V70: Considering my first Volvo

[Graham furby]

Sorry if this has come up 100 times on here before. Thinking about buying my first Volvo after having some appalling luck this year with cars, I’ve come to the conclusion that buying a early petrol v70 (new shape) might be a good idea. Would be looking for something with full service history ideally, 1 owner around 100k. So it seems for that money I’d be looking at 2002 - 2004. Is there any thing I should be looking for and avoid when test driving?

[john.wigley]

Good evening, Graham, and welcome to the forum.

We bought a 2000 V70 six years ago after a long line of RWD Volvos. From our experience, you will not go far wrong if you apply the same pre-purchase checks that you would with any used motor car. If you are considering an auto it is sensible to pay special attention to the transmission - it should be smooth in operation and the fluid should be clean and not smell 'burnt'.

If I have one criticism of the car, it is the appalling steering lock (measured between towns rather than kerbs) after the RWD cars, but it is something that you quickly learn to live with. I bought mine as a 'trade sale' with a relatively short MOT and all it needed was attention to the handbrake and welding of the rear exhaust hanger. My average MPG over six years (140BHP engine) is 29.5 - spreadsheet, not the OBC.

There is a wealth of information on here and folk are generally very helpful. Good luck with your search - it is highly possible that you may also find a suitable car in these forums.

Regards, John.

[100K+]

If budget allows I’d be looking to buy as late a model as possible. There are several things that improved over the years, as well as slightly better reliability. All V70 are heavy on suspension bits esp front arm bushings, and front /rear drop links. Personally,I’d choose a turbo! (2.5T or T5 light /high pressure turbo.) as they offer much better performance with only a small hit to economy. I ran a 2002 T5 for 12+ years to 240k before it died…loved it..could get 32mpg on a run at sub 70 speeds (was manual….autos Not as economical)
Cheers
Bob

[XC90Mk1]

Originally Posted by Graham furby

Sorry if this has come up 100 times on here before. Thinking about buying my first Volvo after having some appalling luck this year with cars, I’ve come to the conclusion that buying a early petrol v70 (new shape) might be a good idea. Would be looking for something with full service history ideally, 1 owner around 100k. So it seems for that money I’d be looking at 2002 - 2004. Is there any thing I should be looking for and avoid when test driving?

I don’t have a huge amount to add however:

Friends have run V70s to 200k and scrapped due to steering rack failure.
Maybe just them however I changed the fluid in my rack at 120K and it was really terrible so maybe worth remembering.

Secondly, the 2.4 petrol is not known to give good fuel economy or performance. I hear from others that the turbo is pretty similar but has good performance therefore I would also look for the turbo.

[john.wigley]

Originally Posted by XC90Mk1

I don’t have a huge amount to add however:

Friends have run V70s to 200k and scrapped due to steering rack failure.
Maybe just them however I changed the fluid in my rack at 120K and it was really terrible so maybe worth remembering.

Secondly, the 2.4 petrol is not known to give good fuel economy or performance. I hear from others that the turbo is pretty similar but has good performance therefore I would also look for the turbo.

OTOH, N/A cars are simpler with less to go wrong and are cheaper to repair if they do. We consider the performance of our 140 bhp auto 'adequate' for all normal purposes and less expensive to insure than a turbo.

Apropos fluid changes; the sealed for life mentality has a lot to answer for. I take it to mean for the life of the component, not the car. Imp kingpins fitted with grease nipples would last 45 - 50 k when lubricated every 5 k. Their SFL maintenance free replacements would run for only 10 - 15 k before replacement was required. Plus ca change ...

Regards, John.