[Dark_Knight_335]

I am mulling over two winter beaters to tote lots of crap to save my E93 some inevitable pain come the winter months, and for those times you just can't fit two mountain bikes and camping gear .
Settled on two Volvo station wagons from a trusted friend moving to Singapore. Which do you suppose is the better deal? I plan on finagling the price.

Choice 1: 1999 black Volvo

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3084129875.html

Choice 2: 2002 brown Volvo

https://post.craigslist.org/k/ENKmptS44RGTD1JEI4MPGg/kycyr?s=preview

I'm thinking the black 1999 one based on the engine swap.

Try to put aside the fact they are station wagons- they are going to be used for their purpose- family stuff, shopping, and for great drivability in snow. Not to mention Volvo's excellent reputation for reliability.

Thanks for the help in advance from all you kind folks!

[BMW_Belgier]

You can't go wrong...

My dad drove a big volvo 850. It was my first car i drove (on Public roads)

It's pretty industructable

[wahooooman]

My mom had a 2002 xc it went for about 170k until i blew up the transfer case doing donuts in the snow haha. Based on a quick Google search on both cars and reviews id say the 1999 one. Because for the 2002 year many people have reported transmission problems and that would be big $$, compared to the 1999 one which the common problem seems to be the 02 sensor, oh and there is a guy who posted on edmunds with a 1999 xc70 with 290k. good luck!!

[Dark_Knight_335]

Definitely thinking the 1999 one too. Thanks to the both of you!

[Potty_Pants]

My buddy has a volvo... and it costs him just as much as owning a bmw... though doesnt break as often. parts are $$$

sorry cant offer any decision between the both.

[Dark_Knight_335]

No worries, that helps ppp!

[BMW_Belgier]

The last 10yrs, Volvo isn't the same anymore...

But that is the same with a lot of car makers...

The old ones were durable, save (for their time) and cheap to repair...

[bbbuzzy]

As the owner of an '05 XC70, I can tell you that they are great for your proposed duties of hauling gear, etc. With all systems functioning properly and decent winter tires (Nokian WRG2), they are fantastic winter vehicles. We use ours as the "family vehicle" until the family grew too big. Now we have a used Sienna, as well, for the times we have 5+ people to carry around, though the Volvo still sees daily duty. The XC70 is a decent ride, and either one will do you well. The most important aspect is the current mechanical condition and past maintenance history. I'd figure out your area Volvo expert independent mechanics and do a PPI on both. My 05 has been flawless after 7 yrs and 72K+ miles. It's never been in the shop for anything other than preventative maintenance. The '02 you list is the second year of the "P2" Volvos. They have a more primitive viscous coupling AWD system, than the "03+" that use a Haldex system. The VC system is know for being a good system, but more prone to failure. It is more sensitive to differences in rotational speeds, so tires need to be matched precisely. Also, 01/02 trannys have higher failures, according to some forums. Mine is fine now, but I did a full flush at 30 and a drain and fill at 60. I will continue the drain and fill at 10-15K intervals for the future.

I have no info about the earlier versions, other than I see a bunch around here and have co-workers who still drive them daily and enjoy them. Either car will work well for your needs but take the time now to buy one in good shape. Once they go bad, they are money pits, just like a BMW. Good luck!

[N55]

I would pick the one from 1999. Low miles compared to the other one.

[Dark_Knight_335]

I expected nothing less from you guys. EXCELLENT advice and help. Thanks so very much. Going with the 1999 with CONFIDENCE

[BMW_Belgier]

Originally Posted by Dark_Knight_335

I expected nothing less from you guys. EXCELLENT advice and help. Thanks so very much. Going with the 1999 with CONFIDENCE

Good luck

[Dark_Knight_335]

Thanks bro. Figured I can't really go wrong with it, it's a Volvo!

[BMWUltimateDriv3r]

For the most durable car of all, get a 1966 Volvo 1800S.

[Dark_Knight_335]

I saw that! Pretty crazy man! Wonder if the AC still works

[whoosh]

Originally Posted by Potty_Pants

My buddy has a volvo... and it costs him just as much as owning a bmw...

This. I had a P2 V70R and sold it before the warranty ran out. Volvos stopped being bulletproof when they went away from their RWD layout. They got even worse after the Ford purchase. Given this I would go with the '99 if you are set on these two cars. A '99 Subaru would be a better winter car.

[eppisgood]

+1 on the 1999. Too bad it isn't an "R" turbo, those are fun, but add expense.

[BMW_Belgier]

Originally Posted by whoosh

This. I had a P2 V70R and sold it before the warranty ran out. Volvos stopped being bulletproof when they went away from their RWD layout. They got even worse after the Ford purchase. Given this I would go with the '99 if you are set on these two cars. A '99 Subaru would be a better winter car.

Like i said: the new ones are not Volvo anymore...

What the hell is a Subaru

[cmyk]

Good choice!

I have owned 2 Volvos (although older models, late 80s/early 90s), and they are bulletproof. Cheap and relatively easy to maintain, but about as expensive as BMW when they break. In my experience they are very reliable, though. I know of a few people who have the later 90s models (my mom used to drive a '96) and no complaints from any of them.

[darkw1sh]

No wai Dark, Just spoke to a Volvo mechnic he stated if the engine swap was doen correctly the 99 becuase the 02 was "half assed." This guy has an XC that is currently at 524K!!!!

[Dark_Knight_335]

Goin with the 1999 w1sh. Thanks again for all the feedback!

[apme123]

stay away from Xc AWD models, the angle gear is bound to go bad and that is a $1500+ repair.

[krhodes1]

Of those two, the '99.

BUT, here is something to think about - other than being a car you don't really care about, the Volvo can't really do anything that your BMW can't do. My former winter beater was a Volvo 965, and it was great for hauling stuff and whatnot, but I sold it and bought an '02 Jeep Grand Cherokee for $3500. The Jeep is actually bigger inside, hauls more stuff, gets about the same gas mileage, is a 4X4, is MASSIVELY cheaper to fix, and can officially tow 5500lbs. It is not particularly amazing to drive, but it is OK even on a longish trip. Definitely NOT in any way something I would want for my only car, but it is mighty useful to have around.