New to the V70 and the world of Volvo

[bananarama]

Hi everyone

I'm new to the world of Volvo. In fact, I don't have one yet.

My lady and I have fallen head over heels for the V70 gen3 and it's epic boot. We're currently eying up a 2015 D4 SE Lux (4-cylinder ) and we're wondering if the community would be able to give us some tips, essential things to know, stuff like that. For example, what's this 4-cylinder engine like?

One thing we're already thinking about: this particular V70 has 18inch alloys and we could "feel" them on the test-ride, so we'd probably "downgrade" to 17inch for a comfier ride, maybe even 16inch. However, it could be the factory suspension was setup for the 18inch alloys; no idea...

We hope to be Volvo owners soon

Cheers!

[griston64]

Originally Posted by bananarama

Hi everyone

I'm new to the world of Volvo. In fact, I don't have one yet.

My lady and I have fallen head over heels for the V70 gen3 and it's epic boot. We're currently eying up a 2015 D4 SE Lux (4-cylinder ) and we're wondering if the community would be able to give us some tips, essential things to know, stuff like that. For example, what's this 4-cylinder engine like?

One thing we're already thinking about: this particular V70 has 18inch alloys and we could "feel" them on the test-ride, so we'd probably "downgrade" to 17inch for a comfier ride, maybe even 16inch. However, it could be the factory suspension was setup for the 18inch alloys; no idea...

We hope to be Volvo owners soon

Cheers!

I have a D5 with 17inch wheels and it's very comfortable on those. 16inch could look a bit on the small side tbh.

I have no experiance of the 4 cylinder D4. I really like the power ( 215bhp ) from my D5 and on long motorway runs ( all I use it for ) it's pretty good on fuel. Lovely sound when you really floor it which is an added bonus

[Familyman 90]

I think that will year have the new generation 4 cylinder Volvo modular engine that went into the later cars like the current XC90...? You might want to check the car to be sure though. A good motor, a better proposition that the Ford 2 litre in the earlier versions.

That said, you want a D5. The 215 is sublime, but the 185 and 200 still give very good mid range punch. Theyre all much more flexible and sound so much meatier than the 4 pot units.

That aside, great cars. Large boot, comfy seats, beautiful ride quality on 18s (with decent tyres, budget tyres will ride like castors), steers well, reasonable chassis to hustle along. I kind of accidentally acquired mine intending to flip it and earn an easy profit, but its so good its staying on the fleet.

[Tannaton]

I'd beg to differ slightly on the engines - the VEA engines are good and if it's a D4 VEA with Geartronic it will have the 8-speed auto - that's the smoothest driving and riding Volvo of any combination in my view.

But you can't beat a D5 for grunt and pace...

Just make sure it has full service history with any recalls done, there were a few for the early VEA engines but if they have been done it will likely be absolutely fine.

[uknowiama]

I believe there is a known issue with the 4 cyclinder D4 engines

https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/p...x.htm?t=107708

EGR cooler is prone to blocking.
I believe it doesn't happen if you run it on the super diesel - VPower, Ultimate, etc - HJ

Also see here for examples
https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbyca.../v70-2007/good

So D4 engine is good but needs a little looking after to avoid problems?

As said by others, I keep to the D5, little more power, little thirstier, 5 cyclinder engine note, proven design for the most part.

[Sotosound]

I have a 64-reg V70 D4 SE Lux Geartronic with the VEA 4-cylinder engine and it's a great car.

Performance is excellent and definitely better than earlier P3 D5s whilst not being that far behind later D5s.

The D4 VEA engine has balancer shafts that counter the out-of-balance forces created by 4-cylinder engines and make it a real smoothy.

Some VEA engines of this vintage have been known to suffer from high oil consumption, but my V70 doesn't. This might be down to how it's been used over the years.

In terms of EGR coolers etc., mine had a new cooler fitted for free by Volvo Maidenhead just over a year ago and it's running very nicely.

Three positive things for the D4 are that it is probably a bit quieter than the D5, it's ULEZ-compliant, and annual VED is only £30 instead of £210 for the D5.

My car runs on 17" wheels and rides and handles very nicely. Also, since the R-Design version wasn't available for the 2015 model year, I'm surprised that your example sits on 18" wheels. A test drive will tell you, however, whether or not the ride is OK and whether or not the turning circle has been adversely affected.

By the way, out of curiosity, what trim level is it, what transmission, what mileage, what colour, and what price? Also, does it have a good service history?

[bananarama]

There seems to be a commom theme here: the D5!

So, there is a reason why we havent considered the D5 much; the £210 VED! Hence the D4 with a VED of £130.

A late D3 is also tempting because its VED is £30, however, most of them seem to be the Buissness Edition with textile seats, and we're specifically looking for leather electric heated seats.

Sotosound - Is the trim level equivalent to SE Lux? Because that's what it is: a silver 2015 4-cylinder D4 SE Lux with 8-speed auto, and I'm pretty sure it has the 18inch wheels (original owner must have added them as an option), plus dynamic cruise control (I think). It's selling for £16k (second hand car prices ouch) and does have a FSH.

uknowiama - good to know, will check this has happened.

Sotosound - your D4 VED is £30?

[Familyman 90]

Why consider a 1.8 tonne premium estate car in the first place if 90 quid a year difference on car tax is a concern?

[bananarama]

Originally Posted by Familyman 90

Why consider a 1.8 tonne premium estate car in the first place if 90 quid a year difference on car tax is a concern?

Not a concern, but given the choice, I'd rather spend £80 on beef burritos and chocolate eclairs, than on VED.

[griston64]

Originally Posted by bananarama

Not a concern, but given the choice, I'd rather spend £80 on beef burritos and chocolate eclairs, than on VED.

Good point......but when you plant your foot on a 215bhp D5 you will realise it's well worth the £80