BradC
G'day all,
The wifes Golf is getting to that point where it's going to be cheaper to replace it than keep replacing expensive electromechanical assemblies as they fail. So it's time to start looking seriously at a V70 so I can maintain it myself.
What are the traps to look out for? Bad years / transmissions / CV joints ?
There's a nice example in Perth at the moment that has done a timing belt. How hard is an engine swap in one of these? I can do a 2/7/9 drivetrain with my eyes closed, but I've never done more than a head on a transverse motor.
Ex850R
Ey Brad , what year?
Forget anything auto after 1999/2000.
A manual later one yes.
Usual older car stuff , do a 'stage 0' on all wear parts , bushes etc , seems like roughly $2000 gets it all done if you do it yourself.
That's cooling system etc , sensors , new brakes etc.
Good paint is essential but price can be lowered to suit , clear coat is the culprit , harder to fix.
CV joints? Depends on the driver/conditions , they seem tough , boots tearing are possible issue.
Have fun looking!
egads (she/her)
97-98 is the most DIY friendly V70, 99 not to bad but the semi canbus stuff that kicked in makes the electrical system better but worse to DIY and the throttle switched to electronic which is prone to failure. The layout is quite spacious for FWD but RWD Volvos spoil you for space.
BradC
Yeah, I was looking for a slightly more modern version of the 7/940 and the V70 looked like it.
PaddlerEd
The 850/V70 is about close as you'd get; otherwise find a very late 965 or V90...
I had a 225,000 mile 1999 build, 2000MY V70 back in the UK; the clutch was starting to die and the radiator had been replaced as the plastic had broken leading to some leaks. Other problems were UK specific problems - rusty radiator hose clamps etc, and other bits rusting. I stopped using it in 2010, so 10 years old, and I got it at 173k, and ran it to 225k.
egads (she/her)
Check 96 and 97 850's too as they are very similar spec and tech wise to the 97 and 98 V70.
egads (she/her)
Transmission are really standard and take lots of abuse like the earlier aw70/71/72 and just need occasional service and a cooler with lots of towing.
BradC
Thanks guys, I'll run it past the war office and see what goes. If it were me I'd just set her up with a rwd same as mine, but she likes shiny and does not care which end of the car gets the torque. She's eyeing off series 2 discos at the moment. We had a series 1 for years too, but I prefer working on a Volvo.
nickm
Old ones are getting long in the tooth unless a significant amount of work has been done.
An 850 is now near 20 years old . Find the newest v70 without the bad gearbox.
BradC
I don't mind doing significant amounts of work for the right car at the right price. With having been warned off auto V70's past 1999/2000 that still makes 'em 15 years old. I guess I'm just used to stuff lasting forever (like the RWD drivetrains).
nickm
Then grab an old AWD 850 or T5. R and T5R are nice but will cost.
V70T5 manual is probably the pick on price vs value.
