All,


I've recently been provided with the opportunity to purchase a 2000 base naturally-aspirated V70. The owner, who bought it new, is a friend of a friend of mine and got a hold of me not too long ago because he knows I'm a Volvo enthusiast, with somewhat of a focus on the P80 models.

I found out that this particular V70 is kinda rare, a unicorn of sorts - it's a 5-speed manual (M56). I've only seen one or two 2000 NA V70s with manuals - however, I do know of a few '99s that have them.

The reason the owner is planning to get rid of the '00 V70 is that he feels it's time to get a newer vehicle. He told me that he's already replaced the timing belt, heater core, blower motor, and the slave and master cylinders in the clutch. Essentially, he informed me that he has replaced "just about every moving part in the car." It only has 108k miles on it, and looks to be in better-than-average condition. He said he has never had a problem with the ETM (build date 8/99).

Any advice for me before I go for this car? And how rare are the '00 NA V70s with 5-speeds? Was the manual a special-order only option for MY 2000?

108K is not much, but check the clutch travel anyway. When the Volvo clutches wear, disengagement/engagement gets closer and closer to the floor. At about 1 inch from the floor, the clutch has to be replaced. Good time to also do the rear main seal at that time, as everything must come out.

The ETM with a yellow tag is good. A white tag is a no-no.

Yes, the manual shift cars were special order.

Please use synthetic engine oil, it keeps the engine much cleaner and lets you extend flushes to 5-7K miles.

The 'flame trap' will need cleaning, they all do. It should be a normal maintenance item. The small diameter hose going to the flame trap tends to collect oil and clog. The oil filler cap on top of the engine always needs a new gasket.

Sounds like a good 16 year old car.

--
Keeping it running is better than buying new

Other than the timing belt, the repairs sound premature. Does your friend have service records?

Jwalker,


Yes, I was told by my friend that his friend has service records for the V70. Said repairs were premature b/c he thought he was going to have the car a while, but now that doesn't seem to be the case.

So, the car does NOT have a history of problems?

Budget for the ETM (electronic throttle module) That's an expensive one if it goes. Check all the other usual stuff: Oil leaks, tires, brakes, suspension, AC, electronics etc. With the engine well warmed up and idling, pull the oil dipstick and check if there is any smoke. If so, you'll be doing some sort of PCV work.

A manual transmission V70 is certainly a desirable car...:)