New to Volvo - V70 - a little help please?

[J-Skid]

Hi there.

Apologies for this broad brush approach, but having spent the last 2 hours reading back to the 2006 threads I thought I'd say hello, and ask for a little help from the PH collective.

Situation is this - we're in the throws of moving out of London to the country (well Surrey) and need to change our transport. We now need / want to go from one car (Lexus) to two.

As we have more space, we'll get one car (as a bit of fun, 2 door toy) and a sensible everyday car. Have spent lots of time looking at Audi, BMW, Merc etc etc but we have we thing a V70 might fit the bill completely.....

We do little miles and fuel economy is (thankfully) not much of a problem and I get fuel paid for, but reliability (thus the Lexus) is paramount. I get very little free time and I can't afford time spent messing about with broken cars - so first question; are they reliable compared to the Lexus?

Next question - I think Petrol is the way to go - what is the 2.4 like?

Final question - depreciation; Am thinking of getting one that is a few years old but the personal finance deals are simply brilliant at the moment. Are there any people who have purchased new and regretted or gone down the lease front?

Sorry for the vague questions, but I'm just getting into this.

Many thanks

J

[mondayo]

I've got an old shape V70 (an end of the line one) and am very happy with it. It's my second Volvo and both have been trouble free.

I used to have a V50 with the 2.4 engine; it makes a lovely sound and is pretty nippy. Just make sure you get the 170bhp version and not the 140 one. I know fuel economy isnt that important to you, but it is pretty thirsty.

My current V70 is a D5 auto which I think is a bit nippier even though it's heavier and is probably 8-10 mpg more economical.

[Igg]

I went from a Lexus LS430 to my current Volvo T5 (2001 model).
Coming up to 125,000 miles on the clock and nothing needed doing so far apart from the usual brake pads, oil changes etc. ie:- just like running a Lexus.
Wasn't that worried about mpg as the Lexus was fairly thirsty - Volvo's a bit better, but not much!

BR
Igg

[J-Skid]

Thanks for the input thus far, very useful!

Seems a 4 ish year old 2.4 170 SE is the way to go then - time to get hunting.

Sorry, one more question - are there any "must-have" options, ie: sat nav. phone. etc I should make sure is on the spec sheet?

Thanks for all the help

Iain

[Finlandia]

Not a "must have" but a very nice touch, is the Dolby Surround system.
Can be difficult to find on a v70, though.

[J-Skid]

Thanks for the advice.

What is the built in phone like - is it worth hanging out for one with it, or do people think its not worth it and just get a decent kit installed?

Iain

[Firkin D]

Most people opt for the Bluetooth these days.

I have PM'd you btw.

[cptsideways]

I've got a 2000 V70 2.4 manual SE estate, not sure if its a 140 or 170 but I'm guessing its a 140 by the lack of real ooomph. Its my towcar for the drift car but is indeed a lovely car to drive & be in. Best seats ever.

Does a genuine 38mpg on a run & does 28mpg with 1700kg on the back towing my racecar about!! all be it at lorry speed on the cruise.


As for reliabilty hmmmm, Lots of french Renault parts!!! mine has had:

Steering rack seals, There's a sticker on the outside that says made in France

Idle control valve, actually a denso part but fitted to a french part that lets water in

Seems to have a leak that I can't find, in heavy rain the interior mirror drips no idea where its coming from

I did blow an engine up too, but I think that was something to do with a trackday at Lydden hill We ended up taking the Volvo out for a laugh - oh dear big expense wot no bearings left

[y2blade]

some helpfull info here http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/index.php

hth

[Swedish Brick]

I've had 2 V70s, the first a petrol manual 2003 140bhp one (bought brand new) and now another manual 2005 185bhp D5, an ex demo Ocean Race Blue one bought at 5 months old. The 140bhp petrol version regularly used to give 34-35 mpg plus when driven in a multitude of different conditions (sensibly), the D5 (driven sensibly again) gives 45mpg plus. Neither were sluggish, but bear in mind that they ARE a big heavy estate car. They take all that you throw at them (and more!) and when the rear seats are folded down the load capacity is enormous, and square in shape which doesn't impractically restrict anything that you try to fit in there....

My new V70 has the all the toys, including a "COMMS 2" pack - Sat Nav, television (although bear in mind this won't be working after the great "Switchover" in a year or twos' time) and in-built 'phone. The 'phone reception is always brilliant and crystal clear - so I'd recommend this over fitting something in. Also bear in mind that with in-built 'phones the Volvo "ON CALL" system can be activated to call for breakdown assistance or will automatically even summons emergency help (following an accident) if you can't. Annual fee payable. If you've ever had a major smash - and Volvos crash amazingly brilliantly - this is a real peace-of-mind feature to have in a car. Yes, my first 2003 V70 was written off for me by a t..... in a Ford Focus trying to impress his mates with his rally-driving (badly!) through some lanes.

The Sat Nav is more accurate than my Boss' Continental Flying Spur Bentley, and I have built-in rear booster seats - a great feature although I HAVE been caught out when going out in my friends car and not having a spare seat to transfer from car-to-car. Travelling long distances is not a problem, and the V70 / S60 are Volvos frequently purchased by back specialists and surgeons because the seats are so comfortable and adaptable. No other top marque compares for comfort!

Servicing isn't even a major expense, generally between £3-400. The Owners' Club Technical Registrar for this model frequently complains about having nothing to write about because the cars simply just do NOT go wrong... I would normally agree, but my current car has just had a new rear screen put in because the wiper blade is a cheap and nasty design which fell apart and etched a rainbow-shaped scrape right into the glass. I know several people who don't advocate the purchase of a "New Volvo" and only recommend the "brick" square-shaped ones of years past. Personally, I took out various versions of the latest shape one on numerous test drives and consider the last "waisted" shape ones to be superior. (New diesel engines were gutless and slow, the cars are heavier). After years of taking the mick out of friends who had them, as you can guess I'm now a huge convert to the marque. These cars are called V70, with the "V" standing for "versatile" - which is so true. They really are designed for (family) life.

Anyway, I seriously must go check on my travel rug now.

Edited by Swedish Brick on Wednesday 20th August 18:21

[J-Skid]

Thanks for all the input. I'm now back from my travels and am looking seriously at this.

Have seen one - 51 plate 170 bhp SE Auto in Silver with black leather, 70k on the clock. Asking price is a shade over £5k. Seem reasonable?

Edited by J-Skid on Friday 26th September 14:38

[Swedish Brick]

Yes, seems reasonable, but as always with these cars look of for the "no expense spared" FVSH ones. It'll help ensure no nasty surprises further down the line - although not 100% guarantee it !

How did you get on with your search - got anything yet? If not, GOOD LUCK ! With what is currently happening to the financial market lately I'm finding that "anything goes" when it comes to pricing, it's definitely a buyers' market.

[J-Skid]

Swedish Brick said:

Yes, seems reasonable, but as always with these cars look of for the "no expense spared" FVSH ones. It'll help ensure no nasty surprises further down the line - although not 100% guarantee it !

How did you get on with your search - got anything yet? If not, GOOD LUCK ! With what is currently happening to the financial market lately I'm finding that "anything goes" when it comes to pricing, it's definitely a buyers' market.

Thanks for the advice. I've put it on hold for the moment as we've just moved house and have a wedding to pay for next month....

Also I think I'm going to change my tactic - looking at the bonkers leasing deals out there I might stretch to a new one, as the cost over 3 years cash wise will be the same or less.

[J-Skid]

Apologies for the thread resurrection!

But, I finally managed to get what I wanted. Have a nice little run around - 2001 V70 2.4 (170) on 80k and only 2 owners. Dealer also threw in 6 months warranty.

Will post some pics when I get it.

Couple of questions if I may:

1. What do people think are usual for servicing costs?

2. Tyres - what do people recommend - I see some use P6000 ditchfinders but after having them on my Audi A3 I balk at the prospect? I think it currently has Michelins?


Thanks

[y2blade]

J-Skid said:

Apologies for the thread resurrection!

But, I finally managed to get what I wanted. Have a nice little run around - 2001 V70 2.4 (170) on 80k and only 2 owners. Dealer also threw in 6 months warranty.

Will post some pics when I get it.

Couple of questions if I may:

1. What do people think are usual for servicing costs?

2. Tyres - what do people recommend - I see some use P6000 ditchfinders but after having them on my Audi A3 I balk at the prospect? I think it currently has Michelins?


Thanks

good on ya I look forward to the pics

I have Eagle F1 GSDs on my T5 and they have transformed the whole feel of the car...even good in the wet too

[morgrp]

cptsideways said:

I've got a 2000 V70 2.4 manual SE estate, not sure if its a 140 or 170 but I'm guessing its a 140 by the lack of real ooomph. Its my towcar for the drift car but is indeed a lovely car to drive & be in. Best seats ever.

Does a genuine 38mpg on a run & does 28mpg with 1700kg on the back towing my racecar about!! all be it at lorry speed on the cruise.


As for reliabilty hmmmm, Lots of french Renault parts!!! mine has had:

Steering rack seals, There's a sticker on the outside that says made in France

Idle control valve, actually a denso part but fitted to a french part that lets water in

Seems to have a leak that I can't find, in heavy rain the interior mirror drips no idea where its coming from

I did blow an engine up too, but I think that was something to do with a trackday at Lydden hill We ended up taking the Volvo out for a laugh - oh dear big expense wot no bearings left

If its a 140 on yours it'll be the 10valve head - under the bonnet the engine is more narrow and it says "Volvo DOHC" on it. A 20valve will say "Volvo 20v DOHC" - if it is a 20v (e.g. 170bhp) and its sluggish, it may need the cam timing adjusting and a bit of a tune - a lot were quite retarded out of the factory - I had a 2.5 20v 850 and it was slow a hell - I advanced the cam timing slightly, and clean out the throttle body, breather etc and it went like stink afterwards

[morgrp]

J-Skid said:

Apologies for the thread resurrection!

But, I finally managed to get what I wanted. Have a nice little run around - 2001 V70 2.4 (170) on 80k and only 2 owners. Dealer also threw in 6 months warranty.

Will post some pics when I get it.

Couple of questions if I may:

1. What do people think are usual for servicing costs?

2. Tyres - what do people recommend - I see some use P6000 ditchfinders but after having them on my Audi A3 I balk at the prospect? I think it currently has Michelins?


Thanks

My garage (volvo specialist) will service one for on average of around 175quid for a major service (excluding brake parts and any other large items)- I stuck some new genuine Volvo discs and pads on the back of my 850 the other day - Discs were £15! pads were about £25 - thats cheaper than a Mondeo. As for tyres I recommend either Kuhmo Ecsta KU31 or Falken FK452

[mondayo]

I've got the pirelli's on mine and they've been pretty good. They've lasted about 18,000 miles and althought they are ready to be changed now, still have decent grip.

[cptsideways]

morgrp said:

cptsideways said:

I've got a 2000 V70 2.4 manual SE estate, not sure if its a 140 or 170 but I'm guessing its a 140 by the lack of real ooomph. Its my towcar for the drift car but is indeed a lovely car to drive & be in. Best seats ever.

Does a genuine 38mpg on a run & does 28mpg with 1700kg on the back towing my racecar about!! all be it at lorry speed on the cruise.


As for reliabilty hmmmm, Lots of french Renault parts!!! mine has had:

Steering rack seals, There's a sticker on the outside that says made in France

Idle control valve, actually a denso part but fitted to a french part that lets water in

Seems to have a leak that I can't find, in heavy rain the interior mirror drips no idea where its coming from

I did blow an engine up too, but I think that was something to do with a trackday at Lydden hill We ended up taking the Volvo out for a laugh - oh dear big expense wot no bearings left

If its a 140 on yours it'll be the 10valve head - under the bonnet the engine is more narrow and it says "Volvo DOHC" on it. A 20valve will say "Volvo 20v DOHC" - if it is a 20v (e.g. 170bhp) and its sluggish, it may need the cam timing adjusting and a bit of a tune - a lot were quite retarded out of the factory - I had a 2.5 20v 850 and it was slow a hell - I advanced the cam timing slightly, and clean out the throttle body, breather etc and it went like stink afterwards

Its a 20v for sure, hmmm will investigate the cam timing issue, its has had a new belt fitted though that was done when the engine was out so should be timed up OK. Is there an adjustment in the VVT end??

I'll clean out the throttle body & gubbins over the next few days too.

[morgrp]

cptsideways said:

morgrp said:

cptsideways said:

I've got a 2000 V70 2.4 manual SE estate, not sure if its a 140 or 170 but I'm guessing its a 140 by the lack of real ooomph. Its my towcar for the drift car but is indeed a lovely car to drive & be in. Best seats ever.

Does a genuine 38mpg on a run & does 28mpg with 1700kg on the back towing my racecar about!! all be it at lorry speed on the cruise.


As for reliabilty hmmmm, Lots of french Renault parts!!! mine has had:

Steering rack seals, There's a sticker on the outside that says made in France

Idle control valve, actually a denso part but fitted to a french part that lets water in

Seems to have a leak that I can't find, in heavy rain the interior mirror drips no idea where its coming from

I did blow an engine up too, but I think that was something to do with a trackday at Lydden hill We ended up taking the Volvo out for a laugh - oh dear big expense wot no bearings left

If its a 140 on yours it'll be the 10valve head - under the bonnet the engine is more narrow and it says "Volvo DOHC" on it. A 20valve will say "Volvo 20v DOHC" - if it is a 20v (e.g. 170bhp) and its sluggish, it may need the cam timing adjusting and a bit of a tune - a lot were quite retarded out of the factory - I had a 2.5 20v 850 and it was slow a hell - I advanced the cam timing slightly, and clean out the throttle body, breather etc and it went like stink afterwards

Its a 20v for sure, hmmm will investigate the cam timing issue, its has had a new belt fitted though that was done when the engine was out so should be timed up OK. Is there an adjustment in the VVT end??

I'll clean out the throttle body & gubbins over the next few days too.

There are marks on the pullies for belt change and I'm in no doubt it will timed up fine with the marks but you can slightly advance the cam timing by releasing the three adjustment bolts on the pullies and rotating the clockwise - You need to careful though as advancing does raise internal temps and it won't be visible from the temp gauge so I advance a very very small amount at a time and just see how it goes - It would best to get a proffesional to do it. Also check the breather system, flame trap etc, they always block on the 5 cylinder lumps esp if crap oil has been used. I would always recommend Shell Helix semi synth for both Turbos and normally aspirated like yours. Also, give it a good thrash once in a while and run it on decent fuel as they do get tardy with a blast ever now and then.

I once had a boggo 2.0 20v SE 850 and after a few weeks of tinkering I managed to up the power of the standard engine from 139bhp (when I bought it) to 148bhp on the rollers ( my mate worked for a tuning company in Norwich) - book figure was 143, so 5bhp increase doesn't sound like much but it went like stink afterwards, I did the same to 2.5 and got similar results