Hey People,

I find by reading through the board and other online resources, that the XC had a weak AWD system in the first few yrs of production.

Is 2002 a new enough model to be considered a proper AWD vehicle or does it have the modified 2wd converted to AWD drivetrain that is considered to be too weak for longevity.

The car I am going to look at tomarrow,sunday, is a 2002 v70 2.5 non tirbo with 92k for $8.5k from a indepandant dealer who is a out of the house dealer, not a brick and morter dealer. This guy bought it from an auction 3 mos ago and has been driving it. Before purchase I would have a indepandant mechanic look at it 1st or no deal. Our local Volvo dealer, Alan Buyer is a bit of a monoploy for the local area so far as a proper Volvo dealer is concerned and they are a bit blase' or conceited when you call them, I am considering taking it to a indepandant guy instead. Unless a true Volvo dealer is a better choice.

What should Ilook for? Is there a visable way to tell if a timing belt has been replaced or water pump?

I have been a chevy truck gu, but with a amoyed that likes to go hiking in the Adirondaks and a having a kayak also I need something that can tote them both around with camping gera to boot.

This looks like a decent deal, unless I misread the KBB and NADA info. But when is a deal not a deal? when the thing needs work after ya buy it and it throws a monkey wrench into the finacial equation - so I am trying to mitagate risk by being as informed as possible.

thx, any input or direction on where to go to read up on these model yr xcv70 2.5 inline 5 non-turbo awd would be appreciated.

Thx people!!!