Hello all, new member here. I've been a long time Volvo fan, 144, 242, and now an 850, but just recently found this site.

Here's my question I hope you can assist with.

My current 97 850 NA w/166k is getting a little long in the tooth. Struts & shocks are toast, time for new front brakes, will need new tires before winter, AC evap leaks, rear main seal leaks a little. Rear main is not bad yet, AC evap I just have to recharge a couple times a summer. I could do the wrenching for the other stuff, could possibly tackle the evap if I was real motivated, anyhow, looking at $1-2G in repairs to get her tip top. So really debating if I want to spend the money on a 11year old car. I like the car, can't say I love it.

Recently saw a real sharp 2004 V70 2.5T, mileage is a little high for an 04, 95k, but that doesn't scare me, typically that means hiway miles. Car is very clean, drives excellant. After poking through the forums here it's seems the 2001's 2Gen V70's have a pretty bad rap sheet and the Geartronic tranny's also seem to get a lot of bad write-ups.

Are they really that bad? Did things improve at all by 2004? I have no problem doing most maintenance and can change the tranny fluid without issue. Also are things significantly more complex than my 850 such that I'll be stuck going to the stealership?

Generally speaking I thought the 2G V70's were fairly decent cars, just looking for some input from actual owners before I take the plunge.

Thanks

Hi dpvovo,

I have a 2004 V70 2.5T and LOVE it! :banana:
So, I am not unbiased...
I've had mine for a couple years now, but it has low mileage (35,xxx), so I am not sure I am the best person to compare cars with...

That said, I am participating in some reliability research here:
http://www.truedelta.com/index.php

I found him through a link posted on the swedespeed forums as seen here:
http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=72406
The link to his most current data findings can also be found on page two of the above swedespeed link.

As far as I know (and as far as I've seen in the reliability study findings), the 2001 V70s have the most issues, whereas the 2004's seem about average.

As far as the 97 850 versus the P2 V70, the V70 has a LOT more computer components than the 850 and may require additional/specialized equipment to read the codes, etc. (my V70 is still under warranty so it has regular check-ups at the local dealership).

If you are looking to do more of the maintenance yourself, you may want to consider a 1998 V70 (the 1999 and 2000 have more computers than the 1998 and also have some ETM issues).
For the record, I should probably also state that my mom has a 1998 S70 and loves it, so, again, I'm biased (her car has its check-ups at a local indy shop)...

Whatever you choose, you can't go wrong with a Volvo!
I already mentioned my bias, right? :P

Good luck,
volvie!