V70 P2 Buying Advice Request

[StephenM]

I have a 2.0L 20V 850 & 2.0L V40, both great cars.

I now want a P2 shape V70 auto. I don't mind which fuel/model but I want to be able to maintain it myself, as I do with the other cars.

Which are the best models, specs to avoid (known problems) and what should I be looking out for when buying privately?

All help much appreciated!

[MadeInJapan]

Be aware that once you jump up to the P2 cars, everything becomes more computer dependent. Especially those systems that are now on the newer CAN Bus, which you really can't deal with without the Volvo scan tool and VIDA (their diagnostic software). That said, this doesn't mean you can't do the maintenance yourself. It does however mean that some system errors can only be reset by Volvo (not much different than your other cars here) and keys have to be programmed differently, and most any module you change out has to have a software download for it to be "recognized" and work. We have an '04 V70 and have not had to spend hardly any money at the dealer because we haven't had to replace any modules. I added fog lights and electric folding side mirrors and these had to have software downloads to work. I have been able to change out my own oil, do my own brakes (easier than the earlier cars, btw), flush the transmission and power steering, and when it warms up some, I plan on doing the coolant flush. My opinion on the P2's is that with each year, they have gotten better and better, so my suggestion is to buy the latest year Volvo you can afford. In the U.S., the debut year for the P2's was 2001. You guys across the pond seem to get everything a year earlier...so the P2 debut may have been '00- but I'm not sure. Generally, avoid the first year P2's...they had a few bugs, especially when it came to the transmission and they had the older style electronic throttle module (ETM) that has had to be replaced (although under warranty). I hope this information has helped. You'll love your new V70! Oh, about forgot- Avoid the early model AWD systems unless you really, really have to have AWD and that's all you can afford. From '03, the system changed to HALDEX which is much more robust and has less problems, but the first two years of the P2 XC70 have had all kinds of AWD issues. Good luck and keep us posted.