Hi all,
I've been reading past posts regarding this subject and it is confusing
to me (and I work on cars recreationally from time to time). I've found
a V70 XC with 71K miles and it looks clean. Is this car reliable? I've
read a lot about the ETS or EMS system requiring the software upgrade
and the visocus vs. haldex coupling issues. Should I buy this car or am
I looking for problems? I know that no one can make any guarantees but
I thought I would solicit your opinions. What should I look for? how
can I have a mechanic check for the sofware upgrade? what else should I
look for.
Thanks,
Jim

<jea3junk@netscape.net> wrote in message
news:1160402941.745100.101450@e3g2000cwe.googlegro ups.com...
> Hi all,
> I've been reading past posts regarding this subject and it is confusing
> to me (and I work on cars recreationally from time to time). I've found
> a V70 XC with 71K miles and it looks clean. Is this car reliable? I've
> read a lot about the ETS or EMS system requiring the software upgrade
> and the visocus vs. haldex coupling issues. Should I buy this car or am
> I looking for problems? I know that no one can make any guarantees but
> I thought I would solicit your opinions. What should I look for? how
> can I have a mechanic check for the sofware upgrade? what else should I
> look for.
> Thanks,
> Jim
>

I have an 01 V70 XC and I love it. What to look for:

A yellow sticker on the ETM (electronic throttle module), this indicates
that it has been replaced, the original has a white sticker. Volvo has
extended the warranty on this item to 200K / 10 years. When this fails it
can be drastic according to others. The car loses almost all power
immediately and can drive only about 15 mph. Others have made a great deal
of fuss about this but I see it as no different than breaking a timing belt
while driving (which has happened to me) where you lose all power and cannot
move the car safely from the road. I have also no knowledge of other
manufacturers extending the warranty on timing belts because of the
catastrophic failure of them like Volvo extended the warranty on the ETM.
The ETM is located on the front of the engine behind the fan. Look for
Magneti Marelli (sp?) on the sticker.

I wouldn't say that the viscous coupling system has "issues", it's just not
as good as the Haldex system. I've taken my XC off road in mud and snow and
was not disappointed in its' performance. The front bevel gear has given
other owners trouble but mine has not yet at 95K.

The cooling fans (radiator) have also been recalled. I think that this
should also have a yellow sticker on it as well.

I have had trouble with the rear hatch wiring harness on mine. The wires
tend to break at the drivers side hinge causing loss of the third brake
light, rear wiper and my problem, inability to unlock the rear hatch. I
haven't replaced the harness yet but I'm looking at about $180 US to do it
myself.

I highly recomment getting the latest transmission software from a Volvo
dealer. It improves shifting and gets rid of the annoying way the car
shifts into neutral at stop lights and going down long hills. It shouldn't
cost more than $80 US for the upgrade.

I'd recommend researching this site http://www.v70xc.com/ . LOTS of good
information here for this car.

As to which software version you have, I think only a Volvo dealer could
tell you. Possibly a larger independent shop would have the VADIS or VIDA
system that could read the car but this is not likely.

Shawn

Shawn,
Thanks a lot for all of the advice and history...I was really looking
for a reason (rationale) to buy the car. I just didn't want to buy a
car without doing some research and trying to determine the potential
problems. The car looks super and will check under the hood for the
yellow stickers on those components as you suggested....Thanks
Jim

Shawn wrote:
> <jea3junk@netscape.net> wrote in message
> news:1160402941.745100.101450@e3g2000cwe.googlegro ups.com...
> > Hi all,
> > I've been reading past posts regarding this subject and it is confusing
> > to me (and I work on cars recreationally from time to time). I've found
> > a V70 XC with 71K miles and it looks clean. Is this car reliable? I've
> > read a lot about the ETS or EMS system requiring the software upgrade
> > and the visocus vs. haldex coupling issues. Should I buy this car or am
> > I looking for problems? I know that no one can make any guarantees but
> > I thought I would solicit your opinions. What should I look for? how
> > can I have a mechanic check for the sofware upgrade? what else should I
> > look for.
> > Thanks,
> > Jim
> >
>
> I have an 01 V70 XC and I love it. What to look for:
>
> A yellow sticker on the ETM (electronic throttle module), this indicates
> that it has been replaced, the original has a white sticker. Volvo has
> extended the warranty on this item to 200K / 10 years. When this fails it
> can be drastic according to others. The car loses almost all power
> immediately and can drive only about 15 mph. Others have made a great deal
> of fuss about this but I see it as no different than breaking a timing belt
> while driving (which has happened to me) where you lose all power and cannot
> move the car safely from the road. I have also no knowledge of other
> manufacturers extending the warranty on timing belts because of the
> catastrophic failure of them like Volvo extended the warranty on the ETM.
> The ETM is located on the front of the engine behind the fan. Look for
> Magneti Marelli (sp?) on the sticker.
>
> I wouldn't say that the viscous coupling system has "issues", it's just not
> as good as the Haldex system. I've taken my XC off road in mud and snow and
> was not disappointed in its' performance. The front bevel gear has given
> other owners trouble but mine has not yet at 95K.
>
> The cooling fans (radiator) have also been recalled. I think that this
> should also have a yellow sticker on it as well.
>
> I have had trouble with the rear hatch wiring harness on mine. The wires
> tend to break at the drivers side hinge causing loss of the third brake
> light, rear wiper and my problem, inability to unlock the rear hatch. I
> haven't replaced the harness yet but I'm looking at about $180 US to do it
> myself.
>
> I highly recomment getting the latest transmission software from a Volvo
> dealer. It improves shifting and gets rid of the annoying way the car
> shifts into neutral at stop lights and going down long hills. It shouldn't
> cost more than $80 US for the upgrade.
>
> I'd recommend researching this site http://www.v70xc.com/ . LOTS of good
> information here for this car.
>
> As to which software version you have, I think only a Volvo dealer could
> tell you. Possibly a larger independent shop would have the VADIS or VIDA
> system that could read the car but this is not likely.
>
> Shawn

<jea3junk@netscape.net> wrote in message
news:1160437715.124345.156990@i3g2000cwc.googlegro ups.com...
> Shawn,
> Thanks a lot for all of the advice and history...I was really looking
> for a reason (rationale) to buy the car. I just didn't want to buy a
> car without doing some research and trying to determine the potential
> problems. The car looks super and will check under the hood for the
> yellow stickers on those components as you suggested....Thanks
> Jim
>

To that all I can say is this. My next car will be an XC70 and the one
after that will be an XC70.

Shawn

> Shawn wrote:
>> <jea3junk@netscape.net> wrote in message
>> news:1160402941.745100.101450@e3g2000cwe.googlegro ups.com...
>> > Hi all,
>> > I've been reading past posts regarding this subject and it is confusing
>> > to me (and I work on cars recreationally from time to time). I've found
>> > a V70 XC with 71K miles and it looks clean. Is this car reliable? I've
>> > read a lot about the ETS or EMS system requiring the software upgrade
>> > and the visocus vs. haldex coupling issues. Should I buy this car or am
>> > I looking for problems? I know that no one can make any guarantees but
>> > I thought I would solicit your opinions. What should I look for? how
>> > can I have a mechanic check for the sofware upgrade? what else should I
>> > look for.
>> > Thanks,
>> > Jim
>> >
>>
>> I have an 01 V70 XC and I love it. What to look for:
>>
>> A yellow sticker on the ETM (electronic throttle module), this indicates
>> that it has been replaced, the original has a white sticker. Volvo has
>> extended the warranty on this item to 200K / 10 years. When this fails
>> it
>> can be drastic according to others. The car loses almost all power
>> immediately and can drive only about 15 mph. Others have made a great
>> deal
>> of fuss about this but I see it as no different than breaking a timing
>> belt
>> while driving (which has happened to me) where you lose all power and
>> cannot
>> move the car safely from the road. I have also no knowledge of other
>> manufacturers extending the warranty on timing belts because of the
>> catastrophic failure of them like Volvo extended the warranty on the ETM.
>> The ETM is located on the front of the engine behind the fan. Look for
>> Magneti Marelli (sp?) on the sticker.
>>
>> I wouldn't say that the viscous coupling system has "issues", it's just
>> not
>> as good as the Haldex system. I've taken my XC off road in mud and snow
>> and
>> was not disappointed in its' performance. The front bevel gear has given
>> other owners trouble but mine has not yet at 95K.
>>
>> The cooling fans (radiator) have also been recalled. I think that this
>> should also have a yellow sticker on it as well.
>>
>> I have had trouble with the rear hatch wiring harness on mine. The wires
>> tend to break at the drivers side hinge causing loss of the third brake
>> light, rear wiper and my problem, inability to unlock the rear hatch. I
>> haven't replaced the harness yet but I'm looking at about $180 US to do
>> it
>> myself.
>>
>> I highly recomment getting the latest transmission software from a Volvo
>> dealer. It improves shifting and gets rid of the annoying way the car
>> shifts into neutral at stop lights and going down long hills. It
>> shouldn't
>> cost more than $80 US for the upgrade.
>>
>> I'd recommend researching this site http://www.v70xc.com/ . LOTS of good
>> information here for this car.
>>
>> As to which software version you have, I think only a Volvo dealer could
>> tell you. Possibly a larger independent shop would have the VADIS or
>> VIDA
>> system that could read the car but this is not likely.
>>
>> Shawn
>

jea3junk@netscape.net wrote:

> Is this car reliable? I've
> read a lot about the ETS or EMS system requiring the software upgrade
> and the visocus vs. haldex coupling issues.

the ETS/EMS system was a problem, but Volvo finally found the solution.
The viscous system was never a problem. The Haldex system is just a new
system that works as good or better. Many new cars still use the
viscous system. All Subarus use it and have for many years. It is a
trouble free system.
--
Cheers, Steve Henning in Reading, PA, USA
Owned '67,'68,'71,'74,'79,'81,'87,'93,'95 & '01 Volvos.
The '67,'74,'79,'87,'95 and '01 through European Delivery.
http://home.earthlink.net/~rotarians/volvo.html

Go with the XC70. I have a 1998 and it is the best car I've ever owned
for long trips; also, it's super-safe and the AWD system really
performs in the snow, ice, and winter weather.

"Robert" <kraft.fhs@gmail.com> wrote:

> Go with the XC70.

They never made an XC70 in 1998. It was a V70 XC until the XC70 debuted
in 2002. It was only a slight change from the V70. The new things were
an additional rear skid plate and unique floor mats. The major changes
were made in 2001 when the V70 XC was designed from the start to feature
all-wheel drive and additional ground clearance. As such, it has its own
front suspension and a slightly longer wheelbase than regular V70s, plus
a wider track front and rear to accommodate larger wheels and tires. The
result is a higher, wider stance that is much more aggressive-looking.
The Cross Country's interior dimensions are identical to those of
regular V70 wagons -- there's plenty of space in the front, while the
second-row seat is bit tight on legroom.

> The XC 70I have a 1998 and it is the best car I've ever owned
> for long trips; also, it's super-safe and the AWD system really
> performs in the snow, ice, and winter weather.

They are also good in rain. It is empowering to be able to accelerate
quickly when the roads are wet and slick while the muscle cars sit and
spin their tires. That is what grabbed my attention first.
--
Cheers, Steve Henning in Reading, PA, USA
Owned '67,'68,'71,'74,'79,'81,'87,'93,'95 & '01 Volvos.
The '67,'74,'79,'87,'95 and '01 through European Delivery.
http://home.earthlink.net/~rotarians/volvo.html

So, given the changes in 2001 and 2002, what is the "best" year for a
used XC in terms of realiablity and features/function?

ID

Stephen Henning wrote:
> "Robert" <kraft.fhs@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Go with the XC70.
>
> They never made an XC70 in 1998. It was a V70 XC until the XC70 debuted
> in 2002. It was only a slight change from the V70. The new things were
> an additional rear skid plate and unique floor mats. The major changes
> were made in 2001 when the V70 XC was designed from the start to feature
> all-wheel drive and additional ground clearance. As such, it has its own
> front suspension and a slightly longer wheelbase than regular V70s, plus
> a wider track front and rear to accommodate larger wheels and tires. The
> result is a higher, wider stance that is much more aggressive-looking.
> The Cross Country's interior dimensions are identical to those of
> regular V70 wagons -- there's plenty of space in the front, while the
> second-row seat is bit tight on legroom.
>
> > The XC 70I have a 1998 and it is the best car I've ever owned
> > for long trips; also, it's super-safe and the AWD system really
> > performs in the snow, ice, and winter weather.
>
> They are also good in rain. It is empowering to be able to accelerate
> quickly when the roads are wet and slick while the muscle cars sit and
> spin their tires. That is what grabbed my attention first.
> --
> Cheers, Steve Henning in Reading, PA, USA
> Owned '67,'68,'71,'74,'79,'81,'87,'93,'95 & '01 Volvos.
> The '67,'74,'79,'87,'95 and '01 through European Delivery.
> http://home.earthlink.net/~rotarians/volvo.html

jea3junk@netscape.net wrote:
> Hi all,
> I've been reading past posts regarding this subject and it is confusing
> to me (and I work on cars recreationally from time to time). I've found
> a V70 XC with 71K miles and it looks clean. Is this car reliable?

It is literally impossible to say over the internet whether a given car
with 71k miles will reliable in the future without a lot of information
about how the car is currently running and how well the previous owners
kept ahead of problems, stayed with the maintenance schedule, etc.

You best bet is to have the car throughly checked out by a mechanic
experienced with Volvo's. If it checks out, I would expect that you
will have a good car. Be sure to check the pricing out on Edmunds if
you are in the USA.



> I've
> read a lot about the ETS or EMS system requiring the software upgrade
> and the visocus vs. haldex coupling issues. Should I buy this car or am
> I looking for problems? I know that no one can make any guarantees but
> I thought I would solicit your opinions. What should I look for?

Above all review the owners maintenance records and have the car
checked out by a competent mechanic.


> how
> can I have a mechanic check for the sofware upgrade? what else should I
> look for.
> Thanks,
> Jim

"Inno" <inno.dubelaar@gmail.com> wrote:

> So, given the changes in 2001 and 2002, what is the "best" year for a
> used XC in terms of realiablity and features/function?

1999 & 2000 are very good years. 1998 was a bad year for reliability.
Neither 2001 or 2002 were especially good years for reliability. I have
a 2001 V70 XC and have had no real problems, but it is not one of the
better years.

> Stephen Henning wrote:
> > They never made an XC70 in 1998. It was a V70 XC until the XC70 debuted
> > in 2002. It was only a slight change from the V70. The new things were
> > an additional rear skid plate and unique floor mats. The major changes
> > were made in 2001 when the V70 XC was designed from the start to feature
> > all-wheel drive and additional ground clearance. As such, it has its own
> > front suspension and a slightly longer wheelbase than regular V70s, plus
> > a wider track front and rear to accommodate larger wheels and tires. The
> > result is a higher, wider stance that is much more aggressive-looking.
> > The Cross Country's interior dimensions are identical to those of
> > regular V70 wagons -- there's plenty of space in the front, while the
> > second-row seat is bit tight on legroom.
> >
> > They are also good in rain. It is empowering to be able to accelerate
> > quickly when the roads are wet and slick while the muscle cars sit and
> > spin their tires. That is what grabbed my attention first.
--
Cheers, Steve Henning in Reading, PA, USA
Owned '67,'68,'71,'74,'79,'81,'87,'93,'95 & '01 Volvos.
The '67,'74,'79,'87,'95 and '01 through European Delivery.
http://home.earthlink.net/~rotarians/volvo.html