Hello,
I am a long time 240 driver and , I also have a 940t. Anyway, my job requires me to make it in no matter what and, it is a fifteen mile commute. I just wrecked my jeep, and with the insurance money for it, I am considering crossing over to the other side. The front wheel drive, all wheel drive side.

I found a 2000 AWD cross country for 3850.00. iT HAS 131000 miles and, unfortunately is an automatic. I and am wondering about this model year. My brother said that he has read of transmission problems. It is red and looks (in the pics) to be in very good shape. I am getting enough from the insurance for the jeep to just about pay for the cross country.

So, is it basically a front wheel V70 with a transfer case for a drive shat to the rear wheels, a little taller chassis with bigger tires for ground clearance? Thanks.

We have 2 wagons both 99.
v70 & xc70. V70 is almost at 300K
XC70 just crossed 200K. love them both, but the XC is definitely many steps up in comfort from the base V70.

Thanks for the responses. I still am not sure what to do but, with this opportunity to get something 4WD or AWD, I want to ALSO get something that gets good gas mileage. The 20 MBG mentioned definately is a negative. I was hoping they got better mileage than that. Is the mileage much better w drive shaft removed in summer, dry roads?

I have never had a Jap car or motorcycle, and don't want to start now BUT, the mileage is a factor with a 30 mile round trip and I can't think of anything in my price range that will get near 30mpg from europe. I have ridden Euro dirt bkes my whole life and, the build quality of the Euro machinery has always been the reason I have never had any of the big four. As I am typing this, KTM is crushing the big 4 in supercross, and the bike are STELLAR!

Anyway, if I could find a 240 wagon with under 150000 miles, and a manual trans, I would jump on it because they go great in the snow. With snow tires, they go like hell but, the auto trans (I have a 1990 sedan) get crap mileage IMO.

Hi, I am actually looking to sell my 1998 V70 R AWD. I have replaced all the brakes, all suspension, AWD works, and engine is fairly good. Just coming up on 201000 miles. For me, the best part is the audio system. 10 speakers surround sound with subwoofer. The Dynaudio speakers are installed.

I see you are in Cincy, I am from Columbus, but I will be in Cincinnati this Saturday and Sunday March 14. Let me know if you want to check it out. Luke.J.Ball (at) gmail (dot) com
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1959 Volvo Amazon 121, 1998 Volvo V70R AWD

If MPG is important, then forget AWD/4WD vehicles. The 850, S/V70 FWD usually get 28-30mpg on the highway at 70mph. these two models only have 168bhp, the low pressure turbo brings the bhp to around 200 and costs 1 mpg unless you like to jump on the throttle.
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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic

XC MPG - Expect 17-18 in town and 23-25 mpg highway. I don't own one, but some friends do and that's what they get.

The 2000 XC should have the 4 speed automatic. So long as the tranny fluid is red, pink is new, you should be OK with that. The transfer case has had problems as the oil is never flushed and can overheat and then be a mess. Many of the early AWD cars have had the rear shaft removed, FWD works fine.

Electronic issues will pop up, so see if there are any maintenance records.

15 miles each way is a cold commute and hard on the engine oil, synthetic is required. Remember, the 2000 has coil over plugs and can go bad - randomly.

$3850 is too much for around the twin cities, this car is 15 years old! BTW, the tires have to be replaced in groups of 4. If the tires are not the same make/model, the transfer case will get destroyed is short order.

Expect mpg to be around 20 with the AWD, less in the winter. Japanese cars are cheap, they are built that way.

Avoid 2001-2002 Volvos of any model. Too much penny pinching and Ford influence.
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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic

I know this is a Volvo forum, but do yourself a favor and take a look at the first generation Honda CR-V's (1997-2001). Those cars are pretty easy to maintain. I've done a timing belt, water pump, accessory belts, and radiator on the one I picked up for my daughter. The 4WD system kicks in automatically when the front wheels loose traction. So far the CR-V is easier to maintain than my 1998 C70 Coupe with the 2.3 liter , 5 cylinder turbo. The CR-V is a nice size vehicle, good visibility, nice ground clearance, and the thing is great in the snow. Always starts. Hasn't broken down. I've been very happy with it and you should be able to find a used one at an affordable price.

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1992 Volvo 240 & 1998 Volvo C70

But the Honda doesn't drive anywhere as nice as the XC or C70... :)

That's the trade-off. More maintenance for a better driving experience.

Klaus is right about the tranny. I was thinking of the potentially troublesome AWD system in the early AWD cars (1998-2002). 2001 and 2002 Volvo's seem to have an inordinate number of tranny problems. However, sometimes all they need is a software update to correct the problem.

The CR-V rode great last Thursday when the Baltimore/Washington DC area got 8 inches of snow. The CR-V rescued my stranded son in our 245. Hooked up a tow strap and pulled the 245 up a big hill and also up our driveway. Very happy with the CR-V's automatic 4WD system that kicks in when the front wheels slip.
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1992 Volvo 240 & 1998 Volvo C70

The AWD through 2002 have had tranny problems. However, these can be avoided with proper maintenance. So I wouldn't rule out that car if properly maintained.

IMO - I would buy a 2003 or newer AWD or stick with a FWD. Even the FWD's had tranny issues in 2001-02. Don't buy any Volvo made in 2001-02! The FWD's are pretty good in snow too.

The FWD cars from 1995-98 are considered some of the best Volvo's ever built. My 95 855 is the best car I have ever owned. Fewer problems than my 90 244DL. At 20 years old and 255k it runs and looks great... :)