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99 S70 vs 00 V70 XC - opinions on longevity?

So, I had a normally aspirated 98 S70 and am looking at another for #1 son. Pretty much the same, but this is an Automatic. I had the other until 160K miles and sold it still running strong.

The other option is an 2000 V70 XC. This has the soft turbo (I guess they all did). The wagon is a little more convenient for hockey gear.

All things being equal, What's up with durability? Should I fear the turbo? How about the all wheel drive?

Both have relatively low miles, good history, and I have NO idea if service records are there. Also, both are nearby enough for a test drive.

Thanks for any info............








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99 S70 vs 00 V70 XC - opinions on longevity?

In my (highly unprofessional) opinion, the new engines are equally as robust as the old red block engines that are so famous for their durability.

The other way to say "turbo" is "oil change" - that sucker spins like crazy (~150k rpms) and needs a constant fresh oil supply. The best way to keep your turbo going for a long time is to keep good, clean, correct oil fed into it.

I think KlausC is right on in saying the turbos in these things are pretty robust too.

I have an early AWD and I would say the only thing I 'missed' during the initial test drives was the driveshaft 'thumping' at low speed turns when the diff/bevel gear/viscous coupler is warm. Make sure to take the car on a good long highway drive and then do some tight corners in a parking lot somewhere. If the driveshaft from front-to-back thumps in the tunnel it's likely because the viscous coupler is wearing out. Admittedly it's not the end of the world as lots of them do it, but it /could/ signal less than perfect torque transmission from front-to-back (ie: does the AWD even work?) and would be a great bargaining chip (the noise and vibration is quite prominent and it would be hard to deny that something is not right - though between you and I, it doesn't appear that anything is really going to blow apart or anything either).

There's also the '4-tires-at-once' thing with the early AWD systems - the tires all have to be exactly the same size, including tread wear - and the bevel gear maintenance.

Also check for all the usual bargaining chips - Find out when the timing belt needs to be done ($$), check for a leaking RMS($$$), check for dark or smelly trans fluid, make sure the A/C works ($$$)








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99 S70 vs 00 V70 XC - opinions on longevity?

If you don't NEED awd, get a plain V70. The bevel/angle gear is problematic until much newer models. The turbo is not a concern, quite robust.
--
My name is Klaus and I am a V ♂ lv ♂ holic.








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99 S70 vs 00 V70 XC - opinions on longevity?

We currently only run FWD vehicles in my household (even though lots of weather in Chicago). Certainly don't NEED AWD.

However, the decent priced models I am looking at, the V is AWD. The other is an S70. Mileage is low at 50K and 60K respectively.

What comes into play with the bevel/angle gear? DIY? High Cost? Stranded on the side of the road?








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99 S70 vs 00 V70 XC - opinions on longevity?

There's lots about it on the forum - do a search.

The bevel gear transmits power from the transmission at the front of the car to the rear axel (at the rear of the car :) ).

The fluid needs to be changed though Volvo doesn't have a recommended service interval.

There is a great DIY writeup about how to change the fluid on Bay13:
http://volvospeed.com/Repair/AWD_bevelgear_diff_service.html

I don't think one going bad would strand you... Klaus might know that one.

Point is, it wouldn't strand you if you do the fluid change :)

Also, many have been successful disconnecting the AWD system and turning their wagons in to FWD anyway. Better mileage too.









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99 S70 vs 00 V70 XC - opinions on longevity?

We currently only run FWD vehicles in my household (even though lots of weather in Chicago). Certainly don't NEED AWD.

However, the decent priced models I am looking at, the V is AWD. The other is an S70. Mileage is low at 50K and 60K respectively.

What comes into play with the bevel/angle gear? DIY? High Cost? Stranded on the side of the road?








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99 S70 vs 00 V70 XC - opinions on longevity?

The biggest concern is the ETM from 1999-2002. That known problem will leave you on the side of the road. Fortunately, there is a $500 replacement from a Canadian outfit - much better than the Volvo replacement or software "fix".

The AWD will cost you about 2mpg and you have to let your son know that using full throttle in the snow/ice will cause premature failure, especially when hitting a dry patch of pavement. Except for a couple of days a year, Chicago area keeps the roads passable so that AWD is not needed.
--
My name is Klaus and I am a V ♂ lv ♂ holic.







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