S60/V70/S80 - In it for the Long Run

[Simmy]

Originally Posted by Tomoose

Hi

So we all have different approaches to running cars, I'm just curious to see who is in it for the long run? I think I will carry on maintaining this car for many many years to come, even if it throws a £1500 bill I think I'd just have it fixed. I'm hoping that doesn't happen of course!

So who else has committed to keeping their car for the long haul? I'd be interested to hear anyones thoughts on car ownership and their plan for their Volvo. It might be fun to keep a bit of a list too!

1. Tomoose - 2004 V70 SE D5 E3 - In it for the long run!

I am in 850 t5 244 k v70 d5 210 k just keep driveing

[lindsayt]

Had my 2003 D5 S60 manual for nearly 3 years now. Taken it from 109k miles to 180k miles in that time. The DMF is rattly and will need to be replaced when the clutch goes. Plus in the next year or so it'll need a belt change service.

I'll have a decision to make when faced with those bills on whether to stick or twist. Leaning more towards sticking at the moment.

I get about 50 mpg from it (brim to brim calculated). It's comfortable. Has been reliable. Not too bad on the acceleration and cornering. It doesn't feel tired. All controls and the suspension still feel fresh and crisp enough.

Can't think of any compelling reason to change. Apart from it going BER (Beyond Economical Repair).

It's supported by an XC90 that we use for family trips and big loads.

Previously I've owned S70 diesels that I took up to 275k before the engine went on one and the gearbox on another.

[volvo2]

I think you might say I tend to be in it for the long run:

1. Volvo2 – 2002 V70 – owned it now for almost 16 years ~150k miles
2. Volvo2 – 1994 850 – owned it now for 22 years ~ 200K miles
3. Volvo2 – 1981 244 – owned it for 24 years 305k miles

[Minormatt]

Originally Posted by Leyburn

Defender? Far too new and complicated You probably even have handles to wind the windows down, you might even have carpets!

Yes, it even switches off on the key too!

[Gazdkw]

Iv only had my D5 for 2 weeks but I plan on keeping it till it dies like I do every car.

I always look after my cars. I’ll likely do OCI at 6 months.

I just need to do my research and compile a list of things i need to look at and check regularly.

Oh and a Haynes manual

[oragex]

What I like about these cars is that, with few exceptions, at the 100k miles mark they need a ton of attention: once all these items are replaced with quality parts, these cars easily go for another 100k miles without many problems. Suspension, fan blower, exhaust components, anti roll bar bushings, water ingress, a/c pulley, PCV, when these are done you are good for another 100k miles. So I've done all this and I feel it should go for a good monment without troubles. There are other annoying points such as the CEM or the slave cylinder on the manual transmissions but this is kind of car that usually won't let you down on the road.

Don't forget the diesel engines are very sensitives to the serpentine belt which usually fails after 100k due to a a/c pulley or something around. I've just read about too many of these D5 engines ruined this way.

[Brendan W]

We're at 183k now. Had it since 38k. Original clutch, front struts, springs and battery. Lower arms rebushed once, new balljoints and tie rod inners. Still pulling like a train. Bit of trouble with the a/c clutch bearing and the drivers airbag contact reel. Never broke down, never refused to start and still returning 45mpg average on mixed driving.

[Gazdkw]

I’m quite worried about the serpetine belt issue. It’s the one thing that can cause catastrophic damage?

How do I go about checking this?

[Brendan W]

Take it off and notice if a noise has gone away.
Check all the pulleys for smooth running.
The usual suspects are the tensioner and idler pulleys.
If the tensioner pulley is moving more than a mm at idle you may have a failing alternator freewheel clutch.
I replaced the belt and the tensioner/idler and alternator freewheel with the timing belt and will do the same next time.

[Gazdkw]

OK, so where is it found? I’m not familiar with this engine so could you point me in the right direction?