Hi All,
I am looking to go the distance with the 99 xc-70 I bought at 95k mi. So far I have replaced a couple bushings, strut plate, ABS, both o2 sensors, timing belt, front rotors, wheel sensor, alternator, and I think I may be needing shocks. I am afraid this is just the beginning. What other common items big and small might I expect to replace? I bought the car because it is a great car and Volvos supposedly run forever, realistically, I am thinking 250 - 300,000k mi. I only drive about 15k mi. a year. What are peoples thoughts on this? Am I kidding myself here or is the expression "Volvo for Life" for real?

Good luck, Meg. I bought a 98 XC April 06 at 90K miles and have subsequently put an additional 40K on it. As I bought on the internet I purchased a 30K warranty, and this covered an A/C compressor (which the warranty co. provided) and had Victor redo the ABS module ($140.), which I understand is not unusual.

I had trouble this spring again with the A/C compressor, just past the warranty (I put on about 30K miles a year over the road), so I've just replaced it with a unit I found on the net; also the evaporator and the heating core (to correct a leak). My usual Volvo mechanic in Brooklyn, NY went out of business, so I have been breaking in a mechanic in Northeast PA (the other end of my weekly commute).

Chasing down the A/C problems has taken time but it is finally working properly, with the exception that the car has always overheated in NYC traffic and of course that causes the A/C to cut out.

This is my fourth Volvo (a 164 and two 740's bought new -- each run to about 240K) and my first XC (anticipating winter driving). Am I missing something on the overheating in traffic? CAK

I have a 98 XC with over 220K. I bought it almost 6 yrs ago with 100. In the 120+ I've driven it it's been an excellent car. I've pulled a 1500 pound trailer on many long trips and have never changed the trans or bevel gear fluid. Other than wear/maint items I've only replaced the starter, the barometric sensor and the turbo oil return seal. My abs is starting to occasionally light up so I need to have the module repaired. My XC has been dependable and affordable. I'd buy another.

Okay, have to disagree that these things are a maintainence hog. I have a 1999 S70 AWD (Same car) with 185K on it. I beat the crap out of it every day and in the summer this car sees more logging roads (Albeit improved logging roads) in Maine than it does pavement. I have done the following:

Normal maintainence, timing belt, serpentine belt, brake pads, rotors, just replaced the shocks at 175K, tires etc. THings that I replaced that were not were items where: Evap unit for AC (at 120K) and the ECM unit but that was covered under warrarty. Still same engine, same transmission, same alternator, water pump etc. I would say that is pretty darn good, and as I said this car is not babied.

Scott S.

Well look, welcome to the forum and everything.

The V70 XC is far from reliable. Will it last, sure, if you take care of it. The motor will last so long as you keep up on oil changes and timing belt. You're good there.

Make sure your auto transmission has clean fluid (ATF). It needs to be changed every 60,000 or so. If it's never been changed, you might want to do that now. I changed mine at 100k (2001 model, 5 speed automatic) and it got dirty again fast. My transmission won't be lasting 200,000 miles, probably. Anyway, clean ATF is really important.

Next, about the AWD system. It will eventually break. Keep 4 identical tires on the car and rotate them periodically, such that all 4 are about neutral. You don't want them getting more than 7,500 mi out of whack at any time, or the AWD system will melt. When the AWD system does melt, it can be disconnected and your XC will be 2WD. Or you could fix it for >$3,000, but as a used Volvo buyer that won't be worthwhile for you. Only new car buyers would pay that kind of premium.

The other common thing on your car is the AC compressor. It will go bad sometime.

If you need shocks, why not go ahead and find some online. It's always good to have shocks.

Again, welcome to the forum and good luck. It is possible to keep these XC Volvos on the road, but having some good sense (as you do) will help a lot. With a good clean transmission, your car will last a long time, but it won't be extremely reliable.

Hey i think you need to relax and let the problems come as they come. I dont think they really will. I mean post-ford volvos are a little different than the pre-ford ones, and things are supposedly not built as well, but you'll be able to press over 150K no problem. dont spend money in places that don't need it, save it and spend it where you need to

Slow down... you may be over maintaining it. Why should your shocks be going? Those original shocks should last for 140K - 180K miles, unless you are hauling payloads of sand everywhere :) New front struts can be purchased rather cheaply on line
Alternator? At 100K? They normally last 180-200K and/or need new brushes. O2 sensors? Already?
It is time to find a new mechanic that doesn't vacation in Bermuda. You may need a new vacuum line or elbow here or there, or buy better grades of gasoline, but not new sensors.
I hope you sent the ABS controller to Vic to get it fix correctly.

You will need to flush the bevel gear oil sooner than later.

You are expecting to keep this car for 20 years????

Klaus
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The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are 2 turbos :)