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volvo for hot climate--do the xc's have AC & RMS problems like the 850s?

posted by  Paul_McBride on  Tue May 13 05:51 CST 2008
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last visit: Wed Apr 14 09:33 CST 2010
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We live in Santa Cruz, CA where we do not need AC, even on hot days. But we are moving to Chico, CA where it gets to be 115+ in the summer. Our 850's AC is working, but probably won't blow cold enough in the Central Valley, and when the AC goes, I'm not going to spring the $$ to repair it. Do the later V70s (say 2002 and above) have the same evaporator issues (hard to get to) as the 850s? Do they have the same PCV issues that lead to RMS leaks? We could use an AWD vehicle for the winter for trips to Tahoe and all things considered are thinking of a 4WD truck (probably Toyota), but we don't want to rule out a brick if there's one to meet our needs without the classic problems (namely RMS & AC evap.) that plague the 850s. Maybe a more recent XC70 or XC90?

Cheers,
Paul McBride
--
1982 240 DL (265K) , 1996 850 GLT (139K)








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    volvo for hot climate--do the xc's have AC & RMS problems like the 850s?

    posted by  KlausC on  Tue May 13 06:32 CST 2008
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    last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
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    The EVAP is in the same location, but they programmed the cabin fan to run for a while allowing the evap to dry so it doesn't break as soon. I would look at a 2003-7 XC70.
    The XC90s have their share of different problems, especially the twin turbo models - extra heat in the engine compartment.

    American cars have great AC, but it only comes out of the dash vents so your toes are left warm until the car cools down. Heat only comes out of the bottom vents so fingers and noses stay cold longer.

    RMS problems? Unless all of your driving is at less than 2K rpm, the oil separator should stay clean. The newer cars all use synthetic, which really helps.
    The bevel gear does need to be flushed every 30-50K.

    Klaus
    EDIT: Get a light colored car, preferably white!
    --
    The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)








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      volvo for hot climate--do the xc's have AC & RMS problems like the 850s? V70-XC70 2008

      posted by  someone claiming to be SciGraphics on  Wed May 28 18:29 CST 2008 [RELATED]

      During my spate of 4-240s (one a turbo) I was always convinced that the Swedes never quite got the basic concepts of air conditioning. With my 2008 XC70 I think they finally got it right. I live in Tucson AZ and believe me, enough heat outside for a true test of the system is rarely lacking. Mine works great (and quick too).

      i rmn & ect.. Jim A.








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      volvo for hot climate--do the xc's have AC & RMS problems like the 850s?

      posted by  Paul_McBride on  Tue May 13 09:05 CST 2008
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      last visit: Wed Apr 14 09:33 CST 2010
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      Thanks, Klaus. Very helpful. I'm on the fence between an XC70, Subaru AWD, or Toyota truck for our recreational needs which mostly includes camping, surfing, cycling, skiing, and kayaking...

      A couple followups: Do the XC70s (2003+) have the kinks worked out regarding AWD; i.e., if I get one in good shape with 70,000 miles should I expect major repairs anytime soon? And is synthetic oil the factory spec or just good practice?

      All best,
      Paul
      --
      1982 240 DL (265K) , 1996 850 GLT (139K)







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