Advice on potential purchase of '07 XC70

[mkc1]

Hi,
I'm looking at potentially buying this 2007 XC70 to supplement/replace my aging 1997 850 GLT that is slowly being lost to rust but in otherwise reasonable condition. There are obviously some issues listed in the ad. Anything else I should look out for? Were the ETM issues resolved by the '07 MY? Is it going to become difficult to find parts in the next 10-20 years for the '07 XC 70?

The car appears to have very little rust for one that's lived in Central Canada for the past 20 years, but it seems it was undercoated for a number of years based on the Carfax report.

Thanks for your advice!

[jonesg]

nope.
high mileage,
vague ,possibly serious, problems.
around here in maine thats $1500 or less.

[mkc1]

nope.
high mileage,
vague ,possibly serious, problems.
around here in maine thats $1500 or less.

Thanks! Not sure if you realised but the odo is in km, so it's around 150K miles, which I didn't think was particularly high mileage? And the price is $CAD, closer to $2400 USD. Your point about vague, possibly serious, problems is certainly valid though.

[jonesg]

nope.
high mileage,
vague ,possibly serious, problems.
around here in maine thats $1500 or less.

Thanks! Not sure if you realised but the odo is in km, so it's around 150K miles, which I didn't think was particularly high mileage? And the price is $CAD, closer to $2400 USD. Your point about vague, possibly serious, problems is certainly valid though.

They know whats wrong with it, if it was minor they'd fix it and raise the price.
My guess is they won't allow your mechanic to inspect it, water in the oil possibly.

[vtl]

Parts started to disappear since about 2019 (those shared with P2 S60 that ended production in 2009). Last parts are gone after 2024 (those compatible with P2 XC90, which was EOL in 2014). All we had since then is aftermarket - good one. In past year-two even that is gone, we have mostly Chinese parts now.

[scot850]

Mileage is not high for one of these, but like the guys point out, it has some questions on it's maintenance by the previous owner.

For an 07 in Alberta/B.C that is cheap for the mileage. But here is the issue. Can you do the repairs yourself?

It needs parking brake cables fixed (I'm assuming you have to have it safetied) and the water leak needs to be identified. If they have not identified that, I would suggest walking away unless you have a trusted mechanic that knows Volvo's inspect it.

There are NO cheap Volvos. Allow at least $2-3000 for repairs in the first year, and that is assuming there is some maintenance done. Mileage/age wise it is coming due on a timing belt and water pump.

Being a rust belt car, the underside needs a careful inspection for bushes and engine mounts.

The car has 4-C shocks. They are around $1000+ EACH! Also have the coil springs inspected as they crack.

You have bi-Xenon headlights, one which needs a serious polish. To do that on an XC70 properly that means pulling the front bumper and removing the headlight.

These are solid cars when maintained. If the car has no maintenance records recently, don't walk, run away!

I overpaid for a 06 V70 AWD with Polestar tune from an ex-Volvo mechanic buddy. I had to get new winter tires (he got them through his work but that was still $650). The summers will need done next year due to age (will be 8 years old). I paid for a timing belt and waterpump and had him replace them as a condition of sale. Since then I have replaced the rear spoiler high lever brake light ($140), the hood strut, all the taillight bulbs (I pulled the rear light units as it is the easiest way to do them). There were multiple broken and missing clips which needed replacing in the rear panels that were removed.

So, even with a mechanic maintaining the car, it still needed work. I am picky, and like my cars 'correct'. The previous owner of the car to my buddy was the daughter of the local Volvo dealer owner. Just goes to show you at now 20 years old, there will be work to do.

Neil.

[mkc1]

Mileage is not high for one of these, but like the guys point out, it has some questions on it's maintenance by the previous owner.

For an 07 in Alberta/B.C that is cheap for the mileage. But here is the issue. Can you do the repairs yourself?

It needs parking brake cables fixed (I'm assuming you have to have it safetied) and the water leak needs to be identified. If they have not identified that, I would suggest walking away unless you have a trusted mechanic that knows Volvo's inspect it.

[...]
Neil.

Thanks, Neil. I can do some repairs myself. On my 850, I've done timing belt, PCV system, radiator, A/C receiver/dryer, &c. On the other hand, some of it wasn't all that fun and as I get older perhaps I'm less interested in doing such things. The XC70 is 10 years newer than my 850. Thinking about the last 10 years with the 850, I've been stranded a couple of times due to ignition coil and fuel pump. Glad I have CAA. So, if the XC70 will be a repeat of the last 10 years of the 850 (mostly solid, but the occasional stranding) I'm not sure if I wanna do that again. I also wasn't aware of the Four-C shocks/struts so thanks for that. You've given me a lot to think about!

[vtl]

Thanks, Neil. I can do some repairs myself. On my 850, I've done timing belt, PCV system, radiator, A/C receiver/dryer, &c. On the other hand, some of it wasn't all that fun and as I get older perhaps I'm less interested in doing such things. The XC70 is 10 years newer than my 850. Thinking about the last 10 years with the 850, I've been stranded a couple of times due to ignition coil and fuel pump. Glad I have CAA. So, if the XC70 will be a repeat of the last 10 years of the 850 (mostly solid, but the occasional stranding) I'm not sure if I wanna do that again. I also wasn't aware of the Four-C shocks/struts so thanks for that. You've given me a lot to think about!

You will be stranded more, because P2 has more to break.

[HasssiOp]

Good news on the ETM front, the electronic throttle module issues were largely a pre-2002 problem on the earlier P80 platform cars like your 850. By 2007 on the P3 platform that was long resolved so no concerns there.
For an 07 XC70 specifically watch out for a few things. The transmission can be a weak point, particularly the AW55 automatic, so check for smooth shifts and no slipping. The PCV system and oil separator are known to cause issues and can be expensive if neglected. Check for oil consumption and any smoke on startup. The rear differential and transfer case seals are worth inspecting given the age. Sunroof drains are notorious for clogging and causing interior water damage so check the headliner carefully.
Parts availability should be fine for the foreseeable future. The P3 platform was shared across a lot of Volvo models through 2016 so there's good aftermarket support and a strong community. IPD, FCP Euro, and others stock plenty of parts. It won't be as easy as an 850 in another 10 years but not a nightmare either.
The undercoating history explaining the low rust is very plausible and a good sign. Low rust on a Central Canada car is genuinely rare so that's a real positive if it checks out on inspection.
Get it inspected by an independent Volvo specialist before buying if you can

[vtl]

2007 is P2.