Buying XC70 2003-2007

[lejerm]

Hi All,

I am new to the site, and read all about the 01, 02 XC70's trans problems. But what about P2's 2003-2007, is it wise to look at these cars, pre-owned?

I never owned a Volvo before, but do like the cars, but they seem to have a roller coaster of reliability report. (All the cars in my life have been hand-me downs, so this will be my first independent car purchase too!). It seems that most super-fans of Volvo own pre-Ford buyout years, how about the recent years?

Is it wise to become a Volvo fan in this day and age? My price range hits the used 2001-2007 models. I definitely want to get AWD to deal with weather in Pacific NW, and need an automatic because the car will shared with my partner.

So how does the reliability XC70 2003 - 2007 stack up to the "good" years or the "bad" years? I still see that people talk about transmission or other expensive fixes in these years, but I was hoping someone could fill in the details as thoroughly as the 01-02 years have been covered here.

There are a lot of used Subaru's and Volvo's around here, I would like hear that Volvo's are great cars in the AWD market, but ultimately want to make a sound investment and don't want to buy something that I spend my savings repairing. If you think I should just get a Subaru, then say so as well. (:

Thanks so much!
Jeremy

[abscate]

Welcome Jeremy!

I'm a bit of an outlier but I own two FWD Volvos, a 1999 and a 2005 in the snowy Northeast.

I like the simplicity and performance and cheap upkeep of the FWD cars, as well as better fuel economy, and address winter driving needs with all four wheel snow tires. I encourage you to open your search to include the FWD V70s and budget n a 4 wheel/snow tire pack.

[vtl]

2005+ would be mostly trouble-free car. Yes, it still may have things broken from time to time, because even 2007 is at least 8 years old now, but you'll appreciate the car more than these troubles. If the car picked up carefully, of course.

[xHeart]

If you are a DIYer than any car you purchase will be cost effective. Volvos are better -- a high mileage car would need aggressive care for it to be safe on interstate driving, and reliable for daily.

I purchase 2001 V70XC new but learned to fix it myself after paying $1000 for each repair call to Volvo shop -- some bogus I now know for sure.

Be diligent.

[oragex]

Subaru isn't a bad choice, perhaps less expensive when it comes to repairs. Most Volvo owners on forums do their own repairs which as mentioned above is about the only way to keep these car running with a reasonable budget. My experience with Volvo is that it does needs some specific repairs, like most european brands, once this done the car will serve well beyond the 120000 miles mark without significant troubles. There are many affordable used parts on Ebay. These are durable cars but have some well known weak parts that will need replaced at a certain point.

It is surely a different type of car compared to a standard japanese car. A Subaru will feel more plastic and less comfort. Volvo turbo engines are also more refined and powerful even when compared with a turbo WRX. I would definitely go with a XC70 instead of a Legacy/Outback if you have a trusty non dealer Volvo mechanic or if you can DIY repairs. Otherwise I would stay with a Subaru.

[JeffHicks]

For what it's worth, one of my Volvos is a 2002 XC70. I paid $1800 for it 2 years ago, with 200,000 miles on it. It is a later 2002 build, so supposedly it had the better transmission. However, the transmission had been rebuilt or replaced at some point. I've replaced both front wheel bearing hub assemblies, and I have a sway bar link starting to chatter. Other than that, I've just driven the car.

This car is absolutely amazing in the snow. I currently need new tires, but it's virtually unstoppable anyway. Volvo definitely did something right when they designed & built these AWDs.