too different than the newer design - aged seals. Newer design have electronic components that can be problematic to resolve, but it is a safer design because it is more intelligent. Pick your poison. For your state fwd is just fine.

Other than that most of the parts are the same (other than those mentioned in my first post).

I would not run from an 01 if it is in excellent condition. Under a $150 in parts for the SACR upgrade to cure the MM issues. Under $200 to rebuild the valve body to address most shifting issues which cause issues for the 01. There is a chance you don't have any of these problems.

All Volvos have to have their PCV system serviced and there water pumps and timing belts serviced - regardless of year.

No it wasn't about awd, but that's helpful because it still addresses the reliability from YM to YM. Yes I'm aware of the pcv; that's one of the first things I looked for on the service records for my 960. And my 98 xc needed it done.
Thank you for all the specifics.

[CIK7]

The 2001 also came with neutral stop software t HST slipped the gearbox into neutral on full stop. By mow, most of them went to a dealer and had that removed, but it was tough on the solenoids.

If a 2001 drives and shifts well, no reason to avoid

thank you. Can you ask Matthew to put this in one of the main sections of the p2 forum for quick access? Others may wonder about the differences as well.

[oragex]

Of all the bunch, I would look at the 2003 S80 but it will need a timing belt. The 2004 has too many miles and may have the CEM defect not to mention there is no 75y old who would drive a T5, looks more like a smart young seller. The XC had problems at the AWD

[xHeart]

In my v70 vs s80 post, someone said the 2001 is to be avoided because of a lot pf issues. Can y'all please explain what sets the 2002+ apart from the 2001? I found a 2002 v70xc in java brown metallic with all available options, 177k, military veteran owned, 'meticulously' maintained $4k. I have also found a 2004 v70 t5 248k $3,500 meticulously maintained (75yo dude), 2004 xc70 used dealer 177k $2k, 2x xc90 v8, 2003 s80 2.9 103k $2500, and 1996 960 wagon w/3rd row 200k $2400. 2001-2002 and 2005-2007 are the most sold v70 models. Is this because the 03 and 04 are best proven? Please be specific. Perhaps if this thread receives enough in-depth info, it vould be added into one of the special categories. Kind of like what was done on the xc90 and which models to get and avoid.

^sound like a successor of JRL.

Our 2001 V70XC now has 200K+miles.

First, why to throw 2001 V70XC under the bus since it is not in your candidate list, second, $4000 can get you a lot more!
I recently crossed 200,000 miles on our's, no issues. Check the transmission serial #. the mechanical viscous coupler is plenty for AWD in our midwest lifestyle. I ask, why MM issue is over sold?

SuperHerman is our best source to compare the thermostat design in 2002.