03+ V70R. What are they like?

[u05je7]

Much as I love it, I think I might change my 850 this summer. I've got the option of a virtually free '04 Impreza wrx. Much as I like the cornering ability and the bonnet scoop etc the stereo is rubbish in it and boot space just isn't enough.

So, I was possibly thinking of an 03+ V70R. Manual is a must. What are they like? Basically I am looking for a bit of the best of both worlds. I still want the practicality and a decent stereo etc but performance that is close to the wrx.

Likewise, do the AWDs still have the problem of having to replace all the tyres at once like the earlier ones did?

Thanks.

[Resin Rocket]

I've had an 03 plate V70R for the last 6 years and after coming from 850 & P1 70-series "R" models, I found it to be an improvement (not in all areas though)over the previous models. To answer your question it is a deceptively fast car and ideal for covering large distances at high speeds, moving furniture, taking the family on holiday or Sunday morning blasts around the countryside.

While its in a totally different class to the WRX on most levels (equipment/space/comfort etc) its no rival for a WRX when it comes to handling. It may have AWD but its size and weight count against it and a WRX would leave you for dead on a twisty B-road.

Whilst the AWD system is slightly more robust than the P1 cars you still need to keep an eye on tread depths and rotate tyres to ensure even wear. Early manual cars suffered with difficulty selecting 1st and reverse when the transmission is cold and mine still suffers now after at least 3 attempts to cure it when it was under warranty. Some cars have also had transfer gears fail which isn't a cheap fix, the 4-C system can give problems and there have been a number of software updates, as some cars suffered with the rear "hopping" to the side on certain road surfaces (mine had at least 2 updates which only seemed to make sport mode softer). General running costs are also higher than earlier 850/70-series especially brakes(brembo)and tyres. Fuel consumption is about 20-24mpg on short trips with 30mpg being possible on a run at sensible speeds.

They're a great car, but just bear in mind that these were a £40k car when new so they come with running costs to match.

Hope this helps.

Neil

Edited by Resin Rocket on Friday 28th January 17:27

[u05je7]

Thanks

[Spoof]

Good cars on the whole, I've no complaints with ours. If you can stretch to the facelift, the interior is a little bit nicer.

About the gear selection issue:
If you have a problem with 1st, select 2nd before 1st. With reverse, select 4th then reverse. Problem solved.

I always select 4th before reverse anyway, old trick from owning a Cerbera.

[cosworth330]

I ran an 03 plate manual V70 R for 4yrs as a family, brilliant car & never had any major problems,did 50,000 miles in it. Changed it last year for a D5 R-design as fuel was an issue.

Simon.