Last month I lost my nicely kitted 2004 XC70 with modest miles – was growing to love that car. I made the decision to hold out until I can find another really low miles, blue/oak (or tan-ish) one, then kit it out again the way I want. I found a relatively low mile 2000 V70XC at the local auto auction, and I bought it sight unseen online. I was hurting the day prior to the auction (preview day – still hurting from accident). But it’s going to be a great buy and a good car. I brought it home last Friday, nine days ago. It was a charity donation to a local hospital, not a wreck or write-off, which was one of the reasons I was willing to bid on it.
Just after the (Volvo) picker dropped it off at the auction site:
It was basically as I expected, a little worse on some cosmetic points (bad scratch on hood, dent on rear of LF front fender). Beter in other ways – suspension is all solid, brand new Michelin Defender tires and brake job, etc. It’s like a box of chocolates, but I can deal with the downside if I have to so I can take the risk. I have a lot of decades of automotive maintenance history, some restoration experience on cars but more on motorcycles, and my father has a very well kitted shop to do work in, and is an experienced machinist, mechanic, welder, etc.
First order of business was jump-starting, dumping in some octane boost for the stale gas, and topping up with 92. A few miles later it was running decently.
Here’s my punch-list of things I want to do to get to stage 0 and then be able to feel comfortable jumping in it for a 1,500 mile or further road trip at any moment. Hey, that happens in the PNW – I took a 3,100 mile road trip last June (in a friend’s Camry), and a 1,400 mile one last August (my prior XC70).
1) Engine flush and fill with Mobil 1 + Lubegard Biotech and long-life filter.
2) fresh brake fluid, good brakes and smooth rotors
3) Clean and flushed PS system
4) Clean and flushed AT system
5) Healthy coolant with compatible, long-life fluid
6) Flush differentials with 80w-90 fluid and synthetic supplement (Lubegard gear)
7) Plugs and coils in good health
8) Engine mounts, critical lower torque rod and upper support, intact.
9) Fresh working TCV/boost solenoid
10) replace fuel filter
11) Inspect tie rods, ball joints, and all suspension bushings for replacement or future maintenance
12) Inspect exhaust health and repair as needed.
13) Repair cosmetic issues interior/exterior as needed
I’ve done the above on two P2 Volvos so far – my prior XC70 and my step-sons S60 awd. So I know most of the steps, but not the p80 differences, but it will be fun to learn.
First impressions:
a) the p80 seats are no where near as comfortable as P2, and it feels cramped inside vs. P2. But I am biased towards big/roomy cars.
b) despite the really lovely/clean interior, someone spilled a double caramel macchiato into a heat vent somewhere, and it’s go to be cleaned out… 
Which is not bad overall!!!