What should I look for in a V70 2002 with 118000 Mi?

Sea Smoke · Post by **Sea Smoke** » 09 Feb 2010, 11:41

I'm looking at a 2002 front wheel drive, turbo aspirated V70. What are the points that I should pay special attention to?

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 09 Feb 2010, 13:47

Hello, In no particular order: After starting, place car in drive. Don't rev it; if you feel a "double bump" the valve body is sick. Check if the timing belt and related hardware has been changed. My money's on "It hasn't been". Inspect the CV boots for tears, trans. fluid for discoloration and burnt smell. Drive it and see if it shifts roughly at local speeds (could need a download to the TCM). Slipperyness/dampness at the carpet near the tunnel (anti-freeze leak). Maintenance records are vital. Listen to it run on an open stretch of smooth road. Lack of maintenance and a turbocharger can contribute to sludge in the engine; check for that. Good luck, Kira

Post by **matthew1** » 09 Feb 2010, 15:10

Look for a low price

With the poor economy and a 100k+ car, the dealer probably isn't going to want to hold on to it too long.

What Georgeandkira said, plus

_ timing belt should have been done at 105k
_ maintenance records, always good to have
_ https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/2009/1 ... -used-car/
_ https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 799#p97799
_ https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =4&t=23139

... from the Volvo Buyer's Guide.

Sea Smoke · Post by **Sea Smoke** » 09 Feb 2010, 16:38

What about the trasmission? A friend with a 2002 v 70 talked about the Auto/Manual type, ala tiptronic, as being problematic. Any words on this?

Post by **E170_Driver** » 09 Feb 2010, 16:55

Make sure you do a thorough test drive and if you do decide to purchase the vehicle then change the ATF asap. I have a 2001 V70 and the big issue I am concerned about (besides all the small stuff) is the same on the 2002 models (from what I understand, correct me if I am incorrect): the ETM. I will not let my family drive in my V70 because of it...there is a ton of information on this webpage to read about the issue.

Jan

Checksix · Post by **Checksix** » 09 Feb 2010, 22:51

Check the color of the fluid in the transmission. The dipstick is hard to find but search and you will find (very deep and on the right side. Check the forums for a picture). I'd recommend doing the paper towel test for the fluid. Again another search. A drop on the paper will flow out. If the inside of the circle is very dark (caused by the trapped particles by the filter effect), you are looking at potential problems. If it shifts great, then a fluid change after purchase is highly recommended. NOT A FLUSH, just a "drain and fill" or the diconnection of the return line. Again, another forum search for details. I did the drain and fill on my 01 V70 T5a starting at 75K miles and it is still shifting perfect!

Check the ETM for the color of the sticker with the part number. A white sticker will tell you that the ETM is original (10 year warrenty or 100K miles), WHICH EVER comes first. A yellow tag will tell you it was already replaced. I have 105K miles on mine and it is original and works perfect. It is a weak spot, and for around $600 you can do a fix. Again see the forums. If this is white taged, use it as a negotiation tool. Good Luck, let us know how it goes!

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 10 Feb 2010, 09:13

Hello EI70_Driver, Sea Smoke and everyone else, Yes it's true that a bad throttle body CAN make your car konk out on a highway and that is dangerous. It is the reason the issue got traction with the feds, and then Volvo. However, most people reported a fluctuation of idle speed as their ETM went bad. Barring everyone from your V70 creates an inconvenience to your family-you're down a horse. Of course, every member of your household might have their own car. I just don't think it's as "Sudden Death" as all that. Maybe every driver in the world should be trained to recognize a stopped engine. A dead engine at 80 mph surrounded by tractor trailers would be terrifying. Kira PS I've read only one post where an ETM was cheerfully replaced by Volvo without making the owner go through other expensive intake repairs bforehand. Also, I've read only one post of a rebuilt (by XeMODeX) ETM which didn't work upon installation. K

atefitty · Post by **atefitty** » 10 Feb 2010, 10:14

If your getting it from a dealer I would ask for all maintenance records..
Check for oil leaks and coolant leaks..Check the tires, uneven tires on AWD cars can cause damage to the Transaxle..See if the AC is working. If the check engine light is on hgave the codes read...Carfax!