Hi-First Post-Buying 02-03 XC70 Soon

[Stephan]

Hi, this is my first post though I have been lurking for awhile, my wife is due with our first baby and I want to get her a new car, that is both safe, can handle our pets, and has all-wheel drive.

The Volvo seems to be the big contender for our business though I must admit the random electrical problems, warped brake rotors, clunky transmission, and other problems make me a bit leary.

I guess the people that have these problems are far more likely to post about them then the people that are just enjoying their cars.

The chink in that armor is the apparent lack of customer care that some of these "lemon" owners have gotten from Volvo.
Trust me, if there is a Lemon out there it will be drawn to me by forces out of my control.

Living in Vancouver B.C it seems that my choice of dealers is limited as Mr. Docsteader has a small monopoly going.  What kind of experiences good/bad have people had at this dealership ? if any ?

I am confused about the stell cargo cage, it seems to appear in most photos but as far as I can tell its a dealer installed/purchased accessory.

The 2003 with Haldex, more HP and TQ, and presumably more bugs worked out for what appears to be the exact same pricing looks like the way to go.  Any comments ?

Thanks for listening, hope I didn't ask too many questions at once... hope to be posting pics of our new Volvo someday soon.

Stephan
Maple Ridge, B.C.

[North Coast XC]

Great time to be buying in Canada.  Apparently in the Vancouver Sun there were adverts for 1.8% financing on new Volvos a week or so ago.  Unheard of!

We bought our '99 XC at Kelowna Volvo.  If you're willing to take a jaunt to the Okanagan, you may want to compare.  Great service!

Our first Volvo was from Richmond Volvo (don't know if it is now owned by Docksteader though). Had great service there too.

Best of luck!  BTW, don't worry about the things you see posted here (including my postings) the good far outweigh the bad on owing a XC!

[Art]

Welcome aboard Stephan! http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I can only recall one experience involving DD Motors when a faulty air mass sensor required replacement during a recent trip into Vancouver. Not only did they accommodate me into their busy schedule, but had me out and back on the road within the hour in my freshly washed XC. This goes without saying that I've also had great service from both Alberta Volvo dealers in Calgary and Edmonton. I can only hope that my fortunes continue as the time goes on. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I must admit that so far to I've been very fortunate having escaped many of the problems that other owners have encountered with their cars. That being said, mechanical related issues are bound to surface with any make or model, particularly with new designs in their early production stages.

I've head nothing but positive comments regarding the steel cargo barrier. Your correct about it being a purchased accessory and should be a fairly simple DIY install. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Good luck with your new purchase! http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[coastal]

Hi there. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

We're quite happy with the service I've received from Docksteader where we bought the car and get most of the service work done (since it was included with purchase and can only be done by the selling dealer).

Docksteader also has a service/parts only location in Coquitlam which might be another benefit for you being in Maple Ridge.

You may want to check out Volvo of North Vancouver as well, part of the Jim Pattison Group (IIRC), in the North Shore Auto Mall. I've had a few warranty jobs done by North Van in the past, and have been happy with the results.

And yes, Volvo of Richmond is owned by Docksteader.

In terms of waiting for an '03, you may benefit from Haldex and the added HP.

I haven't heard of any 2001+ XC's falling victim to warped rotors (only on the older cars), and the clunky transmission was a 2001 issue generally repaired on problem cars by software updates, and for 2002 converted into pretty much a non-issue with the improved throttle body.

Hope that helps http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif