Anyone had any experience with volvo V70 D5's?

[Paul the 6th]

Apart from being pulled by an unmarked one once, I've never really had much to do with them. Monty the mondeo is sick and getting more ill each day (suspected injector and/or turbo problems), plus it needs 2 new front tyres, there's some vibes (just had a near RNS wheel bearing assembly) and all new brake pipes at last MOT... Can't justify putting any more money into a car which is slowly going more and more wrong so I'm gonna jump while I have the choice, rather than waiting to be pushed when the car is actually worth feck all 'cos it's not working full stop.

Anywho. Been looking at various diesel estates ideally with around 140/160bhp in the £5k area, lower miles the better; currently gunning around 60-80k miles as it appears most modern cars have a crisis with their injectors 100k or above.. Could potentially stretch budget upwards a tad if it lands me a lower mile/better condition example.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ErX9inHAHK0/UihhHc0adTI/AAAAAAAAACM/hHGNRtBtBdg/s500/Screen%2520Shot%25202013-09-05%2520at%252011.43.46.png
Was more or less sold on a 2008 A4 avant 2.0 tdi (140), til I read a shed load of horror stories on the net about how audi had fitted a balancer shaft to 'refine' the engine on its higher level cars (a4 and above), and that the oil pump was driven off the secondary part of this balancer shaft - although the shaft was badly designed and manufactured so they have a knack of bugggering up the cam chain tensioner and destroying the oil pump. £2-6k for repairs or replacement engines... (or atleast that's my vague recollection of all the technical waffle I've read over the last 24 hours).. Sounds like the A3's didn't have the balancer shaft but they're still either very high milers or expensive with the lower miles.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-voi2mrfR1qs/UihhFyb7tuI/AAAAAAAAAB8/PKe9liZ-FgM/s500/Screen%2520Shot%25202013-09-05%2520at%252011.44.10.png
Then a mate of mine who love's BMW's suggested a 320D touring - seem like good cars but to get one with a nice luxury spec it needs to have a sport or M-pack. The ones in budget have 180k+ miles on the clock. Sounds like I'm being a snob with the extra's but I'm coming from a lowly mondeo which has cruise & climate control, heated windscreen, heated mirrors, electric mirrors, all electric windows, auto wipers, auto lights, 6 cd changer etc.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-M7L-iKc64jU/UihhHVQ0ktI/AAAAAAAAACQ/JDa9q_g2aKY/s500/Screen%2520Shot%25202013-09-05%2520at%252011.44.38.png
Looked a volkswagen passat estates, high miles around 100,000 and the majority of them seem to be available through dealers who have viewing by appointment only, and the pictures of the cars are all on public streets or outside someones house. Alarm bells.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FCEqh5o2r74/UihhHiq62NI/AAAAAAAAACU/dXMv89K4byk/s600/Screen%2520Shot%25202013-09-05%2520at%252011.46.04.png
Then I've randomly spotted volvo v70 d5's.. Always liked the look of the high spec dark blue ones the police use, very smart looking with good presence, in budget, (found one with 70,000 for £4750 and fsh), reviews from owners all seem to rave about the comfort, quality, engine (163bhp from a 5 cylinder 2.4 unit), the only negatives are the handling on bumpier roads (squidgy at best, slightly dangerous at worst), lots of electrical goodies loaded in so more to potentially go wrong, and they are no immune to the injector problems later in life.. So nothing too drastic.

Which has now landed me at this thread. Just wondering if anyone has owned/driven/knows someone who's had a terrible experience with them etc. etc. just looking for any extra information anyone can spare.

I know I'm gonna get stick for the old man image, and although I would love a 330 coupe or an audi A7, I constantly lug around flight cases, tools for work, camping gear, mountain bikes, general household crap to the skip etc. so I'd be mental to not bother with an estate car. The volvo just seems like a solid bet.

Thanks in advance and apologies for the long ass thread - spent the last 2 days reading endless reviews/technical data/comparing prices against mileage etc. so my brain is fried :bounce: :compcrash:

[ravingdavis]

Is there any particular reason why the V70? My Dad has a 2010 V50 D5 and that is a very good car. More comparable in size to the 320D and A4 Avant than the V70 which is more a 5 series sized vehicle. Comfort wise the seats in Volvos are excellent (probably the best in class) and the handling of the V50 is very good for a front wheel drive estate, the comments on handling wise I find amusing - if you are looking for a sports car then an estate is probably not the right vehicle, someone is being overly dramatic about the suspension being 'dangerous'.

[Paul the 6th]

I quite enjoy a bit of lift off oversteer in the mondeo when there's no one around and I'm being a nob, but aside from that I'm not fussed about 'sporty handling'.. Often times I'll literally have a small van load's worth of kit to stick in the back of the car so figured the v70 would probably afford more space but while still also having a bit of deluxe feel about it..

[Wildkid]

I work for Audi and in my time of being there working in parts balance shaft modules are not common to go, we have probably done around 2 in the time ive worked there. Any VAG car with a 2.0tdi engine will be a good shout and ive seen cars with 300,000 plus milage coming into us.

[Paul the 6th]

Thanks for the reply WK - it was just these search results: https://www.google.co.uk/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=known+issues+with+audi+a4+2.0+tdi&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=MHooUuWjGIua1AWlj4D4Bg#q=known+issues+with+audi +a4+2.0+tdi&rls=en

and then this thread in particular which kinda scared me, so many people all reporting identical problems and identical dealings with customer service at Audi UK.. - http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=3974841&page=1

Had an a3 2.0 tdi s-line many moons ago, should never have gotten rid of it really but circumstances and things change. Seems that they're all a fortune now when they're running right they're basically the perfect car.

[Roberrrrt]

lad at work had major issues with an a4 estate 2.0 tdi lump on a 55 plate, bill ran into £thousands

[Pedrosa]

I have never owned a V70 but do have regular use of one.I have found it to be a delight to drive. Big diesel donk and auto gearbox the car is smooth and gives you a real sense of security. On a couple of trips to visit my son,(a round trip of almost 500 km) I found the fuel consumption surprisingly frugal for what is not, a small car.

[Paul the 6th]

cheers Pedrosa, yeah I do a lot of motorway miles back and forth to events, weekends away, possibly a eurotrip next year of some sort, so a big punchy diesel with stonking power but reasonable mpg = the volvo ticks all the right boxes and slots nicely into my brief.

Also just found out a mate of a mate is a volvo technician so he might come with me for a look if I chuck him a few beers. Happy days. Thanks everyone! Pt6 = OUT.

[L3nny]

Considered a Saab?

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/for-sale/search/saab/9-3/sportwagon-2005/usedcfs-401104533115158/

BTW just because it's a Diesel don't think you're going to get 60mpg

I struggle to get 45 from my Alpina D3

[Paul the 6th]

I get 43 from monty. As long as I doesn't go much below 40mpg I don't think I'll really be all that bothered. Had a remapped Audi S4 B5 for a while (V6 2.7 bi-turbo)... that averaged about 18 around town and 23 on the motorway. If you put your foot down it dropped to about 10. Literally insane filling up every other day.

[Roberrrrt]

not literally though.

[L3nny]

Well around the accelerate to 70-slowdown for a roundabout-accelerate to 70 world of Milton keynes I get about 30mpg, which is still 10 more than I got from my Civic Type R but diesel costs more dunnit.

Petrols are catching up to diesels and the total cost of ownership on a petrol may work out less.

[fizzwheel]

Paul -

Go and have a read of pistonheads, theres a whole section dedicated to Volvo's that should cover off what you want to know.

IIRC - the Auto Box on these can be a little fragile, so something to research a little more and just make sure I've got my facts right.

Edit - this is probably a good place to start reading

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=156&t=1326143&mid=0&nmt=2000+-+2003+V70%2E+Talk+to+me+please

[Dave20046]

This time yesterday I would have suspected you were a policewoman, an office working occasional fudgenudger or an outright sissy...

But then I saw this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q3y80r-cR0

[Paul the 6th]

not literally though. yarp used to be a case of a full tank lasting two days or 320 miles...

This time yesterday I would have suspected you were a policewoman, an office working occasional fudgenudger or an outright sissy...

But then I saw this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q3y80r-cR0

Will have a look in a sec

Paul -

Go and have a read of pistonheads, theres a whole section dedicated to Volvo's that should cover off what you want to know.

IIRC - the Auto Box on these can be a little fragile, so something to research a little more and just make sure I've got my facts right.

Edit - this is probably a good place to start reading

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=156&t=1326143&mid=0&nmt=2000+-+2003+V70%2E+Talk+to+me+please

Smashing cheers fizzle

[Paul the 6th]

Cheers Fizz, had a read through - I'm not actually considering an auto box so hopefully I shouldn't have to worry too much..

L3nny - I'd have an actual nightmare if I lived in MK, only been there once and the whole road system drove me mad within 10 minutes, no flow, stop start, the local garages must be busy with a constant flow of cars needing consumables sorting.

Went for a test drive yesterday, the car drove like new, went like a rocket and everything was smooth/no knocking/sharp brakes/all electrics working.. Just a bit of cosmetic wear on the drivers seat which needs sorting. Think I'm gonna go for it.

Everyone I've spoken to has initially made a joke but then admitted to secretly respecting/liking Volvo's.... not that I'm bothered what people say about me & my car; I'll just turn the archers up to full blast or take my hearing aid out.

[Luckypants]

My lad just bought one, £1100 for a 53 plate V70 with 160K miles. It looks great, goes well and is squeak and rattle free, the mechanicals are solid. He bought on the recommendation of his mechanic mate who has an S60 with 300K miles and no major issues.

The car my lad bought is turning in 45+mpg in the 3000 miles he has put on it. nothing has gone wrong yet except for a minor leak from the heater matrix seals, fixed DIY for £10 for new seals. This is a known issue so look for stained / wet passenger foot-well carpet. I'm quite jealous of his purchase to be honest.

You might also contact The Lone wolf who has a V70 himself, which he acquired from a family member so knows the full history of - he could give a good insight.

[Paul the 6th]

this is why I always end up coming back to the org :D cheers mike :) need a catch up some time soon! might be going isle of man again next year about april time if you fancy a friday to monday jaunt, same set up as last time, riding the tt course, exploring the south of the island, arsing about at camp and getting pished to the ultra cool sounds of Butcher Skank in a pub in peel...

[Luckypants]

Lots of stuff going on in my life ATM Paul, but hopefully all will be sorted by then and I can say YES!

Definitely need a catch up soon man.

[Paul the 6th]

10-4 good buddy hope everything is sailing on the calm :) will keep you in the loop about it

[the_lone_wolf]

Funny, I was googling myself (no sniggering at the back) to find a picture of my car for fuelly, and this thread was the first thing that popped up!!

Paul, did you get a car in the end? If you want to know anything else just shout

I've known mine since ~2009 and 70k miles, it's now got 105k on the clock and I've owned it since 85k or so:

http://thumbsnap.com/s/GHpIdHke.jpg?1126

If it ever wears out I'll be buying another V70, love it, they're not without their known issues but most can be mitigated or avoided

[Fallout]

This just happens to be right near you and is one of the few available. Fancy a Nissan Skyline estate? Stageas are amazing, underrated, cheap, ugly, but brilliant cars. 4x4, diff-locks, massive boot, 160mph, under 4k. I would get it in a heartbeat if I was looking for an estate and lived near you. Oh, and it'll never drop below 2k in value (unless you crash it) at worst, so forget about depreciation.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NISSAN-SKYLINE-STAGEA-RARE-IMPORT-B-SPEC-TURBO-TWIN-BOOST-RS-FOUR-DIFF-LOCKS-/190955440555?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c75d4c9ab

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/NISSAN-SKYLINE-STAGEA-RARE-IMPORT-B-SPEC-TURBO-TWIN-BOOST-RS-FOUR-DIFF-LOCKS-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/jk4AAOxyiRlSbvVu/$(KGrHqVHJF!FJi(9MVfYBSbvVt5Se!~~60_12.JPG

[dirtydog]

Bloody hell that is sooooo ugly!

[Fallout]

It looks like dog turd, but thats part of the appeal. Its a proper sleeper. No pose factor. Besides, estates are like fat asses. You're kidding yourself if you think any of them are good looking.

[Wideboy]

the back end of it looks alright but the front looks like it could do with crashing.

i still want a galant vr4 wagon, however i still think I'd be disappointed

[Fallout]

Back end is normally more important than face.

[Luckypants]

Paul I know you have already got the V70 but thought I'd post that Jon's clutch went at 196k but as its fitted with towbar and twin electrics it seems a good bet it has been dragging a caravan around in the past. Still almost 200k miles from a clutch isn't bad.

Unfortunately it is a dual mass flywheel job so £1100 + fitting for a new one.

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[andrewsmith]

Paul I know you have already got the V70 but thought I'd post that Jon's clutch went at 196k but as its fitted with towbar and twin electrics it seems a good bet it has been dragging a caravan around in the past. Still almost 200k miles from a clutch isn't bad.

Unfortunately it is a dual mass flywheel job so £1100 + fitting for a new one.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

1100 notes!!! :shock:
Its one of thing that keeps putting me off ford derived diesels. But the 200k is impressive

[yorkie_chris]

Can you not fit a normal flywheel?
I generally see "dealer only" as somewhere between a mild challenge and a blood insult.

Problem with half the ford ones is the flywheel breaks down and naffs a load of other stuff like the starter.

[cb1000rsteve]

DMF 's I've had replaced where only £500 and £600 pound at a local garage one on a 1.9 cdti vx and the other a 2.2 tdci mondeo. Still expensive but £1100 is robbery!!

[Paul the 6th]

DMF seems to be a common thing these days (ford, audi etc... takes vibes out of the engine/drivetrain so the gearboxes receive a bit of sympathy?? heard of guys fitting solid single piece flywheels to mondeos which have lasted longer but then they've had nightmare vibes through the box/drive train)..

Bought the volvo back at the start of sept, been mint ever since. Needs wheel balance sorting but it goes like a rocket, feels like a deluxe sofa, looks smart and grown up, returns 40mpg even when I drive like a **** (on every single tank full) and people seem to get out of the way when they see me flying up at 85-90mph on my private motorway.. especially when I set the headlight wipers flicking to create a bit of light movement on approach. Stand aside BMW, I'm coming through. Reckon 700 miles would be easily achievable on a tank of motorway miles. Currently about 600 miles per £80 tank of diesel with mixed town and motorway driving.

Heated leather seats and amazing sound system. Love it.

[Paul the 6th]

the interceptor :)

[Luckypants]

Still expensive but £1100 is robbery!!cheapest he could get with mates rates and free fitting. Apparently the Audi / VW ones are even more!



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[maviczap]

Chap at work had the dmf done on his fiat which cost him £800 ~ £900

[the_lone_wolf]

The V70 clutch isn't a weak point, it's the slave cylinder that goes

The cylinder leaks, it can contaminate the clutch plates which means they need replacing, and if the clutch is out it's normally worth replacing the DMF while you're in there, hence, three different jobs but done at the same time so the cost is high

LUK do a replacement part that's a popular saver for the DMF, mine went in Croatia and I got all three replaced with Volvo parts by a main dealer over there for ~£1200, with labour at a rate of 11€/hr...

ALL modern DMF equipped cars will need it replacing at some point, they will wear out... You can replace it with a solid flywheel but the result will be more vibrations transmitted to the rest of the car and more stress to the engine parts that the DMF was there to protect

Paul, you can get 750 miles from a tank if you really treat it gently... ;)

[granty92]

my only experience with the volvo was being pulled over by one :) then the copper decided to be very nice

[NTECUK]

I was quoted 250 + VAT For a 1.9 d dual mass (mine has a slight Judder but at 220'000 on its original cant grumble.).

[DJFridge]

We're on our second and they've both been brilliant. No, the handling isn't particularly sporting, but it is comfortable especially as we've got 17" rather than 18" wheels which just give a bit more cushioning over crappy British roads. They cruise forever happily, we drive ours down to the south of France every year. They are a little expensive to service at a Volvo dealer, although less than a Merc/Audi/BMW and, on the previous version (current shape is fine) the turning circle is a little humungous. Overall though, brilliant and more space than most of the competition too