I'm in the market for a newer volvo. We have 4 (2 - 850's, 1 - 960, & 1 - C70). Mine is a '96 850 w/260K and I'm very familiar with it's issues (AC, odo gear, Shiftlock overide, etc). It looks like the XC70 will fit my current purposes very well. Want to use it for my commuter vehicle and also to Tow our ~1,000lb racing sailboat to regatta's around the southeast. Few things:

1) Is this car well suited to tow the above mentioned boat? This is a 1-2 times a month event at most.

2) Are there any "known" issues with this series that I should be aware of? Any model years to avoid? I believe I heard that the earlier versions in the early 2000's as with many volvos of that time period were not so good.

Any thoughts or experiences anyone can share would be greatly appreciated.

Dennis

Everything I have read about the 2002 through 2007 XC70s say it is one of the most reliable Volvos in a long time. We have a 2002 which we bought in 2005. Not a single problem with it.

On towing, we pull a 3,000 lb tent trailer easily. At slow speeds you can feel it, though not enough to be any problem. Above 40 mph or so it is almost like it isn't there. Also, it has plenty of power. Can still pass trucks easily. A 1,000 lb boat should be very easy. We do have an electric brake controller, which is a must for towing over 1,500 lbs.

Good luck.

Here's a little bit of towing info
http://www.volvo-forums.com/t11235-towing-with-a-2005-xc70.htm
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'97 855na, Mobil 1, K&N, various IPD's and eBay's