Purchase Advice

bnaumuk · Post by **bnaumuk** » 26 Dec 2008, 09:26

Hello All, and thanks in advance for your help.

I am new to the board, and forums in general, so please be excuse anything I do incorrectly.

I am interested in purchasing a used V70, looking for something in the 50k mile range, as this generally puts me in the correct price range, and will accept up to 75k. Also generally looking for non-turbo, as I have never owned a turbo vehicle, and it generally seems like something else to go wrong.

Now my question, what year model? I see a lot of vehicles in the 2000-2002 range, good shape, etc. I have generally been ruling them out because of the ETM issues, and I am not sure if this is a mistake or not? I have not seen many 2003 or 2005, but a few 2004's are around.

All this to get to my point, are there year models I should stay away from since 2000? Any suggestions on my search? Other issues I should consider?

Thanks Again for any suggestions for someone new to Volvo.

StarmanDXE · Post by **StarmanDXE** » 26 Dec 2008, 10:46

Unless you want to drop the cash on getting the ETM done yourself (potentially with one of those new non-contact ones), I'd skip those problem years ('99~'02). And, I believe that '01 was the first model year of the newer-style V70, so an '03 would be pretty safe. (Either that or a '98

)

But, if you find a nice ETM problematic one (especially '02), you'll have a short few (varying number of) years to get it replaced under warranty (assuming it hasn't already been done). Or maybe you can get them to knock the price of a non-contact ETM upgrade off the sale price of the car.

Although, I have heard that with the new software, the ETM problem isn't so much so anymore. It won't go into limp mode and it won't wear down the carbon contact film as badly. If you find a '99, '00, or '02 with a replaced ETM, there might not be much to fear.

I'm sure some others will chime in, but those were my feelings when I was looking at a new car. (I'd have loved a V70, but couldn't pass on this S60 T5M!)

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 26 Dec 2008, 10:58

Just avoid the '01 at all costs...otherwise, buy the newest model year V70 year can afford. If you like the old style, you can get a bargain for a '98 V70 (no ETM), but you'll be hard pressed to find one with miles under 100K much less 75K.

chuckcintron · Post by **chuckcintron** » 26 Dec 2008, 18:51

Do yourself a favor and at least A/B compare the turbo and non-turbo. The design point of these turbos is extremely conservative (typical Volvo). Sure, there are more parts on the car but the failures in these vehicles tend to be in other areas besides the forced induction system.

-Chuck

StarmanDXE · Post by **StarmanDXE** » 26 Dec 2008, 20:11

True. Also, sometimes you only get certain features standard/optional in the turbo cars (2.5T/T5/etc.) and, if you can get them, they cost extra in the N/A and are therefore less common in the used ones

Post by **JRL** » 27 Dec 2008, 08:24

It depends on which V70 you're looking at.
If you're on or near the east (US) coast, contact me.
What this"price range" is, you forgot to mention.....