xc70 reliability?

[jimsvolvo]

"Volvo AWD does not have a very good reliability history"

This is the typical statement I've seen on a few threads!
What exactly is the gripe? Maint, cost, design, etc?

Is it just the XC70 and AWD?

or

s70 and v70 also a problem?

Which years of XC70's are better, 1998 -2000 or does the 01 thru 05 get better marks?

[Guest]

Well, people don't come here when their Volvos are working .

That said, it took Volvo quite some time to install an AWD drivetrain in the XC that was tolerant of things like different sized wheels (happens frequently when people buy just one or two new tires).

I honestly don't know the year that Volvo got it right, but it wasn't before 2000.

Then there's a famous few other items that Volvo didn't get right. And Volvo North America certainly isn't "right" from the contact I've had from owners out there. Another thing, look at the resale value of Volvos. Goes down quick huh? By comparison my buddy at work just paid (overpaid a little? I don't know) $6500 for 1994 4Runner. A 1994 anything Volvo would be half that.

Having said that, I'm not down on Volvo. I think they make the best looking, safest cars around. I think it's all a matter of your perception. If you percieve Volvo to be as durable at Toyota, with little maintainance, you're going to be disappointed. But if you spend a little more in maintainance than the Toyota owner, you'll probably come away even in miles driven or whatever measurement you want.

[dosbricks]

The most common complaints I've seen on the boards are: chewing up tires, rack & pinion steering, and driveshaft problems. None of which are cheap to fix.

Are the newer ones improved, or are they just to new to be manifesting these troubles yet? Hopefully, the former. Ask your friendly Volvo sales rep.