Looked at an S80 but decided on V70

[Lexington013]

Liked the look of the S80 that I viewed but can't get away from the fantastic practicality of the V70 plus I saved £1450 on going for the cheaper V70 option.
So back in a Volvo again, having had a P1, 3 P2s and a P3.
The "new to me" is a 5 cylinder D5 185 diesel geartronic with 128,000 miles.
It's had a cambelt and gearbox oil change. It's the facelift on a 54 plate, SE model with sunroof. The Mrs isn't happy as that's 2 estate cars on the drive, but I love em and keep coming back to them. It's got a few scuffs on the edges and a small dent on rear passenger door but otherwise it's decent. 12 months MOT, 2 new tyres on the front and pads and shoes done at MOT (washer pump as well which seems a common problem?)
Just need to buy the Haynes manual again...........
£1550 so I'm pretty happy

[T5R92011]

128,000 miles on a D5 is nothing, might as well be a brand new car!

[ma70]

Nice, you went the other way from us. We were looking at getting a V70 but couldn't turn down the S80 we saw, given the ridiculous price. The extra space would be nice but not complaining, how do you find the geartronic 'boxes? We specifically wanted a manual but might consider one in future.

Oh, and definitely agree on the mileage. The D5's I've seen in our price bracket are all around 200k+ but still drive like most other cars would sub 100k.

[oragex]

The S80 has better front seats and leg room (for taller drivers) and perhaps a more 'limo' ride. Matter of fact, I put a S80 seat in my S60

Other than that the S60/V70 offers just as much plus a sportier ride and perhaps less repairs.

[ma70]

That's one of the main reasons I like it so much, it's one of 3 cars I have owned where I haven't needed the seat fully back to be comfortable. In fact if I put it fully back I struggle to reach the pedals, so definitely a plus point there.

Really we do need a V70 eventually, for it's load space, but I may end up "forced" to have one as well as the S80 at this rate!

Apologies to the OP for minor hijack lol, how do you like the geartronic?

[Lexington013]

Late reply, sorry, yes the geartronic is smooth. Second Volvo I've had, didn't like the auto box in my 2000 XC70 though, however this is a different story, it's a 5 speed and it's the 163 Diesel engine, not the 185.......
Am I right in thinking the 163 diesel didn't have the dpf.
The car is badged as a D5 it's a 54 plate facelift with the black engine cover.
Any view on which is the more reliable engine?
The last V70 diesel I had was a P3 2008 model with the 185 D5 with manual gearbox.
Any thoughts or advice would be welcomed.

[ma70]

I believe you're right that the 163 Euro III engine has no DPF. Quite important to us as we do cover some town mileage as well as longer trips not to mention the fact that, rightly or wrongly, I just don't like the idea of having a DPF.

I'd always suggest a pre DPF engine is going to be generally more reliable/less troublesome than one so equipped simply because there's less to go wrong with it, and less to be damaged in the event of other faults, although given the right driving conditions a DPF car can be just as reliable I suppose. It's just an extra variable and with driving "stipulations" I just don't like.

There's lots of D5 cars on here with mileages in the 200k and upwards, and lots on ebay too both Euro III and IV so none of the D5 variations are inherently unreliable or fragile IMO.

[oragex]

The weak point with the D5 engine is that after 120k, the pulleys on the serpentine belt can seize, the belt snaps and wraps around the crank pulley causing the cam belt to jump teeth. Always inspect all serpentine pulleys on a D5 right after purchase without delaying - simply remove the belt and turn the pulleys by hand (the alternator pulley has a clutch that also must be tested)

[davebb]

Originally Posted by oragex

The weak point with the D5 engine is that after 120k, the pulleys on the serpentine belt can seize, the belt snaps and wraps around the crank pulley causing the cam belt to jump teeth. Always inspect all serpentine pulleys on a D5 right after purchase without delaying - simply remove the belt and turn the pulleys by hand (the alternator pulley has a clutch that also must be tested)

Hi also as Mr ice cream man has posted,,
if there is any metallic sounds with the steering on full lock, to put some thick grease on the steering stops, mine is now completely different now I have done this,
Thanks Dave