Getting a V70 P3! What do I need to know?
 

Hello!

I've rented a V70 P3 from 2014 for a road trip in Norway and it was the most confortable car I've ever driven.

So I'm thinking on replacing my bikes "van", a ultra boring Fiat Doblo, for a decent car, with confort, the same space and some added luxury!

We're only two here and most of the time I drive alone, so I can get the back seats down and fit my bikes when I want to go somewhere - that's the idea!

If someone uses it and can post some pics to give some hint on what to expect would be really appreciated.

Also if you have solutions on getting it secured without bumping around.
I have a road, xc and enduro bike. I reckon all but the enduro one should fit with tires on. I don't want the bike rack solution because I prefer it quiet inside, and I don't need to think If I'm going to hit something. Also if the windows are tinted you can have a meal without having someone trying to steal it from the rack.


Now, what should I look for on a V70 P3? I think my year limit is around 2012 (maybe 2013) because of the price.

I've read that the Geely era (2011?) is better, xenon is a must. "CHECK"

But what engines, gearbox should I look for and avoid? Trim levels? I've searched but I always get tons of P2 results on google and not so much on the P3.

I'm really excited on this! Thanks in advance!! :_: :_:

V70 p3
 

Hi, I’m surprised you’ve had no comments yet, guys on here are usually on the ball. I’m a recent convert to V70 ownership, bought my 2010 D5 se in May, I’ve had four Volvo estates in years gone by but the last one (740) went about 10 years ago with 185,000 on the clock, however the P3 is by far and away the best car I’ve ever owned, the comfort is superb and the usefulness it affords is second to none. My own experience is limited as far as advice is concerned, but I would check that the cam belt has been changed at the required intervals, these models are known for leaking windscreens, I had mine replaced after the seats were getting stained until I realised it was coming from above , apparently the screens were not sealed correctly at the factory. Mine had urgent service warning lamp show on the dash but after changing the fuel filter following advice on here it has now extinguished itself.
I wouldn’t hesitate to buy the car, mileage is largely irrelevant as long as it’s been serviced properly and regularly, I love mine, good luck if you decide to be a discerning V70 owner!

That's super! thanks!!

Yeah, it's been(still is) kinda difficult to find the right one, it has xenon but it's the less powered, it's powered but it has no xenon. I found a really nice one with the petrol engine, but I reckon I would pay 600+ euro of taxes yearly. I'll have to wait, but I'm definitely gonna buy one. Still not sure about the engine versions, trims (like, what version/year had the blind spot warning light) - but I've filled a folder of bookmarked pages!

I held back on a reply because strictly speaking I have the XC70 not the V70 but I must agree that the P3 is an excellent car. I have the 215 bhp D5 and it makes the car more than just a estate car. With the Polestar optimisation it is a very capable performer and I'd expect that the V70, with lower suspension, handles even better although I have had no cause to find the XC70 lacking. I found everything well thought out and was only disappointed in one detail, the lack of storage space for a full size spare wheel. It's not the most loved car I have owned but it is probably the best.

That was my bad, I'm also considering the XC70! The price difference that I've seen is not that big. And is also aesthetically pleasing.

My XC70 is a go anywhere car. The 215 bhp engine (now 230 bhp), the all wheel drive and the extra ground clearance give me the confidence that I am unlikely to get stuck anywhere. The high standard of fittings make for a very comfortable car with all manner of clever little devices to make life easier. Examples:

Built in two level child booster seats in the back.
A clever little clip on the windscreen to hold parking vouchers.
The interior lights dim and go out when you start the engine.
Built-in voice operated Bluetooth hands free for a mobile phone.
A button on the dash to remotely drop the rear seat head restraints to improve the rear view.
A parking assist feature with a diagram of sensor zones activated and, more important, a variable audible warning on proximity.
Variable temperature heated seats
Split zone climate control.
Cruise control.
Dipped Xenon lights that follow the steering.
3 seat position memory on the driver's seat with rear view external mirrors included in the adjustment.
Auto dimming rear mirror.
Optional auto folding of external mirrors when the car is remotely locked.

These are all things that I actually value when driving the car and even though I castigate it for being part of the reason that a full size spare won't fit in the wheel well, the fold away shopping bag holding compartment is a nice extra and my car came with a drop down luggage compartment dog guard which others might find useful but I don't have a dog.

You can tell that I really like my XC70 and that is enough of a recommendation to anyone to buy one with the additional factors that they don't make it any more so it's a rarer car than the V70 and it is exceptionally safe to drive. I'll close with this link to substantiate this! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGHsoF5F57s No apologies for having posted this several times before. It's really worth knowing!

Had a P3 2009 2.4D for 7years (purchased at 3years old). It was a brilliant car, the only thing to fail was the CD player! Go for a 5 cyl engine but as someone has already said the belts and tensioners MUST be up to date. Also the windscreen can leak. When you do a test drive listen for water sloshing around in the bulkhead! Another point to check is the power steering. The pipes corrode and the resulting contamination can damage the pump and rack. Check that the fluid is clean and that the steering is not unduly heavy at low RPM.
When I had mine I changed the fluid and flushed it out..maybe worth doing when (not if!) you get one.

Sometimes different markets have different specs so it'll be hard for any UK person to advise with any certainty on specs for Luxembourg (I assume that's where you're from anyway), however, I can advise the following from a UK perspective:

• 2012MY onwards came with the Sensus nav screen rather than the pop-up sat nav - worth looking out for, looks a lot more modern and maps can be updated via USB if it's had the software update applied (one-off cost of about £35 IIRC)
• Xenons were standard on SE Lux models but optional on SE
• BLIS was only ever part of the Driver Support Pack that includes Adaptive Cruise Control & Lane Departure Warning
• Worth looking out for Security Pack (gives you keyless entry & laminated side windows (great for theft prevention)
• If you're looking for diesel then D3/4/5 are all variants of the Volvo 5-cylinder engine and excellent - the basic 136bhp 2.0D is the Ford / PSA unit that can be problematic. D3 & D4 are 2.0, D5 is 2.4 but all the same basic unit

Hope that helps a little. :)

There are rails in the floor of the rear load space with "hooks" that you can slide up and down and lock into position. If you want to secure irregular loads like bikes these are ideal. I believe they are standard equipment.

Sadly the Sensus system is only going to be supported for one more update around the end of this year. Whether it's worth paying for the softwear to accept the free update is up to you. I was quoted nearer £70 by a Volvo main dealer. Perhaps it is worth having it done as the map will have to last you for the rest of the life of the car! A shameful Volvo decision which I had forgotten. :sad_smile: