Volvo AWD Forum

Hello-

I have an 850 wagon w/ high miles and was wanting to get another younger vehicle for outings. We test drove some Toyotas today and the interiors made me want to vomit--so very plain w/ lousy seats, etc. So... we are looking at v70s. Have heard that AWDs are high maintenance. What is the most reliable year for v70s? I would love to own a Volvo that doesn't have the numerous mickey-mouse problems and large issues that the 850s have: RMS leaks, clogged PCV systems, A/C evap, seat-back cables, stuck glovebox latches, etc. We love the 850 wagon but would like to spend less time and money on repairs, and there is no good Volvo mechanic in our town. On the other hand, Toyotas are soulless. Does this mean a Lexus crossover or Acura MDX in our future? What are your thoughts on the best value in terms of reliability for Volvos post 2002? Our price range is up to 15K. Thanks.

Cheers,
Paul

We've done four 98s, after excellent history with our 97 850. Love or loved every single one of them. We have never owned 99-2001 having listened in horror to many friends, relative, business associates complain about the electronic throttle glitches, terrible transmissions (especially expensive in AWD) etc. Not that the '98s are perfect, but nothing serious or debilitating as yet. Things seem to get back on track in late 2002/early 2003. Still, for us, the 98 is a vintage year. Lots of clean examples still available here in SoCal.

DS

Hi,
I have 2x850-94s with good service and bought v70-05 d5 awd low mileage couple years ago. d5 plus 6geartronics with haldex awd is well balanced powertrain.

But recently the earlier so reliable 5-cyl engine mixed engine oil with coolant, this was messy and expensive due to bad new design of cooling engine oil within coolant.

I understood this design is also in other new 5-cyl engines than diesels like mine. Do not yet know how frequent weak point this is.

br Tapsa

My humble opinions only:

Series 1 V70: 1997 (1998 in USA?)-2000. Getting old. All the used ones I have seen are trashed out and filthy but you may have more choices where you live. Avoid AWD as this feature seems to be an expensive maintenance burden.

Series 2 V70: 2001-2007. Nice car, more plush and comfortable. The earliest couple years were reputed to be buggy (and Ford had just bought Volvo). 2005-07 are luxurious, nice cars and have the reliable 5-cyl engine. Many safety features. If you are really lucky or hunt diligently, you may be able to find a manual transmission example. This will be a really nice driver's car.

Series 3 V70: 2008-present. More upscale and luxurious than ever, 6-cyl engine with lower gas mileage than the previous 5-cyl, introduced just in time for the runup in gasoline prices. My wife found the handling to be numb and boring, just a big plush over-boosted car, but your opinion may be different. No manual transmission in USA.

More details here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_V70

As for reliability and avoiding mickey-mouse issues, an Acura or Lexus will be vastly superior. Sorry Volvo fans, that's just the way it is. I personally hate crossover and prefer station wagons, but the crossovers have been immensely popular in USA, so clearly they suit many people. They are fine as long as fuel is cheap. If you want a reliable AWD station wagon, why not a Subaru?

great info. thanks very much. will be keeping my eye out for a series 2 or 3 v70, possibly an acura mdx or lexus rx series, or subaru as you point out.

cheers.

This question has been asked and answered on the Brickboard many times over the years.

Recommend you use the search function at the top of the page (look for the red wagon).

I typed in "best year V70" and got 241 hits.

Refining your search terms can focus the results for you.

However, you may expect many replies to your query ... with the exception of our resident guru, Klaus, who is away on a road trip.

--
Dave in Virginia; 1998 V70 T5(M): IPD MOTRONIC+ ECU Upgrade, Sport Muffler, IPD Strut Tower Brace; VDO Boost Gauge, IPD Anti-Sway Bars, Rocha ABS Control Unit, Koni FDS Struts and Shocks/// 1988 245 DL Wagon// 1967 MGB Roadster