Anybody drive a Volvo V70?

[jorian]

I'm looking to replace my Volvo 850 Wagon. It's nearly 10 years old and is getting to the point where I think it might get costly to keep. Coming up on 300,000 kilometers.

I am considering it's replacement the 2001 V70 T5. Volvo is now owned by Ford and this was the first year of this (the current) body style. They can be had for less than 18K and a perfect fit for my family. Wife loves the 850.

[speeder]

I had a 1999 V-70R, (AWD sport version). I realise that this does not answer the *Ford* question but I'll tell you that other than being heavy, (~4k pounds), and thirsty in town, it was an unbelievably great car. Fast, nimble for its mass, and felt better at triple-digit speeds than anything I've ever driven. Felt like you could drive it into a cement wall and walk w/o a scratch.

It was a confidence inspiring vehicle. Oddly enough, I prefer many of the styling differences of the earlier (850) cars. Check ebay for bargains on lower mileage 850 wagons.

[stevepaa]

My '93 850 was not a good car. My 92 740 was incredible. We bought a 2004 V70 wagon to replace the 740. The problems with the early 850's have been fixed. No real issues since 2001.

[jorian]

stevepaa,

So how do you like the 04' V70? Is it any different from the 01'?

[Vipergrün]

The folks had a 1999 (I think) V70 and just bought a new 2005 turbo. They drove the heck out of the older car and never had an issue with it. The 05 is a really comfortable ride, I drove it to the store and back.

[Raging InfeRno]

Top cars. My brother has one, very reliable, bulletproof, and kinda fun to drive for a wagon.

[MMARSH]

We have a 95 850 turbo wagon (mine) and a 01 V70T5 (the wifes). Prior to my 850 I had an old 240 wagon that had about 285,000 miles on it when I sold it. My 850 has been great, no issues and I drive it pretty hard. Full IPD suspension, 3" downpipe, chip and it's converted to a Five speed manual.

My wifes V70 on the other hand has really been a disappointment. The original plan was to replace it next year with a V70R but not anymore. The transmission had to be replaced at 47K, Now at 65K the tranny service light is on again. The ABS control module needs to be replaced, and it's gone thru a couple of oxygen sensors, The sunroof doesn't work anymore. Light bulbs that always go out, bunch of little things. If it needs another new tranny, You can have the car for free.

The car has great power and nice features. I really want to like it because I like Volvos in general, and really had big plans for a V70R. The 2001 V70 was the first year for the redesign so maybe a 03 or 04 will be better sorted out. but honestly, I just don't have confidence in the newer Volvos anymore.

[steve911]

Jorian--
I've got an '04 V70 T5 that I really, really like. It replaced a '96 850 GLT Wagon. The 850 was OK, but ate brakes. Must have replaced the brakes 3-4 times in less than 100,000 miles and I'm not that hard on the brakes generally.

The T5 is a blast. Fast, handles great and overall feels much more solid than the 850 ever did. I've had virtually no issues with it in almost 2 years of ownership. Did I mention that its fast and fun?

[jorian]

Steve,

My 850 is a T5 and is, like yours, v fast and fun. Just getting a little long in the tooth. How many miles on the T5 so far?

[steve911]

Coming up on 30,000 miles just shy of 2 years ownership. Would buy it again (though I might be tempted to replace it with a V-8 Tourag at some point...)

[MMARSH]

My 850 has about 150K on it now.