How do the Ph3 cars compare to older models?

[warninglight]

Hi all,

I'm considering changing to a ph3, probably an XC70 around 2010/11.

I've had loads of Ph1 cars, T5, TDI, AWD, Manual, Auto etc., a 2004 XC90 D5 Auto, a 2005 S60 D5 Auto, a 2003 V70 BiFuel, but never yet a Ph3.

I've read that some of the already weak points like bushes etc. seem perhaps weaker on these. I've avoided DPFs so far but I do c. 25k a year and plenty of motorway runs. I also do quite a bit of towing and need the 2000kg+ weight, and AWD and slightly raised suspension for the roads around here in Cumbria.

You lot with experience - do you have any advice for me? Are they as good as the Ph2 (I know the towing limit on the Ph2 XC70 is only 1800kg, which is an issue) in terms of longevity, and are there any problem features to avoid, or anything to actively seek out?

Sorry for the ramble, but I want to make sure they're worth the money! I've seen some 2011 models with 110-120k in SE LUX form for about £8-9k which is what's tempting me at the moment, ripe for some fresh geartronic oil...

Thanks
Stephen

[green van man]

I've had my 2wd xc70 for 4 years now, same vintage as the ones your looking at. I changed from a P1 V70 TDI.
Noticeably less miles to the gallon running locally much the same on motorway runs.
I had polestar upgrade which made a good car much better, the extra torque makes towing easy.
The electric handbrake took getting used to but most useful when towing with its drive through operation.
For the 2000kg tow limit you will need the auto, my manual is still 1800kg.
As I don't have 4wd cannot comment except to say it can be expensive to repair judgeing by accounts I've heard.
Mine is the 175bhp single turbo engine and I find it a great tow car.
Apart from the rear trailing arm bushes and 2 sensors it's been normal service items in the 4 years I've owned it.

Paul.

[Semnoz]

I had to replace the rear trailing arm bushes on mine, and it wasn't a nice job, but only cost about £70 for the parts and I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to buy another P3 even if I knew the bushes needed replacing. There are many nice things about the car that make up for the potential hassle of replacing those bushes - after all, they only cause a squeaking noise when worn, it's not as if they're a major issue - everything else (touch wood) seems very tough elsewhere on the car so don't let that one design issue set you back. If you're wondering if a P2 is still worth going for, I'm sure they're also very nice (I've only had a P3 so can't compare the two).

[tt82]

FoggyJames will be a good person to answer this. He recently sold his P2 V70 D5 which had 400k miles on it, (I think he did about 300-350k of those miles) for a P3 V70 D3. If memory serves he has already covered over 50k miles in that car.

[Model flyer]

I've had a p2 and a P3 would. I have another ? P2 probably not P3 definitely yes. Both comfortable cars but P3 beats the P2 with seats and ride comfort. Suspension on P3 isn't as long lasting as P2 cars but they are getting old now so any around will probably have problems. All makes of cars have issues but if you keep on top of them V70 are good reliable cars.

Re DPF issues. I always added two stroke oil to the fuel at 200:1 at every fill and never had any problems. I bought my p3 at 100k and had it for five years doing loads of short trips 1 to 3 miles with occasional longer motorway trips. Volvo dry DPF seem very strong and trouble free compared to some models.

Definitely get gear box oil changed and keep gearbox smooth. Not the best auto box but pretty strong.

[kdst5]

I had a P2 V70 T5 year 2000 for 9 years and now have a P3 V70 2014 D5 both bought second hand. The P3 has much better ride and handling and the equipment levels particular on the later models are much better, although some may say more to go wrong.

I wanted to avoid the early D5 185BHP single turbo as they seemed underpowered and thirsty compared to the twin turbo. In fact I don't miss the T5 by having the D5 215BHP and the MPG is amazing compared to the T5.

I also have the driver support pack and the adaptive cruise control is very good on the motorway.

[warninglight]

Sounds like all positive stuff, Thanks for that! I haven't even sat in one yet!

Greenvanman- granted the figures I have checked have all been Parkers, but it seems the xc90 doesn't have its towing weights affected by gearbox choice like the v70. It seems as long as you have AWD and D3 or above it's 2100kg braked. Can anyone confirm that?

Then the question Is, what options or packs or features should I be looking out for? Is adaptive cruise Good? On 2011 was it still an obvious big box in the grille? Did xc all come with nivomat self levellers?

[Simon Jones]

I've had 3 P2's and now have P3 XC70 (the 'proper' one with AWD). Personally I would not go back to a P2 now even though they are brilliant cars, but the P3 is just more modern in many respects. I've never heard of XC70 with Nivomats - I've got 4C on mine which is good although if / when the shockers go, they are more expensive to replace than P2. I've done about 26k in mine and all it's cost me is one fairly hefty main dealer service, a new battery and a set of tyres. It's got a common issue of leaky windscreen but Volvo have agreed to re-seal it for free (not bad for a car that is long since out of its warranty).

[green van man]

Handbook of my MY 2010 XC 70 says 1800 kg manual transmition, 2000 kg auto.

The auto box is heavier so the kerb weight is higher, hence the tow weight increase.

Bear in mind mine is a 2wd xc70 not a 4 WD, the extra weight of the 4 WD may make a difference.
Be aware that caravan dealers will tell you what suits them to make a sale. Onectried to tell me my P1 TDI had a tow limit of 2000kg according to his book when I knew fine well it was 1600 kg being a manual and only 1800 kg for the auto. Think he was using parkers or the blue book.

My V5 says the tow limit is 1500 kg but this is derived by subtracting the kerb weight from 3500 kg the B+1 train weight limit for those passing their test after 1997. As I passed before that and have grandfather rights I use the stated tow limit in the hand book. Nose weight in my handbook is 75 kg.

Paul.

[warninglight]

As I understand it, the higher towing capacities in Auto models are because the torque convertor allows a more controlled set-off up a specified hill without damaging the drivetrain than manual, and obviously AWD helps get things moving all the more.

It's a geartronic AWD that I would like anyway, so the towing limit variations shouldn't matter.

Interestingly though, this version of the handbook suggests that all FWD XC70s max out at 1600kg. Check page 296 - as you may want to cross reference that with what's on your VIN plate, GreenVanMan.

http://az685612.vo.msecnd.net/pdfs/1...EN_tp11753.pdf