Hi all

my 19yr old son sent our 98 v70 to the big carpark in the sky!!!
I thought i would give our 96 850 to him and take this opportunity to upgrade to a later model. I am looking at 2000 to 2004 models, all with auto trans. I beleive the 04 has the better trans and if the earlier models have had their trans replaced, does this bring them to 04 specs? Looking at various posts here i gather i should stay away from 2001. Could you advise of issues with the various years and i apologise for such a large question. Thankyou in anticipation for your input.

David

Thanks Klaus, this info will help me in my search and price consideration.
Regards David

Hi Klaus, what are the unreliability issues with the others ?
what is the deal on the electrics?
David

1999-2000, ETM reliability
2001, new model year and lots of bugs
2002, 5 speed auto junk, DIM problems, etc
2003, DIM failures but the tranny software is better

2004, most of the problems are gone. Dealers started flushing the tranny (some) and everything requires software downloads. So check the climate control, the radio, cruise control, run the manual shifter through the gears, all lights and 'safety' systems work, check that the alarm and remote operate normally, the list goes on.
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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic

I would go with an 04, it is more reliable. Still, check the tranny fluid for color and make sure all of the electrics work. If the price seems high, insist on maint history and good tires.
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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic