Thinking About a Volvo Again

Post by **rmmagow** » 08 Feb 2010, 13:59

OK, I used to post here when I had a 98 V70R. I'm not going to super bad-mouth it since it was an ebay car and was abused. Dumped it. Bought a 740 wagon for my kid. Had to dump it too. Now I'm looking at an '01 70XC, about 83K for 6300.00 us. From my reading here it sounds like most of the issues I had with my "R" still exist in the V70XC. One thing I don't see mentioned a lot is "angle gear" failure or is this all lumped into transmission problems? I may make a low-ball offer on the XC but am I just getting back into the frustration mode I had with my other one? I really like the V70 and sure would be happy if I could get one that works (that I can afford). So, stay away or take the plunge. Is this gen of the 70 much improved over the 98?
Thanks Much

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 08 Feb 2010, 14:55

Hello, The bevel gears aren't improved until 2003 and the ETBs are subject to failure unti the same year. A steal of an earlier 4WD V70 can be improved upon with the installation of a bevel gear drain plug. People post about it often here. Also, the ETBs are rebuildable by XeMODeX; a company which installs a Hall effect positioning sensor in place of the troublesome mylar film. It's an improvement over the extended warranty as Volvo has stringent requirements before they'll replace one. All the other maintenance history stuff applys. Do you DIY or not? Have any car you buy checked out by a mechanic. On a budget?-go non-turbo, FWD like many of us. Good luck Kira

Post by **jblackburn** » 08 Feb 2010, 15:51

Ahh! Stay away from 2001's.

They are the first of the new generation, and ridden with problems. As Kira suggested, for reliability (which it sounds like you definitely want now), go for a 2003 or later model.

Post by **rmmagow** » 08 Feb 2010, 19:09

Wow, thank you both! Saved me from myself again. I'm going to look for a FWD V70 first. I'm near a very very good pair of Volvo shops, either of which I could pick a car from and be sure they were fully checked out. Yeah, I'm a full DIY, if I can't fix it, it goes away. I currently drive two 21 year old Mazda 929's. Gotta fix them yourself for thm to hang on this long. Recently did Wheel bearings in my wife's 2001 Suby, worst job I've tackled in my old age. Also got a 58 Mercedes that is a simple joy to work on. Gas, a pair of carbs, distributor w/points!! Lots of fun. Hell, maybe they'll do me a decent severance at work soon and I'l get me a nice 2003 + V70. Has to be the most comfortable car I ever owned.

Post by **E170_Driver** » 08 Feb 2010, 20:13

jablackburn wrote:Ahh! Stay away from 2001's. They are the first of the new generation, and ridden with problems. As Kira suggested, for reliability (which it sounds like you definitely want now), go for a 2003 or later model.

Easy there JABLACKBURN,
real men drive 2001, always something broke and hard to keep 'em running. If you want a serious DIY car, this is the year and generation to get...it will keep you busy, broke and always wonder :"What next??"
Ah, just kidding...I would agree with the masses, stay away from '01s. Welcome back.

Jan

mdross1 · Post by **mdross1** » 09 Feb 2010, 04:34

This is news to me,and with our 3rd new V70 XC since 98.Zero problems with any car.The 98 had 80K,the 02 had 75K.What and where is this angle gear? Should make the people aware who bought our 02 of the issue.

Post by **jblackburn** » 09 Feb 2010, 05:34

http://home.ripway.com/2005-4/294125/V70XCBevelGear.pdf

More or less the same procedure for a 2002.