Need a little help

[psl]

I come before you, seeking your knowledge.

Been looking at s60`s and v70`s for a while, though nothing local has come up recently but by chance I spotted a xc70, not too far away.
Condition and colour is fine for the price, 171,000 miles, full history etc, etc. Not having driven one of these d5 2.4`s, I have nothing to compare it too. Its a auto ( which I prefer ) but it seems to really take its time to get moving, unless you really press the loud pedal down just before the kick down. No rattles, no squeaks of any kind. My 940 auto seems a little more responsive. Do these land barges need a little extra motivation in auto form to get going? kick it down it goes for it.
Second question is the only negative, there was distinct smell of burnt oil. On investigation the oil was laying ( a thin coating ) on top of the radiator cannel, that runs along under the slam panel and over time had dripped down both sides as the under tray has a slight misting on it. Is there a known pipe or connector that can let go over time?
Its a 2003 model, fitted with the 163bhp engine, if that makes any difference.
I plan to go back for a second test drive and a further inspection, so is there anything else one should look for?
M
Thanks in advance

[davebb]

The oil on top of the radiator cannel, sounds like the intercooler need changing,
Dave

[Thassos]

I would suggest driving anything with a D5 in it to get an idea of how one thats working well goes, they have plenty of low down torque so what you describe sounds like its not as it should be, however the auto box might feel less responsive, only when yove tried a few can you spot the difference between good n bad.. the euro 3 D5 (upto around 2005) has a bit less torque and as the revs pick up will run out of steam, but both have lots of torque so really shouldn't feel sluggish.

[Brendan W]

Oil at the radiator stack is a tell tale for blown intercooler. You would expect to see a lot of black smoke out the back with the loud pedal down.

[reggit]

That’s just where mine blew, a replacement costs around £100 and is DIYable in an easy half day.

[psl]

Thanks for the speedy replies people.
Once again the font of knowledge from the forum gets a thumbs up from me. One shall see if the vendor shall be a little more lenient with their numbers.

[Brendan W]

D5 163 auto with a blown I/C is not what I would expect. Might be worth asking if it has been remapped.

[Anubisxc70]

Intercooler is gone.....makes a diference.

Meanwile ....check the gearbox oil color.....must be RED if not if its brown ...,needs replacing....if its black and smells....its burned.

[foxwelljsly]

Originally Posted by Brendan W

D5 163 auto with a blown I/C is not what I would expect. Might be worth asking if it has been remapped.

I dunno, the one in my '02 V70 auto went at 168,000 and that isn't remapped. I just thank my lucky stars my slushbox just keeps rolling along.

[Willow place]

I don't have any black smoke, just some oil mist on top of the radiator area which when wiped off may take 2-3 months to reappear , the car appears to be very responsive, is it in need of I/Cooler replacement ?