Hey All,
Looking to replace our -93 960 Wagon with something a little newer and more fuel-efficient.
Not looking to spend a lot more than $2000-3000.
Any years / models to avoid? (I saw somewhere here to avoid -93 850 and 1999-2000 V70?)
Looking for a reliable and automatic wagon that mainly my wife will drive, but me too sometimes so a turbo may be nice but not a must.

850 Turbo or regular GLT, which model is most reliable? (850R and T-5R would be fun but probably more $$$?)
V70?

Any known issues on these to watch out for and check out before buying?
most sellers seem to state that the 850 is very reliable, but then again they're trying to sell....
I typically do all maintenance and repairs my self and have had 240, 740 and now the 960 (and -68 122) but never a FWD Volvo(but Saabs before).

I'd appreciate some ideas

I found a -98 V70 that needs some work to pass SMOG, it shows code: P0447 - Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Control Circuit Open.

Anybody with experience with this code and what it normally takes to fix it?

The purge valve on the radiator shroud, driver's side has probably failed. You might want to read the post om MVS:

http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=24584

Click on this to open a new window

Klaus

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Did you do your Random Act of Kindness today?

Thanks you Klaus!
Some interesting reading.
Lars

Make sure the gas cap is fitting good and snug.

Great, thank you so much!
Good ideas on years and models and encouraging news on fuel mileage:)
So watch out for the usual AC and Tranny problems..
I have also seen a few ads with replaced heater cores, so maybe that has been an issue too?

I will keep on looking for the right car in some of these model years you have recommended. Meanwhile the ol' 960 runs nice.. :)

Heater core for the 850/70 cars is a 1 hour job DIY.
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Thanks Klaus, sounds like an easy job then - nothing to reject a car for if otherwise good.

The problem years are the ones that are listed for sale.

95-97 850 or 98 V70 are your best bets for simpilicity and reliability. If you can afford it the 2003 and up V70's are also good.

I bought my 95 850 wagon two years for what you are willing to spend. A little pricey, but it was well maintained and in pristine condition. So far, it has been a better car than my 90 240 was. Best high mileage used car I've ever bought. Only expensive repair has been a radiator.

BTW - My car regularly gets 29-30 mpg on the highway (automatic). The 5 speeds can break 30 mpg. In town mileage is low 20's.

The turbos are a lot of fun but more maintenance. If you buy one make sure it has been well cared for. Consider the 97 850 GLT or 98 V70 GLT. Light pressure turbo and all the comfort goodies...:)

That's not much money for a car. Avoid the 93 850, and 1999-2001 S/V70s. Most of the cars in your price range will have 150K+ miles and need suspension parts. Not that they are hard to do, just more money. At least Volvos don't rust anymore.

A head gasket was easy on the older cars. The 5 cylinder is a nightmare to replace - about 3 days if all goes well but it never does.

The AWD cars require 4 new tires, not just 1 or 2. Plus the hassle of the transfer case fluid and rear diff fluid.

Always check the ATF for color. If it is brown or worse, skip it.

The 850 has the window controls in the center console, under the flimsy cup holders. The 1998+ are on the doors.

The AC evaporator tends to leak with age. 10 hours to replace (just like the blower for the 240), the entire dash comes out.

The 1994-5 were the last cars to have onboard diagnostics, after that you will have to get a generic code reader.

Remember, 1998 was 14 years ago!!

A jetta wagon with TDI (diesel) gets 40-50+ mpg!! And no spark plugs.

Klaus
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I've been considering the same myself for a while now. I was tempted by a 2001 v70 locally, until folks warned me away...

Folks are adamant that the 2001-2002 V70 is transmission nightmare. It has a 75% failure rate. The first year of the 850 (1994, I think) is also reviled.

1995-1998 850/V70 and 2003+ V70 are considered excellent years. 1999 is supposed to have some electronic throttle problems, unsure about 2000.

Certain years of the V70 XC are known to have issues with tire wear... in that one worn tire screws up the whole system... I think those were the 1999-2002 versions...

Someone should weigh in on the details here.