Is a V70 AWD a good buy?

[axle4]

Here is an even cheaper one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2510293684...84.m1423.l2649

10/15000 miles over standerd, nothing for a Volvo but must be taken into account,.
my 1999 xc is coming up to 112000 on lpg and looking for a new home.

[TiredGeek]

If you're seriously looking to get an XC70, then you REALLY want to find a bit more money / opt for higher miles and buy the newest you can, certainly '03 onwards.
Pre '03 and they had a viscous coupling, post '03 and it's a Haldex unit.
If it's a car with a VC you must make sure all four tyres have the same diameter, to within 5mm (AFAIK) or you will get very expensive transmission damage. The Haldex cars do not suffer from this problem to any degree and can have tyres of different sizes, within reason of course.
There's plenty of threads, do a bit of reasearch and go into buying one with your eyes wide open, 'cos if you get a dud it'll cost ya big time....

The 163bhp D5 XC70 (>'05) will put a big smile on your face, particularly a manual version and do 40mpg+ in reality.
The '55 plate 185bhp cars will make you grin, embarrass the baseball cap brigade, and still do mid 30's. You can have it remapped to 240bhp+ I believe

BTW, are you aware of the later Volvo potential auto box issues as well? Applies to XC70 as well as S60/V70 models.

[Gazdok]

Originally Posted by Dr. Rog

I think you mean join not avoid???

The YES was meant to be an answer to "Is a V70 a good buy?"

[axle4]

BTW, are you aware of the later Volvo potential auto box issues as well? Applies to XC70 as well as S60/V70 models.

i'm not, what's wrong with them?

Haldex have there own problems, like breaking!

[TiredGeek]

The auto box requires an oil change if it's to last.
Volvo say the gearbox oil doesn't need changing but there's hundreds of threads out there discussing this and showing the state of the gear oil.

Burnt oil will cause poor shifting and drastically shorten the life of the 'box.
Check the oil, it should be a nice light red. If it's dark or smells burnt then it needs changing.
If the car has been towing, ask for proof the gear oil has been changed, if it hasn't be very careful, the box could well be trashed at less than 50k miles...

If you buying a used auto then I'd change the gear oil immediately and then again after about 10k miles. 30-50k thereafter depending on what you're doing with it.
Towing regularly? - 20k and think about an extra oil cooler.

Couple of threads, well worth a read
http://www.volvoxc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12169
http://www.volvoxc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15297

Manual cars are a different beast and have their own special, and expensive, problems. At least the gearbox is bit tougher...
Saying that, I did have the gear oil changed at 20k and am having it done again at ~70k on the next service just to be sure

[Dr. Rog]

Thanks guys.
I am getting well fond of autos, my mum has run BMWs to very old age several times without any problems. They are very relaxing to drive.

The premium for XCs seems to have reduced off late and they seem to be good cars so I am interested. I think it will be a while till I get a post 03 one though. That will require some saving up for.

[TiredGeek]

Originally Posted by Dr. Rog

Thanks guys.
I am getting well fond of autos, my mum has run BMWs to very old age several times without any problems. They are very relaxing to drive.

Don't you mean "boring"

The premium for XCs seems to have reduced off late and they seem to be good cars so I am interested. I think it will be a while till I get a post 03 one though. That will require some saving up for.

I think that's related to the fuel consumption / car tax. People simply don't have the money to shell out. It's a good thing if you're looking to buy, but not if you're wanting to sell....

I reckon in the next 18 months there's going to be a big number to choose from at the right sort of price. As taxes rise people will want to downsize their cars, and the price will drop as there's more on sale and less demand.....daft as it sounds, I think an XC70 may eventually be cheaper than the same age V70.

[Dr. Rog]

Boring?

well my 940 is a little stately

All too often my commute is an oasis of calm in a very stressful day. an Auto helps in this.

Although any car is what you make of it.

Its not boring when you use the gears or kick down and run it to 5000rpm, I drop to 2nd on a local hill every day and use the "hold 3rd" button in 30 mph areas, and 1st in the 10mph limits at work.

The 940 is not an exciting car, my last was a manual and I used to forget to change gear regularly.

My Mums current car is an old 325i, it is only a bit over a tonne with 175bhp, a five speed box with sport-mode and rear wheel drive - no way is that boring, although she drives so slowly she gets 40mpg.

[Westyman]

I am on my 3rd V70 AWD, one of each generation. The first was a V70XC, before they re-branded them as XC70s and was petrol. Last two have been D5 and normal V70s as the XC styling doesn't appeal. They have all been auto and OK though none have reached significant mileages. The auto box was giving error messages on the first one but was performing OK when it was p/x'd.
The AWD gives reassurance and traction when hauling the caravan on/off wet grassy fields. Wouldn't go back to 2WD now.

[ambit]

The XC70 AWD is a good car. I find the suspension ride and set up a little softer than the regular V70 AWD. Probably due the the higher ride height with the off road view of the car. In terms of the AWD system its very reliable and I certainly wouldnt let any AWD Volvo system put you off the overall car. Ive used these with over 140k on them and not had any issues with the AWD system whatsoever. Would advise on the usual oil changes for the transmission etc but go for it!