V70R purchase advice

[Mavericktom]

Good Morning.

I was after some advice on a potential purchase:
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1109764

The car looks lovely but I know little about Volvo's. I was a Saab man. I purchased an Alfa 159. Lovely car but I'm not getting on with it. It lacks refinement. I saw this ad and am tempted. Especially as the car isn't too far from me.

Question is. How refined are these cars in regards to ride and road noise? Is there anything specific to the model I should check? The car wold mainly be used for long trips to France etc.

Thanks in advance

Tom

[amazondean]

It looks and sounds like a real beauty. A rare find if the description is to be believed. A little pricey I feel, but could work out cheaper in the long run if it has been well looked after. The four wheel drive could become troublesome. No need for it in my opinion. Other than that, a great car.

[DSK]

They are more refined than you think.

My S70R compare with my C70's of the same era, is just as comfortable and smooth but I would say there is about 10% more noise from the lower profile tyres and probably a touch less sound proofing? I used mine happily for 1 year commuting between the Midlands and London for a year and its was sublime.

It is easily a car that will happily cover long distances quietly and comfortably.

As mentioned above, the 4WD system do tend suffer issues so check for that or get a 2WD one. Other than that, great cars even today! In fact, even better today as most modern stuff is plastic rubbish.

[stuarts]

Originally Posted by Mavericktom

Good Morning.

I was after some advice on a potential purchase:
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1109764

The car looks lovely but I know little about Volvo's. I was a Saab man. I purchased an Alfa 159. Lovely car but I'm not getting on with it. It lacks refinement. I saw this ad and am tempted. Especially as the car isn't too far from me.

Question is. How refined are these cars in regards to ride and road noise? Is there anything specific to the model I should check? The car wold mainly be used for long trips to France etc.

Thanks in advance

Tom

If you do buy it, check the spare wheel. The space saver type will potentially damage the transmission if used, so factor in finding and purchasing a full size spare.
Great cars, it seems a little expensive-especially for an automatic model but if in excellent condition and well maintained it could be a good buy.

[sdg1970]

Whilst the price does appear on the high side, the comparable mileage is miniscule. Lots of old ropey dogs on Fleabay, with spaced out owners advertising 180,000 mile plus cars at 4+, who eventually end up getting 1500 - 2kish.

At 77k and just two previous owner's, the price doesn't appear too bad in that respect, but I'd realistically say around 5 - 5.5k. Personally as others have said, I'd look for a rarer, faster and more reliable 2wd, though at 77k and good history it's probably in good nick. Look out for the all import oil breather system change too and imo vac lines. Make sure they've been replaced as chasing vac leaks on these can sometimes be like chasing rainbows, though the later 99> cars didn't have the notorious vaccuum elbows that regularly split. Gearbox flush history is probably less impirtant at 77k, but it would be good to know it's been done.

Also, there are some 2wd Jap imports of these
out there with even less mileage on them for similar money (though overpriced still!)

[rudi dudi]

It's overpriced
It an Me7 car by the looks of it and these do suffer with Electronic throttle Module failure.
It's Awd which is known to be problematic.
Low mileage cars in themselves can have more wear than higher mileage ones.
No idea what usage this car has had... But if it's 77k because it does 10 miles a day in London traffic as an example it's autobox will have had a lot of wear .
Personally id look for a 2 wd pre me7(throttle cabled) one .

[volvo again]

Originally Posted by rudi dudi

It's overpriced
It an Me7 car by the looks of it and these do suffer with Electronic throttle Module failure.
It's Awd which is known to be problematic.
Low mileage cars in themselves can have more wear than higher mileage ones.
No idea what usage this car has had... But if it's 77k because it does 10 miles a day in London traffic as an example it's autobox will have had a lot of wear .
Personally id look for a 2 wd pre me7(throttle cabled) one .

Have to agree with Rudi, AWD is known for problems, ETM issue is fairly straightforward to fix.
I would advise have it properly checked over (AA or RAC inspection), check the service history, has the cambelt been done? is EVERYTHING working as it should? etc
Could be a good buy...

[Alpine]

Originally Posted by Mavericktom

I purchased an Alfa 159. Lovely car but I'm not getting on with it.

Tom

I'd be interested to know more about why you don't like your Alfa, as I keep getting tempted with a 159.

Re. the Volvo, looks very nice but expensive, as has been said above

[Mavericktom]

Thanks for all the thoughts and advice.

Although a lovely car the 4wd and auto issues are enough to put me off. Especially with the strong price.

The 159 is a lovely car but it lacks something for me. I had a 147 before, it was nippy, nimble and enjoyable.


Although its fast the 159 seems to have lost this character but hasn't gained in the refinement department. Which is why I changed. And the gearbox is pants!

[sdg1970]

Originally Posted by Mavericktom

Thanks for all the thoughts and advice.

Although a lovely car the 4wd and auto issues are enough to put me off.

Assuming it's a 4 speed auto (I believe it is) there are no real issues with them and they are a very strong box. Checking the flush history would be customary though. The 5-speed boxes are the ones to avoid.