Is the V70 spoiler just cosmetic, or does it actually a) keep dirt from swirling down onto the rear window (which was a big problem with my 1990 745T) or b) make the car more aerodynamic and/or stable at speed?

Just bought one on E-Bay for a good price. Seller was right next door to me, saving on shipping on top of that.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2449252568

The rear windows gets filty in seconds on winter road so far. Its silver and need to get it painted before I can tell you if it does make a difference or not.
I bought it strickly for cosmetic, I do not think it would help at all in keeping the windows clean.

JF
T5 2001 V70, but I kinda miss my 940ti

despite all the extranneous bllsht that one might hear to the contrary,i believe that #1,the spoiler on a v70 has just about the same effect on keeping the rear window clean as it does on an s70.(NONE!) #2, they do look fairly cool, however,that having been said,if you need to convince yourself (or others) that they serve a function ,other than appearance ,in order to have one ...so be it.

Heydo,
just got a 01 v70. Previously had a toyota rav4 with a functional inpressive rear wind spoiler that definitely kept the back window clean compared to my V70 without.
I had an 850 and I am now remembering how dirty the window always was. Get a toyota like one that lets the air push down toward the window.It actually is more parallel to the window causing that downdraft. I must admit the toyota engineering is much simpler and functional. Let me know what you do. carlson_rich_wendy@hotmail.com
taksimikar Rich

I have the 2000 V70 with spoiler, but I think the wing design is similar with that of your '03. This is my first year of owning the car.

I may be in denial thinking the V70 spoiler's job is to create a downdraft, thus minimizing the buildup of dirt and roadspray back there, but as the car makes it through our first winter together, I'm experiencing a lot of dirt on the backside of the car. I'm now thinking the spoiler is purely cosmetic, not providing much downdraft at all.

I also have a Grand Cherokee with a wind deflector on the back. The design of that thing with a more prominent downcurve seems to do a really good job at minimizing the dirt buildup. After a few days in the rain, you can actually see the pattern of where the downdraft is actually pulling water down the glass.

Bottom line, in my opinion, it's cosmetic on the V70. I'll admit it. Everyone who orders it for the V70 does so because it looks cool. It has no actual function.
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-Fred, black '00 V70R

I've heard it does a good job at keeping dirt off the rear window. Aside from that, I know that it does increase drag by a very small amout.

Pete

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If you can't afford to take your car to the dealer for trouble shooting, then sell it. Don't cry when the local shops can't deal with the technology anymore and you're tired of guessing at what parts to throw at it. Don't mind me, I'm frustrated.

too much of a realist!!!!! Yes I agree with you 100%!!! These are not cars for the faint of heart or the oil change mechanic!