What to look out for in an used Volvo V70 T5?| Grassroots Motorsports forum |

db New Reader
6/22/15 10:38 p.m.

Time to start looking for a replacement wagon.

Currently have a 2000 Passat with 280,000 on it and it's at the point of needing a bunch of random stuff again and I'm just ready for something else.

Came across a 2001 Volvo V70 T5. Ad say runs and drives good but needs shocks/struts. Has 143,xxx on it.

Any info would be helpful.

Thanks.

SlickDizzy PowerDork
6/22/15 10:46 p.m.

That's the first year of the P2 cars. They tend to have problems with the electronic throttle system, and the auto trans if fluid changes haven't been done frequently. The early cars seem to see a lot of the gauge clusters go bad too. And make sure it's had the timing belt done! But overall they are pretty reliable and easy to work on, relative to a Passat anyway. If you really want one of these, you should shop for a newer one as the first year has some unique parts and issues, IIRC.

dean1484 MegaDork
6/22/15 11:28 p.m.

If I remember those have an electrical system that can be a serious PITA

db New Reader
6/23/15 6:36 a.m.

I'm not really in search of one, just came across it.

I would really prefer a b5.5 Passat or Audi A6 wagon w/ v6. But in this price range $5000ish I haven't found much recently local.

I've been told the auto trams in the vw/Audi could be issues also if trany maintenance was done, which I'm sure most owner didn't do.

jv8 New Reader
6/24/15 4:58 a.m.

In reply to db:

Wait - you have a VW with 280K mi? According to the internets that is impossible (or at least a PITA to maintain). How was it really?

Woody MegaDork
6/24/15 7:32 a.m.

http://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-850-16/buyers-guide-looking-buy-volvo-850-s70-look-thread-13678/

I did a bunch of research on these things this winter, but ended up buying a Miata because it was a screaming deal. It was hard to sort through all the Volvo info, but I think I decided that the 850R was the sweet spot, if you can find one.

Woody MegaDork
6/24/15 7:35 a.m.

800 Series info:

http://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread.php?14333

98-00 info:

http://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread.php?7170-98-00-Model-Specifications

http://forums.swedespeed.com/forumdisplay.php?9-S70-V70-amp-V70XC-%281998-2000%29

AaronBalto Reader
6/24/15 7:44 a.m.

My experience is that the Check Engine Light is wired directly to a sensor in the Driver's Seat. As soon as you get in, the light comes on.