Is 180k Too much?

[nomaileric]

Hello,
I'm new to Volvo and wondering if 180k km is too much for a 2008 xc70. I will be driving a lot of highway kms. I know that you get what you ay for but still curious to know if anyone has an opinion. Also, is it worth buying certified from dealership or will I be ok if I buy from used car sales or owner?
Thanks for any feedback, It is much appreciated!
Eric

[MartinK]

Not in my opinion. How it's been treated for those 180km is more important than the miles alone. If it's in good shape, and appears to be well looked after, it should be fine. Make sure it's been well serviced, and that it drives well (plus all the usual checks).

Assuming price reflects age & miles, go for it!

[nomaileric]

It's being sold for 12k...
I've seen 150000km for 16k and I'm wondering if the 4k extra is worth it...
Thanks for the reply!


Not in my opinion. How it's been treated for those 180km is more important than the miles alone. If it's in good shape, and appears to be well looked after, it should be fine. Make sure it's been well serviced, and that it drives well (plus all the usual checks).

Assuming price reflects age & miles, go for it!

[CVOLVO]

Maintenance is the key issue and depending where you live, you should be able to determine this from the nearest dealership with the car's VIN, providing the maintenance was done at a Volvo dealership. I was told that at 200,000 km the timing chain should be replaced and I suspect that's an expensive dealership job. The other aspect is whether or not recalls were performed; steering rack was replaced on mine outside of warranty. I've had another recent problem with my car's A/C condenser, otherwise it's been problem free, although I have only about half the kilometers on my XC70. If you can obtain a list of the routine maintenance done on the car; all the better. Regardless, I'd ask to have the car totally inspected at a Volvo dealership (at your cost) to see what you might expect in the short term and consider this like having a house inspected before you decide to buy. This will also point out any problems that would be required for the safety inspection certificate. Bonne chance.

PS: If you live in Ontario, any used car must be e-tested before the ownership transfer can take place. Coincidentally, the 2008 must be re-tested in 2015. Ensure it has been e-tested prior to the sale.

[Cattrick]

I was told that at 200,000 km the timing chain should be replaced

Really?
A chain not worth more than 200 000km should not go inside any engine.
How credible is the source and how did they come to that conclusion?

The point of using chains are throughout-its-entire-life-time-or-beyond. For a Volvo that means 20+ years :rolleyes:
I don't like it.
But ok, volvo also claim their A/T filled for life and that's not true either.

[CVOLVO]

Really?
YES!


A chain not worth more than 200 000km should not go inside any engine.
How credible is the source and how did they come to that conclusion?

Probably the most knowledgeable and respected mechanic at the dealership I purchased my XC70 from. He's my only honest resource when determining what is the recommended maintenance life for my car. He's the one who advised me to loosen the oil filter cartridge before draining the oil, as well as 100K km for the transmission oil replacement. I know his advice is frowned upon, but this ensures I do not exceed Volvo's limits. Once when I had a check engine light come on, he diagnosed it as a sensor wire that a mouse had chewed through. He told me and did not do the repair since he knows I am more than capable of soldering two wires together. He respects my abilities and desire to keep maintenance costs down by doing many of the routine repairs myself.



The point of using chains are throughout-its-entire-life-time-or-beyond. For a Volvo that means 20+ years :rolleyes:
I don't like it.


I hate to burst your preconceived bubble but chains do wear. A camshaft chain once snapped on my 262C / B28F. When repaired, both tensioners were at their maximum extension, the sprockets were worn and the 3rd oil pump chain also needed replacement. The B28F is an interference valve engine so a complete valve job was also required. Enough said?

Fortunately at my age and annual driving needs, I will most likely never see 200K km on my XC70. If it does happen, then I'll risk that the chains are more robust than on the PRV-6 B28F engine.

[marcsfosber]

I think it also depends on the condition and the accessories added to the car. If it's not mint, I think it is too much.