Looking to buy a second hand V70

There are many V70 Classic's about, many with high miles, but several with under 100k on them, at very little extra money.

Thats not to say the V70 is still good at 150k+ but you have less risk with a lower mileage car on things like clutch (500quid job on a 70series) and the like.

Otherwise-

a) Drivers door checkstrap clicking or door pillar itself cracked. b) Growling and or nearly knackered clutch. Life is anywhere between 80k and

140k miles. c) tired tailgate struts and or snagged headlining -avoid car, its had a fair bit of use. d) evidience of lots and lots of receipts and regular servicing. Condition and service history is more important than age or mileage. e) A/C evap burst. - dash out job. f) Electric window switch pack knackered- 80quid new, and good s/h are like rocking horse s*1t. g) Saggy rear suspension and or tow hitch thats seen some use. h) Any sign at all that the engine has overheated in the past or been apart. - avoid. g) ABS lamp lit, or not present at all. ABS modulator faults are reasonably common.

Look for the SE's with winter pack (headlamp wash wipe) and the Tape / CD stereo. There are alot of S's or base models about masquerading as SE's. The fake wood and the CD player is the clue its a real SE.

The 2.5 10v is very capable and deceptively faster than it feels, though if you plan to carry passengers, tow or live in a hilly area the 20v is a better bet, or better still the 2.5T.

Tim..

I've had the occasional funny noise from the clutch on my 1999 V70 2.5D for over 2 years. It sometimes makes a sort of squeeling noise as it is engaged when starting from rest. It only does it occasionally - but more often in very cold or damp conditions. It first did it at 4 years old (about 40,000 miles) and has done it on and off ever since.

Can anyone throw any light on what it might be? I would have thought that if the release bearing were knackered, it would do it all the time.

Its either a dry release bearing or more likely the input shaft dry and the teflon coating wearing off. It'll probably soldier on for many many more miles yet, so I wouldnt worry.

Tim..