V70 / XC70 buying advice

[145DL]

Hi All,

Ever since my childhood days of the family 145 DL (followed by a 245 DL) I have been hankering to get back to a "Volvo Estate". I could really do with some buying advice though please. I am currently between job roles which means no income which means I would like to keep maintenance bills to a minimum. Budget is around £3k to £5k; less would be a real bonus for the reason above but I equally don't want to buy something that needs a huge amount spending on it.

I appreciate that I am hunting at the lower end of the market and faults are going to be inevitable but from a reliability perspective, I understand the 2.4 D5 is pretty bullet proof and good on fuel. I am aware that condition, service history, cambelt changes are all key things to look for but.......

- Is there a particular model year I should go for / avoid?
- D5 163 or 185. Is one "better" than the other? I'd happily settle for the 163 if it's the better lump.
- Second generation (2000-2007) or Third Generation (2007-2016) - I am probably opening a can of worms here but which is generally the better car? Should I be trying to get into a 2007 onwards car if I can? Or is the 2nd gen the "better" vehicle?
- AWD - Sounds good. But are they complex and to be avoided? Is tyre wear an issue?
- Geartronic - Not read great things about this. Are they ok or troublesome?
- Auto would be preferred as I've not driven a manual for a fair few years. Are there any particular engine / auto gearbox configs to avoid? If I need to go manual because it's a much better car then I guess I will do it!

Here are two of the vehicles I am looking at:-
1) 2007 - Gen 2 VOLVO V70 2.4 D5 185 SPECIAL ED.SPORT G/T Estate 137k miles
2) 2008 - Gen 3 VOLVO V70 2.4 D5 185 SE LUX G/T Estate 120k miles

I guess what I am hoping for is for a pointer to say go for x model year, y engine and z gearbox as these seem to be the most bullet proof.

All replies welcome, thanks very much in advance!

[luggsey]

Originally Posted by 145DL

Hi All,

Ever since my childhood days of the family 145 DL (followed by a 245 DL) I have been hankering to get back to a "Volvo Estate". I could really do with some buying advice though please. I am currently between job roles which means no income which means I would like to keep maintenance bills to a minimum. Budget is around £3k to £5k; less would be a real bonus for the reason above but I equally don't want to buy something that needs a huge amount spending on it.

I appreciate that I am hunting at the lower end of the market and faults are going to be inevitable but from a reliability perspective, I understand the 2.4 D5 is pretty bullet proof and good on fuel. I am aware that condition, service history, cambelt changes are all key things to look for but.......

- Is there a particular model year I should go for / avoid?
- D5 163 or 185. Is one "better" than the other? I'd happily settle for the 163 if it's the better lump.
- Second generation (2000-2007) or Third Generation (2007-2016) - I am probably opening a can of worms here but which is generally the better car? Should I be trying to get into a 2007 onwards car if I can? Or is the 2nd gen the "better" vehicle?
- AWD - Sounds good. But are they complex and to be avoided? Is tyre wear an issue?
- Geartronic - Not read great things about this. Are they ok or troublesome?
- Auto would be preferred as I've not driven a manual for a fair few years. Are there any particular engine / auto gearbox configs to avoid? If I need to go manual because it's a much better car then I guess I will do it!

Here are two of the vehicles I am looking at:-
1) 2007 - Gen 2 VOLVO V70 2.4 D5 185 SPECIAL ED.SPORT G/T Estate 137k miles
2) 2008 - Gen 3 VOLVO V70 2.4 D5 185 SE LUX G/T Estate 120k miles

I guess what I am hoping for is for a pointer to say go for x model year, y engine and z gearbox as these seem to be the most bullet proof.

All replies welcome, thanks very much in advance!

To be honest if you buy an expensive luxury brand car like a Volvo and it goes wrong it's very often expensive to fix.
Having said that they are very solidly built so you pays yer money....
I paid £2500 for my 2006 XC70 with high miles two and half years ago, it's needed service items and cambelt but had no expensive failures, even if it is leaking PAS fluid now! (Just an o ring I hope)
Many say the P2 XC70 up to 2007 was the last real Volvo under Ford ownership and some things slipped after that, I don't know for sure but I do know the P2 XC70 is a very well sorted model after 2006 with the much better six speed auto.