Volvo AWD V70-XC70 Forum

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2004 V 70 AWD: Good or ? V70-XC70 2004

posted by dick on Fri Jun 10 13:26 CST 2011
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last visit: Sun Aug 3 15:24 CST 2014

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Looking at the above car. Never have owned an AWD Volvo and do know there are some one should avoid. This has 136K on the clock, is clean and has had dealer maintenance. Price about $8,800 out the door.

Opinions and comments. Too high a miler? Thanks,

dick

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2004 V 70 AWD: Good or ? V70-XC70 2004

posted by KlausC on Fri Jun 10 13:54 CST 2011
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last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014

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Hmmm. According to Craigslist, you should keep looking. I found a 2005 black with no SR, cloth, and 105K miles; and a silver 2004 with leather, no power seat, and no climate control, 92K miles in San Antonio. Both are 'dealers'.

In Texas, you probably do not want a dark colored car. I have 3 drivers, so the power seat with memory is a requirement. The V70 with fwd is not in demand as much as an XC, but you dont need AWD and the extra cost.

The seats are not quite as comfortable as the 1994-2000 wagons, which fit like a glove. Still, they are better than the competition.

Try to get maintenance history! Or at least the local dealer where the car was serviced, they keep records. The Timing belt/tensioner for 2005 is 120K intervals.

Klaus
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.

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2004 V 70 AWD: Good or ? V70-XC70 2004

posted by dick on Fri Jun 10 14:10 CST 2011
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last visit: Sun Aug 3 15:24 CST 2014

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This is silver, has been sold and maintained by the local Volvo dealer. Driven by an 'older lady', non smoker, has all the bells and whistles, i.e. rather loaded model. Got carfax and records from the dealer this morning. My main concern is reliability of this AWD system.

dick

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2004 V 70 AWD: Good or ? V70-XC70 2004

posted by KlausC on Fri Jun 10 14:30 CST 2011
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last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014

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The car has the newer Haldex system, much better than the original mechanical system. Still, the bevel gear/transfer case has to be inspected or flushed at regular intervals. It is also time to flush the gear box.

Records will indicate any recurring problems. Shouldn't be any. Ask him for a 6/12 month policy and see if he balks.

If you flush the tranny yourself, go to Toyota for their 3309 fluid. Much cheaper than Volvo dealer and same stuff. Bevel gear flush is harder and only a quart or so.

The mileage might be high, but if the PO commuted to Dallas or SA, that is good highway miles.

Klaus
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.

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2004 V 70 AWD: Good or ? V70-XC70 2004

posted by jadnhm on Mon Jun 13 06:22 CST 2011
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last visit: Tue May 22 18:03 CST 2012

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agreed - this car has a pretty solid AWD system, though it probably can't transfer as much power as the VC (or Audi Torsen style) systems can. It's very effective and light and reliable. Still need to do bevel gear flushes though (maybe 100k miles?) and also rear differential if you can figure out how (I've never seen a P2 AWD diff so I can't help - probably also 100k). Both BG and diff require high quality oil. The stuff from the dealer is good but very expensive.

If it is as you say and 'dealer maintained' and 'old lady driven' you'll want to do ALL the fluids right away: trans, coolant, power steering, brake

And also probably the steam/water treatment and a good italian tune-up after you get some fresh oil in there.

Also, the car probably has never had synthetic oil and you'll want to switch to that ASAP. It might already have done it's PCV system in.
--
1998 V70 AWD->FWD->AWD Turbo 215k+

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2004 V 70 AWD: Good or ? V70-XC70 2004

posted by dick on Mon Jun 13 16:37 CST 2011
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last visit: Sun Aug 3 15:24 CST 2014

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Thanks for the reply. The car has had all the service at recommended intervals by the local Volvo dealer. Oil used is semi synthetic Castrol which is what the dealer uses.

Long and short of it is: I bought it today at a good price. It even smells new yet and here in TX the AC is strong. The 'older lady' lives approximately 60 miles from here so the high mileage is from highway driving. I believe the shocks may be aging, but I am used to Bilsteins on my other Volvos.

Thanks again,

dick

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2004 V 70 AWD: Good or ? V70-XC70 2004

posted by jadnhm on Tue Jun 14 06:14 CST 2011
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last visit: Tue May 22 18:03 CST 2012

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Congrats on a solid purchase!

FWIW the point of my post is that 'dealer maintained' usually is a sign that not enough maintenance was done. They NEVER change the trans fluid, they RARELY change the bevel or diff fluid (only when there is a giant problem). They NEVER replace coolant or PS or brake fluid. All are REQUIRED if you wish for the related components to not fail. They are just not in the service schedule. If you want to take care of your car you will need to know that these things are needed and have them done.

'Old lady driven' is something else you will need to correct. These engines need to be wound up a bit and driven hard from time to time. Babying is the surest way to engine sludge and PCV clogs.

Semi-synthetic oil is probably not that great either. A little research will show you that nearly every semi-synth available is not worth the money. Esp considering the 'synthetic' part is not even a real synthetic. Also, if it has conventional oil in it, the PCV system will develop all the same problems as if you were using only conventional oil.

You're of course welcome to take any approach you want with your new car. I'm just passing along the 'common wisdom' on this board and others.
--
1998 V70 AWD->FWD->AWD Turbo 215k+

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2004 V 70 AWD: Good or ? V70-XC70 2004

posted by dick on Tue Jun 14 07:18 CST 2011
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Thanks again. I will be changing to Mobil 1 on the next change. Have used it for years in my other Volvo's. The coolant and brake fluid were both changed by the Volvo dealer already. Have yet to locate the transmission dipstick/filler port. A new learning experience.

dick

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2004 V 70 AWD: Good or ? V70-XC70 2004

posted by KlausC on Tue Jun 14 11:07 CST 2011
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Yes, there is a tranny dipstick! It has a yellow handle and is on the driver's side, close to the radiator and under the air intake tube - really hard to see, harder get to without getting your hands dirty.

I think the 04 was the first engine where the ATF is pumped to the bottom of the radiator and the 'cooled' ATF returns from the top. If you flush, Toyota sells 3309, follow the cooler lines to the tranny to make sure which one to unplug.

Klaus
--
Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.

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