Volvo XC70 Questions & Answers

Gear box gets hot and can have issues after 150 k mine got a terrible shudder that can’t be fixed apparently a weak point be aware other than that great cars

Thanks so much - that sounds like a major drawback for this car!

Hi there, all major services need to be carried out at 190,000km,See when the transmission fluid has been changed every 50,000km, timing belt is due about now unless it's already been done and change the PCV system at same time as timing belt if need be, use only fully synthetic engine oil, check suspension system and tyre wear that will tell you the condition of suspension and the more electronic gadjets it has the more you'll have to watch ie, power sunroofs can develop closing issues DTSC system can need services over time.. I think that about covers it, let me know if I've missed anything ,hope this helps you

My 2008 xc70 D5 has finally sold, glad I didn't buy the above as I would have had 2 cars for a while. Still looking at another xc70, thanks for the advice above, I shall ask more Q's if I have any, cheers

I am unsure when Volvo XC70 sales started in Oz. My xc70 is a 2003 model and there is at least one earlier model on the road. Differences between thes appear to be badges only. Maybe search Internet for more detail. What's good is chassis, suspension, coach work & finish. What's not so good is cost for new parts although used parts are reasonable. Common fault is radiator leak. Also check door rubbers these tend to wear from driver entry and exit. I like the car and intend owning it for many more years --- mostly used around town and some work ute type of tasks

Thanks greg. Yes more research is needed. I am just looking at it from an insurance point of view. Although I doubt it would be an import. And I will take note on the things to look for as the car has 300k on it.

Yes the early models were called xc70 cross country , check transmission and make sure you obtain receipts to what and when it was fixed as from 2000 to 2004-2005 all had transmission problems sooner or later, check PCV emissions system and run only in fully synthetic oil..

All log book servicing must be in to date and check that the gearbox oil has been flushed regularly and works as it should

Hi i have a 2005 with 104 k on the clock . So far all good ,These car should last ! I have had some clunky noises out of the gear box and a gearbox oil change seemed to sort that out. I,m no expert !

My goal is to get to at least to 200 plus k as an older bloke hoping that this car will see me a long way .. if fuel is something that bothers you these cars like a drink ..around town 14.5 ltr /100 klm. however you get a lot of car for the current market place of these cars.

For me I would be checking timing belt replacement , air con gassing ..i have had to re gas they leak a bit apparently ..why !

My side blinkers needed replacing as the fittings a re just plastic .

As many other Xc owners i think are hoping that the old gearbox dramas with earlier models are long gone ..still if any noises I would get an expert to comment.

Thanks guys, everybody seems to agree that gear box is a very possible problem in these cars, which really its not a problem to take lightly, as it would rapidly make the difference of "well priced car".

Hi Billy, I have 280k on the clock and I intend to retain the vehicle for another 100K. I have not had any gearbox problems. I reconditioned the head at 250K (fractured a valve). This reduced the oil consumption down to a liter for next 15K. Everything else has behaved and met my expectations. I like the car and have had it since new. I know of one other XC70 which had a gearbox re-build at about the 350-400k mark. This was quite an expensive rebuild. Subsequently the motor in this vehicle started to leak oil from the big-end at about the 450K mark and the owner has since replaced it. Generally I think that 300-350k, with regular servicing, is about what you should expect from motor and gear box in this type of vehicle. Regards greg

Hi Billy, There are a lot of cars that have transmission issues that cost thousands,Mazda,subaru,vw etc,yours is an 05 so you have the updated transmission so you should be fine the older xc70s had a few issues with gearboxes but was all sorted by 04,one issue is lack of oil changes so if your transmission oil is black get it changed or if your towing

a caravan get an oil cooler fitted all these simple steps will help...they are a good car hope you still have it....

cheers

Michael, As I understand it a replacement transmission is very expensive. I recall our Volvo specialist (Steven) discussing this with me some time back. I am almost certain that one of Steven's client facde a replacement bill around the $12 to $15k mark, but Steven was able to get the transmission reconditioned at Melbourne based transmission reconditioning workshop. I recommend you call Steven Tanner Automotive in Albury for details. Steven is a Volvo only specialist and maintains Volvos of all ages for a devoted client base. Greg

HI Michael,there was a software update for the early xc70 that seems to fix a lot of hard shifting and flaring problems,also there was a solenoid that can cause problems as well...

hope this helps

Thankyou both Greg09 and Blackdogblue, I have brought a new valve bank for transmission and had it fitted this has fixed the problem at a cost of $1950.00 and also had vehicle checked out completely. It is running well now even though I am a bit lighter in the pocket.

Sorry- all I can tell you is that my roof racks - which are a sort of low profile set -were factory installed and I believe were an included item not an optional extra.