purchasing advice: 1998 or 2001 v70 (more details inside)?

BerniniCaCO3 · Post by **BerniniCaCO3** » 11 Feb 2010, 02:31

I'm sort of in that position-- I've stared at many, many posts and am ready to jump on one of these as, frankly they're the best options in 50miles and in 2.5 weeks.

Regarding the 1998, the XC was not particularly well maintained. The tires need to be replaced quite precisely because they were not rotated, and the engine failed because of the timing belt.
The car with the motor has 300,000 miles on it, but the motor itself is suppose to have only 85k. I can't remember what broke on it; I understand that it does still drive, but at 300k miles, it's a parts car.

If I see the 2001 today, and when I look over the paperwork for maintenance (he's owned it since 2003), which things should I look for? Does sound like he's a better owner; basically took it to the mechanic and had them do what they told him needed to be done.

I'm not a speed demon. Looking for something that can haul stuff; I've put 1000# in a pontiac sedan (to the detriment of the back seat, permanently squashed), and might do likewise with this car if it'll handle it. I am a classical sculpture student, so small (200-600#) marble boulders are a favourite material

Not actually sure that I need AWD for that, and this record snow we've gotten, is just that-- record, and therefore unheard of in over a century and probably not to be seen again for another.

I suppose I'll repeat; I'm not confident of my judgement just looking over the car or even driving it (unless something is appallingly off kilter), which things should I look for as due diligence in this 2001?

And what are the issues endemic to all 2001 (or post-1998) volvo v70 XCs, despite proper maintenance?

Post by **Glencoeteen** » 11 Feb 2010, 03:14

things I would look for transmission replacement/ Service. I can pretty much promise its had the transmission changed! and since its an XC it has the Bevel gear! i can not stress how these need to be service at least ever 60k other wise they well crap out and its not worth it to replace. you just remove the rear drive shaft and you have a fwd. PCV system is another. as is tune up. mainly the Coil packs. if i remember the ETM was fixed by 01 so that should not be an issue. i would lay on the ground and wiggle my way under it and look around if its all dripping with oil all over, make sure the rear drive shaft is still there! oh and also pull the transmission dip stick out once the motor is warm and smell the fluid it should be pinkish and not smell like really burnt toast/popcorn. if its really pink and clean and he doesn't have a receipt for a transmission service it could be its starting to slip and he serviced it and added some trans stop slip to sell it. If all looks okay so far drive it. radio off! listen for any knocking or trumping or grinding what i like about the 98 is for one there's no CVVT, individual coil packs, or electronic throttle the motors are more or less built proof as long as you change the timing belt! and keep the PCV system clean!

Post by **Glencoeteen** » 11 Feb 2010, 03:18

oh and on that 98XC whats wrong with the motor?

Post by **jblackburn** » 11 Feb 2010, 07:35

Honestly, if you don't need the AWD, look for other cars. The FWD V70's are perfectly capable of a decent amount of snow, and you won't have to deal with the pesky AWD system issues inherent to both the 98 and the 2001. If you want a good RELIABLE AWD, look for a 2003 or newer model, as they went to electrically-controlled AWD system at that point rather than the purely mechanical one.

That's my advice anyway. Oh, and stay away from the 2001. You'll soon be up to your head with expensive repairs

Brewmaster · Post by **Brewmaster** » 11 Feb 2010, 09:27

I have no experience w Volvos, I'll leave that to the other experts here. The Sable though, here are my thoughts:

Body build quality - Sables are much worse off than Tauruses in this end. Things come loose quickly, though it is random - not ALL Sables have this issue, but a good majority.

Transmission - the AX4S/N is a much better line than the old'n'busted AXOD but still has it's issues. If maintained, it's likely you won't see much gripe from it. If it hasn't been maintained (regular filter/fluid changes, valve body checks, etc) they tend to grenade around 150k, less if it's been driven in a more "spirited" manner

Engine - These have the 3.0 V6, in either 145hp Vulcan trim or 200hp Duratec. The Duratec is an awesome motor! I really have no gripes against it, though it wasn't placed in a whole lot of Sables. The Vulcan (more than likely what this one has) tends to have intake manifold issues. Apart from that, it seems like they just didn't put too much thought into engine tolerances and, if oil has been neglected in any real manner, tend to grenade bearings pretty quickly.

If it's been mechanic owned, these shouldn't be issues. Ask him mechanicy questions - Any gasket issues? Has the differential given any problems? Ever done tranny maintenance? etc. and see what his answers are. +1 if he keeps any sort of records.