Vee_Que
The other thing to do is ask Volvo specialists as well that are local to you, if you are in Melbourne, Berry motor group or Voldat would be the people to ask generally, Can't say for other states. As a mechanic myself I don't see good ones and they are the opposite to the whole group a race car in that they are rather soft riding and don't handle that well compared to a same age V70 or s60. If you are really keen on one, find one that has had all the recalls done, possibly angle gear and gearbox already replaced with a rebuilt one too.
timbo
I have seen too many people burned buying these models 2nd hand avoid like the plague. I work on them everyday
AshDVS
I wouldn't be buying an XC70 pre 2005, and I REALLY REALLY wouldn't be buying a 2001-2003 one.
The issues are common, regardless of cause or claimed maintenace - some will be better than others of course.
Late 2003 onwards are definitely better, but still not without issue.
There are known dealer-fixes and procedures that were applied to vehicles displaying the auto trans symptoms during their warranty period.
If you must have that type of vehicle, a Subaru Outback of the same age would be a better choice.
If you're ok with FWD rather than AWD and defintely want a volvo wagon , a regular V70 of the same vintage would be a much better car.
The 'Titanium' V70 models are very good value, well equipped (despite not being a turbo model) or a 'T' or 'T5' would be great too.
jaykenneally
I thought the normal V70 and the XC used the same transmission except for the obvious AWD difference?
Ben
JeremyK;29682 wroteDon't worry, one day I'll have the finest pre '03 V70XC out there, one that actually works, never mind that it will cost me the same as a small house haha.
lol, it'll be the finest one 'cause it will be the only one running! =P I joke!
jaykenneally
Quite possibly but Ill take it haha
AshDVS
Despite similarities, there are certainly more instances of failure/issues amongst the AWD variants than FWD.
You may even partly attribute it to expectations of subaru levels of robustness and holden levels of maintenance for a good chunk of it's life. Lol.
jaykenneally
Now now don't get too excited its no Toyota Corolla ;) Hahaha
But yes, I do see more of the standard ones on the road than I do XCs, but I still see PLENTY of XC's and many in my generation so they still seem to be kicking around haha.
Eurosnob
Back again!
Thanks for all the replies, it's nice to find an active forum!
* I'm in Marrickville in Sydney
* I've decided to pass on the AWD and as suggested look at a FWD wagon instead. What I will be using it for doesn't warrant the AWD and the potential gremlins.
* How are manual Volvo's for gearbox reliability? I'm enough of an old fart to enjoy rowing my own boat while driving and it will also stop the young-un's from trying to borrow it. :D
Fortunately I'm not in a hurry so I can wait for something nice to come along.
Ex850R
There is a really nice white T5 early 2000s in Mona Vale NSW? i think , on gumtree , Manual! I am pointing it out to my Sister in Law it would be such a good buy , very rare! AD number 1056342574.
L.
egads (she/her)
Manuals are essentially bullet proof. Wait for one of them and win!
Ex850R
egads (she/her)
Wow, that looks quite nice. Maybe a bit rich but not far off.
Philia_Bear
Etm of fail if software not updated
egads (she/her)
Etm of fail has a pretty simple fix with the contactless one from xemodex so not as dire as in times past.
Eurosnob
ETM?
NVM ~ Google was my friend.
egads (she/her)
Ooh, sorry yup. Electronic throttle module. And electrically controlled throttle plate with a sensor setup that is prone to failure.
Philia_Bear
egads;30031 wroteEtm of fail has a pretty simple fix with the contactless one from xemodex so not as dire as in times past.
Still its another $500+ on the car
egads (she/her)
Very true, certainly if it hasn't been done recently you should be able to knock the price down based on that.
Ex850R
O , good job!
