Reliability 2002 V70XC

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 27 Oct 2011, 17:52

My daughter is thinking of getting a V-70 XC (2002) in fairly good condition. Body and interior is a 9. Engine 116K Miles. Have not gotten records yet but have asked for details (timing belt, trans flush,tires, breakes, coolant/thermo., etc.)

Anyone have any advice, warnings, traps, compliments on this car? (Asking $7,200. I think this is high).

Thanks for any info.

Post by **jblackburn** » 27 Oct 2011, 20:38

2002 transmissions are a known weak point. Not as bad as 2001's, but they've still got a ridiculously high failure rate. 2003's were better. 2004's even better.

2002 AWD systems also suck; it is the same system as the 1998-2000 XC models, and we all know how problematic those can be. Nearly every earlier AWD car I've ever seen advertised and gone to look at has either had the rear driveshaft removed or made strange shuddering noises.

IF fluid changes and everything have been kept up with and the bevel gear fluid has been changed...and it's not making strange noises in tight turns around a parking lot...

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 27 Oct 2011, 20:47

Thanks Justin! I'm suggesting Honda Accord (my choice for someone who can't afford lots of little things and some big things!)

Post by **jblackburn** » 27 Oct 2011, 21:01

I agree, but avoid 1998-2002 models of those - auto transmissions are also problematic. 2003 and newer came with 5-speed automatics that have so far been very reliable. I've been driving around in a 2007 while my car is awaiting a camshaft. The 4-cylinder is just SO SLOW (this is a stick shift, and I don't like revving the snot out of it), but I have been getting 30+ mpg back and forth to work. The suspension is unmatched in ANYTHING else I've ever driven - it rides like a Buick, but also corners pretty well for such a huge car.

Any year Camry would also be a good choice - they are boring, but very smooth to drive. Toyota's 4-cylinders are pretty pathetic, but the V6's have lots of power always in reserve.

Greenqtrs · Post by **Greenqtrs** » 27 Oct 2011, 21:56

I have 2002 XC70 with 184500mi. My transmission went out at 182300mi. I have enjoyed this car for nearly a decade and the only reason I plan to keep this car is because I have a repair shop that have certified Volvo mechanics and used mostly Volvo parts at nearly a third less the cost of the dealership here in town. I am hoping that I can get 200000mi before I get the timing belt replaced.

Post by **precopster** » 28 Oct 2011, 06:20

I just bought and sold a 2002XC70 with 105 K miles for a fun exercise; turned out to be a quick learning curve on the more recent cars.

Paid very little because it was at auction with a strange accessory noise which turned out to be a alternator.
The radiator top inlet was cracked requiring radiator replacement courtesy of FCP; thanks guys. Inner CV boot was perished too.

Things in favour I noticed were the excellent 4 disc sound system and the powerful full sized brakes. Curtain airbags in there, too. Motor performed well too. Electric everything and more gadgets than an F17 cockpit.

Things against were the high hips of the car blocking rearward visibility as well as a tiny rear window when comparing it to first Gen V70. The throttle was either full on or not at all though I'm sure a couple of weeks of driving would have me acclimatised to it. A quirky feature was the cabin fan coming on with no keys in the ignition; caught it a couple of times and wondered if it would drain the battery

Hard to place the car accurately when parking due to very curved fenders.

Personally I would opt for a 2003 V70 rather than XC70; don't like the high ride height and extra weight as well as the uncertainty of AWD system in a higher mileage car.