D5 2008 v70 se lux
 

So I'm thinking of buying a 2008 D5 Geartronic V70 SE LUX with Winter Pack.

It currently has under 100k miles on it...

I do a regular trip that is about 350 miles every couple of weeks which is mainly motorway and would like something that is safe and comfortable.

I rented an EV but it's just not up to the job of doing lots of motorway miles (range is poor and charging it was a complete pain in the a**) so I'm hoping that this will be a good comfy cruiser...

So as a complete newbie to this (and someone who is not very mechanically minded) if it were your car what modifications (if any would you make)?

Would a remap be sensible?

What sort of tyres are recommended for this car - it's almost certainly going to come with a set of 'basic' boots on it so should I change them for something else?

Is the 2008 Sat Nav going to be cr*p and can it be brought up to date or should I buy a third party unit (TOM TOM etc)?

Should I have it serviced straight away? (I would at least like someone who knows their way around these cars to have a look to make sure that it's ok and point out anything that I should get sorted)

Where would be a good place in Kent / Sussex to take it?

Sorry for all of the questions but I think that this could be a great motorway mile muncher and I would like to get it sorted so its mechanically sound and handles as well as a big estate can reasonably handle...

I certainly would not modify it.
The gear box fluid change would be a good idea and other than that routine servicing is probably order of the day.

I have exactly that model, same year.

You probably won't want a remap. The 185 motor is quite punchy in the V70. Not surprising, as the V70 is nearly half a tonne lighter than the XC90.

I've just re-shod mine in Good Year Eagle F1 asymetric. They've been on less than a week and seem to suit the car well. Not tried them in the rain yet, but reviews suggest they're very good in the wet.

I've updated the satnav to 2018 maps, the latest I could find. The interface is clunky and awkward to use, its easier if the remote control hasn't gone missing and you dont need to use the steering wheel controls. However, program in your frequent destinations and they then become straightforward to select next time. Once you have told it what to do then it does function very well and actually navigates as well as anyrhing else, but if you're going to 5 new locations daily the programming will become tiresome.

You shouldn't need to service it off the bat if you get one with an appropriate history, but theres no reason why not to if you want to set your own baseline. Not my part of the world I'm afraid so can't advise on a garage.

I managed to bag mine for £2700 after some negotiation, whcih I thought was good for a 58k mile one owner car. The old boy was giving up driving after a very light front end tap - no real damage done, the bumper flexed enough to pop some plastic rivets that I've already replace - and he wanted it gone, so I was just right place at the right time with that one.

Geartronic fluid change (plenty of info on here).
Belts & tensioners (not water pump if it's Volvo unless it is rough, and if so replace with Volvo) if you don't have cast-iron proof that they've been done.
A good all-seasons tyre all round (again plenty info on here)
Don't remap.
Job jobbed

Well it sounds like you got an amazing deal…

This one has more miles and is more money but I think it’s an OK deal given the current market.

I often visit the same 3-5 locations so the satnav won’t be too bad.

Where did you get the 2018 maps from?

Thanks - that’s really helpful I will do some reading and find somewhere to do the work for me…

I got them from ebay, used genuine Volvo for £20.

Mistake ignore