Is there anyone out there who really likes their AWD V70 (XC, R, doesn't matter) and has driven it many miles trouble-free? I have heard quite a few stories that the Volvo AWD system is not as bulletproof as the Audi Quattro system. Is this true?

Juan, I have a '99 V70 awd and recently was caught off guard in an ice storm. I had my Dunlap SP 8000's and had to drive about 30 mi. I had no idea (steering and stopping wise) just how slippery it was until I stopped to help a person stuck, and when I got out of my car, promptly slipped on my butt ! ouch. I am more than satisfied with its ability to handle ice and snow, safely. It is, however, even more complex than a FWD Volvo. SO, I would suggest, if you don't really need it, don't get awd. Tom

So far so good. It loves the extra power, and handles great.
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Wills 98 R AWD modded wagon 94 854 T some mods 92 740 wagon

Juan

Good question. Yes, I very much like my 1997 850 awd wagon. And yes, it shares many of the "POS driveline components" (as so eloquently described in another post) as other 1998-2002 Volvo awd wagons and sedans. The notable exception is the my wagon is equipped with a manual transmission.

The early 1998 v70 awd/XC wagons had driveline vibration problems. Other than that, the single biggest problem with Volvo's awd is that the owner must be cautious about tire size and rating. In my case, when I had one tire wear prematurely due to a bad valve, I replaced all four tires rather than risk damaging the bevel gear.

My wagon has travelled 155k km (slightly less than 100,000 miles). So far, any significant repairs have been to components that are common to all Volvos; air pump, abs module, O2 sensor, etc.

Neil
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1997 850 awd, m58 5 speed manual, 1989 740 GL, m47 5 speed

I do. I bought my 98 used in 2000, have had it for 2 years, driven over 60K km and I really like my AWD, honestly. I've come to the conclustion that all AWDs require extra attention compared to FWD. AWDs have extra parts, therefore more things can go wrong, and all 4 tires require to be the same - maybe Volvo's AWD require more attention than other ones but if you are interested in AWD than be prepared for a bit of extra care. Now my caveat always is that if you don't need it than stay with FWD.
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98 V70 AWD, IPD ECU, K&N, Volvo FSB, Dunlop SP5000, IPD Sport Spring

Have a 98 V70 R AWD. I really like the vehicle. I also had the extnedned warranty which was great because I bought the car used and they did have to change an aWD related part. Once changed, I have not had any problem with the vehicle's driveability. I live in San Diego and don't really need the AWD as much, but it helps with under and orver steering. If you don't need nan AWD, by all means go for the FWD turbo. I have those too.

Delgado
San Diego

We have a '98 v70XC that we bought at 59k in october and we really like it the power is good the cornering great its a bit rough but that can be expected for how fast you can actually go through a corner. It's a great kid hauler and is faily good on the mileage if you can keep your foot out of it.

I bought my '01 XC specifically for the snow in Tahoe, CA. The first time l got the car onto a snow covered place (the parking lot at Squaw Valley) l was amazed that wherever l pointed the front end was where l went. Even as l increased the speed, the car never broke traction.

My '78 245 had delivered me to the mountains many times in the 15 years l drove it (l still have it and it runs fine). l instinctively knew exactly where the 245 was going to brake traction, so the first time in the XC felt a little stange. l have driven the XC in all kinds of mountain weather and will never own a car that is not AWD. lncidently, l have had no mechanical problems with the car (since the accelerator housing shroud [?] was replaced under warranty). l have 32k miles on it now.