I think I’m gonna buy this… unless you guys strongly disapprove

[matthew1]

I usually do not trust a word of the owners. I've been told by people that a volvo has a timing chain and didnt need a timing belt service by a seller. They really do not know.

In my experiences interviewing people during my job, I found the following.

Most people do not know exactly what they are talking about, and will get defensive/uncomfortable with too many yes/no or technical questions. My usual strategy is to examine the car thoroughly with ramps, a scanner, and perhaps a jack. Always explain to the seller what you are doing to the vehicle as you examine it. Some people may think your code scanner is "stealing the car", not many but some.

Take the vehicle for a test drive for sure, and explain to the seller who should be with you, what you are doing. If you are going to floor it then let them know before hand. If you are checking how it tracks by releasing the wheel then let them know.

When you ask the seller for information on the vehicle, try to do it over the phone or in person. People can say a lot more without thinking hard on it versus a well tailored text/email.

Excellent advice.

[454cid]

But surely if she gets it tested, that is a good thing? At least you both know what is wrong with it and can negotiate from there. Like I mentioned earlier, many owners get 'forgetful' about issues with their vehicles when it comes to selling. Black soot could be it is burning oil from worn valve seals, or ECT is bad.

Neil.

I was thinking O2 sensor, since that's what mine did. ECT seems like a plausible explanation, too.

[scot850]

I would expect a bad O2 sensor tho throw a code, but it is also a good suggestion.

Neil.

[454cid]

I would expect a bad O2 sensor tho throw a code, but it is also a good suggestion.

Neil.

My 850 took forever to set a code. When I reset it, it did not come back very quickly, if at all. It was like the ECM wasn't realizing it was a false reading. It just kept dumping fuel in, trying to lift the O2 voltage, all the while the exhaust was so rich it was getting soot on the paint.

[scot850]

Good to know!

Neil.

[misha]

I would expect a bad O2 sensor tho throw a code, but it is also a good suggestion.

Neil.

My 850 took forever to set a code. When I reset it, it did not come back very quickly, if at all. It was like the ECM wasn't realizing it was a false reading. It just kept dumping fuel in, trying to lift the O2 voltage, all the while the exhaust was so rich it was getting soot on the paint.

Mine was doing that too.

[FireFox31]

I'll caution against a 2004 XC70 and likely 01-03 XC70 as well. I knew one where the angle gear stripped out, eliminating the AWD capability. I seem to recall that it was a common problem for 01-04 but do research it further. The XC70 got a facelift in 2005 so I assumed they improved the AWD at that point.

[abscate]

Kesha scored an awesome one owner S70T5 so I think she is set.