i need opinions on your ownership experience Topic is solved

Post by **CIK7** » 05 May 2023, 10:15

Pretty straight forward. Besides a 3rd gen Odyssey, I am considering an 03-04 v70, s60, or xc70 (this one less likely). I have heard that Volvo's reputation went down with the addition of computers. If its a turbo, I plan to put in 87 or 89 gas; cant afford to keep up with 91/93. I owned an 01 v70 but other than the trans slipping (common problem) I dont recall my experience.

What is your opinion on these cars based on your ownership? Should I plan on sinking money into them? Are bulb and computer issues common?

Post by **vtl** » 05 May 2023, 12:27

In 2023 a 2003 car is strictly for enthusiasts, who are willing to dump their time and money into a new toy.

Post by **vtl** » 05 May 2023, 12:30

Honestly, I haven't had many chores with malfunctioning electronics. It was usually more helpful in diagnosing problems than being a problem. But general reliability is not what I was expected. My 2005 w/ 270k miles has only original fuel pump and about 15 original rear subframe bushings.

Post by **Krons** » 05 May 2023, 15:21

I really like the P2 Volvos, have three in the family fleet. No electrical issues other than a MAF sensor and crank/cam sensor here and there. They do need suspension components replaced around 150k miles and maybe CV shafts, but if you go with decent aftermarket they are reasonable and easy DIY with loaded struts. Most stuff like subframe bushings should be OEM.

PCV should be checked and if oil changes are kept at 5000 or less with synthetic should not be a problem.

I wouldn’t try to run a new Volvo past 100k but definitely would on a P2.

Jonboy74 · Post by **Jonboy74** » 05 May 2023, 20:38

I love my 02 V70 2.4T.

I did have to replace my transmission a while back, but aside from that, it's been mainly regular maintenance. I should be hitting 300k this year. I do the majority of my own maintenance, and I have ViDA, so that helps. My local indy shop that specializes in Volvos says they almost never see cars my age anymore. When I asked them why, they said it was because most people cannot afford to maintain them...but I do most of my own maintenance, so there you go.

Jonboy

Post by **Blacklab467** » 05 May 2023, 20:52

Fantastic experience owning my 2003 XC 70, but not necessarily inexpensive. I do my own maintenance and that is key in ownership unless you have lots of money to pay someone else to do it. I should clarify, the car hasn't broken down and left me stranded but its 20 years old with high mileage and I like to keep it running and driving like a new one. I was thinking last week after I put brand new Toyo's on all corners, I'm buying premium tires for a 20 year old vehicle with 305000 kms on it! I have no reason to think it's nearing the end of its useful life and its my primary vehicle. I bought this car 8 tears ago as a winter beater for $2700 and ended up loving the quality and functionality so I started spending money on it and making it nice. Over 8 years and about $6000 of Blue Box Volvo parts the cost of ownership seems pretty reasonable to me. We bought a T6 XC 60 for the wife about three months ago and think its a great vehicle but its not as nice to drive as the old XC70.

Post by **abscate** » 06 May 2023, 01:16

Jonboy74 wrote: ↑05 May 2023, 20:38 I love my 02 V70 2.4T.

I did have to replace my transmission a while back, but aside from that, it's been mainly regular maintenance. I should be hitting 300k this year. I do the majority of my own maintenance, and I have ViDA, so that helps. My local indy shop that specializes in Volvos says they almost never see cars my age anymore. When I asked them why, they said it was because most people cannot afford to maintain them...but I do most of my own maintenance, so there you go.

Jonboy

Good night, Jonboy

Post by **CIK7** » 06 May 2023, 07:21

Jonboy74 wrote: ↑05 May 2023, 20:38 I love my 02 V70 2.4T.

I did have to replace my transmission a while back, but aside from that, it's been mainly regular maintenance. I should be hitting 300k this year. I do the majority of my own maintenance, and I have ViDA, so that helps. My local indy shop that specializes in Volvos says they almost never see cars my age anymore. When I asked them why, they said it was because most people cannot afford to maintain them...but I do most of my own maintenance, so there you go.

Jonboy

I have a 98 V70 base and do most of my own maintenance too but because it's specialty and it's sooooo old, I stayed stressed out waiting for the next thing to break. Not kidding, 2nd row both sides, both seatbelts have quit working. They won't pull out. I've tried lowing the seat, putting a screwdriver in retraction mechanism. I either have to unbolt them with extremely limited access under upholstery or tear out whole seat to replace with different one.

Post by **CIK7** » 06 May 2023, 07:23

Blacklab467 wrote: ↑05 May 2023, 20:52 Fantastic experience owning my 2003 XC 70, but not necessarily inexpensive. I do my own maintenance and that is key in ownership unless you have lots of money to pay someone else to do it. I should clarify, the car hasn't broken down and left me stranded but its 20 years old with high mileage and I like to keep it running and driving like a new one. I was thinking last week after I put brand new Toyo's on all corners, I'm buying premium tires for a 20 year old vehicle with 305000 kms on it! I have no reason to think it's nearing the end of its useful life and its my primary vehicle. I bought this car 8 tears ago as a winter beater for $2700 and ended up loving the quality and functionality so I started spending money on it and making it nice. Over 8 years and about $6000 of Blue Box Volvo parts the cost of ownership seems pretty reasonable to me. We bought a T6 XC 60 for the wife about three months ago and think its a great vehicle but its not as nice to drive as the old XC70.

Helpful response. Thank you!

Post by **vtl** » 06 May 2023, 07:34

I busted $35k in parts and maintenance on my XC70 since 2012. Third of that could be ignored or deferred if you're not up to keeping it perfect, but still it's a lot.

Wife's 2016 XC60 T5 (last year of P3) we bought new was a disaster. SPAs are too flimsy and glamorous. No more new Volvos in my family, I'll keep wrenching my P2. I had two more P2 wagons, they break down the same way, at about same mileage and years, which is both bad (you gotta fix that) and good (no mysteries, these problems are all well known among Volvo nerds).