2003 XC70 common faults?

cheffy · May 26th, 2011, 21:48

I've finally managed to get my other half over to the 'dark side' and might just have convinced her to get herself a 2003 XC70 SE. We've been looking for something more accustomed to the winter and with better handling than what she's got now and think this might be it.

We're going to get a mechanic friend of ours to give it the once over and as he's not a Volvo specialist were just wondering if there was anything in particular we should be looking for? The details I have so far are that it's diesel, 2.4l and has about 80,000 miles on the clock. I don't know about the FSH or anything about that at the moment but will do soon. It's leather interior and as far as I know electric everything...oh and it's gonna be £3500 to us (taken as a trade in that the garage doesn't really want)

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated!

Ian

ssorej · May 27th, 2011, 21:15

Not the most qualified to answer, but had a V70 XC/Crosscountry a few years ago and one thing to make sure is that there is even tyre wear. If the tracking/wheel alignment is out, then because it's 4 wheel drive it's possible you wear 4 tyres quickly which gets expensive.

Mine was fine apart from getting caught out with tyres like that.

60041 · May 27th, 2011, 23:45

The diesel engines are very good and, provided they have been properly serviced, seem to last well so check the service history. At 80,000 miles this one is getting very close to needing the timing belt and auxillary drive belts changing. Other problems you might encounter are failed 4WD where the splined sleeve has failed, leaking intercooler, failed alarm siren and handbrake problems; all these problems are well covered in this forum. Some of these problems such as the handbrake are common but are easily fixed, others such as the splined sleeve or the intercooler are a bit more expensive but are not that common and largely depend on how the car has been treated.
The 03 models have the later type of differential that does not cause problems with unevenly worn tyres, and other than general wear and tear, a well looked after car of that age should drive well and be a reliable and comfortable purchase.

May 26th, 2011, 21:48	#1
cheffy Member Last Online: Nov 3rd, 2023 20:25 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Galashiels	2003 XC70 common faults? I've finally managed to get my other half over to the 'dark side' and might just have convinced her to get herself a 2003 XC70 SE. We've been looking for something more accustomed to the winter and with better handling than what she's got now and think this might be it. We're going to get a mechanic friend of ours to give it the once over and as he's not a Volvo specialist were just wondering if there was anything in particular we should be looking for? The details I have so far are that it's diesel, 2.4l and has about 80,000 miles on the clock. I don't know about the FSH or anything about that at the moment but will do soon. It's leather interior and as far as I know electric everything...oh and it's gonna be £3500 to us (taken as a trade in that the garage doesn't really want) Any pointers would be greatly appreciated! Ian

May 27th, 2011, 23:45	#3
60041 Premier Member Last Online: Mar 28th, 2024 10:19 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: North Northumberland	The diesel engines are very good and, provided they have been properly serviced, seem to last well so check the service history. At 80,000 miles this one is getting very close to needing the timing belt and auxillary drive belts changing. Other problems you might encounter are failed 4WD where the splined sleeve has failed, leaking intercooler, failed alarm siren and handbrake problems; all these problems are well covered in this forum. Some of these problems such as the handbrake are common but are easily fixed, others such as the splined sleeve or the intercooler are a bit more expensive but are not that common and largely depend on how the car has been treated. The 03 models have the later type of differential that does not cause problems with unevenly worn tyres, and other than general wear and tear, a well looked after car of that age should drive well and be a reliable and comfortable purchase. __________________ 2018 V90CC D4, 2022 XC40 1940 Matchless G3, 1980 Moto Guzzi T3 Coming soon:- 1947Rover 14 P2

May 27th, 2011, 21:15	#2
ssorej New Member Last Online: Jan 6th, 2023 21:55 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Highlands	Not the most qualified to answer, but had a V70 XC/Crosscountry a few years ago and one thing to make sure is that there is even tyre wear. If the tracking/wheel alignment is out, then because it's 4 wheel drive it's possible you wear 4 tyres quickly which gets expensive. Mine was fine apart from getting caught out with tyres like that.

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