Most reliable AWD Volvo.

[mydamnvolvo]

I am looking for the most reliable Volvo of this generation of cars. Now I know to some of you, myself included, this is a laughable question. But, I own two 2001 XCs and my mother has an 07. Now, my sister needs a cheap awd car, and I know she won't drive what I want her to. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[tryingbe]

I know she won't drive what I want her to.

Let her learn the hard way.

[850 LPT]

Why does she need an AWD car? That's a strong statement, maybe a FWD with snow tires for the winter would work for her? Nobody in our neck of the woods really "needs" an AWD car, unless they are a forester or have a very long steep driveway. The reason I'm saying this is that no matter what year, the car will be more expensive to maintain and repair.

Just my 2 cents.

[tryingbe]

http://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread ... AWD-volvos

Basically, mileage/age is a bitch.

The AWD cars are substantially more expensive to maintain over their lifecycle than a FWD car. As such, they tend to be neglected, which is why you notice the vibration. There are also far more rotating components to potentially cause vibrations - on an AWD car you have 3 differentials (front, center, rear), 4 drive axles (8 CV joints) a driveshaft (2 CVs and a universal joint) plus all the bearings that are part of the angle gear and rear differential.

Due simply to the difficulty in accessing it, the steering racks rarely get replaced on the AWD cars - it made a huge difference on my wagon.

As far as comparing a S70 to a V70 you are correct in noting the V70 has substantially more chassis flex ("less tight") than an S70. That is inherent to the design of a wagon, and is not easily remedied.

Additionally, in my experience, the AWD wagons feel substantially more composed with some additional weight in the rear of the car. It is my theory that Volvo valved the Nivomat shocks and picked spring rates that are designed to accommodate 5-7 passengers and/or a fairly high towing capability (3500 lbs) for a midsize vehicle without riding on the bumpstops. As such, the factory suspension rides a bit harshly with only one or two people in the car. This effect is only exacerbated by age/mileage as bushings in the rear end wear and reduce the effectiveness of the dampers, thereby transmitting more "shock" to the chassis. When everything is in good shape, the AWD independent rear end handles bumps more effectively than the (in my opinion crappy) delta link setup on the FWD cars.

[JRL]

For the first year in at least 20 years I'm driving as a DD A FWD Volvo.
I will let you know aft5er the winter
I have a very tough driveway and street to get up and out of

BTW, it's a 2007 V70 2.5T and is THE nicest, tight, quickest one of the 07s I've been driving for a few years

It was a Southern car and at 106K miles, rock solid and SMOOTH!

[abscate]

Cynthia...get her a FWD P2 and get four snow tires on steel rims which I-son can put on each Thanksgiving.

My FWD V70 with four snows is right up with SWMBO X3 AWD for traction...both stop and go.

[mydamnvolvo]

I should show you her driveway. Also, where she lives, the road doesn't get plowed for about half a mile. If it was in NY, I'd smack her but, it is PA and she has only ever had awd. I'm thinking of betraying myself and getting her a late 90's early 2000's Forester. Personally, my home in PA gets plowed, and my neighbor, and dear friend has an old f-150 with a plow so he does my driveway. Still, to get up Maryanne's driveway in my XC, I have to back down the road and get a running start. (The picture isn't even the worst part. It curves and snakes up to the garage) Her husband has an S40 AWD and her daughter has an older Murano (She drives to school everyday on these backroads, her husband takes the highway) I was the only one man enough to back up that driveway (Never again) and back down (Good God). Thanks!

[abscate]

I see a little snow on the leaves but the driveway doesn't look bad....

[tryingbe]

Let her and her husband choose whatever, unless you're giving a car to her for free, then choose what you want but expect her to sell it a week later.

[850 LPT]

Snow tires would solve your problem, no AWD needed here. Of course, AWD and snow tires and your golden.
There is no magic about it, traction is what makes the difference. Which is also true when you want to slow down, and AWD doesn't help you in that scenario.