Old shape V70

[Parrot of doom]

Which is the better engine, the 2.5 10v or 2.5 20v?

Whats the diesel 2.5 like? I believe its an old VAG engine?

[Maycott]

Just bought myself another 2.5 20 Valve estate. I love them, they're great cars

The 10 valve is sluggish with an auto box, but fine with a manual....sounds nice too.

The diesel (I have heard) suffers from sudden water pump failure...and the pump is driven by the cambelt so the inevitable happens. Its a nice enough unit though but I love the 5 cylinder petrol lumps.

I really wanted a 2.5 turbo, quite a rare car though but the extra 30bhp over the standard 20 valve would be nice.

[Parrot of doom]

So if I was getting the auto, I'm better off with the 20v engine?

Whats the mpg on these cars? Its years since I last owned a V70 (and that was a 2.5 20v auto), and petrol was a sight cheaper in those days

>> Edited by Parrot of doom on Monday 31st October 12:41

[Parrot of doom]

Also, how reliable are 850 T5s? Because I'm also looking at one of these as a cheap option.

[igg]

There was an article at back of Autocar mag recently about T5's and what a good 2nd hand buy they make - can't remember exact figure, but seemed to indicate that as long as serviced regular and properly, then good for over 200,000 miles without probs. They do eat petrol (25mpg'ish), front tyres and brake pads if autos.
I drive a 4 year old V70T5 geartronic estate - great car for fast driving on smooth roads, pretty useless/bouncy on back roads if you are in a hurry.
Hope that helps
Igg

[Parrot of doom]

Well I just can't make my mind up.

Its either an 850 2.5 GLT (the one with aircon) estate

or

V70 2.5 Tdi (old shape)


The V70 is more expensive, but cheaper to run. The 850 is more expensive to run, but cheaper. One thing is for sure, I want a reasonable spec interior, and no slower than 11 seconds 0-60 time. I'd also quite like an auto, but its not high on the list of priorities.

I probably do about 15k a year, and I intend to run this car into the ground over the course of the next 3-4 years. Will buy myself a weekend toy in the future, perhaps another TVR.

[blujay10]

Have you thought about a V40 T4? with its 200 horses its nearly as quick as the Chim. Maybe not big enough for you? I use mine at the weekends for running the kids and all their clobber around.
Have you sold your TVR now? Shame as your contributions to the forum will be missed!

[pentoman]

The old shape V70 2.5 TDi is quite fun to drive, I even made a post mentioning that on PH!

The engine is the Audi five-cylinder - my mum has an A6 with this unit which just passed 300,000 miles, so it's a strong engine if you want it to go forever.

Russell

[huge]

Volvo have just offered me £7500 on my 2000 (W-reg ,new shape) V70 2.5 tdi SE with 120K on the clock,so Im keeping it!But that included, apparently, a sweetner from Volvo at the mom of 1k on all trade-ins and 1k premium if its a diesel.So basically ,book for my car they're saying is £5500......so why dont you look at an early "new" shape one??
Does 51-53mpg mostly used on the motorway.Its a bit rattly on start-up but when youre up and running its like honey.Only think to watch for them is service intervals...10k is all you get between them.DONT go to Volvo...they take the pi*s

[mutt k]

Parrot of doom said:

Also, how reliable are 850 T5s? Because I'm also looking at one of these as a cheap option.

Done 70k miles in ours. Apart from usual consumables, only problem was a sensor going which caused intermittent and unexpected acceleration. Quite exciting in a way! Need to ensure timing belts were changed at about 90000 miles or life can get expensive.

[Parrot of doom]

Not sold the Chim yet, last buyer pulled out as he was getting stick from his wife apparently!

I hate the V40/S40 range mate, they're horrid to drive - totally different from the V70 and 850. Not a proper Volvo IMO, although I'm not dissing yours if you have one, just my opinion

I used to have the 1.9Tdi in my A4, so is the 2.5 the same engine VAG used in their 2.5Tdi engined cars until recently, or an older one?

[Truckosaurus]

Parrot of doom said:

I used to have the 1.9Tdi in my A4, so is the 2.5 the same engine VAG used in their 2.5Tdi engined cars until recently, or an older one?

It's a 5-cyl VAG engine not the (newer?) V6 one.

[Parrot of doom]

The 1.9 in my A4 was a 1998 model - so fairly old, it wasn't the common rail technology. It would happily run from veggie oil, without modifications

I think I'm veering more towards the 2.5 diesel V70 route, unless a surprisingly cheap 2.5 petrol V70 comes along.

[blujay10]

Parrot of doom said:

I hate the V40/S40 range mate, they're horrid to drive - totally different from the V70 and 850.

That's a bit harsh, mate. You obviously havent driven a T4! Everyone to their own, I'm very happy with the way mine handles and drives.

[Parrot of doom]

I've seen a V70 with lpg conversion advertised, 1997 2.5 with about 120k on the clock.

Any tips? Are these cars ok with lpg?

[pdV6]

Parrot of doom said:

I think I'm veering more towards the 2.5 diesel V70 route, unless a surprisingly cheap 2.5 petrol V70 comes along.

A Volvo dealer I spoke to recently told me that all the punters are after diseasel V70s at the moment, so prices for petrol models are getting quite reasonable.

[jvaughan]

Parrot of doom said:

I've seen a V70 with lpg conversion advertised, 1997 2.5 with about 120k on the clock. Any tips? Are these cars ok with lpg?

I looked at LPG when I had my T5. apparently all the engines lend themselves to LPG quite readily EXCEPT the T5. Not sure why, but as soon as i mentioned the car was 2.3 Turbo, they all went quiet!

[mojocvh]

pdV6 said:

Parrot of doom said: I think I'm veering more towards the 2.5 diesel V70 route, unless a surprisingly cheap 2.5 petrol V70 comes along. A Volvo dealer I spoke to recently told me that all the punters are after diseasel V70s at the moment, so prices for petrol models are getting quite reasonable.

Good too so save (spend) a bit more and get it LPG'd

Mojo

[chuntington101]

my dads got a 2.5 10v thats hes had for 7.5years/96K miles including towing the caravan!

great motor, strong from low down all the way to the red line (not that hes ever taken it that far!!!).

Chris.

PS. he has the manual.

[greatgranny]

I had the 2.5 10v and it was fine to drive. Its rated at 140 bhp with the 20v 170bhp.

Unstressed engines and sound good as well.

I towed with mine and it pulled like a train. I think I would go for a 20v next just for that extra ooomph.