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Pros/Cons of a 2004 XC70 V70-XC70

posted by  PhoenixFire on  Sat Jul 25 17:58 CST 2015
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last visit: Sat May 10 16:55 CST 2014
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I have not been on here in a while, sorry about that. I currently have a 92 244 with 250k and starting to have to replace major parts every month now. Its really starting to get expensive and time consuming. I found, in town here, an 2004 XC70, in truly excellent condition with 160K, full service record and the owner wants me to talk to the shop he goes to (presumably to verify the good condition). I live in rural/coastal Maine. I am a volunteer fire fighter (emergency response required no matter weather or conditions). I just drove the car and LOVE it, but will tolerate it being autotradgic. What are the pros and cons of this vehicle, what can i expect from it? Yes I get that it is not a 240, and has all the modern stuffs, but how is the AWD in it? How will it perform in unplowed roads with 9+ inches of snow? If I get it I WILL be getting studded snows for it. Its required here, really. What maintenance nightmares can I expect? How expensive/available are parts compared to the 240? How hard/easy is it to work on (again compared to 240)? Also price, he is asking $4500, which is $200 above KBB "excellent" condition used car price. Realistically what is a fair price to pay for one of these with what seems to be most options, and in really great condition? Is it still volvo enough that I will like it?
--
-Kilted Chaos Manager-








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    posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

    My wife just bought an `04 XC70 with 180K on it two months ago. We bought it from a friend for $3000 Cdn. We knew it needed some work, ie, inner tie rods ends & T Belt & water belt so that was reflected in the price. It`s an excellent strong running car. We also have an `03 X70 which has over 300K on it so we`re very familiar with this model.
    The Xc70`s seem to go thru whl bearings....the previous owner had 2 whl bearings replaced about 40k ago......new heavy duty battery. We had ABS module & DIM replaced on the `03 at 130K.......expensive at the dealer. It`s a Xemodex solution!
    We`re very happy with both XC70`s.
    Rich



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      posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

      Oops! There`s no water "Belt" on the `04.....of course, I meant a water "pump".
      Must remind myself to proofread before hitting "submit".



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    posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]


    concur with Chris' comments.
    I believe the bevel gear issue is resolved by the 2002/2003 year model.

    My wife has a 2003 with just all weather tires and it performs very well
    on snowy hills and up our un-plowed uphill drive. I suspect with studded tires
    the snow depth limit would be when the snow packs under the under body pan and it starts to cause the car to lift and lose traction(??).
    Art



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      posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

      Yes, the bevel gear was solved by MY 2002. It is my understanding that the 2004's are among the best year XC's to buy.

      My sister and brother law-law bought a 2004 XC new and it has been a very good car for them. It has been through one niece and now my nephew and younger niece are driving it with well over 100K on it.

      It is definitely not a 240! Much more complex and harder to DIY. But safer, faster, more refined and better handling. It will get you through 9 inches of snow no problem w/o studded snow tires. With studs, you'll be able to get through almost anything...


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      posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

      Art -

      I appreciate the correction. I was going based on comments I saw 5 to 6 years ago, and could easily be remembering the wrong MY. I did see some comments online about 2004 BG's, but those could be exceptions and not the rule.

      Don



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    posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

    Since it is a private party, they may have a pile of repair/maintenance receipts that you can look through. Besides the usual oil and ATF changes, look for evidence of control arms, struts, and other front suspension pieces having been replaced. If they haven't been replaced by now (160K), they will soon need to be.

    If it's a 2.5T the timing belt should have been replaced at around 105K.

    Is the instrument cluster FULLY functional? If any part of it, like say the clock, is whacky or non-functional, then you're headed toward about a ~$400 rebuild.

    Has the battery been replaced yet? (The original lasted 10 years in my V70.)

    In my area (Fort Worth) $4500 gets you a "pretty nice" 2004 XC70. $5000-5500 gets you the "always parked in the garage and well maintained" one. Any shortcomings should pull the price downward.

    Good luck.


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      posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

      some front suspension parts have been replaced already, the car is in near pristine condition aside from the pass. A pillar trim and the pass. headlight wiper. Very clean engine bay, very clean underside of the car, no rust. He gave me the name of the local garage that has done all the service and encouraged me to call and ask them about it. EVERYTHING works on it, I tested everything i could on a 9 mile drive in the summer. I have a 1/4 mile gravel up hill driveway, so I "tested" the awd on that as best I could. Runs really quiet even under hard acceleration. I have read up on them a little, and I wouldnt get a 02, maybe an 03 (i think it was 03 they went to the haldex awd away from the viscous coupling). KBB (when asked for zip code and other specifics) lists "excellent" condition at $4100 for here, he is asking $4500. I would probably offer $3900 and see where it goes.
      --
      -Kilted Chaos Manager-



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    posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

    I am just a lurker when it comes to the XC70. My memory is a common failure is the bevel gear for the AWD, unless I am remembering wrong. Maybe someone else will comment, or you can research it.



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