I'm going later today to look at a 2004 V70 R with 85,000 miles on it ($12,995), but a friend of mine mentioned problems with AWD in Volvos and I was wondering if that applies to this model and year?

Thanks.

The 2004 has the newer Haldex AWD system and is better than the early years. Just remember that ALL AWD and 4WD cars need to have the bevel gear/transfer case oil flushed at 50K mile intervals. More often if you like to use a heavy throttle and try to make the wheels spin in the cold or wet.

The 'R' is the top of the line V70, with almost every option. Plus gobbs of bhp to get you into merging traffic with ease. Normal crusing mpg of 25+ at 70mph is not bad considering this car's bhp.

The 'R' does have Nivomats in the rear. These are self leveling shocks and very expensive to replace. One of mine failed at the 185K mark on my 1998.

Check the tranny fluid if it is an automatic, many 'R's came with a 6 speed manual. The dipstick, yellow, is hidden under the air intake on the driver's side.

Klaus
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.

this is one of the best Volvos ever made IMHO.

It has none of the early FWD/AWD niggles, or any of the early AWD system prob due to the new Haldex coupler. It has relatively modern safety features (most cars still don't come standard with half the stuff on this car) and modern styling that doesn't look dated in the least. Not to mention all the power. And as KlausC mentioned, not bad fuel economy either.

I'm not sure if this is one of the models with "four C" chassis control, which I don't know much other than I bet it's fantastic when it's working and and real PITA/wallet when it's not.

All the special 'R' features are really great and even tasteful in a world of gaudy 'racing' add-ons.

If you're happy with the stiff ride and think the car is worth 24k than I would go for it. I love this car (2004-2007 V70 R).


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1998 V70 AWD->FWD Turbo 200k+

When you say, "and you think the car is worth 24k..." are you saying that I should expect to pay a lot for upkeep on this car? I'm expecting to pay more for upkeep than my current Subaru, but I don't want to go broke keeping this on the road.

Thanks for your info btw. I agree with you on the tasteful looks. That's one of the main draws for me (well, and the power).

One last question, have you had any issues with the large turning radius?

Also, due to getting caught up researching R's, my test drive got postponed until tomorrow.

Thanks again for the info.

when I said "if you think it's worth 24k" I was really just alluding to all the variables at play - ie: where are you geographically, what your cash situation is like, if the interior is in good shape, paint is in good shape, etc. Basically, if you think the current condition of the car and the capabilities of the car are worth 24k in your area and you're comfortable spending the money, then it should be fine. I can't really comment on what the car is 'worth' per se, so I was just saying 'if it's worth it to /you/'.

I wouldn't expect to spend a lot on upkeep of this car at all actually. I would spend some money on it initally - real synthetic oil, trans flush, bevel gear flush, rear diff flush, brake fluid flush, coolant flush + new thermostat, plus there will probably be a few things you'll want to chase down like maybe worn suspension components or bulbs or things like that.

The large turning radius takes a little getting used to, and will take some parking-lot planning, but it hasn't been a problem for me (or my wife come to think of it) in my 1998 V70 AWD...
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1998 V70 AWD->FWD Turbo 200k+

The turning radius is like an old Town&Country or Caprice wagon, very large. But you get used to it. I drive the wrong side of the parking lanes in a parking lot so I can make the turn. You don't want to make U turns with less than 43 feet of space.

Figure about $1,000/year for dealer maintenance. Much, much less if you DIY. And this car is a DIY car. Especially little things like fluid flushes and Timing belt.

You will want to buy a folding Torx tool for all of those pesky screws.

Drive it in Comfort mode when your wife is in the car, sport for solo!

And watch out for the cops, please.

Klaus
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.

Is a bargain with that mileage. Two years ago I was looking at a red one with similar mileage and $19K. But I cannot see out of the windshield on the newer cars, the rearview mirror is too low and blocks off the entire right hand side.
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.