Buying a later model V70/X70: What to look out for.

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 25 Jul 2016, 10:46

Hey guys, just wondering, what gives with these XCs.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/cto/5691539787.html

I know 4-wheel drive vehicles are more expensive to own. And get less gas mileage, especially in the city. But this price almost makes me want to dive right in. (But then I realize, holy moly, if it costs half as much as it's taken our S70 to get to Stage -0.987, that's still quite a bit!)

Here's another car:
I absolutely love the body of the 2002 V70.
http://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/5692711598.html

I often see a few of these later model V70s, XC or otherwise, selling for more than older V70s and 850s, are they really that much more challenging? My apologies if the sellers are on here. I'm really curious about these cars as it's getting harder and harder to find a P80 in this price range in NYC... And when they are available, they're really far away from here. I'm wondering if one of these (kinds) might be a suitable alternative. Thanks. Hope you all are enjoying your Monday!

EDIT:
Here's an amazing write up of what's possible with an XC... truly inspirational documentation of a project undertaken by MVS Guru Matty Moo.
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=71690

Post by **tryingbe** » 25 Jul 2016, 11:23

You've seen my thread, right? You're looking out for everything.
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 9&start=30

Timing belt/waterpump/seals
Trans mission service history, Volvo call for lifetime transmission fluid, if I remember correctly.
Engine mounts/all 5 mounts
All vacuum hoses
ALL rubber boots
a/c clutch gap
PCV system
etc..

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 25 Jul 2016, 12:45

tryingbe, just read through it all. Wow... OK, thanks for the heads up. Sigh, if only I had a garage...

Post by **j-dawg** » 25 Jul 2016, 22:16

There's a lot of weird stuff about the AWD P80s to be aware of - unique suspension parts, complication accessing the fuel tank, the fact that the AWD system itself is very possibly not functional, etc. All else being equal, I'd probably pick an FWD P80 over an AWD model.

Post by **scot850** » 25 Jul 2016, 23:15

I totally agree with that! I wouldn't buy another V70XC (98-00) for love or money, or any P80 AWD again. Yes I have an V70R' and had a 98 V70XC, and unless it was from a dry state I would touch it. Even then, there are a lot of rubber parts in the back of the car that are hard to find or obsolete. To repair anything at the back of the car requires either dropping the rear sub-frame and fuel tank (you have to do both as the tank is hung from the sub-frame) they can be a real pain. Even running one as a FWD by removing the prop-shaft to the rear does not make it any better. By a good P80 turbo wagon or sedan.

2001-2 P2 (S60 and V70/XC70) use the same problematical ETM but that alone is no reason to ignore them. I'd still be wary of an AWD/XC70 as their AWD system was weak in these models until 2005 model year. If you are considering one as a repair candidate, buy a copy of Vida/Dice to diagnose it.

Neil.

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 26 Jul 2016, 10:24

j-dawg and Neil, thanks for clarifying this for me. I've never owned an AWD vehicle or a supposed AWD vehicle that's really only FWD. I think I'll stay away from them. It seems like it would over complicate my life needlessly. No matter how tempting they might appear.

I don't know if this is a thing about working on Volvos, but I feel a certain kind of "overconfidence" that I know is directly related to being mostly successful with repairs on our Volvo... Makes me want to tackle the following... (But then I realize, I don't have a driveway, and the last time I tackled something like this, I ended up having to scrap a 9-3 Turbo that had been in my parents' driveway for six months!)

Weird, alarm, electrical issues... only $575!
http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/5696133753.html

Another weird alarm/electrical issue... onnly $400
http://cnj.craigslist.org/cto/5648465361.html

No start? No sweat! only $475!
http://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/cto/5669914680.html

PCV and Cam seals? Easy peasy! (But can only be driven really short distance?) a steal at $500!
http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/5686381815.html

I'll just wait until a 5-speed comes around at a decent price. Or until I have enough space for something like this http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/cto/5658128989.html. Patience!

Post by **tryingbe** » 26 Jul 2016, 11:01

I'd get that platinum, fix it and flip it.

Post by **JRL** » 26 Jul 2016, 13:09

"The cheapest Volvo you find to buy will wind up to be the most expensive to own"
ALL these cars need major work as they ALL are worth more.

Stop looking at the cheap ones and look for the good, well maintained ones.
Service records are a must
Stay away from ALL 2001 and 2002 Volvos. As for the early P80 cars, where do I start!!!
(and I'm one that LOVES P80s)

skloon · Post by **skloon** » 26 Jul 2016, 19:12

Having just bought a 98 V70 fwd may I add the bloody door actuators !!!! what are they made of ? wet bread ? woven grass ? carved turnips ? they don't seem very long lived

Post by **j-dawg** » 26 Jul 2016, 20:26

i like that T5M! You can tell it's been owned by a Volvo nerd at some point, 'cause it's got an XC grille.

I agree with JRL - costs add up quick if you're buying a beater. If you're adventurous and have space, you can take on an old car with the intent of fixing it up, but you really need the space. I have had off-street parking since I've owned my 99 and I've needed it in each of the five places I've lived in the last three years. Probably cost me like $1500 in parts in that time, and I can't imagine how much it would have cost to get it all done at a mechanic.

I also wouldn't be afraid of FWD 99/00s. The only trouble I've had with mine specific to 99+ cars was an ETM failure, and it cost me $300 to make that go away forever. Small change in the world of fussy old Swedish cars.