Learn me new Volvo XC70

With apologies to this thread/, I need to learn about new Volvo wagons. This seems like the last year for the XC70. The V60 is not an option. I'm looking for more of a traditionally styled wagon. SWMBO does not like the BMW or Audi wagons.

For this car, I am thinking the FWD version and not the AWD version based on where I live. I'd rather have the little better bump in fuel economy.

This seems rather serious and I suspect within the next week I will go to a car dealer for the first time since 2012 when I bought my WRX.

What do I need to know about these cars? I am less than excited about the lane departure, auto braking type of BS. I don't expect this to be fun to drive. I do expect it to replace my WRX meaning I will put a bike and or a kayak on the roof occasionally. Please don't recommend some SUV instead. I do not want an SUV. Other wagon options may be considered.

2007-2016 either means this car is long in the tooth and out of date or it means that all the bugs should've been worked out years ago. I'm hoping for the latter. I guess until I actually go look at one I won't really know.

My experience.

In reply to sesto elemento:

That's not a glowing recommendation unless you are saying they are very reliable and will continue to run. LOL.

XC70 is the awd version. The fwd version is the V70.

Several significant changes throughout production. What era are you thinking about?

foxtrapper wrote: XC70 is the awd version. The fwd version is the V70. Several significant changes throughout production. What era are you thinking about?

Used to be that way but I'm pretty sure you can get a FWD XC70 now.

crankwalk wrote:

foxtrapper wrote: XC70 is the awd version. The fwd version is the V70. Several significant changes throughout production. What era are you thinking about?

Used to be that way but I'm pretty sure you can get a FWD XC70 now.

Chuckle, and that would make perfect Volvo sense!

Although many of the original XC70s still on the road are now FWD.

I had an older xc70, fantastic seats, with the turbo motor it was actually fun, but moved over to the Audi camp and am actually much happier

I had an 04 V70. Same basic drivetrain and config as the XC70. Motor great. Seats incredible. Tons of space in the back. Decent Mileage.

But... Beware the AW transmissions. Aisin Warner is the one you want to stay away from. Lots of problems with sticking assemblies in the shift valve body. I sold - make that dumped at Carmax - mine due to this problem. Cost to replace transmission was more than car was sold for.

Also had lots of issues with the electronic, drive-by-wire throttle system. Had it replaced 2X.

I loved the car but would not buy another.

I'm thinking of buying a new 2016 model. Not sure how different the current generation is from the earlier ones. The current XC70 definitely comes in FWD or AWD and ther are two engine choices.

Call me a jingoist, but I'm personally not interested in buying a car from a Chinese (held) company.

In reply to etifosi:

I won't call you a jingoist, but I am also not asking you to buy a Chinese (held) car. Just wondering do you abstain from actual Chinese produced goods as well?

T.J. wrote: In reply to sesto elemento: That's not a glowing recommendation unless you are saying they are very reliable and will continue to run. LOL.

I worked for volvo for many years. To my knowledge, all fwd xc70s are as a result of angle gear rear end and driveshaft support bearing failures. That said, there are a e36m3ton of fwd xc70s. Not a fan, what so ever.

In reply to T.J.:

C'mon TJ, it's un-possible in not buy Chinese (held) goods. SOMETIMES.

I also don't buy Smithfield pig or GNC supplements.

If Volvo was superior in some way, I could understand...I have incredible tea from China.

I chose once to buy drywall not from China and was pleased with the result.

Sent on moto phone, assembled (of slave labor produced components) & designed in USA.

*edit: T.J., I didn't mean to sound like a sanctimonious shiny happy person, but I did (am). Sorry for E36 M3ting in your hat. Especially if your wife wants one.

T.J. wrote: I'm thinking of buying a new 2016 model. Not sure how different the current generation is from the earlier ones. The current XC70 definitely comes in FWD or AWD and ther are two engine choices.

OK, so third generation. I've virtually no personal experience with that generation, but pretty much everything I've heard and seen with them is that Volvo basically got all the bugs worked out and they are darn fine cars.

A third generation XC70 is likely the next replacement Volvo for Ms. Foxtrapper.

In reply to etifosi:

No worries.

In reply to Foxtrapper:

Thanks Fox. Good to know at least someone has something good to say about them. The 2017 Audi A4 Allroad is coming soon and looks good on paper and about the same price range.

So, as of last Friday, my WRX has been replaced by an XC70. So far so good. Car is very comfortable with great seats. Lots of gizmos and gadgets to get used to, but liking it so far.

How are the seats?

In reply to G_Body_Man:

LOL. Not sure if it's been mentioned, but I really like the seats. They are comfy. Mine is FWD and has the new 2.0L turbo engine with an 8 speed auto, so hopefully it lives a long and happy life.