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C70 2.0litre turbo purchase & maintenance.

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Old Jul 15th, 2019, 19:43   #1
Alec Dawe
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Default C70 2.0litre turbo purchase & maintenance.

I’m toying with the idea of buying a C70 convertible as a second car, a car that I can at least do things to, possible modify slightly, have fun with. There seems to be quite a selection on the market, private and trader sales, prices from under a grand to around 3.5k. If we sell the XC60 my budget will be somewhere around the 2k mark.
Assuming servicing is up to date, with cam belt, auxy belt and tensioner changed , the main thing that I would be wary of is the PCV system. Not sure if my back is up to hanging over and under the block to change this, wondering what people here would think a reasonable price for dealer or decent Indy to do this. I think the kit from Volvo is in the region of £120-£150, perhaps a bit less if FRF supply it.
Any car has to be automatic. My left leg simply can’t cope with a clutch pedal for and distance these days. Worth getting the gearbox fluid flushed and renewed? I’m assuming it would be JW3309 fluid, not really a diy job for me either. Is the risk of moving crap into the valve block serious enough NOT to flush and renew, if the box is working OK.
I’m also assuming brake pads, discs, etc are pretty simple, and diy able even for an old bugger like me.
Anything I really need to watch out for specially, apart from ensuring the roof works right. Any corrosion hot spots etc. I’m not too worried about replaceable stuff like track rod ends, bushes, engine mounts, etc.
Does the engine need to be hot to do the glove test for crankcase pressure?
I know the convertibles seem to have a habit of breaking rear springs, but that doesn’t look too difficult a job.
Advice welcome.
Oh, and do you think a folding wheelchair would fit in the boot, as and when I need one, or would it be a case and on the rear seats?
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Old Jul 15th, 2019, 20:08   #2
SteveSarre
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Hi Alec,

Just a quick response.

Why are you looking at 2.0 rather than 2.5 T or T5? (I am not sure if there is a 2.5 non turbo). I don't know anything about the 2.0 engine, so cannot comment on differences etc.

The boot on the C70 is very very small. Can you find a C70 and try it at an early stage?

Yes I assume that the engine should be hot to do the glove test.

Mechanically the C70s up to 2005 are very similar to the V70 (pre 2000), so parts and experience are easily available.

The PCV is not really a big job once you have accepted the fact that you have to remove the intake manifold (and I remove the radiator fan as well), but yes it does involve quite a lot of leaning into the engine bay!

Rear springs should be easy (although I have only done it on V70s).

The fabric roof is a problem area (1. the rear window becomes detached, and 2. the fabric tends to get scuffed in various spots). Expensive to replace.

Steve
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Old Jul 15th, 2019, 20:30   #3
Alec Dawe
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Why the 2.0 litre turbo? Lots and lots more about in seemingly decent condition. I have no need of a T5, insurance, VED, and fuel costs higher, and the ones available all seem to look knocked about, or have moon mileage, and ‘minor problems’! The 2.0 can be happily mapped to 220bhp and major increase in Torque.
The same thing about condition and mileage also seems to apply to any D5 geartronic cars that I’ve found!
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Old Jul 15th, 2019, 22:20   #4
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The convertibles are incredibly well built and give few problems other than the standard things that you would get with that age of car.

When I bought mine three years ago, it was difficult to find a good tidy one - given the cost new, most on the market at that time had been severely abused.

There are plenty of 2.0lt cars about, but the 2.4 is sublime - extra power, but not generally subjected to abuse that many T5's have had. The 2.4 is 200bhp as standard and quite sufficient. Go for a 2003 onwards with the Crystal headlights - they really are worth the extra and if you can find one, GT spec - Identified by the centre dash top speaker.

The boot is surprisingly large and holds a lot of stuff, but is an awkward 'L' shape and I doubt will accommodate a wheelchair.

If the car hasn't got a front strut brace, do get one it will make a world of difference to scuttle shake.

Easy cars to work on - rear springs can be changed quite easily by releasing the bottom shock mounting, compressing the spring with compressors and out it pops. The only corrosion spot is the rear exhaust hanger - these rust away, but repair items are cheap and easy to fit. the rear chassis leg above the exhaust also rusts, but again accessible and easily treated.

Look out for blocked drain tubes on the front scuttle and the four drain tubes in the hood stowage compartment.

Buy the best you can afford, check everything works and enjoy.
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Old Jul 16th, 2019, 07:21   #5
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I have a C70 convertible if you want to try you're wheelchair in. Just north of Norwich. Steve.
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Old Jul 16th, 2019, 07:28   #6
Alec Dawe
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Thanks for the offer, Steve. I havent got a wheelchair yet, but its coming ever closer in the near future, so I was just trying to plan ahead, and get general opinions and advice.
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