I had an 850 w/ 200K+, gave it to my wife who uses it locally. I had been driving a 4Runner and --- Ouch --- now that I'm driving 500 miles a week work-related, my lower back is killing due to funky lumbar issues with the seat. I just sat in the 850 and tried out some V70s and s60s and I'm totally going to get another wagon or possibly S60 sedan, otherwise I'll be hobbled over permanently in a month or two.

But: I do not want to have to deal with oil leaks such as the RMS issue that came up in the 850 after 110K, as I have asthma which is really set off by oil fumes burning on the manifold, etc. Reading the boards, it seems like most of the PCV issues were with the 850s and Generation 1 v70s. Supposing I get a 2002 or above v70 that isn't sludged-up, is the RMS problem not as much of an issue? Trying to find one for-sale-by-owner, but I might look at some dealers, although then it is hard to find oil leaks given the engine steam-cleaning. I am looking for a vehicle with not much more than 80K on it and have maybe 13K to spend... I also tried out an Acura, but the seats just aren't as comfy as in the Volvos. Thanks for your tips in advance. --Paul

Thanks, guys, for the advice! Did they at least dispense with the flame trap in N/A V70s? In my recollection, buying a used 850 with a neglected flame trap was a main cause of RMS degradation--say, if you bought the car at 70K and it had never been changed.

Good point regarding getting one with 100K as opposed to 80K. Forgot about the big maintenance hump including suspension, etc. Wish I could install a Volvo seat in my 4Runner!

Thinking about bargaining for something like this (it's probably a couple $K overpriced)--it's a consignment car with new suspension w/ IPD upgrades:

http://clients.automanager.com/004035/VD.html?VID=452571951bee9b46bd7f19f9213e4be4

Cheers,
Paul

to be honest, there isn't a huge degradation in the RMS until it is starting to leak. When you start getting a leak the seal is clogged and unseated. Usually if its a small leak, AutoRX and cleaning the PCV system will get it re-seated and problem solved.


If I were you, (it would be nice to have 10k+ to spend!) I'd be looking at the 850-early '70s (s, v, xc). At 2-3k they're a bargain. Usually you'll find a few that have been maintained. The seats are nice and comfortable. I don't know if you do your own work, but you put another 1000 into it (PCV, brakes, Trans/Coolant/Power Steering/Brake flushes, maybe A/C depending on what you find, tires, Cabin filter) and it'll be good for 50-100k. Using synthetic and changing 5-7k will eliminate your PCV clogging (and therefore most seals blowing out)...

Then you can use the rest to buy 2-3 more, might as well take a different car everyday!

Oh, another thing if you're trying to hit the ~80K miles prepare for a bunch of maintenance coming your way. I'd assume the timing belt would need to be changed at the very least. If it were me I'd be looking 110-125k just so the 80-100k jobs have been done.. Also if you go with the AWD's remember the bevel gear is known to crap out. Good maintenance usually keeps it at bay, but thats not a guarantee. Replacing one is about 3-4k, most people usually opt to make the car a FWD...

I forgot when, but Volvo changed the seats and after a lot of complaining restored the comfort in 2008?

If you do your own maint and can handle a PCV cleanup, you shouldn't have to worry about RMS leaks. Of course, turbos can have oil seal leaks. The best solution is to use synthetic motor oil and change it every 5K miles, 7K for a lot of highway driving.

Get an 02-03 V70, sit in the seat for a long time. Talk to a dealer for 30 minutes, then take it for a spin, talk for another 30 minutes and assess your back. Then take a look at the engine, etc. Ask for history, a Carfax is worthless.

Klaus
--
Two great Volvos, a 1967 220 and a 1998 V70R

Hi,
As always, Klaus offers good advice!
I get to drive my wife`s 03 XC70 from time to time especially on long trips. I can easily put in an 8-10 hr drive in the Xc without my back feeling the least bit sore. I compare that with my Sierra 3/4 ton which we drove to New Mexico last summer & after 2 hrs my back was killing me. Believe me, it was a long trip!!
Happy car hunting!
Rich

I've had my '03 V70 AWD wagon for about a year now, however it wasn't till June when I made a round trip of about 1800 miles that I really fell in love with the car, easily drove 12 hrs in one day. Also my brother bought a '01 V70 in the spring has already driven his car cross country twice where he easily put in 12-15 hr days of driving. In case your wandering neither of use is dainty, I'm 6'2, he's 6'7.

Good Luck,
Miles

Hello, +1 on long trips. Did an >1800 miler in November in my 02 V70 and loved it. You can't beat the sight lines of trucks but not all of them are comfortable or smooth. Kira