In researching the wisdom of purchasing a 2001 v70, I have encountered a number of negative reviews. Many of them on this forum and most of them surrounding the transmission. I am one that puts a lot of stock in consumer reviews, especially in matters about which I have limited understanding. .Like automobiles. A life long enthusiast of cars, I agreed with mechanics and bankers that if they didn't attempt to write and perform music, I wouldn't become an accountant or a mechanic. Last week my 940 turbo wagon burst into flames when the pre-pump experienced some unfortunate malfunction. Why the gas tank didn't blow up is a mystery for the ages. It did total the car however. My cynical side fears that there are likely no models as dependable and hardy as the 940 in later years because elaborate gizmos and safeguards have been added to save us from reliability.
The v70 appears to be much the car that the 940 was. Some report owning the same model and year with no problems while others grumble and snarl about erratic transmissions etc. The very notion of an immobilizer is irritating and a $250. spare key just fuels the ire. I am told there are less expensive sources for the key and that the security system doesn't cause all that much trouble. . .Can anyone suggest a model that isn't AWD that might mirror the attributes of the 940? My brother had several wagons over the decades but it was a Xover that sent him to MB because of tranny issues. In my business, a crossover is an integral part of pro audio speaker arrays!
Thanks for any input!
Barrelhouse
P.S. I live in an extremely low crime area. . .Pricey security seems superfluous. Also,90 miles from the nearest dealer!

The 2001 is the first year of the 'new' design. Not only was the 5 speed auto a problem, it was the first year for a lot of the computers. If you could find a 2003-4 V70, you would be much better off. I imagine about 25% of the 2001 V70's run without any problems, and this may be due to a proactive dealership downloading the proper software, or, the driver didn't do much stop and go driving.

A few musicians are rich and famous, most are like everyone else - poor and happy. Don't worry about dealer access, most of the parts are easy to get online and the Volvo scanners have become almost reasonable (under $200). The maintenance requires only that the mechanic be good, not a Volvo 'expert'.

Sorry to hear about your 945, that must not have been much fun. Most unusual.

I also like the MB station wagon, but $200 for an oil change is a bit much!! My brother has a Toyota Sienna with over 200K miles and all he ever does is change the oil.
--
Keeping it running is better than buying new

Totally concur with Klaus's comments.... go 2003 or newer.
Why buy known problem/transition years. The cost difference is minimal
between say a 2001 and 2004.

I have a 2004 with 180K miles and am waiting for it to die so I can go to
something like a 2013 XC60.

A friend has the identical 2004 V70 to mine and laughs because he knows I want to replace mine ASAP, for the improved safety features...... his just past 261K miles and is going strong.

We have owned 240, 740, 940, 850, 2003 XC, All reliable cars that were driven to high milage, but.... I real, really want some of the new safety features like,
blind spot, etc.
Good luck with your hunt.

This falls into line with most of the reports about this model I have read. I will have my guy see what is out there at a reasonable price. Being self employed is more feast or famine than anytime in my experience. Hence, all of the hats I wear. Piano technology (dealer rep) and commercial A/V have been an anchor. While I played clubs (back when there were clubs) In the 80's made a strong living wage just doing that but entertainment is a fickle business. It is the self employed part that keeps us cautious. .Driving world class cars with experience just seems practical. I didn't spend $1,000 of the 940 in the ten + years that I had it. . If we don't count the $850. that the deer cost. Might as well have been a moose.
My previous three Saabs and siblings steered me to Volvo fifteen years ago, ,a hackneyed old tale I'm sure. The Swedes are likely second only to the Germans in the car building business. The first of the Saabs was a new 99 in 1980.
Thanks for your input!
Barrelhouse

This reminds me off talking with my Neighbor about 68 versus 69 140's
He was glad he bought in 68 because there we're too many untested
changes to the 69 model year.
these included
A cooling fan with a clutch
Stromberg Carbs
and the bigger 2 liter engine.
Ha Ha
somethings never change

The new computer components in the 2001 surely couldn't be all that different from those in earlier model years but that is what I keep reading. The transmission issues are a different matter. I read that city (stop and go) driving may play a part in those reports. No one wants to buy into trouble. They also tell me that the scarcity of dealer service isn't all that critical and Lord knows it had no bearing on my 940 ownership but it didn't have a key that required NASA intervention and $265.00.
I understand that these keys can be created by third party locksmiths etc at a literal fraction of the cost a dealer is demanding. That might be a reasonable solution. If anyone in Brickland knows the ins and outs of this issue, I would appreciate a heads up. Is it fact that all Volvo models after +/- 2000 have these digital intervention. Also that most cars use this same technology in one way or the other?
Thanks guys and Happy Holidays!
Barrelhouse

"Is it fact that all Volvo models after +/- 2000 have these digital intervention. Also that most cars use this same technology in one way or the other?"

Yes, however the amount of technology and type used will vary from brand to brand and model to model. It began in MY year 2001 with Volvos. The 2000 and earlier models are much simpler.

In Sweden (the Volvo homeland, winter roads with salt etc) the V70 was until the model change in '16 the most sold car and Volvo.
I learnt to drive in PV Duett and was responsible for maintaining it. Have after dabbling away with Fiat, BMW etc stuck with Volvo. 244 GLE, 245 GLT, 745 GLT 16valve, 945 Turbo plus (wow!), a 2004 V70 d5 diesel turbo (currently at 320 k km, approx 200 k mi). Wife has '11 V70 FT (wow! 231hp) FT in this case means a ethanol/gasoline enabled turbo.

My experience is that the comfort and drive has improved all through the years. For comfort, I would not go back to the 900 or 850 series. Wife had a 1999 V70 GLT 170 hp, was a big step in comfort and driveability. Only problem was electronic throttle, expensive offer, got one with yellow label from second hand, problem solved.

I would say a 2004 or later V70 with good tires and appropriately adjusted wheel angle settings is a real good buy, IMHO.

Then we come to the necessary bit. No car can be driven without maintenance. You need to take out the brake pads every 2-3 years if you live in places where salt and sand is used in winter. Clean out calipers + put in new pads. You must replace timing belts at least within 150% of the specs. You need to replace water pump in the red blocks when it gets noisy, you can learn how to from youtube or from someone whosdunnit. Easy once you know. Calipers is easy even in the V70s,just see to that you have a 7mm hex before you start.

Because these cars last 2-3 times longer than others we get the feeling that there is more service/repairs needed, but in fact it is the other way around, it is just a time impression effect.

The 940's are really the apex of the volvo line.
red block simplicity
design roots that go back to the early models.
safe and simple steel cars
I wonder if there are any low mileage one's left