New Bus - Volvo XC70 P3 2010
Discussion
We needed a replacement for my partners Fiat 500 - with 2 dogs, some sort of SUV or estate was on the cards. Not looking to spend silly money and looking for condition rather than mileage.
Found a 2010 XC70 with 98k on her - 2 owners since new and full service history (majority main dealer Volvo). Got a great price on it and the previous owner was really nice. Did the deal - only downside was the 5 hour round trip to collect!
Poor photos (tired after long drive!), but here she is!
I've already got a few things to sort. Was serviced and cambelt/aux belts changed in March so no routine maintenance for a bit. But the "to do" list is currently:
Found a 2010 XC70 with 98k on her - 2 owners since new and full service history (majority main dealer Volvo). Got a great price on it and the previous owner was really nice. Did the deal - only downside was the 5 hour round trip to collect!
Poor photos (tired after long drive!), but here she is!
I've already got a few things to sort. Was serviced and cambelt/aux belts changed in March so no routine maintenance for a bit. But the "to do" list is currently:
- Two new front tyres - the currently Michelins are a little worn so will swap for Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season to match the rears.
- Power Steering fluid flush and resorvoir clean - steering got a little stiff after we got home. Seems intermittent, but will try and solve with a flush/clean. The pipes degrade and block the resorvoir filter so if it doesn't sort it, may need the pipes/pumps doing, but thats a relatively easy job.
- Brake fluid change - last recorded change was 5 years ago at 50K by Volvo.
- Front end suspension re-fresh. New front shots, top mounts, bearings and drop links come in under £200 (proper Sachs shocks as well) so will likely do this in the next few weeks.
- A few bits of trim to tidy.
So…I started this thread a while back with the intention of keeping track of things on this car, but never did!
So… I thought it would be worth a check-in almost 18 months on. We bought the Volvo as a second car to compliment my Rav4 company car – with two dogs and a baby on the way at the time (and now another bun in the oven…!), it made perfect sense. Quite the upgrade for Mrs GCF from her Fiat 500
Car is now on 104K and has been absolutely faultless. She is a big comfy beast, hardly dynamic to drive, but has a good turn of pace and impressive load lugging capabilities.
Since purchase, we have emptied Mrs GCF’s house when we sold that, helped us move to a new house and took us on a camping holiday (with all our luggage, camping paraphernalia, two dogs and a baby!).
Whatever we do, the big swede delivers 30-34mpg. I suspect 70mph on the motorway would yield more, but I tend to cruise a little higher.
In terms of costs…firstly, I bought new Volvo rubber mats. They are beige (like some of the interior) – all the carpets and seat plastics are technically “Mokka Brown” with beige leather and beige trim. So, I should have got “Mokka Brown” mats, but they have been discontinued (and beige looks fine). Only cost £35 brand new!
After 18 months use, they were pretty disgusting, but a quick clean up yesterday and look new again. I also gave the interior a decent clean as well (see pics).
I also cleaned under the engine bay – loads of grime from a tree on my drive (now removed). Came up well…
The engine cover has a crack though – added to the list!
Other purchases were a set of roof bars – the car came with Thule bars and brackets, but the bars were the wrong size weirdly. I picked up the correct set for about £40 s/h on eBay. These came in useful for getting rid of an old shed as I could ratchet strap the panels complete to the roof and take straight to the tip!
Two new tyres on the front quickly followed – I copied the rears with Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season which so far have been great and suit the car. Paid £208 fitted which didn’t seem too bad.
The power steering was stiff when idling – a common problem caused by the P/S pipes getting corroded/clogged. We are used to it now, but I did flush through the P/S fluid and it made it a little better. Quite often, people change the rack or pump and still have problems as the pipes are overlooked. I think later designs changed slightly to mitigate. It’s no bother with any revs, just if turning on idle, the pump isn’t pushing enough assistance.
MOT was passed, but there was an advisory for a leaking rear shock – I picked up a new set of Bilstein B4’s for under £50 and fitting was a doddle (3 bolts). I switched the top bearings as well as they were about £11 each! Was surprised at the size difference though…
I checked and double checked, and these were listed as right – 6 months on, no issues and no change in comfort. I did pick up some Sachs cheap off eBay to check this weekend, but they are identical in size of the Bilsteins – VIDA (the Volvo parts thing) suggests a few different shocks and my originals were “non-sport” – These match up with the Bilstein and Sachs parts numbers on the ones I checked, but I may keep an eye out for a set of genuine Volvo ones on eBay just because!!
A little bit of titivating was required in the boot area. The handle for the under-floor area was broken (a common issue as the supporting shock loses strength). A new one cost £13 delivered from a Volvo dealer.
I then set about sorting the support piston - £30 from Volvo! No thanks…a bit of searching yielded a post on a Russian forum (thanks Google translate…) – The boot strut support for a Peugeot something or another was the right size and twice the strength. More importantly, lots of pattern parts available for it on eBay - £11 later and my boot underfloor is now easily accessible and stays up!
I also gave the old girl a service – relatively straight forward as well. No physical dipstick on mine so had to rely on the computer…but all turned out well. The car had full-service history when we got it, plus cambelt/aux belt/ tensioner/water pump all changed 4 months before we bought it.
Next job is front shocks and top mounts – at 100k miles, it’s overdue a freshen up. Picked up a set of new Boge branded original shocks back when I bought the car for peanuts as they were mis-listed on eBay (the Sachs and Boge shocks are identical – original fitment as well). Also got the top mounts, bearings and bump stops. Currently considering doing the springs as well just because… will get more pics when I get round to this job.
I then need to think about switching the top engine mount – a common failure and an easy job. Need to order the mount at some point!
Brake fluid needs a change and a flush too – keep forgetting!
I gave the car an intense cleaning session this weekend – all the leather was scrubbed and conditioned, got the carpet cleaner out for the boot carpets (slightly stained from when I transported a couple tonnes of topsoil…!) and it all looks new again. A healthy dose of Autofresh and the car smells like new!
One annoyance was some screw holes in the trim where the previous owner has a dog-guard fitted. Very ugly…
A bit of searching on eBay and managed to get a like new pair for £20 delivered... awaiting delivery – hopefully later today!
Finally, the car doesn’t have Bluetooth, so I picked up this dongle thing on Ebay – plugs in the USB socket in the centre console storage cubby and the aux port is right next to it. Works well – better since I found the option to increase the Aux volume in the stereo settings…
(excuse junk chucked into centre cubby)
And that brings things up to date. As I get to some of the jobs on my list, I will try and keep track!!
So… I thought it would be worth a check-in almost 18 months on. We bought the Volvo as a second car to compliment my Rav4 company car – with two dogs and a baby on the way at the time (and now another bun in the oven…!), it made perfect sense. Quite the upgrade for Mrs GCF from her Fiat 500
Car is now on 104K and has been absolutely faultless. She is a big comfy beast, hardly dynamic to drive, but has a good turn of pace and impressive load lugging capabilities.
Since purchase, we have emptied Mrs GCF’s house when we sold that, helped us move to a new house and took us on a camping holiday (with all our luggage, camping paraphernalia, two dogs and a baby!).
Whatever we do, the big swede delivers 30-34mpg. I suspect 70mph on the motorway would yield more, but I tend to cruise a little higher.
In terms of costs…firstly, I bought new Volvo rubber mats. They are beige (like some of the interior) – all the carpets and seat plastics are technically “Mokka Brown” with beige leather and beige trim. So, I should have got “Mokka Brown” mats, but they have been discontinued (and beige looks fine). Only cost £35 brand new!
After 18 months use, they were pretty disgusting, but a quick clean up yesterday and look new again. I also gave the interior a decent clean as well (see pics).
I also cleaned under the engine bay – loads of grime from a tree on my drive (now removed). Came up well…
The engine cover has a crack though – added to the list!
Other purchases were a set of roof bars – the car came with Thule bars and brackets, but the bars were the wrong size weirdly. I picked up the correct set for about £40 s/h on eBay. These came in useful for getting rid of an old shed as I could ratchet strap the panels complete to the roof and take straight to the tip!
Two new tyres on the front quickly followed – I copied the rears with Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season which so far have been great and suit the car. Paid £208 fitted which didn’t seem too bad.
The power steering was stiff when idling – a common problem caused by the P/S pipes getting corroded/clogged. We are used to it now, but I did flush through the P/S fluid and it made it a little better. Quite often, people change the rack or pump and still have problems as the pipes are overlooked. I think later designs changed slightly to mitigate. It’s no bother with any revs, just if turning on idle, the pump isn’t pushing enough assistance.
MOT was passed, but there was an advisory for a leaking rear shock – I picked up a new set of Bilstein B4’s for under £50 and fitting was a doddle (3 bolts). I switched the top bearings as well as they were about £11 each! Was surprised at the size difference though…
I checked and double checked, and these were listed as right – 6 months on, no issues and no change in comfort. I did pick up some Sachs cheap off eBay to check this weekend, but they are identical in size of the Bilsteins – VIDA (the Volvo parts thing) suggests a few different shocks and my originals were “non-sport” – These match up with the Bilstein and Sachs parts numbers on the ones I checked, but I may keep an eye out for a set of genuine Volvo ones on eBay just because!!
A little bit of titivating was required in the boot area. The handle for the under-floor area was broken (a common issue as the supporting shock loses strength). A new one cost £13 delivered from a Volvo dealer.
I then set about sorting the support piston - £30 from Volvo! No thanks…a bit of searching yielded a post on a Russian forum (thanks Google translate…) – The boot strut support for a Peugeot something or another was the right size and twice the strength. More importantly, lots of pattern parts available for it on eBay - £11 later and my boot underfloor is now easily accessible and stays up!
I also gave the old girl a service – relatively straight forward as well. No physical dipstick on mine so had to rely on the computer…but all turned out well. The car had full-service history when we got it, plus cambelt/aux belt/ tensioner/water pump all changed 4 months before we bought it.
Next job is front shocks and top mounts – at 100k miles, it’s overdue a freshen up. Picked up a set of new Boge branded original shocks back when I bought the car for peanuts as they were mis-listed on eBay (the Sachs and Boge shocks are identical – original fitment as well). Also got the top mounts, bearings and bump stops. Currently considering doing the springs as well just because… will get more pics when I get round to this job.
I then need to think about switching the top engine mount – a common failure and an easy job. Need to order the mount at some point!
Brake fluid needs a change and a flush too – keep forgetting!
I gave the car an intense cleaning session this weekend – all the leather was scrubbed and conditioned, got the carpet cleaner out for the boot carpets (slightly stained from when I transported a couple tonnes of topsoil…!) and it all looks new again. A healthy dose of Autofresh and the car smells like new!
One annoyance was some screw holes in the trim where the previous owner has a dog-guard fitted. Very ugly…
A bit of searching on eBay and managed to get a like new pair for £20 delivered... awaiting delivery – hopefully later today!
Finally, the car doesn’t have Bluetooth, so I picked up this dongle thing on Ebay – plugs in the USB socket in the centre console storage cubby and the aux port is right next to it. Works well – better since I found the option to increase the Aux volume in the stereo settings…
(excuse junk chucked into centre cubby)
And that brings things up to date. As I get to some of the jobs on my list, I will try and keep track!!
Regarding your steering issues, flushing the system is futile as it cleaning out the reservoir with all manner of solvents despite what the internet claims. There's a small, micro gauze filter incorporated into the bottom of the reservoir and I can assure you, it'll be clogged. I flushed mine several times, attacked the reservoir with a variety of solvents and ultimately cut the reservoir up to inspect and the gauze was almost blocked solid. Replace the reservoir for new. It may help but you may find yourself in need of a pump, possibly even lines or the rack. Mine was the same, a new reservoir has much improved it but after 213k, the pump has probably had better days now too.
But I'd agree, they are excellent tools. Their low roadtest ratings amuse me, with journos criticising their lack of handling prowess. It's a nigh on 2 ton Volvo on very soft suspension so that's a given. Ironically despite the experts viewing Ford era cars with disdain, mine has proven to be a hell of a lot more reliable, comfortable and more robust than any if my previous P2 "proper" Volvos that preceded it. I can't fault mine at all, more so as it's usually driven with zero care by my wife, tested to the extreme by the kids and doesn't get pampered at all.
The 5hr round trip to collect sounds like bliss... mine came from South Wales and I'm north of Edinburgh so that was about 900miles and about 16hrs in one go to pick it up. Finding a base spec, manual D5 with dark interior at entry level money wasn't easy! Thankfully I got very lucky as it's been superb... thus far...
But I'd agree, they are excellent tools. Their low roadtest ratings amuse me, with journos criticising their lack of handling prowess. It's a nigh on 2 ton Volvo on very soft suspension so that's a given. Ironically despite the experts viewing Ford era cars with disdain, mine has proven to be a hell of a lot more reliable, comfortable and more robust than any if my previous P2 "proper" Volvos that preceded it. I can't fault mine at all, more so as it's usually driven with zero care by my wife, tested to the extreme by the kids and doesn't get pampered at all.
The 5hr round trip to collect sounds like bliss... mine came from South Wales and I'm north of Edinburgh so that was about 900miles and about 16hrs in one go to pick it up. Finding a base spec, manual D5 with dark interior at entry level money wasn't easy! Thankfully I got very lucky as it's been superb... thus far...
Edited by Davie on Tuesday 9th November 09:37
Davie said:
Regarding your steering issues, flushing the system is futile as it cleaning out the reservoir with all manner of solvents despite what the internet claims. There's a small, micro gauze filter incorporated into the bottom of the reservoir and I can assure you, it'll be clogged. I flushed mine several times, attacked the reservoir with a variety of solvents and ultimately cut the reservoir up to inspect and the gauze was almost blocked solid. Replace the reservoir for new. It may help but you may find yourself in need of a pump, possibly even lines or the rack. Mine was the same, a new reservoir has much improved it but after 213k, the pump has probably had better days now too.
But I'd agree, they are excellent tools. Their low roadtest ratings amuse me, with journos criticising their lack of handling prowess. It's a nigh on 2 ton Volvo on very soft suspension so that's a given. Ironically despite the experts viewing Ford era cars with disdain, mine has proven to be a hell of a lot more reliable, comfortable and more robust than any if my previous P2 "proper" Volvos that preceded it. I can't fault mine at all, more so as it's usually driven with zero care by my wife, tested to the extreme by the kids and doesn't get pampered at all.
The 5hr round trip to collect sounds like bliss... mine came from South Wales and I'm north of Edinburgh so that was about 900miles and about 16hrs in one go to pick it up. Finding a base spec, manual D5 with dark interior at entry level money wasn't easy! Thankfully I got very lucky as it's been superb... thus far...
I have stripped the reservoir off and given it a good clean - might try replacing at some point, but it causes no bother tbh.But I'd agree, they are excellent tools. Their low roadtest ratings amuse me, with journos criticising their lack of handling prowess. It's a nigh on 2 ton Volvo on very soft suspension so that's a given. Ironically despite the experts viewing Ford era cars with disdain, mine has proven to be a hell of a lot more reliable, comfortable and more robust than any if my previous P2 "proper" Volvos that preceded it. I can't fault mine at all, more so as it's usually driven with zero care by my wife, tested to the extreme by the kids and doesn't get pampered at all.
The 5hr round trip to collect sounds like bliss... mine came from South Wales and I'm north of Edinburgh so that was about 900miles and about 16hrs in one go to pick it up. Finding a base spec, manual D5 with dark interior at entry level money wasn't easy! Thankfully I got very lucky as it's been superb... thus far...
Edited by Davie on Tuesday 9th November 09:37
They are cracking cars, nothing fancy, just good workhorses. Ideal for lugging dogs and kids about! Your trip to collect sounds like a mission
Physically removing the reservoir to clean doesn't guarantee the gauze is then clear. I had mine off a couple of times, soaked in petrol, brake cleaner, Mr Muscle, blasted it through with the air line and parafin gun and thought that'd suffice. It didn't and upon basically breaking it apart and ripping the gauze out, I found it was pretty much clogged solid with black crud. The common misconception is that a thorough clean out is enough, that was my thoughts too but I was wrong.
Reviewers rarely have any idea what joe public actually wants from a car anymore. Like when the original Ford Ka got rave reviews for its go-kart handling, but was barely safe in a crash, had an utterly crap interior, an engine from a Ford Anglia to begin with, and fell apart from rust within 5 years. I always wondered why brands like Volvo got a kicking for "cheap interiors" when Ford got away with the nastiest plastics and carpets known to man. These barges are well-made, comfy and relaxing to drive, and I'm not sure if the average buyer ever wants more than just that!
I'm a car detailer and love cleaning Volvos. Equivalent German cars really aren't any better, from a materials perspective at least. If anything many are worse.
I'm a car detailer and love cleaning Volvos. Equivalent German cars really aren't any better, from a materials perspective at least. If anything many are worse.
Lovely car. Got a real love for Volvos they are just what’s needed on today’s roads. Comfort.
On the shocks. I’ve read a lot of folk having trouble getting hold of them for the old xc70 because everyone insisted the v70 shocks and xc70’s as the same. Chance you may have fitted v70 shocks?
On the shocks. I’ve read a lot of folk having trouble getting hold of them for the old xc70 because everyone insisted the v70 shocks and xc70’s as the same. Chance you may have fitted v70 shocks?
Carlososos said:
Lovely car. Got a real love for Volvos they are just what’s needed on today’s roads. Comfort.
On the shocks. I’ve read a lot of folk having trouble getting hold of them for the old xc70 because everyone insisted the v70 shocks and xc70’s as the same. Chance you may have fitted v70 shocks?
I 100% think that's what happened. Both Bilstein and Sachs don't differentiate, but KYB do. I'm going to order the KYB and see if any longer. On the shocks. I’ve read a lot of folk having trouble getting hold of them for the old xc70 because everyone insisted the v70 shocks and xc70’s as the same. Chance you may have fitted v70 shocks?
Accelebrate said:
Thanks for updating this, I've just picked up a very similar (although scruffier) 2010 in black and found this thread through Google before I went to look at it. Do you happen to have a link or part number for the boot floor gas strut? Mine has a similar issue.
To quote my post from Volvo Owners Forum..."Hi guys,
Thought I would share this (picked it up from a Polish Volvo forum).
The strut that holds the boot floor up in my 2010 XC70 had lost it's strength. It turns out, the rear boot strut for recent Peugeot 206's is a similar size and works great in it's place.
I got mine from Ebay for £12 - A Meyle branded one (search MEYLE 11-40 910 0016 GAS SPRING REAR WINDSCREEN).
It's slightly longer I think and definitely stronger than the original. But it takes 20 secs to change and just means you need to compress it slightly before fitting (fit one end, compress and clip on other end).
Works an absolute treat. Effortless up and down "
guitarcarfanatic said:
I 100% think that's what happened. Both Bilstein and Sachs don't differentiate, but KYB do. I'm going to order the KYB and see if any longer.
To help anyone else looking, the rear shocks on the Volvo XC70 (P3) come in two variants:"Sport" marked 31, 32, 43 on the car model plate details (see Volvo Forum for a decoder) = these are 472mm and Volvo part number 30714221 (and 30748258 / 31262390). Almost all the aftermarket copies are this size (even though they might say 515mm...). KYB differentiate though and model number is 349122.
"Standard" marked 36, 37 on the car model plate details = these are 515mm and Volvo part number 31262151 (and 31212805). KYB part number is 349129.
I have done all my research and it seems only KYB actually differentiate and offer the correct aftermarket size for the UK models. Whilst you can fit the shorter shocks (and they have been fine on mine - no change to ride height as that's set by springs), I will be picking up the KYB at some point. They are about £50-60 each (not including the top mount and bearing). The Volvo OE comes with the top mount and bearing fitted and are around £100-120 each.
Hopefully useful!
757 said:
Lovely looking car, especially the interior - very nice!
Great engine aswell (5 cylinder?)...Was the only thing I liked on my V60 5 cylinder when I had that, that engine.
Yep, 5 cylinder twin turbo on this one - 205BHP Great engine aswell (5 cylinder?)...Was the only thing I liked on my V60 5 cylinder when I had that, that engine.
It's not fast, but hustles along nicely - better since I discovered the steering setting in the car menu to firm things up
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff