Volvo Owners Club Forum - View Single Post

capt jack · Jul 13th, 2016, 20:01

Things to be aware of when considering a p1 V70:

Engine. Should start instantly and idle at 850-900 rpm, smoothly and quietly. Make sure that the EML or Lambda, ABS, TRACS, SRS lights come on at switch off and go off the instant the engine starts. If the service light stays on it's probably just that no-one has bothered to cancel it. It goes off after 2 minutes anyway. Also, watch the LEDs on the aircon control buttons. If they flash on start up there's a possible problem with the ECC. Cars without ECC have aircon which is a much simpler set up.

With engine running, lift the dipstick. There should be no pressure, possibly even a slight vacuum. Pressure = clogged crankcase vent system. Creamy deposits on the dipstick are normal, but avoid a car that has a creamy oil cap or oil in the coolant.

Make sure that all the toys work. They are very sturdy and reliable cars, but accessories can be expensive to fix. Mirrors, windows, lights, audio, cruise control, wipers, heated window and seats, electric seat if fitted, trip computer if fitted, sunroof etc etc.

Have a good feel in front passenger footwell. Wet carpet = goosed heater matrix. Fixable fairly easily.

Peeling door cards are normal. Easy and cheap to replace, impossible to fix. Check that the door-check straps work on all 4 doors, that the tailgate gas springs hold the tailgate up OK, and that all the locks work properly when activated, and that all the courtesy lights go out and come on in appropriate places.

Listen for low-speed clunks from the front. Probably drop links - an easy fix. Grinding noise on full lock will be the lock stops, again an easy fix.

Be suspicious of any oil leak from around where the engine/gearbox meet. Probably a knackered rear main seal. £15 for the seal £600 to fit it.

Listen for whining front wheel bearings. £250 a side. Cannot be checked by usual wheel rocking. Spin a wheel with one hand on the road spring and you will feel any roughness. Also check for CV boot damage.

Be suspicious if handbrake doesn't hold on 5 clicks or less.

Check MOT history and be wary of advised rear suspension arm bush wear. Pricey and sometime difficult to fix.

If an auto, check that the reverse-lights work, and that changes are really smooth. Non-working reverse-lights suggest PNP switch problems. Early boxes have a dipstick so check colour and level of auto fluid.

Check engine top mount for fore-and-aft movement, especially on an older 97 or 98 car. It's fixable.

Check rear exhaust hanger - the only bit of a V70 that rusts!

Headlight reflectors can fade with age.

ABS ECUs can die.

You'd be unlucky to get all these problems on one car. Check the service record, check the MoT history, drive it, like it, buy it!

By the way, 4wd versions have a reputation for busted 4wd! Plenty of posts and advice on here.

Cheers

Jack

Jul 13th, 2016, 20:01	#10
capt jack VOC Member Last Online: Apr 20th, 2024 18:56 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Selby, North Yorkshire	Things to be aware of when considering a p1 V70: Engine. Should start instantly and idle at 850-900 rpm, smoothly and quietly. Make sure that the EML or Lambda, ABS, TRACS, SRS lights come on at switch off and go off the instant the engine starts. If the service light stays on it's probably just that no-one has bothered to cancel it. It goes off after 2 minutes anyway. Also, watch the LEDs on the aircon control buttons. If they flash on start up there's a possible problem with the ECC. Cars without ECC have aircon which is a much simpler set up. With engine running, lift the dipstick. There should be no pressure, possibly even a slight vacuum. Pressure = clogged crankcase vent system. Creamy deposits on the dipstick are normal, but avoid a car that has a creamy oil cap or oil in the coolant. Make sure that all the toys work. They are very sturdy and reliable cars, but accessories can be expensive to fix. Mirrors, windows, lights, audio, cruise control, wipers, heated window and seats, electric seat if fitted, trip computer if fitted, sunroof etc etc. Have a good feel in front passenger footwell. Wet carpet = goosed heater matrix. Fixable fairly easily. Peeling door cards are normal. Easy and cheap to replace, impossible to fix. Check that the door-check straps work on all 4 doors, that the tailgate gas springs hold the tailgate up OK, and that all the locks work properly when activated, and that all the courtesy lights go out and come on in appropriate places. Listen for low-speed clunks from the front. Probably drop links - an easy fix. Grinding noise on full lock will be the lock stops, again an easy fix. Be suspicious of any oil leak from around where the engine/gearbox meet. Probably a knackered rear main seal. £15 for the seal £600 to fit it. Listen for whining front wheel bearings. £250 a side. Cannot be checked by usual wheel rocking. Spin a wheel with one hand on the road spring and you will feel any roughness. Also check for CV boot damage. Be suspicious if handbrake doesn't hold on 5 clicks or less. Check MOT history and be wary of advised rear suspension arm bush wear. Pricey and sometime difficult to fix. If an auto, check that the reverse-lights work, and that changes are really smooth. Non-working reverse-lights suggest PNP switch problems. Early boxes have a dipstick so check colour and level of auto fluid. Check engine top mount for fore-and-aft movement, especially on an older 97 or 98 car. It's fixable. Check rear exhaust hanger - the only bit of a V70 that rusts! Headlight reflectors can fade with age. ABS ECUs can die. You'd be unlucky to get all these problems on one car. Check the service record, check the MoT history, drive it, like it, buy it! By the way, 4wd versions have a reputation for busted 4wd! Plenty of posts and advice on here. Cheers Jack Last edited by capt jack; Jul 13th, 2016 at 20:10.