Am looking to replace aging 850 T5 (170k)with an S70. Was told by two local Indies to avoid anything past '98 due to Electronic Throttle Body issues. Was told by one to check out AWD.

How are these and does AWD affect gas mileage ?

Thanks as always

I have a 98 and 00 V70 and am very satisfied with both. the 98 has 136,000 miles and the 00 has 110,000. Both are AWD. Take the plunge
Mase

A Red Sox fan in NYC? Well, I guess someone has to root for the good guys.

I own a 98 R with awd. So far everything is still good at 113,000 miles. My milage is 25-28 on the highway, 20-22 around town. The wet/ice traction is tremendous! And there is a lot of horsepower. I have new tires and check the pressure monthly. I ignore most rattles and moans and groans when the tranny is cold.
I like my car,
Klaus
--
(1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

If the AWD is an issue in a '98, what about a '99 or '00 ? Also, if the only real issue with a '99 or '00 is the ETB, should I just look for one thqat has been replaced ?

The AWD is not a necessity; I live in NC and get only some ice/snow.

I believe that the '98 AWD system was used until at leat the 2000 model, although I am not sure. I believe that the AWD problems were fixed when they switched to a Haldex system.

I had a 98 V70 XC and the AWD system broke. It took over a month to get the part from Sweden and then $1,700 of my money to fix. The $1,700 was a bargain, compared to the initial quote of $2,200.

The AWD systems of this vintage suffered from a need to keep all four tires exactly the same (including wear and air pressure). I tried to do this, but the AWD system died anyways.

If you don't need the AWD, then get a FWD from 1998. You will still probably have the following problems, but at least the AWD system won't fail!:

* A/C evaporator will leak & be replaced: $1,000
* ABS controller will fail: $200 to repair, $600 to replace
* Engine mounts will wear out
* Oil will leak from turbo return seal
* Window controls on driver's door will smoke and fail

I am sure I have forgotten some. Good luck!
*

Early AWD was troublesome, I would avoid.

Good luck.

Early AWD was troublesome only if your tire tread differs more than 3/32ths between all tires (have heard of even smaller differences will cause problems). Your bevel gear will get hot and cost approx $1000 depending on who wants to screw you that day. Evap problems are common but not as common as ABS module going bad. It's not a matter of if but when. Just send it off to Victor in CA, he'll fix it and it won't fail again. OEM part will fail. If you do go AWD or XC, go with '98 it doesn't have the ETM failures that will cause you to get stranded. Most fixes for that involve taking the ETM off and cleaning it, that's what Vovlo did while the '99 & '00's were under warranty.