Buying advice for a V70R

DerbyRob · Dec 27th, 2015, 00:28

Hi all,

Thinking of buying a performance estate in the new year. Narrowed down options to aV70R or an S4 Avant (mmm V8...but potentially £5k repairs for timing chain issues!). Anyway has anyone any advice what to look for on V70Rs? I'm looking at about £5.5-6k so probably 100k miles I would guess. Seems to be quite a wide variation of prices - seen some 2004 models for about £4k and others for £8-10k.
Also, do they all come with the extra 2 seats in the boot or was that an option?
Thanks in advance - was an mx5 wonder for 12 years before family and that forum had a wealth of expertise and knowledge so hoping this one is similar.
Cheers Rob

S60D5-185 · Dec 27th, 2015, 07:35

If i was looking for a performance Volvo estate I would buy a facelifted V70 2.4 T5 rather than an R.

Far far less hassle in terms of durability and reliability yet still offering truly terrific performance with the ability to be tuned if needed.

I think the V70R is a terrific looking car and offers 4wd of course but that engine is nowhere near as good as a 2.4 T5 in the long run.

Good luck with your search

T5Sweep · Dec 27th, 2015, 08:54

The S4 will run rings around the V70 in every possible way, SO much car for the money. Even the earlier B5 with the 2.7 V6 is a better car. They're also super easy to get fairly big power from, although not cheap to do so.

BigGreg · Dec 27th, 2015, 20:23

Just been through the same dilemma and ended up with a V70r. I looked at three S4's and simply could not get away how small the cabin was. My kids like legroom, and there is very little in a B5 or 6. B7 slightly better but not much. Having had the v70 for a couple of weeks, I am over the moon with my choice. Good luck making your mind up.

850Chris · Dec 28th, 2015, 22:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by T5Sweep

The S4 will run rings around the V70 in every possible way, SO much car for the money. Even the earlier B5 with the 2.7 V6 is a better car. They're also super easy to get fairly big power from, although not cheap to do so.

Except for it's tiny boot and aforementioned timing chain issues! S6 is probably a more viable alternative although the 5.2 V10 could be a tad thirsty!

I believe the 2007 V70R had a revised haldex system which is far more robust. Also, as mentioned the 2.4 T5 engine is a far tougher unit than the 2.5T in the V70R which can be prone to split liners. This is however more prevalent on tuned cars and there is a modification that can be done to the block to prevent the issue (shim liners).

Will be interested to see what you end up going for.

How about a Ph3 V70 T6 AWD? Auto only unfortunately!

kellypaws · Dec 30th, 2015, 16:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by DerbyRob

Hi all,

Thinking of buying a performance estate in the new year. Narrowed down options to aV70R or an S4 Avant (mmm V8...but potentially £5k repairs for timing chain issues!). Anyway has anyone any advice what to look for on V70Rs? I'm looking at about £5.5-6k so probably 100k miles I would guess. Seems to be quite a wide variation of prices - seen some 2004 models for about £4k and others for £8-10k.
Also, do they all come with the extra 2 seats in the boot or was that an option?
Thanks in advance - was an mx5 wonder for 12 years before family and that forum had a wealth of expertise and knowledge so hoping this one is similar.
Cheers Rob

As previous poster x2. I thought about an R and did a bit of research an decided there were far too many red lights on breakdown problems. Mainly related to the transmission. The T5 seems to be a far more dependable choice. I'd definitely consider a T5 to replace one of mine, but I don't think I'd consider an R after the problems I've read about. My favourite mechanic didn't exactly get excited about the idea either, which seemed like a bell weather.

volvo145 · Dec 30th, 2015, 17:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by kellypaws

As previous poster x2. I thought about an R and did a bit of research an decided there were far too many red lights on breakdown problems. Mainly related to the transmission. The T5 seems to be a far more dependable choice. I'd definitely consider a T5 to replace one of mine, but I don't think I'd consider an R after the problems I've read about. My favourite mechanic didn't exactly get excited about the idea either, which seemed like a bell weather.

My Toyota has had more problems than the R,just as well I wasn't paying for the work.

DerbyRob · Dec 30th, 2015, 22:32

Thanks for the replies.
Seen a couple of T5s now. Don't seem that fast on paper though?
Now also considering a Saab 9-5 HOT Aero as well.

volvoid · Dec 30th, 2015, 23:46

T5 not fast ?
Forget cars, get a motorbike.
Do try not to kill yourself.

DerbyRob · Dec 31st, 2015, 01:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by volvoid

T5 not fast ?
Forget cars, get a motorbike.
Do try not to kill yourself.

Hmm yes OK point taken, not sure where I looked before but 6.6 0-60 is perfectly adequate.
Don't hammer around generally but nice to know you have plenty of oomph for overtaking etc.
My commute is actually cycling - so whatever I buy will only be used really for weekends away hence not many miles p/a.

Dec 27th, 2015, 00:28	#1
DerbyRob New Member Last Online: Dec 31st, 2015 22:56 Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: DERBY	Buying advice for a V70R Hi all, Thinking of buying a performance estate in the new year. Narrowed down options to aV70R or an S4 Avant (mmm V8...but potentially £5k repairs for timing chain issues!). Anyway has anyone any advice what to look for on V70Rs? I'm looking at about £5.5-6k so probably 100k miles I would guess. Seems to be quite a wide variation of prices - seen some 2004 models for about £4k and others for £8-10k. Also, do they all come with the extra 2 seats in the boot or was that an option? Thanks in advance - was an mx5 wonder for 12 years before family and that forum had a wealth of expertise and knowledge so hoping this one is similar. Cheers Rob

Dec 27th, 2015, 07:35	#2
S60D5-185 Me ? Surely Not! Last Online: Apr 25th, 2024 19:48 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: 2007 Volvo XC90 D5 Geartronic. South of Hadrians Wall.	If i was looking for a performance Volvo estate I would buy a facelifted V70 2.4 T5 rather than an R. Far far less hassle in terms of durability and reliability yet still offering truly terrific performance with the ability to be tuned if needed. I think the V70R is a terrific looking car and offers 4wd of course but that engine is nowhere near as good as a 2.4 T5 in the long run. Good luck with your search __________________ “Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” – Mark Twain 😊 2007 Volvo XC90 D5 SE Geartronic

Dec 30th, 2015, 22:32	#8
DerbyRob New Member Last Online: Dec 31st, 2015 22:56 Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: DERBY	Thanks for the replies. Seen a couple of T5s now. Don't seem that fast on paper though? Now also considering a Saab 9-5 HOT Aero as well. Last edited by DerbyRob; Dec 30th, 2015 at 23:35.

Dec 30th, 2015, 23:46	#9
volvoid Monster Raving Loony Last Online: Nov 12th, 2018 20:03 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: hitchin	T5 not fast ? Forget cars, get a motorbike. Do try not to kill yourself. __________________ 1994 850 2.0 bought at 32,000 miles used daily now 45,000. Still like a nearly-new car 2004 filthy polluting diesel VW

Dec 27th, 2015, 08:54	#3
T5Sweep Master Member Last Online: Oct 24th, 2022 09:28 Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Peterborough	The S4 will run rings around the V70 in every possible way, SO much car for the money. Even the earlier B5 with the 2.7 V6 is a better car. They're also super easy to get fairly big power from, although not cheap to do so.

Dec 27th, 2015, 20:23	#4
BigGreg New Member Last Online: Dec 18th, 2023 19:22 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Armadale	Just been through the same dilemma and ended up with a V70r. I looked at three S4's and simply could not get away how small the cabin was. My kids like legroom, and there is very little in a B5 or 6. B7 slightly better but not much. Having had the v70 for a couple of weeks, I am over the moon with my choice. Good luck making your mind up.

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