Most reliable version to buy?
Hey guys,
I’m currently in the market for my first XC70, but honestly I’m completely overwhelmed with information, especially all the negative feedback online (including from ChatGPT… yeah, I know).
For some context: I have a farm in Portugal, and during winter it gets pretty muddy, but my 2018 VW T6 FWD actually manages surprisingly well. I also do at least three long trips per year between Portugal and the Netherlands (around 2,300 km / 1,430 miles one way), and sometimes another 1,000 km (620 miles) onward to Berlin.
My VW still has Dutch plates, and because of tax reasons I’d like to leave the van in the Netherlands for a few months each year. Also, for these long drives, the van gets pretty exhausting.
I’m not too picky about the XC70 generation. I’m a big fan of both the facelifted P2 and facelifted P3 models.
That said, I’ve read a lot of negative comments about certain years and drivetrains: AWD/Haldex issues, diesel-related clogging problems, some 2015 models burning excessive oil, etc.
So my main question is: what are the most reliable years and engines?
Would you go FWD or AWD? Diesel or petrol? I’m basically trying to avoid unnecessary headaches and get the simplest, most reliable setup possible.
For reference, I already own:
A 2018 VW T6 (around €2,500 in maintenance last year alone)
A 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2.5 TD (another €500 last year) it held amazingly well in my last trip to the Netherlands.
A 1993 Nissan Pickup mainly for farm use (€750 this year)
I was originally planning to spend around €10k, but XC70 prices seem pretty crazy these days. I’m considering cars with up to around 250,000 km (155,000 miles).
Any suggestions or recommendations would be hugely appreciated.