G/box: 70 Auto: 160,000km V70 auto with FSH - should I walk away?

[foxwelljsly]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum but hope to make considerable use of, and contribute to, this invaluable information resource and online community.

My reason for posting is that I am in a quandry regarding the imminent purchase of a cheap old Volvo V70 (up to 2005 and <£2000). I am aware that cheap cars come with risk, but having read a lot here, it would seem that a 2000-20002 auto V70 at 160,000 miles, even with a full service history, should be something to walk away from.

Is this necessarily the case? Or am I being too cautious?

many thanks

[DSK]

I would used cars are only as good as they how well they have been maintained. Evidence of routine servicing is a must. Both petrol and diesel engines are strong and offer good service life.

Auto box - should definitely have the gearbox fluid changed to help keep the box working well.

Check for tired suspension and worn brakes as these cars are heavy on these two components.

Even with that mileage it should be a nice, comfortable and sure footed drive with no engine noises or smoke.

My personal rule of thumb to buying a good used car is;

1. low number of owners
2. no cheap quality modifications
3. evidence of service history/reciepts to prove routine maintenance
4. interior should be clean and intact with no missing trim (neglected interior = abused vehicle)
5. Exterior bodywork should be free of scuffs and dents as these are easy to repair to help keep a car looking nice.

[TonyB65]

Originally Posted by foxwelljsly

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum but hope to make considerable use of, and contribute to, this invaluable information resource and online community.

My reason for posting is that I am in a quandry regarding the imminent purchase of a cheap old Volvo V70 (up to 2005 and <£2000). I am aware that cheap cars come with risk, but having read a lot here, it would seem that a 2000-20002 auto V70 at 160,000 miles, even with a full service history, should be something to walk away from.

Is this necessarily the case? Or am I being too cautious?

many thanks

If it has a FSH, with evidence of bills, and it's clean inside and out it's probably been maintained properly. Check the MOT history online, that will give you further clues. As has been stated, check the gearbox fluid has been changed, plus any cambelt changes, If it all checks out it could be a good buy. I picked mine up with 96K on the clock and it drives like new, I don't expect it to be much different at 160K because I'll maintain it accordingly.

[john.wigley]

I agree with 'DSK' and 'TonyB65'. Buy wisely and you are unlikely to regret it.

Personal experience: I bought an early 2000 V70 auto with 118K up from a dealer in August 2016 for £550. It was up for £695, but only had 4 months MOT left. He didn't want to put a new one on it for me, but said I could have it as a 'trade' sale.

It passed the first MOT in my ownership with only attention to the handbrake and exhaust required, and has since gone through another with just a couple of advisories.

It runs well, is a comfortable, commodious load lugger which returns 30MPG overall. I think its brilliant! Go for it!

Regards, John.

[Christerart]

All good points by the precious posters.

The one thing with a full service history - as mentioned in other threads here - it does not necessary mean it has had a transmission fluid change - which is imperative - especially if it has been towing.

Take it for an extended test - at least 30 minutes drive and see how the gear box changes when it's warm. If it's acting up when warm - hard shifting - you are probably best off walking away.

Same thing if seller won't let you do that test..

However - it does not necessary mean the transmission is screwed - a couple of years I bought a 2002 V70 Auto D5 for £800. Lots of miles - 209K.

Most of that had been going from Scotland to Heathrow (with a trailer). Tons of service history but for the last 4 years an older gentleman owned it and did not take care of it and when the transmission was warm it was a little choppy.

So I did what Kira recommends here:

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showt...=75096&page=34

post 339.

I did a partial dump and another one 1,000 miles later and then added the LubeGuard.

The transmission now - after 25K miles in two years shifts like new - and I get 55+ mpg on the road .

[xco]

Originally Posted by foxwelljsly

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum but hope to make considerable use of, and contribute to, this invaluable information resource and online community.

My reason for posting is that I am in a quandry regarding the imminent purchase of a cheap old Volvo V70 (up to 2005 and <£2000). I am aware that cheap cars come with risk, but having read a lot here, it would seem that a 2000-20002 auto V70 at 160,000 miles, even with a full service history, should be something to walk away from.

Is this necessarily the case? Or am I being too cautious?

many thanks

You dont say whether its petrol or Diesel if diesel it will be d5 and bullet proof.all cars that age will need some work if you can do it great you've bought yourself a gem if not you need to decide how long you want to keep the car and factor in repairs.

Find a good indi volvo mech and stick with him if he's good.

Plenty of P2's about now for spares remember so all good. You could spend £20.000 on a new motor now and STILL have to mend it.

I ran an MY04 SE V70 for 6 years until I bought my present MY08 XC90 in 2014 and i have to say I still miss it now although I do love my XC90.

The final choice will be yours of course but there are plenty of stories of love and many high miler's of v70 P2's on here.

I sold mine at 144.000 mls and it still went like new especially after a new inter-cooler was fitted and the manual will return 52mpg @75mph all day long.

if you drive it and you are smitten ....Buy it.