Waiting for new '04 v70xc

[Bob Adler]

Hello All,
Well, after much hemming and hawing, I've broken down and am now awaiting the arrival of my new V70XC. I currently drive a 20 year old MB 300SD and, though it still runs beautifully, it's pretty much a bucket of bolts driving in formation.

My car is scheduled to arrive June 6. The dealer estimates a max. of 6 days to install dealer options (backup radar, subwoofer, oil pan plate, trailer hitch). I've ordered the nav, premium and touring packages from the factory. This was a very hard decision to make as I have loved my Benz for 2 decades now. However, the newer MB just aren't as well built, IMO.

I also looked at SUVs but they are just too big. My nest is emptying (only 1 teenager at home now) and I needed a vehicle to get to the snow, carry my photo gear easily and go on dirt roads to photo sites. I'll also use it to commute to work daily. So this seemed like the best choice to make, but I'm still aprehensive. It's a big chunk of change to me! http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif

At any rate, do any of you have suggestions on things to look for when I take the new vehicle on a test drive before handing over the check? I'm concerned about the acceleration issues I've read on this forum. Anything else I should be aware of ?

Thanks in advance for any advice, and keep your fingers crossed that I get a good vehicle.

Bob
Palo Alto, CA

[AWD*V70XC]

Welcome Bob,

My advice would be to look for a tire at each corner and no dents, hand over your 'hard earned' $$$'s and take it away. You are covered by a very good policy for putting right anything that goes wrong so I would not worry about anything.

With regards to the throttle issue, you did not memtion what model you have coming so..... but any issues raised about the throttle or lag or anything else seem to be a common issue and not safety or fault problems and just something you have to live with. After all it is a 4x4 or SUV or FUV not a V70R you are getting so you will never have the proformance you didn't pay for. After a while you forget about it, but sometimes it would be nice just to have that little go there for the odd occassion you need it.

Good luck http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif

[tgrumaj]

Welcome Bob you're getting a wonderful car.
While driving an "old model" (1999) XC I have to say it's the nicest car I've ever owned and runs and looks great.  Like you, we looked at SUVs but didn't want the size.  Most just seemed huge!  As New England residents we wanted AWD for those many snow covered winter days we get up here and as antique collectors and nature photographers we wanted something to haul our "finds" and gear.  We are empty nesters so the XC really handles our needs perfectly.  It is the perfect car for us.  The only competition (in theory) was the Outback but when we compared the two it was NO CONTEST...the XC kicked the Outback's behind.
Now my wife wants one as well so we'll probably be looking for a 2002 or 2003XC in a year or so.  
Let us know when you get it in and have some "experiences" under your belt!!

[don_chicago]

I had mine for over 3 weeks now. I assume yours is the XC70 based on the message headline. I was really struggled to get over the throttle hesitation in the first few days. Dealer and some others suggested to adjust the ‘driving style’. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/unhappy.gif
Luckily not long later I was able to convince the service department to upgrade the software which worked out for me nicely (and thanks to this web site too). The technician did spent 20 minutes test-driving it. You may want to pay some attention to this area, or maybe get a fix on spot if that really bothers you. See Throttle Lag thread for discussion details.
Also, The trip meter auto reset problem happened to mine and that get presumably fixed too by the software upgrade (need time to confirm).
Other than those, I am a very happy new owner.
http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Bob Adler]

Thanks for the advice, Don and all. I'm hoping that because it's being built at the factory now, it will contain all the SW updates, etc. that have been factory resolved to date.

I have read the throttle thread and that was why I posted my original question. I agree with you that I'll "drive before I buy" to make sure there is no lag. If there is, I'll request they investigate a SW patch availability before I leave the dealership; one less trip back to them!

Thanks again for your input. I'm having a hard time waiting until June for it to come in http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[Art]

Congrats and glad to have you aboard Bob! http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif

While anxiously waiting for your new ride to arrive, here are some general pre-delivery guidelines that were posted earlier on the site. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Foolish Delivery Checklist (http://www.fool.com/Car/Worksheets/DeliveryChecklist.htm)

[Bob Adler]

Thanks Art!! That's my kind of list  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif

[John@CdnRockies]

Congrats Bob, I'm sure you will enjoy your new ride. I happen to have put in my order this week as well (AWD*V70XC and Art - you will both be relieved that I have made the plunge). Our delivery is estimated for mid-June.

Faye (the smarter half for the past 28 years) drives an '01 C320. While she loves the Mercedes riding charateristics, it has seen an ungodly level of service department attention (mainly related to the electronics). Hopefully you and I have both made the right decision to opt for a Volvo!

[Art]

I then hereby offer you my official and celebratory congratulations John!! http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/happy.gif

Kinda thought you...err.. or should I say Faye would come around to her senses. Hmmm....mid June eh? Sounds like a good time for another Coastal GTG (http://www.xc70.com/pics/thumbnails.php?album=113).  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[barrysharp]

Bob: Congratulations - excellent choice - you will not be disappointed.  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

P.S. Did you order Bi-Xenon lights and if so have you test driven with them at night time ?

[AWD*V70XC]

Well done John http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif

I will not be offering refunds if it turns out that you made the wrong choice http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/devil.gif remember what your mom told you when you were younger, </span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">if someone told you to run under a bus, would you.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

I am glad you took the plunge, and judging by the figures in the post by first with news it looks as if the resale value will hold as they have not made any more than last year, unlike the XC90&#39;s which will see resale values drop in a couple of years. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/nervous.gif

Anyhow John, there should be nothing you can&#39;t fix when you get the car as you have been lurking around here forever and had nothing to pratice on. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Happy motoring http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/alien.gif

[Bob Adler]

Yes, Barry, I did order the Bi Xenon lights, but I haven&#39;t driven with them. I&#39;m looking forward to the experience.

While we&#39;re on the topic, perhaps forum members could advise me as to whether or not I should have the following dealer installed options:
Subwoofer (I will have the factory premium sound)
Engine protection plate (I&#39;ve run over a few rocks before)
Automatic leveling system
Front and rear mud flaps
Rear Parking Assistance
Trailer hitch with electronics
Rubber mats
Luggage compartment mat
Rear bumper guard

I tend to buy as many options as I may use when the car is purchased as I tend to keep cars a VERY long time and the annual cost is minimal.

Any suggestions on anything on the list I&#39;m nuts to buy or that I&#39;ve left off and will need?

Thanks...

[AWD*V70XC]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Bob Adler @ April 24 2004,19:22)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Subwoofer (I will have the factory premium sound)
Engine protection plate (I&#39;ve run over a few rocks before) <span style='color:blue'>worth it if you have had the odd rock problem in the past, I think they are a bit pricey but against replacement parts it could be worth the extra bucks</span>
Automatic leveling system <span style='color:blue'>should come as a standard item on your car</span>
Front and rear mud flaps <span style='color:blue'>folks who drive in snow swear by them, I have rear ones and they do keep the car clean</span>
Rear Parking Assistance <span style='color:blue'>wasted if you get the hitch &#39;cause the hitch will stop anything hitting your fender</span>
Trailer hitch with electronics <span style='color:blue'>worth it if you are ever likely to tow a trailer, also good as a rear protector, as I said in the last line</span>
Rubber mats <span style='color:blue'>I have non volvo secondary mats, with kids and animals jumping in and out all the time is saves the originals</span>
Luggage compartment mat <span style='color:blue'>same as the mats, I have it and find due to the great thickness of it the main carpet is protected from everytime</span>
Rear bumper guard <span style='color:blue'>do you mean the cloth that falls out over the bumper? If so I wouldn&#39;t &#39;cause the bumper is man enough to take the abuse</span>[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
If you are looking for a full range of add-ons and are just going by what people tell you have a look at Volvo UK (http://www.volvocars.co.uk) go to XC70 and then look for accessories, it will give you the full run down with UK prices, also I believe not all products are available to US drivers.

The only other acces&#39;s I would advise would be fog light protectors (which are only available in Europe or if you know someone doing an OSD that could bring you some back, or Gary in Germany and myself have offered in the past to ship them to anyone for cost&#33http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif and headlight protectors, for the cost of both against replacing the light units it is well worth the effort, also the headlight protectors DO work with the wipers. You might also consider rear blinds for both the side cargo area and the rear side doors, the fittings are already in place for them so fitting them will take you about 20mins per window.

[barrysharp]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Bob Adler @ April 24 2004,11:22)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Yes, Barry, I did order the Bi Xenon lights, but I haven&#39;t driven with them. I&#39;m looking forward to the experience.

While we&#39;re on the topic, perhaps forum members could advise me as to whether or not I should have the following dealer installed options:
Subwoofer (I will have the factory premium sound)
Engine protection plate (I&#39;ve run over a few rocks before)
Automatic leveling system
Front and rear mud flaps
Rear Parking Assistance
Trailer hitch with electronics
Rubber mats
Luggage compartment mat
Rear bumper guard

I tend to buy as many options as I may use when the car is purchased as I tend to keep cars a VERY long time and the annual cost is minimal.

Any suggestions on anything on the list I&#39;m nuts to buy or that I&#39;ve left off and will need?

Thanks...[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Subwoofer: Useful if you&#39;re into good music listening. It will occupy some of the room under the trunk lift up panels -- consider this as it may be a problem and I believe it will also mean you can&#39;t place a FULL size spare in the trunk area.

If you&#39;re interested in having a full size spare tire you will need to install the shallow plastic grocery tray -- same as is delivered with XC70s in Australia&#33;

Engine protection plate: this is an approx 4mm thick aluminium plate instead of the plastic one. I say go for it as it will last 20 yrs whereas the plastic one will age/crack/falloff within 8-10 yrs and cost of replacement using a Volvo part is likely to be then at around &#036;500. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Auto level system: sure if you have the need -- especially useful if you haul heavy loads in the back and want to avoid blinding on coming traffic at night time.

Mud flaps -- you bet -- I&#39;m a big fan of mud flaps and they will keep the car&#39;s sides cleaner than not having them.

Rear parking assistance: this is the radar device to warn when getting too close to objects. If you back into parking spots at the Mall or other like activities I would go for this option. Several forum members have given positive feedback on this accessory.

Trailer hitch: sure is a good accessory and should add to resale if nothing else. If you have rear skid plate it will mean a slight cutout will be required. This is something you could install as a DIY.

Rubber mats: Definitely get them.

Luggage comp mat: Forget this. Simply reverse the very good carpeted mat as it has a very strong and sturdy rubber backing. I use it this way all the time and have dogs back there and no scratching so far. It has held up AOK.

Rear bumper guard: The rear bumper can scratch up some and if this offends you then by all means get it.

What about the rear skid plate (cosmetic at best but looks good).

What about the hatch spoiler? Looks good IMO but many will say it&#39;s only cosmetic at best. I have it and I&#39;m pleased with it as it makes my XC70 somewhat unique.

The fog light protectors as another mentioned are worthy as are the headlight protectors which I think enhance the car&#39;s looks.

If you need 12v in rear have dealer install the rear 12v outlet in trunk luggage area on side panel -- very useful IMO.

If you want cross bars go for the aero designed ones as they very little noise compared to square ones.

Good luck. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Art]

Bob,

AWD*V70XC and Barry have pretty much summed things up as well as anyone else possibly could. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif

I would like to add that you might want to consider the load compartment mat (aka plastic cargo liner). We’ve had ours right from the get go and have found it to be an indispensable asset particularly when it comes to containing messy spills. As an added measure of insurance, a set of Volvo wheel locks makes a lot of sense. I&#39;d also pick up a good quality leather care kit such as Lexol. You’re seats will love you for it. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif

[TrueBlue]

Having been recently converted to sub-woofers, both at home and on the boat; I&#39;d say it&#39;s a &quot;reasonable must&quot; &nbsp;http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif &nbsp;Having said that I heard a load extract from Saint-Saens Organ Concerto this morning and I turned up my standard 50W set and it sounded pretty good to me and others waiting at the traffic lights, without the extra 25W and woofer. But the previous IMO had tweaked the setup - well he did work for Volvo.....

The reads on the pedal of that French Organ do benefit from the low level power, but that&#39;s probably not your taste in music?

Check on the self levelling suspension - It seems to be standard in Europe (or at least UK), but I have seen some posts on this board saying not in the US. Some say they&#39;re not needed for loads in the car but for towing a trailer, both mine have had it and it helps.

If you are going to have a hitch - do consider the removable variety, it looks neater when not in use the &quot;modesty plug&quot; is hardly not obvious, and there&#39;s no lump of metal sticking out for you to trip over. We use a ball arrangement over here and I&#39;m not sure how your squarew hitches fit in over there. I remember seeing a post somewhere on this board showing pictures of three types &nbsp;of hitches and comments thereon. Sorry, too lazy right now to go and find it for you..

[John@CdnRockies]

Mike, did I see you reference a boat ... with sub woofers? Good grief, my 8 meter McGregor sailboat could use that level of imaginative thinking. Might be a tad difficult getting this by Faye, but definitely worth considering. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[AWD*V70XC]

I think this is the shot you were talking about,
http://www.xc70.com/pics/albums/userpics/normal_towbars_02.jpeg

This is a question for the US people,
do you not have 12v outlet in rear as standard?

do you not have self leveling as standard?

do you not have wheel locking nuts as standard?

These are things that we get as standard and would not even think about buying as extrats as they should be on the car already. Comments please.

[barrysharp]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (AWD*V70XC @ April 25 2004,01:53)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">This is a question for the US people,
do you not have 12v outlet in rear as standard?

do you not have self leveling as standard?

do you not have wheel locking nuts as standard?

These are things that we get as standard and would not even think about buying as extrats as they should be on the car already. Comments please.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
12v outlet was dropped as being standard starting mid/late MY2003 XC70s. I ordered mine via OSD for &#036;25. I have no idea what the cost or process for adding the 12v rear outlet is these days. I think Volvo messed up removing this 12v outlet on US destined XC70s.

Self leveling ISN&#39;T standard for US XC70 models. Most people in USA aren&#39;t interested in it is probably the reason.

Wheel locking nuts aren&#39;t standard in USA as we don&#39;t have people going around stealing wheels (ha ha) http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Quite honestly this is just another item that most people in USA aren&#39;t interested in and so they don&#39;t come as standard. This approach helps keep sticker price low and allows dealerships to make some extra cash. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Each country will have different options as standard. For example in Australia they get a full size XC70 spare wheel as standard. In USA we don&#39;t and have to pay extra.

I&#39;m sure USA cars get standard options that other countries don&#39;t such as DSTC and leather seating. It&#39;s very hard to find a Volvo in the XC70 and XC90 class that don&#39;t come with leather on the dealership lots. You should be aware that Volvo doesn&#39;t build spec cars for USA. All USA-bound Volvos are specifically ordered by dealerships with whatever options they deem appropriate for their sales regions.

[Art]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (barrysharp @ April 25 2004,09:51)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Wheel locking nuts aren&#39;t standard in USA as we don&#39;t have people going around stealing wheels (ha ha) http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Quite honestly this is just another item that most people in USA aren&#39;t interested in and so they don&#39;t come as standard. This approach helps keep sticker price low and allows dealerships to make some extra cash. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Wow, what an idilic place to live Barry. Just wish the rest of us sods were half as fortunate. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hehe.gif

Vanishing Wheels (http://www.canmoreleader.com/story.php?id=95144)

When you think about it, wheel locks are not going to set you back a huge wad of cash....perhaps a little more than the cost of a tank of premium fuel. Bottom line is, it will greatly decrease the chance of your alloys becoming resale fodder like the ones above. Think about that next time your at the filling station. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Just my thoughts FWIW. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[barrysharp]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Art @ April 25 2004,10:57)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Wow, what an idilic place to live Barry. Just wish the rest of us sods were half as fortunate. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hehe.gif

When you think about it, wheel locks are not going to set you back a huge wad of cash....perhaps a little more than the cost of a tank of premium fuel. Bottom line is, it will greatly decrease the chance of your alloys becoming resale fodder like the ones above. Think about that next time your at the filling station. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Just my thoughts FWIW. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Art:

I have to say that standard Volvo wheels on XC70s don&#39;t seem to attract the thieves in my area. I don&#39;t know what wheel theft issues are beyond this are wrt other vehicles, Volvo ones or otherwise.

I&#39;m curious what you do when your car is taken in for service -- do you leave your wheel lock keys for them if wheels need to be removed ?

I agree that cost of wheel locks is a small price for added security. Just how good are the locks in defeating wheel thieves ?

Hmmmmm - you&#39;re starting to make me nervous. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[John@CdnRockies]

I&#39;m with Art on the cost/benefit of having wheel locks. Two friends had their wheel assemblies stolen while parked at the airport. Besides the costs, the aggravation factor was pretty high.

The locks can be defeated. My Jeep dealer does this by heating the lock and then unwinding it. He has never yet failed whenever I forget to leave him the lock key&#33;

However, I guess it is just enough of a deterrent for thieves to move on to an easier target.

[Art]

Barry,

I always appreciate your feedback and didn’t mean to sound off on ya like that. Perhaps I took your original comment a bit out of context, it’s just I found it a bit hard to fathom. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Wheel locking nuts aren&#39;t standard in USA as we don&#39;t have people going around stealing wheels (ha ha)[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

I realize the incidence of wheel theft will vary from region to region. Frankly, I don’t even know what the statistics are for my neck of the woods. I just feel pretty confident in knowing that my wheels and tires will still be on my car wherever I am, much the same way that I feel about Volvo’s anti-theft immobilizer. Prevention, IMO, is the best medicine, but, as John stated, nothing is infallible. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/nervous.gif

Each Volvo wheel lock set has its own individual keyed pattern and registration number. The registration service is free and can be of help in case your key or wheel lock registration card is lost. The registration numbers are kept on file at McGard (http://www.mcgard.com/automotive/#). I always keep the key adaptor in the tool pouch just in case of a puncture/flat or if I take it in for service. Most of the time, I end up doing winter/summer change overs myself.

Anyways, sorry about the rant folks. Back to regular programming. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif