Hey all, I've seen a nice looking 2000 xc70 for sale on my way to work. I have yet to stop in to have a look, but am feeling the urge!!! I'm currently in an 87 240 and needless to say the xc70 is a bit different to say the least.

I'm wondering if some of you could give me a bit of a review, what to look for, $$$ value etc. on this car. It sure does look nice. I think it has around 96,000 kms. and asking around 16K CDN

Many thanks,
Max

Hi Max,
Bought mine with 51K on it in 2004, 111K now - have been really wanting to LOVE this car. Had a 940 wagon and a 144 before that. The issue is maintenance - this car sucks my wallet pretty hard - in no certain order - 2 sets of rotors, calipers, shoes (1 set I would understand), three sets of tires due to the visco-couplers and their requirement for even tread depth all the way around, three sets of motor mounts, two new front struts, fuel computer brain, alignment, new drive shaft due to bearings wearing out, two new front wheel bearings, and the usual timing belts / normal maintenance. Should I complain? Bought it for 12K from the original dealer whose client took biblically good care of it.

Summary - with snows it's unstoppable in the winter, with proper regular service intervals it's a lovely road car - but DO NOT expect this to be your car to buy used and not have to sink money into it - on a regular basis. Mine eats me in 1K increments. I'm starting to think the only way to own a euro car is new. Do I still love the car - yes, despite the stupidly high cost per mile.

BTW - got t-boned hard in the 940 wagon right next to my left shoulder - I walked away from it, but it totaled the car. Up until then I was thinking I'd switch - I suppose I'll always own a Volvo. Drove the new C30 - WOW - a really fun ride! (After the 3 dogs go)

Just know what you're getting into.

My best - JB

As a good exercise I dug out my repair tickets and added them up:

Since 05 I've spent $10,341.00 in repairs and maintenance.
Probably shouldn't have done it - now I'm just pissed at the car.

Is Volvo coasting on a reputaion for dependability and value from years past? My experience says yes.

BTW - no engine work, no transmission work, no visco-coupler issues. Car never towed anything, was never hit, and has followed Volvo's schedules to the letter. I sure hope other folks have had better luck than I have.

JB

This is my first day on this site, and my first reply, and...I can only say, think twice. Read the various sites, something I have done for every Mazda and Toyota I ever bought used, but failed to do for the Volvo. Hey, I thought: it IS a Volvo, right?
I echo a previous post: Volvo today is coasting on the reliability rep of Volvo circa 1980, in the same was some Benz diesels of the 70s-80s are still legends, drooled over by the owners of 6-yr old MB's out of warranty and sucking wallets dry.

I drive a '99 v70xc, and I have to say, I would never buy this car.
It's had a myriad of maintenance issues, and the car doesn't even drive well.

It is durn heavy, which means it eats gas, drives poorly, and wears tires and brakes fast.

I used to drive a 94 850, and in my opinion, that car drove much better than the newer 99 v70xc, though the newer car was maintained religiously and professionally, and I was the one who did the work on the 850.

I'd never recommend this car. It looks cool, it's got tons of space, the leather is nice, but I don't like how it drives, I don't like how it feels, I don't like the reliability or fuel efficiency.

DON"T buy this car. I have it and it has been ENDLESS headache and THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS to keep on the road.