New guy with a few questions (2001 V70 T5)

Jagtec1 · Post by **Jagtec1** » 17 Jul 2010, 16:57

Hello everyone. Let me start by saying that this forum looks to be very informative and valuable! I am a Master Jaguar technician, so I am no stranger to cars. I am looking into buying a 2001 V70 T5 with 90K miles. I check it out today, and it looks clean, no leaks, shifts nicely, everything seems to operate as designed. My questions are....What should I look for/check specifically on this particular model year v70? What are some problem areas? I see a lot of talk about the transmissions. Is the 2001 the only year that Volvo used this particular transmission? What problems do they have, specifically?

While I am a technician, I am not all that familiar with these cars, so your help and advice would be appreciated! Thanks in advance for your input!

Post by **JRL** » 17 Jul 2010, 17:17

Where is PA are you?

The 5 speeds which actually came out in 2000 were in 100% use in 2001
For 01 Volvo had some "err, unique" software which destroyed transmissions.
Search "Stop neutral software" By 02 the software was removed and they got better
By the 2003 model a new valve body was installed and most of the (tranny) problems were gone

If your trans shifts smooth. it definitely has had the software upgraded and possibly has had a new transmission.
We have figired by now 60-70%of 2001's have had new trannies installed
Fluid condition is a must, make sure it's clean.
Otherwise 2001's like any other 1st year model has it's shareof minor but aggrevating issues, mainly electrical/software related.
Change the oil a lot, these cars like CLEAN oil
01 Brake boosters went bad,
Seat modules/seat motors and other electrical glitches go bad and have a mind of their own.
Try to (if you haven't already) get a complete service history.
At near 100K check your breather box pressure. If you don't have good negative pressure 100K is about that time to do a breather/PCV replacement, shouldn't be too hard for a mechanic to do yourself (intake manifold must be removed),
now would be a good time or soon enough it will start leaking/pucking oil all over the place.
Checkthe front end for cracked spring seats, bad control arms and tie rods

Finally remember that 01s and newer take a lot of software upgrades and only a Volvo dealer can install them
(or a mechanic who has Vadis).
Good luck, welcome to the club!

Post by **E170_Driver** » 17 Jul 2010, 22:08

Very nice summary JRL, also do your research on the Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) issues these cars are plagued with.

Jan

MelangeX3 · Post by **MelangeX3** » 20 Jul 2010, 01:50

The Tranny is your biggest con. If it has been either replaced or had the software changed early and has clean fluid, Go for it!

To replace the Trans/Valve Body is about $4000 so it's definitely a gamble.

If the fluid smells bad or is just really dirty, probably hasn't had the love. My 1st dealer (Rahal) told me for the first 70k of ownership, that my transmission fluid was sealed and didn't ever need changed. They soon changed their tune, but it was too late for me. I did a couple of drain and fills with the Toyota type IV fluid and my shifting smoothed out again. I do not have the turbo engine and had my software changed very early on to remove the neutral stop function.

You should be able to easily upgrade the front end with heavy duty parts from IPD and take care of any future rattles. Ignition coils are replace all 5 when the 1st goes bad and stick to the stock type of plugs for best gas mileage. Electrical issues are totally random. I have replaced a few relays in the rear cargo area for various functions, along with rear door locks and tailgate servo. The fuel filler lock servo went bad and I just disconnected it.

If you are on the Pittsburgh end of PA, Star Volvo in Greensburg has excellent friendly service for your Dealer-Only needs. Rahal is 2nd and Bill Gray is last for my personal satisfaction ratings. Oh, and Don Beyer Volvo in Falls Church VA should NEVER be used in an emergency!

Good luck!

Jagtec1 · Post by **Jagtec1** » 20 Jul 2010, 19:14

Thanks for the replies. I am waiting to hear about an '04 V70 will be for sale shortly. Slightly higher mileage, but newer and cleaner. The '01 is clean on the inside, but with dings and such (does not really bother me). If the price is right on the '04, I'm going to buy it.

Post by **JRL** » 20 Jul 2010, 19:25

Check the classifieds here.
Check out my 04XC, you will not find a nicer one for sale!

Jagtec1 · Post by **Jagtec1** » 21 Jul 2010, 17:18

I'm buying the '01. Trans fluid is nice and clean, shifts nicely as well. Spoke to my friend the Volvo tech....he owns one as well, no issues. I have an "in" at a dealer, which helps. The '04 had more miles than I cared for, and she was not ready to sell just yet. I'll post some photos at some point. Thanks for the advice.

Jagtec1 · Post by **Jagtec1** » 26 Jul 2010, 18:13

Here's a pic. Needs to have some dings repaired and the wheels need to be refinished, but it is fairly clean otherwise.

jda2000 · Post by **jda2000** » 27 Jul 2010, 07:24

welcome jagtec1,

that is a beaute, enjoy it and don't dread the posts about how bad the 01's are

I believe the bad reputation of the '01-'02 has caused their price to drop dramatically, thus more value per dollar for the new buyer

Post by **JRL** » 27 Jul 2010, 13:59

Is that Silver or Moondust?