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Significant changes to V70 over the years? V70-XC70

Folks,

Any chance of getting a quick summary of the significant changes in the 850/V70 series over the years? Roughly, I know:
- early 850's suspension was a bit harsh.
- by 96 or 97 most bugs were worked out. Perhaps even earlier than 96.
- 98 was the last of the rev 1 design (flat sides), and the last year before the switch to the Electronic Throttle Module that was initially prone to failure, and the last year of OBD II.
- 99 on: ETM weak spot. Volvo did, in the end come good on replacements. Use of Volvo based OBD and multiplexing of signals means expensive downloads to keep everything in synch.
- by 02 or so, ETM better.
- evaporator failures seem to be likely for all years. Might as well just budget for the gut of the dash to fix it.

What can people add?

Aside: Reason I ask is that son #1 needs some wheels for his first full time job. Looks like he gets the family runner (Taurus wagon). My wife, for some strange reason, does not take to my old 740. Go figure. She does like the 98 V70 but I can't find an acceptably clean one with a known history. So I am looking for an 03 and newer (like to limit it to $25k Canadian). Might be tough in Southern Ontario. Once I get over $25k I have to seriously wonder about the more worry-free alternatives (Mazda 6 wagon for instance). Really, all we want is a mid size or bigger safe, reliable, practical, comfy wagon or flexible sedan / hatchback that has good all-round visibility and an 'open' feel to it. Most cars these days have high waistlines and engulf you. Shades of Mad Max road warrior mentality.

Bill








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Thanks. Anyone selling a mint 1998 V70 or V90? V70-XC70

Thanks for the info. I don't want the boat owner's pleasure! In this day and age, there has to be a better solution than Volvo's current approach to electronics AND service. I'll be looking at the competition in the next few days. Anyone in the Toronto / Hamilton area have a 1998 V70 or V90 for sale? It must have reasonable miles and be mint. I can dream, can't I?

Bill








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850s & later V70-XC70

Hi,
You seem to be aware of all the issues in these later Volvo`s. AS a Volvo owner of 30+ years I guess I`m committed to the brand tho` Volvo is certainly a different "beast" from the early days of my 544`s, 240`s etc.
My wife just bought an 03 XC a few days ago, dealer car so we paid a little too much for it but at least we know the history + it`s still under warranty. She loves it & it seems to be a great car. Time will tell!!
Anyway, my wife just retired her 95 850 wagon which we`ve owned for six years. It`s been an excellent car & still going strong with 430K km. on it. Some of the 850 issues, ie evaporator, etc. but nothing too disturbing.
Daughter has a 96 850 GLT, 5 spd manual. Very nice car & no problems in 3 yrs of ownership.
Several friends have late 90`s Volvo`s & I haven`t heard of any complaints up to this point.
Good luck!
Rich in Alberta








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Significant changes to V70 over the years? V70-XC70

I traded in a 2004 V70 SW on Saturday for a 2008 Subaru Outback SW (same dealer).

I had the V70 a little over a year, and I feel like the proverbial boat owner's two favorite days -- the day he bought the boat and the day he sold.

There were multiple trouble codes for things like the seat belts jamming, and there were several faults that registered no trouble codes, such as the whole instrument cluster going dead while on an interstate highway. (my wife pulled to the side, tuned it off then on, but still no instruments. It apparently healed itself about 8 hours later).

Since I wasn't confident taking it on a trip I decided to dump it.

I have owned 5 or 6 Volvos and was loyal, but no more. Volvo's business decision to protect the dealers by not publishing info for independents put the nail in the coffin for me.

The dealer didn't know what to do, and actually asked me last week (it was in their shop again for another seat belt fault)what I wanted them to do.

BTW, why take it into the shop for seat belt problems? Because the message panel said it had an airbag problem.

Volvo technical was no help to the dealer, he reported.

They left me no choice but to take my business another direction.

I just hope my '95 940 SW keeps running (283,000 and still going strong).









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