Just recently, in answer to a Member's inquiry as to the cost to purchase a replacement for his 240, one of our group made the observation that the best prices for inexpensive older Volvo cars can be found in the V70 and S70 lines. I had just recently noticed, too, in my perusal of the local Craigslist, that some very nice,clean,'low' mileage examples of these V and S cars can be had for literally give-away prices. Personally, I think they're pretty handsome cars, even if they're 12-15 years old. But, the question remains: What's wrong with them, especially since the ads invariably say 'good runner' and 'no rust'?

B

well I tried to get on the volvoforums board but they use a weird verification scheme - why not just use the captcha repeat the letters scheme? so it won't unlock.

I am, currently looking for an 850 or early v70 - and I'm in Indianapolis. My understanding is galvanized body and special brake lines mean no rust, although hoses can fail. There is a link on the Matthews volvo site talking about a place in chicago w/ABS exchange and DIY video - whole shebang $80? vs megabucks at dealer - video makes it look easy.Lots of little problems. IPD have a $30? kit that may repair a supposedly dying AT which is about the same one reliably used in some Toyotas. An e-bay vendor now called volvone? (formerly Swedish lights and lenses for less?) seems to have an interesting assortment of parts, often made in Estonia. Big problem is most wagons seem to have well over 200k to start with, BEFORE you start driving it, and I think that is high mileage to start with. A 125k vehicle is a real "low mileage" one. Still looking, just missed one on turbobricks in Florida, figured shipping was too high but CLASSIC MOTORSPORTS just mentioned a north Florida to Chicago for $450 open trailer.Too late - car sold.

Here is a thread I've previously posted that contains quite a bit of hard-to-find info on the FWD cars:


http://volvoforums.com/forum/2001-2013-model-year-v70-55/what-expect-v70-fwd-awd-after-100k-miles-68027/#post340023

Good luck.
--
'94 940, 40 linear feet of vintage jazz, r'&'b, funk and soul

I've had about 30 RWD Volvos, and 3 FWD Volvos. Here's what I've learned about the cheap first generation S/V series cars that are currently widely available:

Don't even consider the '99-2000 editions; look only for a '98. 99-2000 have bad transmissions, bad (electronic) throttles, plus '99 is the first year for coil packs instead of a distributor, and the first year for variable valve cam timing.

At this point I'd guess that a majority of the cars that started out as AWD have been converted to FWD. That driveshaft is a very expensive part and very few last more than 150k.

They like burning exhaust valves somewhere between 200-225k. These motors really need to run on premium non-ethanol fuel, and they need to see occasional high revolutions. One that's been run on regular and driven so it never sees above 3000 RPMs will blow an exhaust valve by 150k. Carbon build up is no good in these motors. If you get a great deal on one that's got 210k on it, budget on a head rebuild at some point soon, or seafoam it and hope for the best.

ABS/TRACS computer is another nearly universal failure. The dealer price for a new one is insanely expensive, but you can fix them yourself for free if you're comfortable using a soldering iron.

Those are the downsides. The biggest upside IMO is that they are incredibly comfortable on the highway--much much much more so than any 240 ever built. More comfortable seats, quieter, easier to drive, better at high speeds, etc. They absolutely eat miles out on the open road. Oh, and yes, they don't rust.

Imho the perfect compromise is a 940. Superb hwy cruiser but with 240 mechanicals not to mention way better comfort and handling.
--
1974 144GL, 1996 940 GL LPT

Thanks, Blue! That's the kind of real-world, informed answer I was hoping for. I appreciate your insight. Unfortunately, it looks like these cars have neatly eschewed the original Volvo philosophy by becoming just another delicate and expensive-to-maintain European car. Pity.

B

There's actually a very long dialogue on the merits/disadvantages of the V70 XC, as discussed sometime around late October on the Turbobricks board, but I can't seem to find it. This discussion below, however, was interesting and reiterates previous points posted here.

Link: http://forums.turbobricks.com/showthread.php?t=287896&highlight=XC+opinions

I have had a 2001 V70 and now have a 09 V70. The 01 was sweeter, the 09 is a luxo pig. They do go over the road and are comfortable, and close to 30 mpg at sub-sonic speeds. Two coworkers and a brother-in-law have older V70s. Two oil burners and one money pit. A nephew has a $800 850. He has spent over another K making it useful. The older cars with autoboxes run in the low 20s for gas mileage.
--
09 V70, 06 Camry, 03 Mini

Hi B,


FYI. Try asking next door; AWD forum.


http://www.ipdusa.com/blogs/105/top-10-most-common-problems-with-1993-2000-850-c70-s70-and-v70-models

There might be nothing wrong with them other than being front wheel drive.
I understand that many have bad air conditioning systems. But if it hasn't broke by now, it's either good or has been fixed.
Besides that, you might have to invest in a code reader to clear any engine codes that pop up.
The timing belts are critical with the interference head, but after doing the timing belt on a 2001 Honda CRV recently, I'm sure a V70 or S70 timing belt would be just as easy.
It is likely that I'll have a 1998 V70 wagon one day.
Klaus on this website is a good guy to ask about them.

13

240: Simple, robust, RWD.

S/V70: Complex, FWD or AWD. Certain repairs are big bucks and super-involved. Even relatively simple stuff like timing belt, water pump, crankcase breather, etc. is more complex and $$ than a 240. Rear main seal replacement, for example, requires removal of engine from car. AWD are prone to $$ repairs. Even fixing a broken power seat is a PITA and $$ if you can't DIY. Timing belt is critical as the engine goes bye-bye if it breaks. Also, electric gremlins are common.

As I've been poking around for a back-up 855 (745/945's are very hard to find these days and 245's are generally all beaten on), the examples listed below are pretty much the stereotypes that I see out there on a consistent basis. Note these are examples of V70's, not 850's. All are post-Ford takeover.

In this first one, it appears the original owner got out at the right time (257K). That, and the fact he/she appears to have beaten on it near the end of his/her ownership.

Link #1: http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/cto/4314614466.html


On this one, one of the cylinders has gone back - mileage is young.
Link #2: http://worcester.craigslist.org/cto/4288616467.html


This 2000's engine went bad early.
Link #3: http://providence.craigslist.org/cto/4285459775.html


This is one is typical from what I see and read about the XC version. Body looks fine.
Link #4: http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/pts/4317225568.html


Another young one with a replacement engine and the body in seemingly fine condition.
Link #5: http://worcester.craigslist.org/cto/4290253377.html