XC70 back to Sweden

[Sojournermike]

Just back from 2,700 miles to and around Sweden in the XC70 - 2006 D5 auto. Proved a brilliant family camping car. It also was perfectly at home on the forest roads and there are still loads of them in everyday use in Sweden it seems. Back home.

It went straight through its MoT test before we went with the standard old car advisories, but no fail points. I did change one of the hid bulbs beforehand though - whoever thought bumper removal was a sensible way to access a headlight bulb wants their head examining. It did provide the opportunity to replace the old dogs while I was at it, however.

I changed oil and filter before going and put a new battery in when I got back, as I hadn’t realized quite how bad the 12.5 year old original had got and became a bit embarrassed after twice asking people if I could jump start the car from theirs. The best reply was the chap who gave me his keys announcing that he’d had a few beers but I could drive his van.

New battery is an exide premium from Tanya for under 100 delivered. Europarts seemed to want 260+ for the same thing!

Still need to get at the gearbox fluid next week and then to find some reasonably priced headlamps to retrofit with some projector lights I have waiting.

[oragex]

Replacing a headlight on P2 was not funny (except on the XC90)

Good news Volvo did its homework on P3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udxHinz92eE

However also on P3 they buried the fragile cabin blower even deep inside the dashboard

[luggsey]

I find it hard to fault my 2006 XC70, despite the age and mileage it's a lovely car to drive.
Im interested to hear what you do with the headlights, mine has had the Xenon lights removed and Depo pattern headlights with halogen lamps fitted. The main beam have been bodged and I want to replace them with something economically good.
I was disappointed with auto traders trade in value of less then £400 though!

[Christerart]

Originally Posted by Sojournermike

Just back from 2,700 miles to and around Sweden in the XC70 - 2006 D5 auto.

A few more miles than what we do two or three times every year. We usually end up with around 2.200 miles round trip but we always end up on an island just outside Gothenburg so not all over Sweden as you seem to have done.

We've been doing this since 2013, the first time was with the 2000 C70 LPT coupe we just sold.

Then a 2000 140 hp auto V70 and after that the 2002 V70 auto D5. That one has been perfect - never a hiccup and flawless trips every time - actually every trip including the first one has been totally trouble free and hugely comfortable.

I think next trip in October will be with the 2005 XC Geartronic Euro3 D5. I'm curious to see how it'll do mileage wise compared to the V70 - not very different I think.

[Willow place]

Will you be using winter tyres ? at that time of year, just asking as we are selling up in Spain and looks about October/November when we set out.

[Christerart]

Originally Posted by Willow place

Will you be using winter tyres ? at that time of year, just asking as we are selling up in Spain and looks about October/November when we set out.

If that was aimed at me, we normally go at end of October so do not need winter tires but I just put on a full set of Michelin CrossClimate+ so we will be OK in case we do go later.