V70 or XC? Which model, year, engine should I buy?

hsvt · Post by **hsvt** » 09 Apr 2008, 20:09

Hi,
I'm interested in buying a late model (2003+) low mileage, <70K, wagon. I've seen an 04 V70/XC that I like but I'm concerned about the gas mileage, I would like to average at least 23+ MPG and I don't really need AWD. Can anyone give me information on the performance and gas mileage of the V70 FWD and the XC with the various engine and transmission options? Reliability is very important to me also. Any information will be greatly appreci

Post by **JRL** » 09 Apr 2008, 20:15

hsvt wrote:Hi,
I'm interested in buying a late model (2003+) low mileage, <70K, wagon. I've seen an 04 V70/XC that I like but I'm concerned about the gas mileage, I would like to average at least 23+ MPG and I don't really need AWD. Can anyone give me information on the performance and gas mileage of the V70 FWD and the XC with the various engine and transmission options? Reliability is very important to me also. Any information will be greatly appreci

I have a KILLER 03 XC for sale. A Few more miles but priced to sell and needs nothing, see classifieds.
A 2.4t, IF you can find a decent one, should give about 2-4 more miles per gallon

Post by **Tennisplyr** » 09 Apr 2008, 20:23

I have an 04' V70 (non turbo).
I get about 26-28 mpg highway and about 19-21 mpg city.

I met a person w/ an XC and they said their gas mileage is horrible but I don't know what it was.
Good luck.

hsvt · Post by **hsvt** » 09 Apr 2008, 20:29

thanks for the info

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 09 Apr 2008, 20:54

We also have an '04 V70 2.5T Absolutely no problems with it...mileage is as reported but up to 30 on long trips on the interstate. The general rule with Volvo's these days is buy the latest model that you can afford. The V70's just keep getting better and better!

sony2000 · Post by **sony2000** » 10 Apr 2008, 14:37

hsvt, does your 2003 have a T (turbo)? If yes, then either car is OK. If no, go with the 2003 V70 non turbo.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 10 Apr 2008, 15:28

If you don't need an AWD, by all means stay away from it. You'll like the V70 a lot. If you want the power, then go with turbo, the ones without get a bit better mileage. It is nice though to have even the low pressure turbo for interstate on-ramps and when you occasionally have to over-take someone.

hsvt · Post by **hsvt** » 11 Apr 2008, 17:17

If no, go with the 2003 V70 non turbo... I'm used to a fairly peppy Saab. Will it feel like I'm riding a turtle to drive the non Turbo?

If you don't need an AWD... Is my assumption correct that FWD does a very decent job on New England roads in the winter? As good as my Saab 95 which does great?

go with turbo, the ones without get a bit better mileage... Do you have any idea how much better gas mileage and also between the various Turbo models?

Thanks for everyone

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 11 Apr 2008, 18:14

Okay, this is from the Kelly Blue Book website (which I say is pretty accurate). Model year does not seem to matter on the newer P2 ('01 and later) models:
V70 2.4 (non-turbo) City 22, Hwy 29
V70 2.5T (low pressure turbo) City 20, Hwy 29
V70 T5/R (High Pressure turbo) City 18, Hwy 24
XC70 AWD (all have low pressure turbo's) City 18, Hwy 25

http://www.kbb.com/KBB/CompareCars/Repo ... 4583-44582

Any of the above will do a decent job on icy roads in the winter as all have at least the basic traction & stability control as well as front wheel drive. Those with DTSC (dynamic traction & stability control) will do even better but I do not recommend it on AWD as you want to be in control with that car rather than the computer.

Hope this helps.

hsvt · Post by **hsvt** » 11 Apr 2008, 19:33

Thanks MadeinJapan. Very helpful. That pretty much lays it out for me. I had never used Kbb for anything other than used car values. Glad to know it has all that other information.

I'm still all ears if anyone has any more information on the V70s.

Thanks again.