considering buying a used volvo..?

The 70 Series volvo's including the XC model are great cars, reliable and long lasting. However I recommend you think twice about buying an XC model because these cars had major issues with the AWD system (it is volvo's first AWD system that uses a bevel gear vs the new ones which use the swedish designed haldex electronic awd). The bevel gears begin to leak or end up failing, getting many owners to just having the drive shaft removed and keep it as a 2wd car. I had issues with this on my 2000 V70 XC and ended up getting rid of the car. I am a major volvo fan and will only drive volvos however I would watch out on this one, if you like it THAT much, then have it checked by a volvo specialist

Hello,

I run the same car but without the AWD, I would not touch it with a barge poll, the AWD fails very often, you see loads for spare or repair on the market as the awd has failed, my car is a 850 T5 which is the original or your car, if you are in the uk I would opt for an immaculate 850, the V70 is the same car but just rebadged with some of the quality lost along the way, also if you are in uk you can insure a 1997 or older Volvo as a classic for very little money, my T5 will outrun a subaru impressa, will haul a house load of things and only costs me £180 per year to unsure!

Stay away from any Volvo made in the late '90s. Volvos of that era were more apt to be lab experiments than real cars. 70, 80 and 90 series cars were abominations with all kinds of problems, things going wrong that you'd never have go wrong on any other car. Volvo used components from other manufacturers that may or may not have been the best choices. Interior materials were very cheap and they looked that way. I speak from my own personal experience with a 1998 S90, quite possibly the worst car I've ever owned.

An absolute total piece of junk. Volvos are not the car they used to be and anyone who tells you different has never owned one 1990 or newer.

Good cars! Just be sure to check out the condition of the motor & drivetrain.

Volvos last forever.

take car or bring car to cert. volvo mech. and check EVERYTHANG on the spot...good cars but once a prob. starts its like a snowball effect,,, take care of it and its good