What is the best engine for a V 70 ?

[silvermachine]

I love the 2.4 diesel in my V70 , but since i have had this problem ( see " v 70 aux belt killed my engine " thread ) and looking through this forum, i am in doubt about the longevity of my engine. So which engine is the most reliable/robust ?.

[alexstanleyv50]

2.4i 170 bhp petrol engine with 155000 miles and it's the only bloody thing to be in fine working order.......

[tt82]

Well my D5 is nearing 115,000 with absolutely no issues thus far. I did start a thread asking people to post up their mileages, one MKIII V70 D5 had 168,000 miles on it. See here - http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=180458

I think as long as they're serviced correctly, they are very reliable!

[macs]

Originally Posted by tt82

Well my D5 is nearing 115,000 with absolutely no issues thus far. I did start a thread asking people to post up their mileages, one MKIII V70 D5 had 168,000 miles on it. See here - http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=180458

I think as long as they're serviced correctly, they are very reliable!

Same experience here. Mine has 135k on the clock and going strong. The newer D5 engines with 205bhp and 215bhp would be my choice though - better mpg and lower road tax.

[Dean Bryant]

In reply to TT82, I was the person who had 168000 miles on V70 D5 R Design when you posted mileage thread. I now have 214000 and the only major thing I have needed doing was the DMF and clutch, which considering the mileage I feel is acceptable. The engine still responds really well and overall an amazing motorway drive and ride, which as you can see by the mileage is what I use it mostly for.

[I-S]

The question is posed from the reliability point of view.

My view is that simplicity is best, and highly-developed engines are best (ie ones that started life many years ago and have had the kinks worked out). If you can combine those factors you end up with an engine that will never give you problems.

My first car, a mitsubishi galant 2.0, was in that category. The engine (4G63) started life in the late 70s, and by the time my '98 galant was built it was a supremely reliable engine.

As for the V70 P3 - there are no "simple" engines. Probably the closest is the 2.0F or the 3.2. No turbos and no DPFs.

However, the diesel engines have been developed as well. As clan said, the tensioner was updated, then replaced with the hydraulic one, and the rising oil level issues appear to have been dealt with, so it's arguable that the 205 or 215 D5 represent a good option.

Another thing to consider, however, is how the character of the engine suits the car. Although I've not driven them, I suspect that the 2.0F and the T4 (ford 1.6 petrol turbo, from the fiesta ST) would be rather unsatisfying. The V70 is a languid car, better carried along on a wave of torque than having to wring every drop (ie thrashing it). In that respect the D5 is excellent, although I'd say probably the T6 is the ultimate expression of what a V70 should be, as it avoids the diesel clatter.

[ciaranr]

Originally Posted by I-S

My view is that simplicity is best, and highly-developed engines are best (ie ones that started life many years ago and have had the kinks worked out). If you can combine those factors you end up with an engine that will never give you problems.

Another thing to consider, however, is how the character of the engine suits the car. Although I've not driven them, I suspect that the 2.0F and the T4 (ford 1.6 petrol turbo, from the fiesta ST) would be rather unsatisfying. The V70 is a languid car, better carried along on a wave of torque than having to wring every drop (ie thrashing it). In that respect the D5 is excellent, although I'd say probably the T6 is the ultimate expression of what a V70 should be, as it avoids the diesel clatter.

I agree with your firat point in general but... with improving and more prevalent electronics and software-driven cars I can't help but think that there will be insanely reliable cars in the near future. The Toyota Prius springs to mind, it seems to have an amazing reputation for reliability given its recent origins.

Agree that the V70 should be driven a certain way... Liking my D3 a lot as it's got lots of torque to keep things moving along smoothly and is definitely the quietest diesel I've ever driven... In lower gears it reminds me of a big lazy petrol automatic.