Are V70 AWDs that bad?
Discussion
I'm starting to look for a 4x4 shed for the missus for the winter. Top of the list is an n/a Impreza wagon. There seems to be quite a few about for cheap and they are tough enough, easy to work on, get parts etc.
I keep seeing 4x4 Volvo V70s around the same price which look tidy and don't have that Impreza image, I think they look a good bit classier.
I did a bit of digging about and have heard a lot of horror stories about the Volvos chocolate transmission and driveshafts also steering rack and engine management problems. Anything I will be looking at will be knocking onto 100k.
My heads says Impreza but I keep looking at Volvos.
Any thoughts?
I keep seeing 4x4 Volvo V70s around the same price which look tidy and don't have that Impreza image, I think they look a good bit classier.
I did a bit of digging about and have heard a lot of horror stories about the Volvos chocolate transmission and driveshafts also steering rack and engine management problems. Anything I will be looking at will be knocking onto 100k.
My heads says Impreza but I keep looking at Volvos.
Any thoughts?
I've owned one since new Jan 2006. Now done 90K with only an ETM replaced in that time. The most reliable and best car I have ever owned. Not at all sporty (D5 185) but truly capable when the going gets tough. Very comfy, high quality, 40mpg and tows superbly. Slightly worried now that the mileage is creeping up that expensive costs not far away. Very difficult to know what to replace it with.
They're not that bad, but all the usual rules apply when buying.
There are some "know" issues with the AWD system (spline gear) which has now been rectified but its pretty much hit and miss as to whether the cars suffers, which could render the Haldex system usless and you end up with a 2wd car.
Other issues are:
1. Gearbox - depending on age and mileage, these can fail. Even though they are sealed for life, every DIY'er can do a simple fluid change and flush - google "Gibbon's method and V70" and you will get a good explination of how to do. Is super easy and will help keep the box going much longer.
2. ETM / MAF - The throttle module can fail - again a know issue and may have already been fixed. Look at the colour of the sticker on the ETM - can't remember which way around but yellow (or white??) indicates a replacement. The MAF's go and give similar symptoms, same with the o2 sensors.
3. Get the codes read - I have a code reader you can borrow - takes 30 seconds and will throw up any issues / faults stored in the computer.
The boys on volvoforums.org.uk are a great source of info.
Any questions do shout!
There are some "know" issues with the AWD system (spline gear) which has now been rectified but its pretty much hit and miss as to whether the cars suffers, which could render the Haldex system usless and you end up with a 2wd car.
Other issues are:
1. Gearbox - depending on age and mileage, these can fail. Even though they are sealed for life, every DIY'er can do a simple fluid change and flush - google "Gibbon's method and V70" and you will get a good explination of how to do. Is super easy and will help keep the box going much longer.
2. ETM / MAF - The throttle module can fail - again a know issue and may have already been fixed. Look at the colour of the sticker on the ETM - can't remember which way around but yellow (or white??) indicates a replacement. The MAF's go and give similar symptoms, same with the o2 sensors.
3. Get the codes read - I have a code reader you can borrow - takes 30 seconds and will throw up any issues / faults stored in the computer.
The boys on volvoforums.org.uk are a great source of info.
Any questions do shout!
Yes. I have a 1999 flavour V70R AWD Auto. Nice looking thing, rare etc, but...
Transfer boxes go at around 100k miles, nothing you can do. £1000+ to repair. I took out the propshaft and run it 2wd.
Has had the ETF (electronic throttle) replaced (by previous owner). Now needs some other sort of sensor. To be honest, the electrics on the late 90's ones are pretty suspect.
Mine's run as a shed (despite being the R version!), so I don't really care - but if you want a 4x4, buy an Audi or a Subaru. Contemporary Audis and (if you can go 2wd) BMWs are far superior - especially in terms of interior quality.
Transfer boxes go at around 100k miles, nothing you can do. £1000+ to repair. I took out the propshaft and run it 2wd.
Has had the ETF (electronic throttle) replaced (by previous owner). Now needs some other sort of sensor. To be honest, the electrics on the late 90's ones are pretty suspect.
Mine's run as a shed (despite being the R version!), so I don't really care - but if you want a 4x4, buy an Audi or a Subaru. Contemporary Audis and (if you can go 2wd) BMWs are far superior - especially in terms of interior quality.
Edited by Harry Flashman on Friday 12th August 12:06
I bought a 51 plate XC70 Cross Country to use over last winter.
Have no intention of getting rid, it will be good for a few more winters yet, it has a big estate section and its comfy comfy comfy
Only slight downside is that its a petrol (29mpg) rather than the diesel - but the buy in price on a diesel was unjustifiably more than for this one.
Have no intention of getting rid, it will be good for a few more winters yet, it has a big estate section and its comfy comfy comfy
Only slight downside is that its a petrol (29mpg) rather than the diesel - but the buy in price on a diesel was unjustifiably more than for this one.
Coincidentally been looking at these too Richie for the same reasons. I think any motor in the budget will have inherent problems, it is luck of the draw. My last shed (Merc Coupe) cost me nothing to run in repairs or servicing and after a year sold it for a profit last weekend, but as we all know it doesn't always end like this.
Now after a pokey cheap estate and the volvo's stand out as being the cheapest spec car for the money.
Let us know what you get!
Now after a pokey cheap estate and the volvo's stand out as being the cheapest spec car for the money.
Let us know what you get!
Legacy Outback or Forester would make a better bet. The standard Impreza and Legacy have too little ground clearance for the heavier snow or rougher terrain. Biggest problem my wife had was getting the Tourer beached. Also worth noting that, whilst the Scooby system is one of the few truly permanent AWD drivetrains, there is no locking centre diff or LSDs at either end unless you get an STi! The newer STIs have an electronic centre diff lock as part of the DCCD control and it worked wonders last year.
As for the Volvos, we looked at both the XC60 and XC90 and the reliability reports were shocking. The XC90, especially, which I believe uses the same running gear as the 70?
http://www.reliabilityindex.com/reliability/search...
As for the Volvos, we looked at both the XC60 and XC90 and the reliability reports were shocking. The XC90, especially, which I believe uses the same running gear as the 70?
http://www.reliabilityindex.com/reliability/search...
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