Opinion on the XC70 (circa 2004)

[JacobsMess]

All,
I'm yet to own a Volvo BUT, we're looking to take an extended later this year and the plan is to either, get a campervan and take that (proving difficult within our budget) or tow a caravan. One consideration for a tow vehicle is the XC70.

Our budget is max £2k for a tow vehicle (might stretch more for something good), and it seems the XC70 is an option from around 2004 for this.

Two examples I've seen, one is in good condition with around 140K (SE LUX) miles on it, seller says everything works. The other example (SE) is cheaper (around £1.15K), and has 130K miles on but has a knocking sound when the AWD is enabled. One concern I have is trying to avoid the DPF, as I have heard these can be trouble.

So my main question is....
What is your opinion/experience with these cars? are they good for another 60K+ miles if serviced well? Is the knocking likely to be an easy fix?

Is it best to just avoid?

Thanks

[northbradleys70]

Hi.
I have owned a 2005 XC70 D5 for 7 years. Mileage is 150,000. I tow a twin Axle caravan at nearly max towing weight. Some might say this is not advisable but XC70 D5 is well up to the task.
The car is great to drive and very comfortable and I love it.

Be warned though, check the following:

Crankcase core plug has been done
AWD is working
If Geartronic then all changes are smooth when warm.
Transmission fluid has been changed, check colour of existing
Intercooler for replacement.
All belts and pulleys have been replaced to Schedule with OE parts ,preferably Volvo.
2004 models are pre DPF so no issues there.

I have spent £2000 on a new transfer box and spline kit. The core plug had gone and the gearbox and transfer box have to come out to facilitate replacement. It was also noted that the AWD was not working due to the splines being stripped.
£400 on a Yaw sensor
£100 ish on a new intercooler.

Also had the ECU water ingress problem which was fixed at Volvo's expense.

I do the basic servicing myself so save a few quid on Labour.

I dont want to put you off as its a very able car but just some things to look out for.

[eternal optimist]

I have a 2004 XC70 Auto. Bought it three years ago with 125k on the clock. Now at 185k. I’ve replaced nothing other than consumables like discs, pads, and tyres. Oh, and brake calipers all round. It’s been serviced to within an inch of its life - either Mann or Volvo filters, quality engine oil, Haldex fluid and filter, 4 litres of ATF every time I change the engine oil and filter. Aux belt and tensioner replaced when I bought it, and again last October when the cam belt, tensioners and idler were changed along with the water pump (which was starting to show a little play; would probably have gone again, but I’d got a spare just in case. All Volvo other than some filters (Mann) and oil.

It had one owner before me, he’d not gone cheap on maintenance, neither have I. He’d had a new steering rack and intercooler fitted within the last two years he’d owned it.

[Bonefishblues]

As an XC70 driver, no, I'd probably not go for a cheap one to tow you on that trip. Assad, they can throw you a big bill for fun. We saw transfer box and splines and much else on our first.

In your position I'd be looking at things like Shoguns, or, out of left field a Ssanyong Rexton, maybe.

ETA
And whatever you do, don't go for the one with the noisy tranny.

[JacobsMess]

Thanks all, I've been looking at an old Pajero that looks great (it's orange and old) but I'm a little concerned about age. I appreciate the responses and given the need for the vehicle to take us the distance and tow and the short period of breaking in an highlighting issues we'd have I might give it a miss for now.

The issue with the Rexton which I had considered is it's so ugly!

[Bonefishblues]

Understand, but OTOH I reckon they're a bargain, and likely to get you there & back

[JacobsMess]

Originally Posted by Bonefishblues

Understand, but OTOH I reckon they're a bargain, and likely to get you there & back

Yeah but with the Rexton i'm only able to tow 950Kg (which factoring in a caravan usually weights 1000kg) makes things difficult.

Pajero allows a little more leeway I believe. Other options are Subaru Legacy/Foresters but they're petrol and I tend to use a little vegetable oil in my diesels which helps on the economy side.

[Bonefishblues]

Is that all? Am surprise.

[JacobsMess]

sorry not sure if it was clear, I'm limited to 3.5T on my license, as I understand, what you are allowed to tow is your is 3.5T-GVW of the car so the Rexton has a GVW of 2550Kg, leaving only 950KG before I hit the 3.5T limit. If you are on an old license or have up to C1, or the trailer bit on your license you can tow up to 3.5T extra with the Rexton.

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by JacobsMess

sorry not sure if it was clear, I'm limited to 3.5T on my license, as I understand, what you are allowed to tow is your is 3.5T-GVW of the car so the Rexton has a GVW of 2550Kg, leaving only 950KG before I hit the 3.5T limit. If you are on an old license or have up to C1, or the trailer bit on your license you can tow up to 3.5T extra with the Rexton.

Ah, now I get it - so you want small but mighty.

Forester?