Hi Gang,

I'm a total Volvo noob. There, I said it. :)

I hope these types of posts aren't too annoying. I'm an active member on a sailing forum and can understand that noobs can be a little annoying at times. I'll try to make this as efficient as possible.

We are looking at a new wagon as the family is about to have it's first addition. :beer: I am looking at a V70 in the 2002 range and am hoping for some real life advice from actual owners.

Here's what I know:

I've always appreciated Volvo's from afar. Clicking around a while ago, I noticed that Consumer Reports gives good ratings to V70's from 2002 on. I'd really like to get a 2001 or later V70 for $9K - $11K with decently low miles ~80K. I would also like to get decent gas mileage, but I live in ME and have to drive in ice and snow

Here's what I've been told:

I've visited a few local Volvo garages and talked to guys there. They tell me:
- many parts are now made by third parties (brake pads, etc.)
- They have also told me that 2001 models had computer issues and 2002 models did not.
- the 2.4 gets far better mpg than the 2.4T
- the ride is no different between an XC and a "regular" V70

Here's what I'm hoping to learn (and hopefully more!!):

- How reliable do owners fell their V70's are? XC or otherwise
- Are 2001's less reliable than 2002's?
- What kind of mpg are people ACTUALLY getting?
- Are there chronic problems that affect this model year I should be aware of in my shopping? Any way to detect said problem(s)?
- How do the FWD models do in snow? Does the XC pretty well dominate the snow?
- How many third party parts are available? On a scale of 1 (Ford) to 10 (Ferrari), how much are parts/maintenance?
- How well do Volvo's generally hold up to rust?

Thanks a bundle for any help you all can give a guy trying to be an educated consumer in the age of the internet!!

Cheers,
LB

well, as for the differnce between the 2.4 and 2.4T, the T denotes turbo. so obviously it will impact on fuel economy if you play speed racer and keep the boost in the upper ranges all the time. as for ride quality, as far as i know, the xc rides higher because it is the "so called off roader" and the v being a station wagon. check out kellys blue book or edmunds for the quality questions. also, if you have alot of snow, go for the xc being that it rides a little taller, but again, it will take a hit in fuel economy come warmer weather. now the question of third parties manufacturing items, volvo is owned by ford, so that also answers that question. ford is known for that, but so is every other manufacturer out there. even ferrari and lambo. good luck and just research.