Advice buying 2005/6 V70/XC70

[abtx]

Hi! I'm considering buying a Volvo. I'm looking for a big, comfortable, and reliable car. I'm considering either a V70/XC70 2006 or 2006 model, the facelift one, or an old 240 or 940.

I've set my eyes on a 2005 XC70 at the moment with about 130k on the clock and one previous owner. I really like the looks, 4x4, and how nice and boxy it is

My only concern is that I've seen a few Volvos of this generation with some kind of fault, like anti skid service required, etc. The one I want to buy doesn't have it, but it makes me wonder. So, the question to you as a potential owner of this generation V70/XC70 is this: are these faults common, and if so are they easy and inexpensive to fix? Are these cars as reliable and as bulletproof as most people say? What has been your experience of owning a high milage one? And if not, what other Volvo you'd recommend? Looking forward to reading all the answers! Thanks!

[JoeNinety]

It is not high mileage

More likely to get problems with the haldex, unless it has been well looked after

Anti skid service could just be loose driveshaft bolts, or a rusty reluctor ring

[abtx]

Originally Posted by JoeNinety

It is not high mileage

More likely to get problems with the haldex, unless it has been well looked after

Anti skid service could just be loose driveshaft bolts, or a rusty reluctor ring

Haldex is the 4x4 system?

The one I've got my eyes on is a first owner one, so I guess it's been looked after pretty well. It seems like some service history is missing though.

Bit of a gamble buying one then, reliability wise?

[TLPower]

Buying any used car is a reliability gamble realistically. 130k isn't a lot for one of these though being heavy old Hectors they do were suspension components out. I would check it's online MOT history and have a proper look at the car.

Any Chinese ditchfinders fitted would set my alarms off, I'm fairly certain the XC requires matching tyres all round.

I have a 2005 V70 with 110k on it, it still drives really well, the only issue is the V70's achilles heel, the over-sized turning circle or orbit.

[T5R92011]

Generally speaking, any issue that crops up with these cars, you can visit the Volvo forum and find the solution fairly quickly, because a lot of people who own these cars are knowledgable.

That is not the case with many other brands....You buy something like a Kia or Nissan, and the online forums are horrendous, and nobody knows anything about how the cars work.

So at least you have the reassurance that almost anything that could possibly go wrong with your car, will be on here, documented somewhere, with a fix included.

[Simmy]

common faults are hand brake abs rings . exhaust hangers. will need fluid change if its an auto plus all thing in previous posts . dont worry abt mileage mine has 240k and the engine is faultless

[abtx]

Originally Posted by TLPower

Buying any used car is a reliability gamble realistically. 130k isn't a lot for one of these though being heavy old Hectors they do were suspension components out. I would check it's online MOT history and have a proper look at the car.

Any Chinese ditchfinders fitted would set my alarms off, I'm fairly certain the XC requires matching tyres all round.

I have a 2005 V70 with 110k on it, it still drives really well, the only issue is the V70's achilles heel, the over-sized turning circle or orbit.

So this is it. Every other MOT seems failed. The garage who's selling said they replaced rear suspension and wheel bearings. Car shows no faults, according to them.

[abtx]

Originally Posted by T5R92011

Generally speaking, any issue that crops up with these cars, you can visit the Volvo forum and find the solution fairly quickly, because a lot of people who own these cars are knowledgable.

That is not the case with many other brands....You buy something like a Kia or Nissan, and the online forums are horrendous, and nobody knows anything about how the cars work.

So at least you have the reassurance that almost anything that could possibly go wrong with your car, will be on here, documented somewhere, with a fix included.

Thanks, I appreciate that, but I think I want a car I can service at a garage and then not have to try fix myself, especially with things that require programming computer modules on a car like this. I'm really looking for something that can take the proverbial beating and keep going, pass every mot without having to dish out half of car's worth at the dealer. If the anti skid and other system messages are DIY or easy to fix then yes, no problem, any garage will be happy to fix cheap. If it's the dealer who need to plug in their bespoke Volvo diagnostic system and then charge for the privilege then that's not great.

[stuart bowes]

you can get yourself a copy of VIDA for free, then purchase a connection module (Dice or VCX) which will set you back anywhere from about £60-150 depending where you get it from, there was a guy on here who sold laptops and Dice's pre set up but he's been very quiet lately, you can get them on ebay and people here can assist with setup

diagnotics are then free. but you're right some modules if replaced do need programming, the only one I've had to do so far was my throttle body, but there's a genius specialist round my way who came to me and did it for £60

but, if you're not looking to do any of the work yourself, you may have to find specialists to do it which just isnt the case with more mainstream cars like BM's and Fords. perhaps the first thing you should do is ask about and find where the nearest volvo indie garage is and see if they get good reviews

most of the stuff I've done on mine (about 3 grands worth of parts and a grands worth of stereo) were a) optional really just me being a bit pedantic or b) necessary but no different to any other car - bushes, brakes, shocks and springs, rubber pipes leaking, fluid changes etc

[Simmy]

Originally Posted by TLPower

Buying any used car is a reliability gamble realistically. 130k isn't a lot for one of these though being heavy old Hectors they do were suspension components out. I would check it's online MOT history and have a proper look at the car.

Any Chinese ditchfinders fitted would set my alarms off, I'm fairly certain the XC requires matching tyres all round.

I have a 2005 V70 with 110k on it, it still drives really well, the only issue is the V70's achilles heel, the over-sized turning circle or orbit.

ha ha orbit love that term for v70 turning