Looking for a V70 D5 - Geartronic problematic? 163/185?

[yoda960]

Thanks chaps, I think I'm edging towards a 163 auto now because I'll be driving it a lot and lazy driving is nice on boring journeys. I read that the same gearbox in these in Saab's and Vauxhall's specify a 50k oil change, but as Volvo don't specify an interval I bet most don't get clean oil ever.

Going to have a look at a geartronic with 150k on the clock tomorrow, no invoices with it, just stamps so won't be able to tell if it's had a gearbox oil change, anything dodgy signs I should look for? I read an extended test drive is useful, 50 miles etc before problems become apparent, but I'm not sure a dealer would allow such a long test drive!

[The Edge]

First thing i'd do is get it changed.

There was nothing noticeably wrong with mine before changing the oil, but it was much better afterwards, you barely notice the gear changes.

[yoda960]

Thanks for the advice. What a dilemma buying a new motor! Need it to be reliable as i'll be using it daily for my new business venture. I've bought cars in the past that have been very well looked after, but getting hold of a cherished V70 is proving a bit of a pain.

[DSB Cheshire]

I have owned both S60 D5 163hp auto and currently V70 D5 P2 185hp auto.

Firstly the S60 was good, very good mpg but the gearchanges felt dated in terms of trans technology...the V70 has the 6 speed auto trans, really smooth...on the S60 i got around average 48mpg, on the V70 i get 37mpg, i have my climate control set at auto 22c which does affect mpg + i generally do short journeys, i have just changed the V70 thermostat meaning the car gets warmer much faster which should improve mpg, mileage 200k (bought at 178k)....note the V70 was bought from a Volvo indy and had up to date FVSH, tons of Volvo stamps and only ever had the correct oil...the Volvo indy who looks after it still only uses genuine Volvo oil (Castrol edge) and parts on it.

[yoda960]

Thanks for the advice DSB, I think the 163 is deffo for me as I need good economy, and a slushbox will make it relaxing to drive over a lot of miles. That leads me on to:

I've just left a deposit on a 2004 facelift 163 D5 (E3) auto, 160k on the clock!

Seemed to drive nice enough, i'll pop up another thread as i've got a couple of concerns (didn't stop me buying it though!)

[DSB Cheshire]

Good, hope it goes well...forgot to mention i do find a big power difference between the Euro3 D5 163hp and Euro4 D5 185hp engines, only 22hp difference but the 185 feels much more powerful and responsive, probably combined with updated transmission...i did test drive a 163hp V70 and the difference was very noticeable.

Originally Posted by yoda960

Thanks for the advice DSB, I think the 163 is deffo for me as I need good economy, and a slushbox will make it relaxing to drive over a lot of miles. That leads me on to:

I've just left a deposit on a 2004 facelift 163 D5 (E3) auto, 160k on the clock!

Seemed to drive nice enough, i'll pop up another thread as i've got a couple of concerns (didn't stop me buying it though!)

[yoda960]

Originally Posted by DSB Cheshire

Good, hope it goes well...forgot to mention i do find a big power difference between the Euro3 D5 163hp and Euro4 D5 185hp engines, only 22hp difference but the 185 feels much more powerful and responsive, probably combined with updated transmission...i did test drive a 163hp V70 and the difference was very noticeable.

Thank you, i've posted a more detailed thread up on my new purchase. More power would have been nice, but the 163 seems to waft around nicely enough. No effort with the autobox either, better than stirring through the gears. Also for my purposes, the better economy of the 163 added to the less complex euro emissions gubbins is a better prospect for me. Though the trip computer was reading 36mpg average, hope that improves when I start driving it!!