I looking to buy a car and heard that older Volvo models were very reliable, but what models and years were most reliable? And are they were the buy for a daily driver?
The dependable models are all 35 years or older so unless you're sure you can get every part still, I wouldn't. I'd also check if reman engines/trannies are still available from a reputable vendor. Granted buying two & having one as a parts car is always great insurance but unless the parts car had a new driveline installed you'll just have the same issues.
Also be sure you are ready to do alot of the work yourself without the aid of a scan tool. Even with 20 year old vehicles you're going to be doing ALOT of work, as you add on years, add on potential maintaince.
If it's going to be your daily then you absolutely should swap in reman powertrain & accessories like the alternator, p/s pump, etc & of course a starter.
I would suggest if looking for a daily driver and easier to take care of car (less need to do a lot of work on it yourself or having harder time finding parts) go with an older Camry, Accord, Corolla, or Civic. By older I don't mean 25+ years; it can even be from 10 years ago for example. Just make sure to avoid model/years that have been known for issues (a quick search on Scotty's YouTube channel will show you the videos in which he talks about ones to buy and ones to avoid).
Hi,
Most recent Volvo's that I consider reliable were built on Ford's platforms.
From the Volvo C30 T5 to the S80, most models were alright.
The things to avoid are small turbo engines (2.0 N/A is great, 2.5T is great, but the 2.0T is not), bad transmissions (their wet dual clutches are as reliable as DCTs get - and yet they're still pretty troublesome, Old Aisin 5 speed transmissions I'd avoid the AW55-50SN as these had issues with torque convertor deterioration (like the 2011-2013 Camry) or at least change the ATF frequently and be ready to swap it out later.
It really depends on what you're looking for, But the XC70 is good all-around (if you avoid small turbo 4 cylinders, dual clutch automatics - and personally I wouldn't get the 8 speed modifications although they are alright)
Scotty also had a video on the XC70
With that being said, I wouldn't go too old or too high millage - after all, they're still all euro cars.
