2.3 T5 & Auto - reliable?

[Rockatansky]

The engine will go on forever with normal maintenance, no HG issues AFAIK.

I'm not up to speed on the auto boxes on these cars but I believe they can on occasion be problematic. Not sure if the geartronic variant (the same box with different software I think) is more prone to failure.

Make sure the electronic throttle module (ETM) has been changed, they're notorious for that.

Seems right at the top of the price range for these cars, probably a bit over the top even.

[Chingers]

I have an identical looking car but a couple of years older (2000). I bought it at 75k and since then it's had new throttle body (£400), ABS/STC control unit (Volvo wanted £600) and now the gear change is very hard particularly down into second after periods of frequent gear changing and I'm reliably informed the only answer is a gearbox rebuild/replacement. It has a turning circle slightly larger than the Ark Royal and the front tyres rub the inner wheel arches on full lock; something my MOT tester says is standard for this model. It's now done 130k. All these problems seem to be well documented so I don't think they are one-offs. I also have a 940 which I've had for 14 years and now has 230k on the clock and apart from a clutch, an alternator and some batteries it's only had consumables. That's reliable.
ps Cambelts are due at 90k so this one may not have had it done.

Best of luck
Chris P.

[dave_s13]

It looks pricey to me.

Things that go wrong with Volvo V70's

- DIM failure*
- Suspension bit wear out*
- ETM on petrols
- Injectors on diesels*
- That year gearbox is not known to be problem free* - should get a fluid flush at that mileage
- Various little electrical things go wrong*
- Anything else you can think of can and does go wrong

Apart from that they are genuinely brilliant family cars. I realy like mine but I would have to have a serious word with myself about getting another of that vintage.

As mentioned the engines are brilliant and would probably last indefinately, it's all the other computer controlled bks that attaches to it.

• All these items have happened to my V70 D5 in 2 years of ownership (2002 Auto 125k miles).

[pikeyboy]

hora said:

I can cope with suspension wear. Par the course really for most cars with years under 'its belt.

How about standard 2.4 manual 140bhp models? Not fast but its uncomplicated that I'm looking for as an ideal over 'all the toys'..

but wont it still have all the same isues DIM, throttle body auto gearbox etc?

Early V70 classics avoid all these problems, hence why I'm currently eyeing up V70 classic T5's and 850t5's.

[dave_s13]

hora said:

I can cope with suspension wear. Par the course really for most cars with years under 'its belt.

How about standard 2.4 manual 140bhp models? Not fast but its uncomplicated that I'm looking for as an ideal over 'all the toys'..

What's your budget?

Although I love my V70 I will probably go for a 5 series next time round. I've had 2 E39 tourings before this and they were a bit less hassle.

[morgrp]

You're better off with a classic shape v70 - that sort of cash will buy you a very nice v70R or 850R - far more robust

[dave_s13]

It's a tricky price point that but I would be looking at things like this as well

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

[dave_s13]

Saying that

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

That looks excellent.

[confused_buyer]

If you're looking to take them to high mileage, frankly, I'd avoid all the autos. The 2000-2003 examples are very prone to problems but the later ones are also frequently failing at 110-130k miles. I've got a 55-plate one in at the moment with 135k which has the later 6-speed 'box and that doesn't feel like it has many miles left in it. Just buy a manual.

The best examples, value wise, are the 53-plate on manuals which have the DIM/ETM issues fixed and have a number of suspension upgrades. If you don't need the space, get a S60, as you'll get newer/lower mileage for your money.

You should be able to find a 53-plate S60 D5 manual with about 90k for 3k if you shop around.

[Darren156]

You could buy my 2000 T5 C70 if you wanted to, lol

[y2blade]

morgrp said:

You're better off with a classic shape v70 - that sort of cash will buy you a very nice v70R or 850R - far more robust

this^^^

[y2blade]

hora said:

y2blade said:

morgrp said:

You're better off with a classic shape v70 - that sort of cash will buy you a very nice v70R or 850R - far more robust

this^^^

What year(s) to and from? I bloody hate car shopping, its such a hassle and full of half-truths and misdescriptions! I've got car buyers fatigue

Tell me about it, buying a car is a massive pain in the arse.
you want anything from 1992 to 1999.