Volvo V70 R (NAC)

[TWFAUST at aol.com]

I've been contemplating a 2005 - 2007, Volvo V70 R Wagon as a more  modern
interpretation of the 5-cylinder turbo quattro Avant.  Any  experiences? Any
input?  Any issues?

Thanks in advance for your  collective wisdom.

Greg J



For what it is worth, I have a '96 850 wagon. I have kept it around  as a 
wheel barrow since my turbo mini van rusted away. It now has over 200K.  
FWIW, the v70 is a progression of the 850, although a lot of changes were made  
in 2001. The 850 is the same 5 cylinder inline. As with all European cars, 
there  seems to have been an excess of electrical glitches. Notably, the 
ignition  switch dear to the hearts of Audi fans. Fortunately replacing it is a 
much  simpler deal than with an Audi, it is mounted right on the column. 
When it  fails, you lose some lights, directionals, speedometer and a number of 
other  things.
 
Parts are quite expensive. I think this has improved with the growth  of an 
aftermarket. I just bought a right had drive axle for $39.00, hard to beat  
that. The Volvo sites always caution to use "genuine Volvo parts". I think 
that  is particularly a concern with electrical items. Oh, absolutely 
everything has a  torx fastener.
 
I think there has been a change in recent years, but the AWD was  operated 
by measuring wheel speed and transferring power. This is quite  sensitive, 
to the extent that if you replace one tire on a worn set, it will  detect it 
as a "slower wheel". That means replacing tires in sets.
 
For all that, it has been quite reliable and rattle free. I would  
recommend one. It is an interference motor, so it is wise to be careful about  the 
timing belt. The I-5 is transverse, I find Audis easier to work  on.
 
The 4 speed automatic is a disappointment. The OD is around .95. Around  
2000,they switched to the unit used in a Chevy Impala. That was a  
considerable  improvement and I believe they are still using it.
 
I haven't kept up with nomenclature changes, but the "R" was  originally a 
pretty fast car.
 
Tom Faust