02 Volvo V70XC - Just Purchased Used- Input Requested

snn813 · Post by **snn813** » 29 Jul 2014, 14:56

Hello,
I just purchased a 02 V70XC AWD. It has 119K miles on it...I didn't get a CarFax and feel like I was picking a needle out of a haystack. I'm a single mother of two girls and needed a car. That being said since I purchased on Friday, I've got the oil changed and also a complete set of new tires. I'm going tomorrow to get a tune-up, which leads me to my next question. Should I do a tune-up or the timing belt? I'm really clueless (please don't throw tomatoes) and know that getting a Volvo probably isn't the best for those on a budget. The moonroof won't open, but I believe it may be off track and need to be replaced. It isn't leaking so that is something I can save for later. The keyless entry/fog doesn't work and I know that needs to be fixed at the dealer ship. There is an "Alarm Service Required" and sometimes a brief EL. Powersteering message. Thank you in advance all you well seasoned Volvo lovers for any guidance you can give me.

Post by **abscate** » 29 Jul 2014, 18:15

Welcome to the forum!!

If the car is running ok and has no codes, then save the pennies for the timing belt. Look in the the engine compartment, right side (thats to YOUR LEFT when you stand facing backwards) for a sticker with "TIMING BELT REPLACED AT" or similar.

Your belt was due at 105k miles. If it breaks, it costs you 2500 USD to fix the top of your engine.

A good indie will do your belt for about 600, a dealer 900-1200 (zip code dependent)

bugeye · Post by **bugeye** » 29 Jul 2014, 19:46

Timing belt is required if not yet done. If changing belt, include idler and tensioner. Consider including water pump. Check transmission fluid level (dip stick), color and smell if burnt. If dark, consider transmission fluid drain/fill. Check fluid levels for angle gear, haldex and rear differential. Have brake system checked. Good luck and come here for help

draser · Post by **draser** » 30 Jul 2014, 06:35

I'd take it to your mechanic to have it looked over. Based on that you can prioritize what to do next. If no repair/maintenance history available the list would be: timing belt, engine and tranny oil, steering and brakes, spark plugs, pcv system. Most of this can be visual inspection to assess condition, so it may not be big money. A seasoned mechanic, not neccessarily Volvo expert, should be able to do it - it's just an used car inspection.

Post by **shiloh51933** » 30 Jul 2014, 07:40

snn813 wrote:Hello,
I just purchased a 02 V70XC AWD. It has 119K miles on it...I didn't get a CarFax and feel like I was picking a needle out of a haystack. I'm a single mother of two girls and needed a car. That being said since I purchased on Friday, I've got the oil changed and also a complete set of new tires. I'm going tomorrow to get a tune-up, which leads me to my next question. Should I do a tune-up or the timing belt? I'm really clueless (please don't throw tomatoes) and know that getting a Volvo probably isn't the best for those on a budget. The moonroof won't open, but I believe it may be off track and need to be replaced. It isn't leaking so that is something I can save for later. The keyless entry/fog doesn't work and I know that needs to be fixed at the dealer ship. There is an "Alarm Service Required" and sometimes a brief EL. Powersteering message. Thank you in advance all you well seasoned Volvo lovers for any guidance you can give me.

These are good vehicles as long as you maintain them properly and as you probably know Volvo has a great record w/safety. If it's running good don't won't about tune up, changing oil/oil filter was good and the timing belt interval was due recently. Other person mentioned about looking for a sticker on timing belt cover if it's not there then have it looked at and if needed do it immediately if you can afford . The key fob might just need a new battery, forget bout sunroof until you can spare the $$. I always recommend the make dealership since we are trained and work on our companies vehicles all day everyday...I work @ a Lexus Dealership in NY. Another person recommended a transmission fluid service but u have 2 be careful, unless it was serviced @ a Volvo dealer you'll never know if the trans fluid was ever serviced. If you can't find out then you'll have to either find somebody to drain/fill trans fluid or do it urself. I'm going to suggest you buy a factory service manual for this car, even if your not planning to do any maintenance/repairs yourself it's still good to learn about your vehicle...enjoy your Volvo.

snn813 · Post by **snn813** » 30 Jul 2014, 10:52

Thank you everyone for your responses. I went with the tune-up because it seemed to crank a little before starting, it seems fine now. The mechanic said the timing belt looked good and that there wasn't any cracks, he also said to be sure to have the timing belt replaced before the cold weather hits. I went to AutoZone to have new wiper blades put on and they cracked the windshield. Ugh. So I'm scheduled to go to the Volvo dealership to have a new windshield put in and also hopefully the keyless entry/fob fixed. Thankfully the windshield is on AutoZone's dime. I cannot thank you enough for taking time to respond.

Shannon

Post by **abscate** » 30 Jul 2014, 11:16

Timing belts look pretty good up until they break. A visual isn't too good of a test, that is why Volvo makes them a 'maintenance item' at 105,000 miles for your car. (Someone please confirm this for a 2002)

I will say I ran mine up to 137,000 - but I am always seeking to enhance my karmic balance on the positive side. My ****guess**** the 50% fail point for these things is about 150,000 miles. You don't need to run and get this done tomorrow, but if you can do it in the next 5000 miles, I would. Cold weather doesn't have much to do with it. You do need a shop that has done them on Volvo before or use the dealer. See the MECHANICS section for finding good independent Volvo in ORD area.

bugeye · Post by **bugeye** » 30 Jul 2014, 17:24

Since you are going to Volvo for the windshield, have them do a computer scan and update the software if required -> should be free. Also have Volvo give the car an overall inspection and fluid level check. The local Volvo dealership performs this service for about $30. They can also confirm if there is timing belt change sticker. we had the timing belt, tensioner, idler and water pump on our 2004 XC70 changed at 10 years and 92000 miles.

snn813 · Post by **snn813** » 30 Jul 2014, 21:53

Great suggestions! I will do that when the windshield is replaced, once again great idea. Getting the timing belt changed is top of my list now. Like an idiot I parked incorrectly and my precious new baby was towed today. There goes $220 from the timing belt fund, the (un)joys of living in Chicago.

Has anyone had the moonroof go off track? How expensive is that of a fix?

Have I thank you all lately for your help? THANK YOU!

Post by **JRL** » 31 Jul 2014, 04:42

Sunroof has 4 small plastic "guides" they break
As for the T-belt, what's more important is the tensioner, it fails much more than the belt does.
(and can be checked for adjustment and if the spring is failing, apparently your mechanic just looked at just the belt itself)
ALWAYS have a Volvo mechanic look and work on it, not a general mechanic.

Use aftermarket glass, a Volvo windshield costs twice as much as your year does not have rain sensors so it doesn't matter, call Safelite and save $300!!!