my wife wants two turn 3 car payments into 2 so I'm thinking about trading my 940 on a v70/but some of the reading I've done on the site concerns me about reliability.are these just people bitching or are there legitimate reliability problems with v70's and if so what should I look for?

Recent JD Powers survey ranks Volvo in the bottom third or fourth for reliability. Unfortunately,
my experience agrees. In reverse order, these have failed: alternator, cooling fan, coil-on-plug, catalytics, squeaky window ...4 visits, coil-on-plug (@2months). Also, the vinyl arm rests have deteriorated to be a sticky mess.

I love the car ... when its running and pat myself on the back for getting an extended warranty before the factory one expired at 50K.

rbiest 2001 V70T5M

what model year are you looking at? I have just bought a 2002 model V70 2.4 automatic 170bhp.Runs a dream.Using shell optimax unleaded petrol,fitted a K&N filter,so far clocked 136mph up the motorway the other day!!! Although i have only had the car 2 weeks its been a great motor with no hiccups!! 43,000 miles on the clock ,full volvo service and in excellent condition.I am having the windows blacked out next week and having the roof spoiler and reversing sensors fitted too!!If i work out how to use my home computer i will try to get some photos put on this site soon!!As regards reliability....well this is my 9th volvo and the best yet!! as they say......Volvo for life!! best wishes from the UK

Any make of car will have some problems. However, it is difficult to know the general reliability of any model from forums like this because these forums are generally used by people who are looking for help with a problem they are experiencing. While you can see that some individuals are having some kind of a problem, it is impossible to know what percentage of owners have had that problem. Let me illustrate, I have a 2002 V70 that I have owned for 2 1/2 years with no problems. Does that mean that all 2002 V70's have been totally trouble free? I tend to think not.

You did not say if you are interested in a new V70 or a used one. If new, I would not worry about it; you are covered by a 4 year 50K warranty and Volvo pays for scheduled maintanance for the first 3 years. And if my experience is any indication, you will not be plagued with problems. If used, pay attention to the condition of the car and it's history. In either case, make sure you like the car and that it meets your needs.

Good luck.