Volvo V70/S70 or 850

obdshawn · Post by **obdshawn** » 22 Oct 2014, 01:45

Which one of these Volvo models is more reliable?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 22 Oct 2014, 17:46

Depending on the years and models they are all about the same. The '99 and '00 S/V series got updated engine control systems that use an electronic throttle module and the system is "software" dependent which makes things a bit tougher for DIY types.

The electronic throttle modules themselves were quite problematic for the first generation but most of the original white sticker modules were changed out to yellow sticker versions that are more robust. The yellow sticker modules can cause grief as well but there are retrofit kits (XEMODEX) that seem to pretty much solve the ETM problems for good.

The '98 models are mechanical pretty identical to the 850s with most of the differences being cosmetic. The '93 model 850 is its own animal to an extent and many of the parts for the '93 won't swap directly with later years.

...Lee

Post by **jblackburn** » 23 Oct 2014, 18:56

I wouldn't buy a 14-20 year old car expecting it to never let you down.

That said, the non-turbo cars with an excellent service history would be your best bet if you're interested in these models. A good service history means more than any particular year.

aronkovacs · Post by **aronkovacs** » 23 Oct 2014, 20:05

jblackburn wrote:I wouldn't buy a 14-20 year old car expecting it to never let you down.

That said, the non-turbo cars with an excellent service history would be your best bet if you're interested in these models. A good service history means more than any particular year.

Exactly. You buy a car not a number. A Well serviced car will run better than a poorly maintained with half the miles. Things like oil changes seem minor to look over, but they can damage the engine in a way you'll pay for on the long run.

Post by **scot850** » 23 Oct 2014, 20:27

All are reliable if maintained. Try to drive an 850 and an S70/V70 and see what you prefer. To me the 850 seems better put together, but older layout, S/V70 are more modern inside.

Ultimately, buy the best you can, and ideally with some (recent) service history. Also decide if you want the extra oomph of a turbo, but the extra complexity that can bring.

Either way they are all good cars, with the concerns being their age. Most issues are known, but if you are not mechanically inclined, have it inspected by someone who knows what they are looking for in these cars.

Find a good one and you will love them. A bad one will drive you nuts!

Best of luck with your hunt!

Neil.