2001 V70 roof rack

marshall · Post by **marshall** » 08 Sep 2008, 20:58

I am thinking about buying a 2001 V-70 wagon. This car only has about 75000 miles so should last a long-long time. I love the way it looks, drives, and protects. However, I really need to use the roof rack with cross members and don't know where I can get them. This car only has the bars that go the length of the car and not across. Pretty much useless as a roof rack and only good for holding a car top carrier. I am 65 and plan on this car to haul my bass boat. Any suggestions as to where to go for the bars, what problems with this car, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Please contact me at [email protected] Thanks

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 08 Sep 2008, 21:31

Welcome to MVS.
2001 is the worst year possible for the car you're looking at...plagued with transmission issues. Just get it checked out thoroughly by a good Volvo knowledgeable mechanic before you go for this one.

instarx · Post by **instarx** » 09 Sep 2008, 06:26

All the rack manufacturers like Thule and Yakima make cross-bars that will fit. They aren't OEM and don't look as good (in my opinion) but they work.

For Volvo OEM crossbars you can look on Ebay or craigslist. There are some nice used Volvo aero crossbars for a 2001 for sale on the Raleigh craigslist for $85. They are still available as of now (Tuesday, sept 9) . They did not fit my 2000 unfortunately, but I looked at them and they are in good condition.

On Ebay they go for between $150 and $200 and shipping can be expensive if they are not local.

You might also try used car lots. There are a lot of these wagons out there and you might be able to buy them off a car before it sells. I see pictures of these cars with crossbars for sale online all the time. You might also ge tlucky at a local salvage yard.

Post by **VCA** » 09 Sep 2008, 06:36

MadeInJapan wrote:Welcome to MVS.
2001 is the worst year possible for the car you're looking at...plagued with transmission issues. Just get it checked out thoroughly by a good Volvo knowledgeable mechanic before you go for this one.

Seconded. Neutral control on the transmission coupled with a Marelli ETM and less-than-baked body controls. 2002 was a tremendous improvement.

marshall · Post by **marshall** » 10 Oct 2008, 12:20

I wrote a few weeks ago asking about load bars for a V-70 wagon. I was warned about the 2001 models. Well, my mechanic said it was in good shape, well taken care of, the Car Fax report showed only one minor ($1500) fender bender 4 years ago. So, I did the deed & now now it is proudly sitting in my driveway. No problems yet except that I had to get a new windshield washing tank. Even my wife likes the car. I was warned about problems with this car / transmission. So far - so good. I admit that the all wheel drive sounds fun but a potential problem child. I used it to haul my bass boat today and it did it with grace and ease. I ordered a new set of (wing style) load bars on E-Bay from Red Bank Volvo and expect they will be in next week.
On the very first day I drove the car to work, a large stone hit my windshield dead in front of me. The chip is about the size of a half dollar and to large for the chip repair guys. It is already starting to crack so had to order a new windshield. I also bought my wife a car about 3 weeks ago (02 Cadillac) and it came with a windshield that had to be replaced. My grandsons' car had the windshield broken at the repair shop last week. Do you think our cars have targets on them?
Anyway, I just wanted to thank all for your help, warnings, etc. and expect I will be "bothering" you with issues as time goes on.

instarx · Post by **instarx** » 27 Oct 2008, 05:04

Good luck, marshall. I had the exact same worries when I bought my XC a year ago, but so far I have had very little trouble in my 139,000 mile car.