Hello,


What are the main mechanical differences between '02 and '03 XC70s? My dad wants to replace a notoriously problematic Ford Escape with either one of the two years I mentioned. Were there major changes in the AWD systems or engine/transaxles between the two years? Both years seem to be reliable, from what I've been told.

HI,
As it happens, my wife just bought an 03 XC yesterday @ the local dealer. It definitely has the Haldex AWD system. WE drove several XC`s both 04 & 03`s & decided on the 03 since it had lower mileage & looked to be overall in better condition than the 04 which we gave some thought as it was a little less expensive. However, the the 04 had a trailer hitch on it so who knows what it had been towing plus the interior was less than "mint", ssems the previous owners had a dog who had free run of the vehicle, ie a few deep scratches in the leather seats front & back, wellworn assist handle on the console.
Anyway, my wife is very happy with the 03 XC, black, a very skookum car.
Good luck!
Rich

The 02 will have the awfull bevel gear AWD setup. I beleive the 03 should have the Haldex system, but you need to look into that further. For sure the 04 AWDs are Haldex. What's the differnce? Ask fellow brickers that have had to repair a bevel gear setup. I have not seen a complaint on the board regarding the newer Haldex arrangement. The bevel gear was a low bid choice that Volvo went with to get quickly into the lucrative SUV market. This decission was made well before Ford got it's sticky fingers on the Swedish steel. Shame on Sven.

Good luck,

Chuck

91 745 NA
97 855 GLT
07 V70 2.5T

Hey Juan

do you still have your 850?, I have been driving a saab 9-5 for the past 5 years, i got the bug to buy a another volvo, a xc or a s60r or a v70r

93&97_850's