Getting a V70 P3! What do I need to know?

fjmd · Nov 13th, 2020, 20:12

Hello!

I've rented a V70 P3 from 2014 for a road trip in Norway and it was the most confortable car I've ever driven.

So I'm thinking on replacing my bikes "van", a ultra boring Fiat Doblo, for a decent car, with confort, the same space and some added luxury!

We're only two here and most of the time I drive alone, so I can get the back seats down and fit my bikes when I want to go somewhere - that's the idea!

If someone uses it and can post some pics to give some hint on what to expect would be really appreciated.

Also if you have solutions on getting it secured without bumping around.
I have a road, xc and enduro bike. I reckon all but the enduro one should fit with tires on. I don't want the bike rack solution because I prefer it quiet inside, and I don't need to think If I'm going to hit something. Also if the windows are tinted you can have a meal without having someone trying to steal it from the rack.

Now, what should I look for on a V70 P3? I think my year limit is around 2012 (maybe 2013) because of the price.

I've read that the Geely era (2011?) is better, xenon is a must. "CHECK"

But what engines, gearbox should I look for and avoid? Trim levels? I've searched but I always get tons of P2 results on google and not so much on the P3.

I'm really excited on this! Thanks in advance!!

Menopaws · Nov 15th, 2020, 15:35

Hi, I’m surprised you’ve had no comments yet, guys on here are usually on the ball. I’m a recent convert to V70 ownership, bought my 2010 D5 se in May, I’ve had four Volvo estates in years gone by but the last one (740) went about 10 years ago with 185,000 on the clock, however the P3 is by far and away the best car I’ve ever owned, the comfort is superb and the usefulness it affords is second to none. My own experience is limited as far as advice is concerned, but I would check that the cam belt has been changed at the required intervals, these models are known for leaking windscreens, I had mine replaced after the seats were getting stained until I realised it was coming from above , apparently the screens were not sealed correctly at the factory. Mine had urgent service warning lamp show on the dash but after changing the fuel filter following advice on here it has now extinguished itself.
I wouldn’t hesitate to buy the car, mileage is largely irrelevant as long as it’s been serviced properly and regularly, I love mine, good luck if you decide to be a discerning V70 owner!

fjmd · Nov 15th, 2020, 15:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Menopaws

Hi, I’m surprised you’ve had no comments yet, guys on here are usually on the ball. I’m a recent convert to V70 ownership, bought my 2010 D5 se in May, I’ve had four Volvo estates in years gone by but the last one (740) went about 10 years ago with 185,000 on the clock, however the P3 is by far and away the best car I’ve ever owned, the comfort is superb and the usefulness it affords is second to none. My own experience is limited as far as advice is concerned, but I would check that the cam belt has been changed at the required intervals, these models are known for leaking windscreens, I had mine replaced after the seats were getting stained until I realised it was coming from above , apparently the screens were not sealed correctly at the factory. Mine had urgent service warning lamp show on the dash but after changing the fuel filter following advice on here it has now extinguished itself.
I wouldn’t hesitate to buy the car, mileage is largely irrelevant as long as it’s been serviced properly and regularly, I love mine, good luck if you decide to be a discerning V70 owner!

That's super! thanks!!

Yeah, it's been(still is) kinda difficult to find the right one, it has xenon but it's the less powered, it's powered but it has no xenon. I found a really nice one with the petrol engine, but I reckon I would pay 600+ euro of taxes yearly. I'll have to wait, but I'm definitely gonna buy one. Still not sure about the engine versions, trims (like, what version/year had the blind spot warning light) - but I've filled a folder of bookmarked pages!

Tatsfield · Nov 15th, 2020, 22:31

I held back on a reply because strictly speaking I have the XC70 not the V70 but I must agree that the P3 is an excellent car. I have the 215 bhp D5 and it makes the car more than just a estate car. With the Polestar optimisation it is a very capable performer and I'd expect that the V70, with lower suspension, handles even better although I have had no cause to find the XC70 lacking. I found everything well thought out and was only disappointed in one detail, the lack of storage space for a full size spare wheel. It's not the most loved car I have owned but it is probably the best.

St Evelyn · Nov 16th, 2020, 16:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by fjmd

Still not sure about the engine versions, trims (like, what version/year had the blind spot warning light)

Sometimes different markets have different specs so it'll be hard for any UK person to advise with any certainty on specs for Luxembourg (I assume that's where you're from anyway), however, I can advise the following from a UK perspective:

2012MY onwards came with the Sensus nav screen rather than the pop-up sat nav - worth looking out for, looks a lot more modern and maps can be updated via USB if it's had the software update applied (one-off cost of about £35 IIRC)
Xenons were standard on SE Lux models but optional on SE
BLIS was only ever part of the Driver Support Pack that includes Adaptive Cruise Control & Lane Departure Warning
Worth looking out for Security Pack (gives you keyless entry & laminated side windows (great for theft prevention)
If you're looking for diesel then D3/4/5 are all variants of the Volvo 5-cylinder engine and excellent - the basic 136bhp 2.0D is the Ford / PSA unit that can be problematic. D3 & D4 are 2.0, D5 is 2.4 but all the same basic unit

Hope that helps a little.

Tatsfield · Nov 17th, 2020, 12:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by St Evelyn

2012MY onwards came with the Sensus nav screen rather than the pop-up sat nav - worth looking out for, looks a lot more modern and maps can be updated via USB if it's had the software update applied (one-off cost of about £35 IIRC)

Sadly the Sensus system is only going to be supported for one more update around the end of this year. Whether it's worth paying for the softwear to accept the free update is up to you. I was quoted nearer £70 by a Volvo main dealer. Perhaps it is worth having it done as the map will have to last you for the rest of the life of the car! A shameful Volvo decision which I had forgotten.

apersson850 · Nov 17th, 2020, 12:47

Recommending anything without knowing anything about your preferences is difficult. But I can tell you that a bike fits inside the car. Been there, done that.

I would also recommend a 2012 or later, due to the Sensus system.
If you want digital dashboard, you have to go to 2014, I think it is.

Exact engine alternatives depend of the market. No 136 hp 2 liter Ford in Swedish versions, for example. The 2 liter five cylinder 163 hp was the smallest here (in 2012). Only with FWD, though. AWD had the 2.4 liter five cylinder 163 hp engine. Or the D5 (215 hp).
Only petrol version here then was the 304 hp T6, but earlier, and on other markets, the 3.2 liter six cylinder 238 hp normally aspirated engine was also available. On some markets you could also get a T5, but not in Sweden.

What kind of equipment was included, or not, in various trim levels and packages also vary widely. The SE version never existed in Sweden after the 940 era. Here we have Basic, Kinetic, Momentum and Summum. Or Business Edition, with or without the Pro moniker. And Classic for the 2016 models, which implies last year's edition and some additional equipment packages.

fjmd · Nov 18th, 2020, 15:19

Thanks for all the replies! They were/are really helpful.
At the moment I'm targeting a 2014 Volvo V70 with 224.634 km full service history, 2.0 133 kW 181 hp. Last maintenance on 04/23/2020 at 211,032 KM
I think it has full extras! We'll see if I can get this deal.

So a friend of mine will be having a look for me, as the car is in germany. it's seems pretty nice. but what should we look for as common faults or questions about maintenance?
THANKS!

Sotosound · Nov 19th, 2020, 13:17

The “facelift” V70, with the new shaped front was initially launched in 2013 with the earlier 5-cylinder 2-litre engine. There are not many of them around but an early D3 or D4 with that engine would be a very, very nice car.

Also, the 5-cylinder D5 continued to be sold for a while in the facelift car, and that would also be a very nice car.

So, perhaps it is better to wait until the right car comes along. This car will be one where you don’t suffer from anxiety about potentially serious mechanical problems.

fjmd · Nov 15th, 2020, 22:37

That was my bad, I'm also considering the XC70! The price difference that I've seen is not that big. And is also aesthetically pleasing.

Nov 13th, 2020, 20:12	#1
fjmd New Member Last Online: Nov 24th, 2020 00:11 Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Lx	Getting a V70 P3! What do I need to know? Hello! I've rented a V70 P3 from 2014 for a road trip in Norway and it was the most confortable car I've ever driven. So I'm thinking on replacing my bikes "van", a ultra boring Fiat Doblo, for a decent car, with confort, the same space and some added luxury! We're only two here and most of the time I drive alone, so I can get the back seats down and fit my bikes when I want to go somewhere - that's the idea! If someone uses it and can post some pics to give some hint on what to expect would be really appreciated. Also if you have solutions on getting it secured without bumping around. I have a road, xc and enduro bike. I reckon all but the enduro one should fit with tires on. I don't want the bike rack solution because I prefer it quiet inside, and I don't need to think If I'm going to hit something. Also if the windows are tinted you can have a meal without having someone trying to steal it from the rack. Now, what should I look for on a V70 P3? I think my year limit is around 2012 (maybe 2013) because of the price. I've read that the Geely era (2011?) is better, xenon is a must. "CHECK" But what engines, gearbox should I look for and avoid? Trim levels? I've searched but I always get tons of P2 results on google and not so much on the P3. I'm really excited on this! Thanks in advance!!

Nov 15th, 2020, 15:35	#2
Menopaws New Member Last Online: Nov 15th, 2020 15:46 Join Date: May 2020 Location: Lydney	V70 p3 Hi, I’m surprised you’ve had no comments yet, guys on here are usually on the ball. I’m a recent convert to V70 ownership, bought my 2010 D5 se in May, I’ve had four Volvo estates in years gone by but the last one (740) went about 10 years ago with 185,000 on the clock, however the P3 is by far and away the best car I’ve ever owned, the comfort is superb and the usefulness it affords is second to none. My own experience is limited as far as advice is concerned, but I would check that the cam belt has been changed at the required intervals, these models are known for leaking windscreens, I had mine replaced after the seats were getting stained until I realised it was coming from above , apparently the screens were not sealed correctly at the factory. Mine had urgent service warning lamp show on the dash but after changing the fuel filter following advice on here it has now extinguished itself. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy the car, mileage is largely irrelevant as long as it’s been serviced properly and regularly, I love mine, good luck if you decide to be a discerning V70 owner!

Nov 15th, 2020, 22:31	#4
Tatsfield Premier Member Last Online: Apr 25th, 2024 17:47 Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Poole	I held back on a reply because strictly speaking I have the XC70 not the V70 but I must agree that the P3 is an excellent car. I have the 215 bhp D5 and it makes the car more than just a estate car. With the Polestar optimisation it is a very capable performer and I'd expect that the V70, with lower suspension, handles even better although I have had no cause to find the XC70 lacking. I found everything well thought out and was only disappointed in one detail, the lack of storage space for a full size spare wheel. It's not the most loved car I have owned but it is probably the best. __________________ 2012 XC70 SE Lux Polestar 230 bhp D5 Auto Oyster Grey

Nov 18th, 2020, 15:19	#8
fjmd New Member Last Online: Nov 24th, 2020 00:11 Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Lx	Thanks for all the replies! They were/are really helpful. At the moment I'm targeting a 2014 Volvo V70 with 224.634 km full service history, 2.0 133 kW 181 hp. Last maintenance on 04/23/2020 at 211,032 KM I think it has full extras! We'll see if I can get this deal. So a friend of mine will be having a look for me, as the car is in germany. it's seems pretty nice. but what should we look for as common faults or questions about maintenance? THANKS! Last edited by fjmd; Nov 18th, 2020 at 17:47.

Nov 17th, 2020, 12:47	#7
apersson850 Premier Member Last Online: Apr 26th, 2024 13:07 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Traryd View Photos By: apersson850	Recommending anything without knowing anything about your preferences is difficult. But I can tell you that a bike fits inside the car. Been there, done that. I would also recommend a 2012 or later, due to the Sensus system. If you want digital dashboard, you have to go to 2014, I think it is. Exact engine alternatives depend of the market. No 136 hp 2 liter Ford in Swedish versions, for example. The 2 liter five cylinder 163 hp was the smallest here (in 2012). Only with FWD, though. AWD had the 2.4 liter five cylinder 163 hp engine. Or the D5 (215 hp). Only petrol version here then was the 304 hp T6, but earlier, and on other markets, the 3.2 liter six cylinder 238 hp normally aspirated engine was also available. On some markets you could also get a T5, but not in Sweden. What kind of equipment was included, or not, in various trim levels and packages also vary widely. The SE version never existed in Sweden after the 940 era. Here we have Basic, Kinetic, Momentum and Summum. Or Business Edition, with or without the Pro moniker. And Classic for the 2016 models, which implies last year's edition and some additional equipment packages.

Nov 19th, 2020, 13:17	#9
Sotosound Premier Member Last Online: Today 18:48 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Aylesbury	The “facelift” V70, with the new shaped front was initially launched in 2013 with the earlier 5-cylinder 2-litre engine. There are not many of them around but an early D3 or D4 with that engine would be a very, very nice car. Also, the 5-cylinder D5 continued to be sold for a while in the facelift car, and that would also be a very nice car. So, perhaps it is better to wait until the right car comes along. This car will be one where you don’t suffer from anxiety about potentially serious mechanical problems.

Nov 15th, 2020, 22:37	#10
fjmd New Member Last Online: Nov 24th, 2020 00:11 Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Lx	That was my bad, I'm also considering the XC70! The price difference that I've seen is not that big. And is also aesthetically pleasing.

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