What to look for in used XC70?

[Stobbo]

Newbie here

I have been lurking in the shadows of this site for a while as I am trying to decide whether or not to buy a used XC70.

I have a real softspot for Volvos but need the car for my job and definitely don't want to buy a lemon... I have read all the posts about this car's transmission problems... If not the Volvo, the other options are a VW Passat 2.8 4Motion wagon (a bit small & deadly boring looking!) or a Japwagon of some description.

What I would like some advice on, if I can get it, is what to look for in a used XC70 and how I can tell (if this can be done) whether or not the transmission is likely to cause problems.

I am considering 2 cars: a 2001 with 94k kms on it - body-work & interior superb and/or a 2007 with 150k kms on it.

Any pointers gratefully received.

[JRL]

DO NOT BUY an 01.
Please do some research, stay away from 01s and most 02s

[StuntmanMike]

Pointer #1 .... Listen to JRL! The man knows his stuff.

Ponter # 2.... do a search of my username. I've been looking for an XC for a while, and have asked alot of questions here, and have gotten some great answers. Lots of great info in those threads.

Pointer #3.... I find that when searching this site, it's actually easier to find what you're looking for by going through google, and starting by typing XC Forums or VolvoXC.com...then whatever info you're looking for.

[XC70XC]

It is wise to avoid '01 and most of '02. I got an '02 and still suffered the dreaded valve body issue even though just starting to show it but thankfully the extended warranty taken care most of it. It is a beautiful car with one previous careful owner.
Just be prepared to pay a bit more for wear and tear parts plus regular service but the payoff is one smooth comfy ride and reliability is excellent. My car now is sorted out and runs like new with most wear and tear stuff replaced.
The last service at 150k km which is a major service saw replacement of coolant, brake fluid, platinum spark plugs, air filter, pollen filter and fuel filter.

Happy hunting.

[Stobbo]

2007 with 150k kms NZ$12,000
0r
2002 with 94k kms NZ$15,000

Both full spec japanese imports (can I do anything about the jap writing appearing on the electronics screens) both appear very well cared for with good bodywork, interior & tyres.

[Julien]

Definitely the 07 out of those 2, but make sure you go through the service history and make sure it's all done and stamped.
A Volvo dealer should be able to change the language for a small fee.
If possible, go the extended warranty if offered, my 2yr ext warranty has already paid for itself. Ask the dealer if it is not offered, and make sure the policy will hold water.
Have a good read through the threads on this forum, they are a wealth of information for newcomers (speaking from experience).
Check the service schedule, you will have a Timing Belt replacement at 165k Kms, so make sure you budget for that.
Good luck!

[Stobbo]

Julien,

thanks for your advice. I have yet to see a service history for any of the Jap imports I have owned... and these two cars are no exception.

I imagine that any European car will be a luxury brand in Japan and I can't believe that will buy one (over a Japanese marque) unless they can afford the premium costs that go along with the car. So my guess is that both will have been given reasonable levels of care - especially in their early years. Both look extremely well looked after but it is reasonable to suppose that the '07 has had the lesser amount of non Volvo-Dealer attention during the course of its life.

Timing belt done on both (apparently: stickers in place)

The gearbox is clearly a major concern and I have pulled the dipstick on the '07 and inspected the fluid... all pink & clean. On this car there is a very slight shake at 100k/hr on the motorway which I don't think is to do with wheel balance because it is not feeding back through the steering wheel but I would not be able to say much more about it than that...

A 3-year warranty is available with the car but my experience of these products is that it is a d___ sight more difficult to get money out of the companies that provide them in the event that the guano and the fan do come together due to the amount of form-filling and provisos/exclusions in the small print.

...perhaps I should just stick to the japcrap (?) or a get boring old veedub instead ?!

[BiasedWaffles]

I would always recomend the newer XC70. The 07 XC70 is the last year they made that body style XC70, before they switched to the new ones in 2008. The 2007 has all the upgrades that the model year 2005 XC70 has, such as the upgraded transmission, updated front / rear bumpers / updated front / rear taillights, and slightly updated interior. I have a great disdain for the 2001 - 2004 XC70's, they look wierd to me. If you go to try it, look for any wierd shifting, as well as trying to see if the AWD system works.

[Astro14]

Great disdain for the 2001-2004?

I can barely tell the difference....it's just not that big a deal...

But I would buy a 2007 were I shopping now, a 5 year old used car is about the right point in the depreciation curve for buying used...

[XC70XC]

I would go for the '07 model. You can change the language on the screen through the Volvo dealers or indie specialists.
Check the specs to see if it is the LE version which has sunroof, heated seats, bi-xenons, wood steering rim.
Jap imports are sure cheap in NZ. I have owned a few Jap imports when I was living there. Well can always go back to visit my family.