I've never owned a Volvo before, but I've fallen in love with the XC70 and am contemplating buying one. I've read about the problems with the earlier Cross Country models and I'm wondering if the newer models have those issues resolved. This will be a car that I'll keep for 8 to 10 years and it will accumulate 15,000 to 20,000 miles per year.
Am I setting myself up to be the owner of a money pit once the warranty expires, or can I expect a reasonably reliable and durable car over the long haul?
Sorry for the novice questions, but....I am a novice when it comes to Volvos.

Can anyone comment on what kind of problems I should expect with a 2000 XC? I am looking at one that has only 54,000 miles on it.
The car looks like it's in very good shape except for the exhaust system. That looks like it's due (and pricey).

"Am I setting myself up to be the owner of a money pit once the warranty expires, or can I expect a reasonably reliable and durable car over the long haul?"

Yes, you can expect it to be a money pit once the warranty expires. Just like most Eurocars.

Consider leasing or trading every 3 years!

I have a fair number of miles on my '98 and I'm hoping to make 200k, but I'll likely not ever try this again.

-BTC

'98 V70T5M, 162,000 miles, IPD stabilizer bar, factory HD suspension, Bilstein HDs, Volvo tower brace & skidplate, e-code headlights, V-1, Mobil-1

"The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at or repair." -- Douglas Adams (1952-2001)

I am on my third Volvo, the first was a 91 240 that I bought used with 13K the computer went out but other than that it has been a great car. My 2nd was a 96 850 turbo bought used 12K. It seems to have the usual Volvo problems I am on my third evaportor for the AC, 2nd ABS control unit (light is on so I guess this will also be my third), broken door hinge ect. but other than that a great car.

One good thing about Volvos is they age well and although they are not as trouble free as the Asian cars they drive about the same with many miles on them as when they were new.

A few months ago I bought a 2005 XC70 through overseas delivery. I am taking a chance that the past problems with these cars have been fixed ABS control and evap. If you can use the overseas delivery. We had a great time in Sweden and the Swedes all speak English and welcome Americans (unusual in todays world). We put 2100 miles on the car in less than 2 weeks and really got to see the lower half of Sweden.

I would recommend the extended warranty. It is the same as saying I like your car but now I am betting you that I will have problems with it. But I did this with my 850 and made my money back cause of the evap and abs mainly.

Good luck
Al
91 240 120K; 96 850 T5 118K; 2005 XC70
1 German car and a few old British cars (a weakness)

I may have been miss leading in my message. My son, Lee, sells Volvos in Charlotte at University Volvo. He highly reccommends the extended warranty for XCs. I echo the earlier post about the over seas delivery. He is able to sell cars cheaper with the over seas delivery. He has also been ordered to beat any other Volvo dealer's price. His number is 800 737-1095, ask for Lee.
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Leon Ramseur in NC, 2001 V70XC & 2001 V70T5.

The all wheel drive has been fixed, the throttle by wire is fixed, the ABS - don't know but should be fixed by now. It is a good car. If you have children, get the optional heated rear seats. Don't bother with the third seat, it just adds weight.
If you pick it up in Sweden, you get a $6,000 discount, 2 round trip tickets to Stockholm, and can drop the car off at any major city in Europe. Great deal. Plus you get to drive on the German Autobahn.

Klaus
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98 V70Rawd(108Kmi), 95 854T(88K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)

Check your choice out with consumer reports. Most of the problems have been fixed. If you do buy one, get an extended waranty. My son sells them and might be able to get you a better price.
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Leon Ramseur in NC, 2001 V70XC & 2001 V70T5.

I am on my second XC; the first was a 98’, had a lot of little problems but still was a good car overall. Now I own a 04’ and love it even more. I have 23,000 miles on it with little to no problems at this time. I believe if you are going to keep a high-end car for a long time an extended warranty is something to consider.