Which to Buy - 1999 V70 XC or 2001 V70 T5

TRNorton · Post by **TRNorton** » 04 Jul 2023, 08:44

Hello,

Complete newby to owning a Volvo but I have been in love with the look for years.

I am about to pull the trigger on a V70. I just need to decide which is the better investment for a daily driver ( 30 mile RT commute)

I found a great 2001 T5 with 170,000 for $4000 and an exceptional 1999 V70 XC with only 90,000 for $5000.

I know the '99 has a smaller, less desirable engine, and AWD issues - I am a little more attracted to the '01 model - but the almost new interior and low miles of the '99 make it seem like the best bang for buck...

Can you experts help me decide?

thanks !!

T

Post by **BlackBart** » 04 Jul 2023, 12:00

I think there are issues with the 2001 P2 transmission....although it’s made it to 170,000 so maybe resolved?

Post by **abscate** » 04 Jul 2023, 18:59

99 with 90k

A 170k mile car is coming up on several major service items that will need another 3000 out of pocket.

80,000 miles cost $ 4000 to drive if you do the work, $16,000 if the dealer does it

TRNorton · Post by **TRNorton** » 04 Jul 2023, 20:49

UPDATE: Just checked out the CARFAX on these two and the 99 XC is the clear winner. Not only the low millage and near immaculate interior, but also only two owners. Regular maintenance. At 80,000 the timing belt & water pump were replaced. Seller is springing for a new set of tires.

: 00909_1xprvEJpJ8Z_0CI0t2_1200x900.jpg (252.67 KiB) Viewed 515 times

Post by **BlackBart** » 04 Jul 2023, 21:25

I have an old friend in Seattle with almost this exact car. He’s had it a long time.

Post by **abscate** » 05 Jul 2023, 05:53

Take a good look at the rear axle Carrier and mounting bolts to get a sense of corrosion back there

There are a lot of NLA parts on p80 AWD chassis so you have to parts scramble for these. They sold a lot of these so they are in junkyards. They come up regularly at auction in the east

Thread on major awd axle work here. Don’t get scared off, this is for a rare 2000R which has even more auto parts obscura

TRNorton · Post by **TRNorton** » 05 Jul 2023, 08:29

Thank you so much for the great info! Luckily this girl has been lovingly garaged and well maintained by the records. The undercarriage is pretty clean for the age.
Back in my teen & twenties I had a fascination for air cooled VWs. Owned and rebuilt almost every variation except the Gia & Thing. Now that I am in my 50s I am looking forward to a return to tinkering! This site, and the amazing knowledge here are giving me the confidence to purchase the V70.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 05 Jul 2023, 08:58

I think the XC is a good buy. I'm normally not a fan of low mileage cars, because they typically aren't maintained based on time rather than mileage. But it seems this one has been maintained properly. Also looks super clean!
The early AW55 transmissions like in that '01 are pretty bad. There are probably also some other small early P2 issues that would need to be sorted out, so it's easier to avoid it.