Buying my 4th wagon. Is the 2003 V70 a worthy candidate?

Joseph+ · Post by **Joseph+** » 16 Jul 2010, 09:27

Having owned a 78' 240GL, 86' 740, and 96' 850GLE, I'm looking for my next wagon. I've owned the 850 for 12 years and it has been a truly great car, but I am now ready to move on to #4.

I am not interested in any of the other models - only V70 wagons.

I'm looking at 01, 02 & 03's. I know there is a bit of styling change with the 03's and as I understand, the chassis platform is changed also, as well as HP increase.

I'm leaning toward the 03 model year over the others, based on the axiom of buy the latest model within your budget. But not being knowledgeable of these models, it may not be the best choice.

I'm also interested in the T5 for it's additional HP. I also own an 89 Porsche Carrera (which I maintain myself), and miss the acceleration when I drive the Volvo. However, if the non turbo model is preferable, I'm fine with that (but would like to know why).

I know each year has it's own pluses/minuses and this is an important decision for me.

I would appreciate any feedback on these models from experienced and knowledgeable owners.

Thanks!

Joseph

Post by **jblackburn** » 16 Jul 2010, 10:03

You're absolutely right, but for different reasons

The 01's should be avoided at all costs, and the 2002's aren't so great either. The 2003 models did away with the flawed ETM design that plauged the older cars, and introduced a few other changes, as you said. A 2003 or 2004 would be my choice; from then on, they didn't change much until the new model was introduced.

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 16 Jul 2010, 14:09

2003 is a good choice in V70. I have a 04 S60R and it is wonderful.

Joseph+ · Post by **Joseph+** » 16 Jul 2010, 18:39

jablackburn wrote:You're absolutely right, but for different reasons

The 01's should be avoided at all costs, and the 2002's aren't so great either. The 2003 models did away with the flawed ETM design that plauged the older cars, and introduced a few other changes, as you said. A 2003 or 2004 would be my choice; from then on, they didn't change much until the new model was introduced.

I'm familiar with the ETM issue. What other problems with 01's that makes them so undesirable? Or 02's for that matter. Just trying to learn about the models.

I'm still not clear what the differences are between a T5 and a 2.4T other than HP. Is the T5 more of a sport model with different suspension tuning also? Other differences?

Thanks.

Joseph

MelangeX3 · Post by **MelangeX3** » 20 Jul 2010, 01:20

The refresh in 2003 gave the T5 a more stout transmission than the 2002 to handle the larger engine and power. Gas mileage went up 1-2mpg as well. Some of the wagons have a rare towing package with square removable insert in rear bumper and heavy duty shocks. The 03-04 T5 has slightly heavier springs up front than the 01-02 2.4T. I found this out while buying new ones for mine.

I own a 2001 V70 2.4na and love it even after all the headaches. We survived 2 major rear end collisions and the car has not been totaled yet! If you want to buy an 01-02, Read through the repair database here and just know going in to check for Transmission fluid maintenance right away and avoid any cars with darker and funny smelling fluid. Also, it will probably need to have replacement Heavy duty upper strut mounts (IPD) and Heavy duty Sway bar links within your 1st year to get rid of the front end rattles. Probably the control arm bushings and tie rod ends at the same time before the alignment. Once this is done, normal maintenance will take you far. If you get a bad ignition coil, just replace all 5 and get it over with instead of chasing one at a time (Labor is cheaper too!) Timing Belt at around 100k miles and replace the Cabin air filter with the Charcoal kind every 3 years or so. Its a gamble with the 01-02 V70, we couldn't get the dealer to replace more than one suspension part per visit. After we finally fixed the front suspension the right way after the warranty expired, I haven't had any problems other than I have already described. If you get a bad one though - You Get a BAD one! Trans/Valve body is around $4000 to replace and you said you knew about the ETM already. It has the potential to be a real lemon.

I just bought a 2006 XC70 with 60k and WOW, what a difference in power! Still, I wouldn't get rid of my 01 V70 now that I have it just the way I like it at 110k. Good Luck and happy hunting!