Thread: Volvo V70 Cross Country

Originally Posted by jgb@etree

You can put in a stage 3 clutch for ~2k, so I'm thinking 2k's a bit high for a throwout bearing.

Drop me a PM if you're serious about getting an allroad & I'll give you the lowdown.

That's what I spent for the repair. I still have the car; it's got 120+k on it.

Originally Posted by Skidog

just for giggles..this is the car in question.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...17569501&Log=0

The auto makes me say no, but the $4,999 makes me say yes! AND it's the older boxy style (which I much prefer overall). Appears to be in perfect shape too. Love those suede inserts on the seats. Has dual climate control, 6-disc changer, a sunroof, the cool little headlight wipers, and more! I'd low ball them at $3.5-4,000, and you'll have plenty left over for maintenance. Seriously, go drive it and see what you think. I would! A bargain if it's legit.

Originally Posted by AustinFromSA

The auto makes me say no, but the $4,999 makes me say yes! AND it's the older boxy style (which I much prefer overall). Appears to be in perfect shape too. Love those suede inserts on the seats. Has dual climate control, 6-disc changer, a sunroof, the cool little headlight wipers, and more! I'd low ball them at $3.5-4,000, and you'll have plenty left over for maintenance. Seriously, go drive it and see what you think. I would! A bargain if it's legit.

Thanks for the advice...im leaning toward yes on this and my plan was to lowball....right in the range you're saying..cant hurt. Natl avg on that car is way higher though so if i could get for lwer than asking its a steal.

Likely wont be THAT v70R....just emailed the dealer ...asked for carfax.. "we dont have carfax on any of our cars, you can run it yourself with the VIN we provided in the ad" REALLY??? are you joking?? What kinda dealer DOESNT have a carfax account? You'd think they'd have it to protect themselves from buying lemons on trade ins...dont think i wanna do biz with a place like this..not to mention its in CA and im in UT...

They could just be cheapskates about it. Lots of dealers are stupid about not using carfax, including the big name Toyota dealer I bought my last used ride from. I ended up just running it myself, and the report came through as a flawless history. However, it does irk me that they would treat you that way. Tell them you're in Utah, and demand to see a carfax report before traveling all the way there. Might be worth your time. You have the right idea by doing nationwide searches, though. That's about the only way to shop if you want to get an "R."

Originally Posted by AustinFromSA

They could just be cheapskates about it. Lots of dealers are stupid about not using carfax, including the big name Toyota dealer I bought my last used ride from. I ended up just running it myself, and the report came through as a flawless history. However, it does irk me that they would treat you that way. Tell them you're in Utah, and demand to see a carfax report before traveling all the way there. Might be worth your time. You have the right idea by doing nationwide searches, though. That's about the only way to shop if you want to get an "R."

I have told them I am in Utah I have also expressed my concern that they are not using it even if just to protect themselves from buying lemons. I might run it myself. Still on the fence..

I know haters gunna hate, and i also know that buying an euro comes with a price. Most european cars just have a superior finish and drive. I loved my audi save for the repair issues. It seems, though i can't find a TON of reviews, that there is a mixed bag of feelings on Volvos. R being the better of the V70 models so thats why im looking all over. This place is just outside San Fran so its drivable. One way flight and an 11 hour drive back (thought with the R i might be able to cut that down a bit HAHAHAHA). I dont think this one is going to fly off their lot so....

Anyone got a Carfax acct they dont mind running a VIN on i'd prefer to save a couple bucks.

Thanks again for all the great responses. If I were deciding based soley on this thread. I would NOT be buying....

No prob. Until you posted that link, I had no idea you could get an R so cheap! When they were new, they were not cheap at all. I think close to $40k. When I last shopping in '08, they were in the mid to upper teens. I guess they're just getting to be that old. You actually have ME re-thinking about getting one now. Would be a really fun car to have in my future car quiver. Especially since it's cheap enough to be a cash car. Like I said, that older, boxier generation of Volvos were freaking bullet proof. I saw several 850's and S/V70s with close to half a million miles.

If you're going as old as that V70R, you might as well not rule out the older 850R. That car is also one of my favs, and prolly easier to find with stick. Also totally bomber.

Volvos were known for being some of THE most reliable cars on the planet until about 2000 when they changed everything about them. Sure they were boxy and boring to look at, but they were damn good cars...which is exactly why I'm not scared of them, but would be more leery of a 2000(01)+ model.

Originally Posted by AustinFromSA

No prob. Until you posted that link, I had no idea you could get an R so cheap! When they were new, they were not cheap at all. I think close to $40k. When I last shopping in '08, they were in the mid to upper teens. I guess they're just getting to be that old. You actually have ME re-thinking about getting one now. Would be a really fun car to have in my future car quiver. Especially since it's cheap enough to be a cash car. Like I said, that older, boxier generation of Volvos were freaking bullet proof. I saw several 850's and S/V70s with close to half a million miles.

If you're going as old as that V70R, you might as well not rule out the older 850R. That car is also one of my favs, and prolly easier to find with stick. Also totally bomber.

Volvos were known for being some of THE most reliable cars on the planet until about 2000 when they changed everything about them. Sure they were boxy and boring to look at, but they were damn good cars...which is exactly why I'm not scared of them, but would be more leery of a 2000(01)+ model.

BUT you think that 2000 im thinking about is "ok"? Seems its the 2.3l so its the "phase III" (i think this means last phase of the model).

Thanks again...Great info Austin.

As a P.S. I searched 850 nationwide on Autotrader. Dealers only. Found 2 850R on with 105K asking like $11,000 (said it was one of only 9000 imported?) and the other was 88K for like $3999, but they were both autos. If im getting and sticking with an auto (pretty much have to as wife can't drive stick) I think id go with the "newer" of the 2 models.

Something to be aware of:

I had an even older Volvo (960 wagon) that was very reliable up to 175,000 miles, and continued to be mechanically sound, but much of the wiring was turning to dust. I have no reason to suspect this is a common trait of older Volvos, but it seems worth mentioning.

Originally Posted by I've seen black diamonds!

Something to be aware of:

I had an even older Volvo (960 wagon) that was very reliable up to 175,000 miles, and continued to be mechanically sound, but much of the wiring was turning to dust. I have no reason to suspect this is a common trait of older Volvos, but it seems worth mentioning.

Appreciated.

Originally Posted by Skidog

BUT you think that 2000 im thinking about is "ok"? Seems its the 2.3l so its the "phase III" (i think this means last phase of the model).

Yeah, look on the manufacture's sticker on the link you posted. It says manufactured 10/99. It's just called a "2000." I think they changed body styles in the middle of 2000, also calling the new ones 2000. Kind of confusing. I think that's how it played out, though.

Crazy how rare are the 850R's are! Tragic, really. Good luck, and let us know how your search progresses!

Originally Posted by I've seen black diamonds!

Something to be aware of:

I had an even older Volvo (960 wagon) that was very reliable up to 175,000 miles, and continued to be mechanically sound, but much of the wiring was turning to dust. I have no reason to suspect this is a common trait of older Volvos, but it seems worth mentioning.

Good point. I remember seeing the 960s have wiring problems, which seemed to be the 960's (and 760's) biggest flaw. I do not remember ever seeing any 850's or S70's wiring disintegrate like that, though. HOWEVER, since they are getting so old, as you're shopping around, it would definitely be worth examining the wiring to make sure it's in good shape. Wiring problems suck to deal with no matter what car it is, so I'd be on the lookout for that, for sure.

Thanks for the help and opinions. I think im letting this one go.

I cant even get them to send me additional pics. I mean cmon im in Utah....wtf.. I ask for more pics..i get a response of "Please give us a call"...WTF?? what am i going to say differently on the phone..I WANT MORE PICS....

Fucking retards..they must have people beating down the door for this one..

Originally Posted by Skidog

Thanks for the help and opinions. I think im letting this one go.

I cant even get them to send me additional pics. I mean cmon im in Utah....wtf.. I ask for more pics..i get a response of "Please give us a call"...WTF?? what am i going to say differently on the phone..I WANT MORE PICS....

Fucking retards..they must have people beating down the door for this one..

Yeah, I guess I would too. Definitely not somebody I'd want to do business with if they're going to be like that. Good luck with your search! Glad you got this thread going. Rekindled my interest in the old V70/850R. Gonna start saving up the cash to go seek out one of my own.

I have an suv which great for the winter, and can haul the dogs/ski gear around, but honestly drives like ass and gets horrible gas mileage. I freaking hate SUVs. Great for going off-road I guess, but that's rare. I have a fast car that's a blast to drive, but sucks in the winter. The old Volvo R's, are both fun AND practicle (not to mention reasonably priced these days!). I really want one...again.

Originally Posted by AustinFromSA

I freaking hate SUVs. . The old Volvo R's, are both fun AND practicle (not to mention reasonably priced these days!). I really want one...again.

Hear hear. SUVs blow. Automatic transmissions suck. Bring back the sportwagon.

Really, American consumers suck since they don't demand a real winter car to drive.

Originally Posted by Buster Highmen

Hear hear. SUVs blow. Automatic transmissions suck. Bring back the sportwagon.

Really, American consumers suck since they don't demand a real winter car to drive.

Seriously. Cadillac made a great attempt with the CTS wagon. Dealer gave me one as a loaner once, and it actually rocks. What blows however, is that I learned you can only get the stick if you get either the base engine (meh) or the rocking supercharged LS motor (ridiculously badass), but both of those are relegated to rear-wheel drive. Normally I'd think that's awesome, but now that I'm up north, I'd like AWD. The only way to get AWD is to get the automatic. Sadly, that's the way it is with almost every manufacturer. The new Mazda CX-5/7's also a great car you can get with 6-speed stick, but not if you get AWD. For some reason, companies only want to give us AWD if we get the slushbox with it.

Either it's the American market, or it could also have something to do with the new regulations requiring car companies to achieve higher mpg, in which many have been doing by using a CVT automatic trans, a la Subaru.

Are there ANY wagons (or even crossovers) we can get these days with the combination of AWD, a stick, and high horsepower? I can't really think of a single one. That's why the old Volvos really appeal to me.

230 hp obviously not enough for you in a BMW xit?

Had an 06 V70R for a while. Roofline was too low for me at 6'3 with long torso over time. Power seats usually don't submarine low enough. Went back to subie with 08 WRX. Manual, 225 horse and decent space. Newer ones have 265 horse. Boxy Volvos from pre 2000 seem better. Cross country is auto only. Even BMW stopped in 5 wagon. When I ho to Europe turbo diesels are all manual
Rental lady asked if I knew how to drive manuals and called us lazy Americans. Classic

Originally Posted by plugboots

230 hp obviously not enough for you in a BMW xit?

Originally Posted by whyturn

Even BMW stopped in 5 wagon.

This. I should've specified. I meant are there any NEW wagons with the right combo. However, just went to visit BMW's website and they do have a 3-series wagon with AWD and a 6-speed. Might be one of the best options out there today. Too bad it wouldn't be as roomy as the old Volvo. Might have to take a look at the beemer someday, though. There still isn't enough of a sportwagon selection in the US of A these days, though. Even the new Jetta wagon is only available with FWD. Couldn't find 4motion available for it. For shame, VW. For shame. What would be even more killer would be if we could get a stick-shift awd wagon with a diesel! They're making them pretty powerful these days.

I had the 2007 328 xit manual, and traded it in for the 2011 328xit manual. First time I ever traded a car in and got the same one. The new F31 platform is bigger, but not a 5 series obviously. It may not be as cool as the "old" e91 platform either, (no inline 6, steering is now electronic), so that's partly why I did it.
BTW, I just ordered a Golf R, (AWD manual), too. I really just want a Golf TDI w/ 4motion, I don't need 256 HP. WTF VW?

Originally Posted by plugboots

BTW, I just ordered a Golf R, (AWD manual), too. I really just want a Golf TDI w/ 4motion, I don't need 256 HP. WTF VW?

Badass!!! I've been drooling over that new Golf R since I first read about it. If I was still single w/out dogs and had no need for massive capacity, I would be all over that thing! Just rechecked the V-dub website, and no Golf TDI w/ 4motion. I couldn't find anything other than the Touareg with TDI and 4matic. No stick, though.

Have fun with your Golf R! And post some pics! Congrats. I've heard they're not going to be easy to come by, and are expected to maintain a ridiculously high resale value.

Originally Posted by AustinFromSA

Seriously. Cadillac made a great attempt with the CTS wagon. Dealer gave me one as a loaner once, and it actually rocks. What blows however, is that I learned you can only get the stick if you get either the base engine (meh) or the rocking supercharged LS motor (ridiculously badass), but both of those are relegated to rear-wheel drive. Normally I'd think that's awesome, but now that I'm up north, I'd like AWD. The only way to get AWD is to get the automatic. Sadly, that's the way it is with almost every manufacturer. The new Mazda CX-5/7's also a great car you can get with 6-speed stick, but not if you get AWD. For some reason, companies only want to give us AWD if we get the slushbox with it.

Either it's the American market, or it could also have something to do with the new regulations requiring car companies to achieve higher mpg, in which many have been doing by using a CVT automatic trans, a la Subaru.

Are there ANY wagons (or even crossovers) we can get these days with the combination of AWD, a stick, and high horsepower? I can't really think of a single one. That's why the old Volvos really appeal to me.

Dont know if this fits the criteria but my buddy has a stick Honda Element. I was shocked to see it in a stick.

BTW the volvo that started this thread is still available wonder if i should send another email asking for pics..friggin beaters over there.

Originally Posted by plugboots

I really just want a Golf TDI w/ 4motion, I don't need 256 HP. WTF VW?

This really is one of the greatest mysteries : why the fuck doesnt VW import the cars to the states? Like, if their market research team would have even half shit-for-brains, they would make them aviable there. ALL the yanks/canucs I have met/talked to are drooling after european vw 4motion tdi´s, be it passat, golf or the transporter vans..

All of them are made in copious amounts for european/international markets , and they sell like dirty ladies underwear in japan.
Wtf?
It cant be the emissions as the CO2 are a bit lower for the sticks. And even if you would want a auto (wich are quite good nowadays) they are only marginally more
inefficient. like <5% or so.

I have a 4motion transporter that gets something like 40mpg, and I could think the small business in the states would fucking droool after that kind of car, with carrying capacity of 750-1000kg.

It seems the market is allready there, so why the fuck doesnt VW deliver?

I know the Volvo talks has sorta drifted away here but....I have an 5AT 04' V70R, with ~75k on it. I haven't had too many big issues with it except for the CEM (central electronics module), which was a BIG one. $2k or something, but luckily it was covered under the extended warranty. Currently having some coolant issues, but I've been pretty happy with the car for the past 2 years. Definitely plan on keeping it for another 20-25k miles.

so why the fuck doesnt VW deliver?

I've asked way too many times to vwvortex, audiworld, etc. In the old days, I sent letters basically saying that they were letting Subaru have that market uncontested. I've asked dealers.

The only partially reasonable answer I got was that they need the parts in stock, and the technicians trained for each model. So, a golf is not the same as a Tiguan, (even though it really is), so we can't bring it over because we need to train everyone on it, and stock all the parts. Also, the US Golf is made in Mexico, but the 4-motion cars are made Germany, so they're different, or too expensive or some such shit.

Somehow even the "lost leader" concept doesn't work for VW, (except for thhe Golf R).

OK, back to a $4000 XC and if it should be bought.