Buying an XC70 - advice

[GrahamG]

Hi all,

I've just joined the forum. With happy memories of the Volvo 340 I learned to drive in 20 years ago, I'm now looking to get an XC70 to replace a rather unhappy 08 Saab 95. I've got two options for automatics locally: a 2010 XC70 2.4 D5 SE with 78,000 miles which is affordable, or a 2014 Xc70 D5 SE Nav which I can only afford with some help.

So my question is this: how reliable should the older car be? I've spent a lot of money on the Saab, and don't want to do the same on a car that's only two years older.

Any advice gratefully received!

Many thanks,

Graham

[TrueBlue]

I had a 2009 XC70 and in some ways it was a bit of a dog - suffered from awful turbo lag at low speeds. I fitted a chip modification and it performed much better, a slight improvement in fuel consumption as well.

Now I have a 2013 mode and it's much better in every way - lots of urge when needed and effortless power when needed.

I'd stretch to the 2014 would be my suggestion.

[GrahamG]

Thank you very much True Blue. So, is the 2014 model likely to be more reliable?

[Semnoz]

Originally Posted by GrahamG

Thank you very much True Blue. So, is the 2014 model likely to be more reliable?

Presumably it has less than 78,000 miles on the clock ?

The fact it's 4 years newer should make some things more reliable, for example electrical connections have had less time to become corroded. And if by being newer it has been used less than the older one, then things like switches and electric motors should be less worn, and therefore likely to last longer. However, I'm only saying this as general advice, and don't know from experience if there were any particular issues with 2014 V70s.

[steadvex]

personally i'd go for the 2014 one, if anything just for the updated interior, the earlier ones are a little iffy in my eyes, also, for what its worth assuming the 2014 is the newer floating console style you can also update the satnav free of charge if it has a little globe icon to the right on the centre console, if not for a small fee from a dealer enable the option to update it for free if you value the satnav.

little things, but for me they make the choice easier.

if the 2014 one is the newer 2l engine road tax should also be lower, if its the 2.4 D5 then it should be a lot of fun to drive

there are improvements on the engine in the 2014 2.4 or 2.0, I believe the newer ones don't have the swirl kit which is something that is likely to need replacing between 80-120k

might be best to see if anyone else agrees with me or not

[kdst5]

I have a 2015 V70 D5 having come from a 2000 V70 T5, the low end power from the D5 with the twin turbo is amazing. Not sure when the twin turbo came in on the D5 but think it was around 2011 at 205bhp then later at 215bhp. Not sure if the later cars are more reliable but I bought mine second hand at 2 years old and it has had 3 warranty claims in the year I have owned it. Hope that is not a sign of what it will continue to need. Agree that the later cars interior look more modern.

[isleaiw]

Well I have a 2011 XC70 that I have had for 11 months and 16000 miles. Bought at 51k now approaching 67k. It's the 205ps D5 SE Lux geartronic. Had the aux belts replaced when I bought it to be safe. Just replaced two rear tyres withmatching Pirellis. About to get it serviced. Other than that nothing has gone wrong. It's not the most economical - but I didn't expect it to be. Averaged about 37 mpg since I bought it. Great motorway mile muncher - which is what it has been used for.

Not sure what price each is up for sale at but don't discount the older one, it will lose less money and that will go towards upkeep.

[green van man]

I have the 175 HP P3 D4/5, MY10, 2wd XC70 2009. Baught at 34,000 miles, now on 63,000.

I found a turbo lag when I first baught it polestar sorted that out and made a good car better. Mine is the first of the engine's without the swirl flap external linkage, same as the 205 bhp but with a single turbo as in the older 185 cars.

In 4 years and 30,000 miles it has had the rear trailing arm bushes and 2 sensors, inlet temp and 2nd pressure sensor on the exhaust, no limp mode just symptoms of turbo turned off and back on with no warning lights. Aux belt and tensioner at 5 year service and a set of disks and pads all round plus anual service is all its had.

I tow a caravan regularly, holding max legal speeds is a problem only in keeping to 60 or bellow.
Mine is a manual transmition, just could not get on with auto and as there is no manual option in the new V90 it will be staying with me for a long time or its a BMW.

I get low 40s mpg solo and 33 mpg towing on average.

Paul.

[djkenn]

Interesting. I have just put a deposit on a 2013 XC70 D5 AWD Auto at a local Volvo franchise. Its done 38,000 and all services done at what was its local dealership in Guildford. It's overpriced but that's what you pay to get some comfort with servicing and warranties.

Looks to me like the five year service is the big one - is that right?

[GrahamG]

Hi all,

So I bought the 2014 one, with 38,000 miles. Already I've discovered that the driver's door doesn't lock properly and the passenger window is a bit glitchy. So random seatbelt warnings have popped up a couple of times, but I hope these are minor things - I only have two month's warranty, so want to make sure it's all ok! The gear changing is very different to the Saab, but I guess it's just a case of getting used to it.