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Need Assistance With Used, Newer Volvo Wagon


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We are looking to purchase a used, newer Volvo Wagon (looking to spend around 20-25K) with a third row seat. We live in Phoenix, Arizona and do not need AWD. Any suggestions on what model to purchase, features to look for and model years to focus on? The dealerships and availability in Phoenix is rather weak compared to the East Coast. Anyone from Phoenix that can lend a suggestion on where to go and how to look for a Volvo? Thank you so much! We recently retired our 1980 Volvo wagon and have been longing for one ever since! :D

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Unfortunately, you won't find the same quality in the newer cars produced by a company now owned by Ford that you did in your trust 2 series tank. However, the newer cars are still a much better choice than many of the alternatives you might have. Whatever you do, stay away from any model produced between 1999 and 2001, unless of course you like getting the shaft (AKA: ETM replacement / read: $$$). I'd suggest that you look for a '02 or newer V70 T5. It doesn't have the AWD system, which can be rather costly to repair, but still has plenty of power, space, and versatility.

EDIT: There are several members here in AZ that I'm sure could tell you a good place to pick up a good used Volvo.

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We are looking to purchase a used, newer Volvo Wagon (looking to spend around 20-25K) with a third row seat. We live in Phoenix, Arizona and do not need AWD. Any suggestions on what model to purchase, features to look for and model years to focus on? The dealerships and availability in Phoenix is rather weak compared to the East Coast. Anyone from Phoenix that can lend a suggestion on where to go and how to look for a Volvo? Thank you so much! We recently retired our 1980 Volvo wagon and have been longing for one ever since! :D

Welcome! you've come to the right place. :)

1998-2000 V70's look identical for the most part, but the 99 and 00 have a completely different engine computer system. In that system one part called the ETB, or electronic throttle body is VERY prone to early failure, and costs roughly 1,000US to fix. So if you're looking at a 99-00 make sure that the ETB has already been replaced.

Model Year (MY) 1998 didn't have this problem, and still uses a manual throttle cable connected to the gas pedal.

2001-2003 V70's also have the ETB problem, and are a much different looking car than the 98-00.

Good luck!

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Welcome! you've come to the right place. :)

1998-2000 V70's look identical for the most part, but the 99 and 00 have a completely different engine computer system. In that system one part called the ETB, or electronic throttle body is VERY prone to early failure, and costs roughly 1,000US to fix. So if you're looking at a 99-00 make sure that the ETB has already been replaced.

Model Year (MY) 1998 didn't have this problem, and still uses a manual throttle cable connected to the gas pedal.

2001-2003 V70's also have the ETB problem, and are a much different looking car than the 98-00.

Good luck!

also you can try cars.com for research and local dealers. also autotrader.com. With that amount you can play a good price OTD GAME. Meaning you want a volvo but you can wait a month. So If the wagon you want is 30k and its from a dealer tell them 23K OTD. They might laugh at that point give them your name and number abd walk away. They will call. If not tell them $24k OTD. I say this because I had bought with my ex a 1995 960 wagon with 55k They wanted $25K we saw another add for the same vehicle at $18k. With taxes and all it was close to the 25k. Then she bought a 2000 awd R wagon and then we socked it to them. We told them a low price and we talk back and forth and we got the deal. Take your time. Dont rush and dont seem very interested. Hope tgat helps. I still got the wagon with 173k going strong.

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Haha. I like the reliability advice from people who don't own the cars. Beauty.

As far as the newer wagons (2001+ V70)

The ETM was changed in 02. Supposedly, that is a better unit. Your budget is pretty good at 20-25k you can find a really nice used example because the depreciation on these cars suck. As far as I know the 3rd row seat is a very limited option on the newer V70s ($995). So finding one in the used market could be tough. Depending on what type of vehicle you want you should be aware of the trim levels. They are base, 2.4T/2.5T, T5 and R.

The base model has 168hp. The other models are turbo and range from 190hp to 300hp on the R. I do not believe you can get the 3rd row seat on the R. If you're looking for a pure family car a good choice a 2003 or newer V70 2.5T. The engine has 208hp (less than the T5 247) but is more responsive around town and easier on the gas. With your budget you can get a CPO 2003+ car pretty easy.

Good luck. Post if you'd like any more clarification.

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Here's a link to a Volvospeed member and dealer. He's owns and has owned many volvos and just wants to help out other VS members with good cars at good prices. He was helping me on my search for a V70 T5, but I found one locally. He was helpful and responsive, and since he's in Utah, he may be close enough so shipping costs are not a big issue. If you look on the last post, he has a list of some cars he has.

http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.php?s...t=entry407509

I hope it helps...

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