Discussion
I'm interesting in buying a V70. Initially, I'd noticed a 2009 2.0D SE Manual with 112,000 miles for £6000. It seemed to be in really lovely condition, but didn't hang around long enough for me to see it.
I've just had a test drive in a 2008 D5 Geartronix with 135,000 miles for £3800. It was in nice condition for its age, but not mint - alloy wheels were blistered, and there was a tear in the driver's seat. It had a sunroof and sat-nav. There were no dents on the body, and the underside looked clean. It probably wouldn't take too much to make it look really good. It has a full MOT with no advisories. It also has a full service history, but later services weren't at a Volvo dealer. It had the timing belt changed at 109,000 miles.
Is the D5/Geartronix combination likely to give problems, especially if I run it into high mileages over a few years?
Presumably, it's going to be relatively thirsty unless on a long, steady drive. The trip computer showed 41mpg average, and the instantaneous reading varied from 7mpg when pulling away (at very little throttle) to around 39-40+ mpg when cruising at 50-60mph.
I'm not sure about pricing, and I'm also a bit wary about buying the first car I see! Is it worth waiting to see what else crops up? Are other engines and gearboxes more desirable?
I've just had a test drive in a 2008 D5 Geartronix with 135,000 miles for £3800. It was in nice condition for its age, but not mint - alloy wheels were blistered, and there was a tear in the driver's seat. It had a sunroof and sat-nav. There were no dents on the body, and the underside looked clean. It probably wouldn't take too much to make it look really good. It has a full MOT with no advisories. It also has a full service history, but later services weren't at a Volvo dealer. It had the timing belt changed at 109,000 miles.
Is the D5/Geartronix combination likely to give problems, especially if I run it into high mileages over a few years?
Presumably, it's going to be relatively thirsty unless on a long, steady drive. The trip computer showed 41mpg average, and the instantaneous reading varied from 7mpg when pulling away (at very little throttle) to around 39-40+ mpg when cruising at 50-60mph.
I'm not sure about pricing, and I'm also a bit wary about buying the first car I see! Is it worth waiting to see what else crops up? Are other engines and gearboxes more desirable?
I have a 08 XC70 D5 Geartronic, the box is fine for me (first auto so nothing to compare to), nice and smooth, takes a bit of throttle to get it going.
Mines on 151k and recently had a gearbox oil change to keep everything in order.
MPG wise i get 40+ on a run but 27 around town, think thats pretty standard. I have a readers cars thread on here too.
Mines on 151k and recently had a gearbox oil change to keep everything in order.
MPG wise i get 40+ on a run but 27 around town, think thats pretty standard. I have a readers cars thread on here too.
For the phase 3 V70 there were two D5 engines available (amongst a whole host of others which can get confusing). There is the D5 185bhp euro 4 which was carried over from the earlier V70 range. This is a strong unit but has some niggles that can be easily resolved. Mpg wasn't great but it has plenty of GO when required and lugging a fully loaded V70 isn't much hassle for it. It'll also respond well to a remap if your that way inclined (225 bhp 450nm).
Later on there was a euro 5 205 bhp D5 twin turbo unit which is even more powerful and actually delivers better mpg (probably down to better air/fuel management). This is highly regarded as the one to have but don't discount a well looked after 185 version.
To add to the confusion there was a 2.4d which has around 163bhp and was effectively a tuned down D5 185 for company car tax and emissions tax. This is also a good unit and can be remapped to 225bhp as per above.
Later on there was a euro 5 205 bhp D5 twin turbo unit which is even more powerful and actually delivers better mpg (probably down to better air/fuel management). This is highly regarded as the one to have but don't discount a well looked after 185 version.
To add to the confusion there was a 2.4d which has around 163bhp and was effectively a tuned down D5 185 for company car tax and emissions tax. This is also a good unit and can be remapped to 225bhp as per above.
That's great, thanks!
I think the car must have the older 185bhp engine. The advert says 182.4bhp, Euro 4, 0-60 9.4 seconds and 134mph. It certainly felt quite strong in the mid-range. What are the problems with this engine, and is the fact that this one has done over 130,000 reason for concern?
The downsides to this V70 are what I guess to be the relatively poor fuel consumption, and road tax of £305. Also, my insurance company quoted around £480 for insurance. Then there's the potential running costs.
I'm trying to decide! My main car has been a Defender for years, but for the past while I've been running a Mark 1 Yaris as a 'second' car. I've not had two cars before, and the Yaris was relatively inexpensive to run, and probably saved me a bit of money in fuel etc. So, a V70 would see a big increase in running costs, which would be fine if it were my only car, but I'm also running the Defender.
I think the car must have the older 185bhp engine. The advert says 182.4bhp, Euro 4, 0-60 9.4 seconds and 134mph. It certainly felt quite strong in the mid-range. What are the problems with this engine, and is the fact that this one has done over 130,000 reason for concern?
The downsides to this V70 are what I guess to be the relatively poor fuel consumption, and road tax of £305. Also, my insurance company quoted around £480 for insurance. Then there's the potential running costs.
I'm trying to decide! My main car has been a Defender for years, but for the past while I've been running a Mark 1 Yaris as a 'second' car. I've not had two cars before, and the Yaris was relatively inexpensive to run, and probably saved me a bit of money in fuel etc. So, a V70 would see a big increase in running costs, which would be fine if it were my only car, but I'm also running the Defender.
Sounds about right. The euro 4 did suffer with intake flap control arm coming off but it is a straight forward repair to DIY. There are plenty of guides. There were also issues for a short period of worn camshafts and lifters but I'm led to belive this was only for the Phase 2 D5 V70 and shouldn't be a concern... not a lot of cars seem to he affected so may have just been a bad batch.
The euro 4 engine is a powerful and robust unit that rarely suffers with turbo or injector issues.
Road tax is expensive however I pay monthly and in general the running costs are reasonable given its quite a large powerful car that's very capable.
Should you want performance to match the later 205 bhp unit I'd suggest a remap or at least a Bluespark tuning box to give it a small power gain.
The euro 4 engine is a powerful and robust unit that rarely suffers with turbo or injector issues.
Road tax is expensive however I pay monthly and in general the running costs are reasonable given its quite a large powerful car that's very capable.
Should you want performance to match the later 205 bhp unit I'd suggest a remap or at least a Bluespark tuning box to give it a small power gain.
I’ve got a motability XC70 D5 Auto AWD. Believe it’s 217bhp supercharged and turbocharged. It’ll be 5 years old on 5/12. It hasn’t done 15000 miles yet. Black leather heated seats, electric tailgate, load protector grille etc.
It’s going back to motability in mid to end January. They’ve given me a price to buy it which is a bit under £20k. If you want to make it worth my while to buy it for you let me know. It needs a service as the warning is on the instruments.
I’m getting a new XC40
It’s going back to motability in mid to end January. They’ve given me a price to buy it which is a bit under £20k. If you want to make it worth my while to buy it for you let me know. It needs a service as the warning is on the instruments.
I’m getting a new XC40
Edited by elanfan on Tuesday 1st December 10:52
Thanks again, XRMike. I came across an older brochure online, and can see that there's quite a difference in performance, fuel economy and CO2 g/km between the manual and Geartronic versions, so that's why the car I'm looking at (with Geartronic) seems quite thirsty and is £305 for road tax.
Thanks also to ElanFan - it sounds like a lovely car, but it's quite a bit above my current budget.
Thanks also to ElanFan - it sounds like a lovely car, but it's quite a bit above my current budget.
ph9 said:
Thanks again, XRMike. I came across an older brochure online, and can see that there's quite a difference in performance, fuel economy and CO2 g/km between the manual and Geartronic versions, so that's why the car I'm looking at (with Geartronic) seems quite thirsty and is £305 for road tax.
You'll find that an automatic D5 Volvo will be a group or so higher on the Tax band however unfortunately the market is flooded with auto's. I actually prefer the auto but be aware that they can present costly repairs if your unlucky.I had a D5 S60 for 4 years, during my ownership it needed an intercooler, battery and two rear brake calipers. The rest was general maintenance and servicing.
I found it very comfortable, capable and economical on a run. It was a joy to drive and I regret letting it go however financial circumstances meant it couldn't stay.
I regret selling my euro4 2.4d S60, was in 150k and was faultless and pulled like a train with the shark remap on, saw 700 miles to a tank, would easily do mid 40’s
Due to dog purchase I was told to sell by wife and get a v70. Got the 205 twin turbo geartronic and it has a major drink problem, will barely see 400 miles to a tank, feels very heavy and doesn’t feel as responsive as the euro 4. I have also spent a fortune on oil leaks from rocker cover etc. Bloody car. My diesel days will be over after this and go petrol
Euro 4 D5 is a great car, 8 years, 100k with no issues
Due to dog purchase I was told to sell by wife and get a v70. Got the 205 twin turbo geartronic and it has a major drink problem, will barely see 400 miles to a tank, feels very heavy and doesn’t feel as responsive as the euro 4. I have also spent a fortune on oil leaks from rocker cover etc. Bloody car. My diesel days will be over after this and go petrol
Euro 4 D5 is a great car, 8 years, 100k with no issues
I have a 2010 D5 with the 205 bhp engine with the polestar remap on, so about 225bhp. Goes well for a bug old bus.
It's the auto as well. I change the box fluid with every cam belt change.
It's on 197000 ISH miles just had second cam belt and gearbox oil change.
Has been really reliable. no major issues at all.
Has spent a large amount of time on the motorway, so I generally see just over 40mpg. Around town I darent even look. Get between 500 to 600 miles to a tank. Although big motorway trip see me getting 700 odd miles out of one tank!! Get this on work trips, so it's steady 70mph.
Comfey as hell and great hifi.
It's the auto as well. I change the box fluid with every cam belt change.
It's on 197000 ISH miles just had second cam belt and gearbox oil change.
Has been really reliable. no major issues at all.
Has spent a large amount of time on the motorway, so I generally see just over 40mpg. Around town I darent even look. Get between 500 to 600 miles to a tank. Although big motorway trip see me getting 700 odd miles out of one tank!! Get this on work trips, so it's steady 70mph.
Comfey as hell and great hifi.
rat840771 said:
I regret selling my euro4 2.4d S60, was in 150k and was faultless and pulled like a train with the shark remap on, saw 700 miles to a tank, would easily do mid 40’s
Due to dog purchase I was told to sell by wife and get a v70. Got the 205 twin turbo geartronic and it has a major drink problem, will barely see 400 miles to a tank, feels very heavy and doesn’t feel as responsive as the euro 4. I have also spent a fortune on oil leaks from rocker cover etc. Bloody car. My diesel days will be over after this and go petrol
Euro 4 D5 is a great car, 8 years, 100k with no issues
Do you mean Euro 3 163bhp (not Euro 4 185bhp)?Due to dog purchase I was told to sell by wife and get a v70. Got the 205 twin turbo geartronic and it has a major drink problem, will barely see 400 miles to a tank, feels very heavy and doesn’t feel as responsive as the euro 4. I have also spent a fortune on oil leaks from rocker cover etc. Bloody car. My diesel days will be over after this and go petrol
Euro 4 D5 is a great car, 8 years, 100k with no issues
What's the D3 engine like?
I'm crunching some numbers, and wondering if a newer car with a more economical engine might be more beneficial over the longer term (with reduced road tax and fuel costs).
Official consumption figures for a manual are 53.5mpg urban, 68.9mpg extra-urban and 62.8mpg combined.
Is an actual combined figure of 55 - 57mpg (about 5mpg less than the official figure) likely to be achievable with mainly A-road (60mph) driving, or are the official figures completely 'wrong'?
I'm crunching some numbers, and wondering if a newer car with a more economical engine might be more beneficial over the longer term (with reduced road tax and fuel costs).
Official consumption figures for a manual are 53.5mpg urban, 68.9mpg extra-urban and 62.8mpg combined.
Is an actual combined figure of 55 - 57mpg (about 5mpg less than the official figure) likely to be achievable with mainly A-road (60mph) driving, or are the official figures completely 'wrong'?
The D3 is essentially a shorter stroke D5 engine being only a 2.0 5 cylinder rather than a 2.4.
This was done as it further reduced emissions at the time for car tax due to a smaller capacity however power was barely compromised as the torque figures pretty much match the D5 engine just slightly lower BHP.
It also received newer style injectors and a few other tweaks.
This engine is grunty and adequate for a V70, the D5 would pull away however there's not much in it.
A remap will send it to D5 bhp levels with lots of torque in reserve. Infact a £80 bluespark tuning box will be a cheap way to boost it to D5 power.
Just to add, during the Phase 3 V70 there are so many engine configurations its VERY difficult to keep track.
I've spent hours researching and even now I will run a REG check on any potential vehicles to check its engine spec and Tax cost.
This was done as it further reduced emissions at the time for car tax due to a smaller capacity however power was barely compromised as the torque figures pretty much match the D5 engine just slightly lower BHP.
It also received newer style injectors and a few other tweaks.
This engine is grunty and adequate for a V70, the D5 would pull away however there's not much in it.
A remap will send it to D5 bhp levels with lots of torque in reserve. Infact a £80 bluespark tuning box will be a cheap way to boost it to D5 power.
Just to add, during the Phase 3 V70 there are so many engine configurations its VERY difficult to keep track.
I've spent hours researching and even now I will run a REG check on any potential vehicles to check its engine spec and Tax cost.
I have a 2012 D3 and previously had an older D5, both with auto box. I can confirm they feel very similar in terms of performance.
With respect to economy, I have never achieved anything like the official figures. Of all cars I've owned, Volvo official figures seem the least credible. For the D3, I'm seeing 38mpg (car computer indicates just over 40mpg). That's predominantly leisurely motorway and A road cruising, half-filled boot, no passengers. That's a long way from combined 55mpg.
With respect to economy, I have never achieved anything like the official figures. Of all cars I've owned, Volvo official figures seem the least credible. For the D3, I'm seeing 38mpg (car computer indicates just over 40mpg). That's predominantly leisurely motorway and A road cruising, half-filled boot, no passengers. That's a long way from combined 55mpg.
I have a 1999 "T" reg 2.5 diesel now on 251k
I love my V70, and if it died last week would buy another second hand as others will have taken the hit on new prices.
Judging by the miles mine has done "OP" shouldn't worry about how many miles the car has done, just try to get a service history that shows all work has been done as required.
I am surprised at how little fuel consumption has improved over the years. We can get between 575 and 650 miles out of a tank depending on the time of year and if at 5th gear on a motorway. My best miles was a full car 3 adults two children full boot from New Forest to Stuttgart some 688 miles on the one tank, fumes at the end in 12 hours, all at high speed.
Good luck with hunt OP. I am holding onto mine for as long as possible, but one day will be looking like you for one
I love my V70, and if it died last week would buy another second hand as others will have taken the hit on new prices.
Judging by the miles mine has done "OP" shouldn't worry about how many miles the car has done, just try to get a service history that shows all work has been done as required.
I am surprised at how little fuel consumption has improved over the years. We can get between 575 and 650 miles out of a tank depending on the time of year and if at 5th gear on a motorway. My best miles was a full car 3 adults two children full boot from New Forest to Stuttgart some 688 miles on the one tank, fumes at the end in 12 hours, all at high speed.
Good luck with hunt OP. I am holding onto mine for as long as possible, but one day will be looking like you for one
Thanks very much!
I've actually ended up buying an older S60! It's a 2005 Sport with the D5 163bhp engine and manual gearbox, and in really nice condition with 135,000 miles.
There weren't too many V70s for sale locally at the time. We went to look at a 2014 V70 with the D2 1.6 engine, but after a mile the engine went into limp mode, and there were a few other things against it. The S60 is obviously quite a bit different, but I think it will suit me, and I do like the older cars, plus no DPF is probably a good thing.
I've actually ended up buying an older S60! It's a 2005 Sport with the D5 163bhp engine and manual gearbox, and in really nice condition with 135,000 miles.
There weren't too many V70s for sale locally at the time. We went to look at a 2014 V70 with the D2 1.6 engine, but after a mile the engine went into limp mode, and there were a few other things against it. The S60 is obviously quite a bit different, but I think it will suit me, and I do like the older cars, plus no DPF is probably a good thing.
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