V70 turning circle - better on later models

[Mikeymo]

I'm looking at a 2002 V70. But have read complaints about poor turning circle. But a work colleague with a 2007 one said it's fine.

Was the turning circle improved in later models?

Thanks.

[I-S]

Yes.

There are, however, variations.

A 2002 V70 (P2 chassis) can have various different lock limiters fitted, depending on the wheels fitted to the vehicle. My brother's 2002 V70 had the 17"s with 225/45R17s, and that was truly horrendous for turning circle.

Our 2011 (P3 chassis) has the lock limiters (on the P3 they are either fitted or not fitted, there aren't different ones), and it still turns tighter than his ever could - without the limiters (fitted because the factory fit wheels were wider than the basic ones, although we have standard width tyres fitted now so we could get the limiter removed) it would turn tighter still

So, it depends on what lock limiters are fitted to the vehicle you're looking at.

[Spurry]

I do not think anyone who has a 2002 V70 would say it has a good turning circle.
You just have to get used to it...

[Mikeymo]

Thanks. So my work colleague probably has the new model.

I'm reading reviews now on www.carbuyer.org.uk and at least one person with a 2004 diesel says it has a worse turning circle than the petrol (the one I'm looking at is petrol). Can that be true? Surely there wouldn't be any difference in steering setup between petrol vs diesel models?

The sense I'm getting is that if I'm willing to mess about with different wheels/tyres, I may ameliorate the problem a bit, but not much. I prefer small wheels and tall tyres anyway, but I'd rather not start messing.

The car I'm looking at is what seems to be a good price for the mileage. I know that chap and (as far as it's ever possible) I think it will have been well looked after.

But I'm used to a 940, which is astonishing in terms of manoeuvrability. And one of my jobs involves getting into a very tight carpark, and if I arrive late I'm squeezing in between my colleagues cars. They sometimes express admiration for my parking ability! I get the impression I won't be able to do that in a P2 V70.

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

Originally Posted by Mikeymo

I get the impression I won't be able to do that in a P2 V70.

Pretty much correct. Actually, you probably will be able to park but it will take lots more manoeuvring to do so.
You'll need to know where the front of the car is - difficult on the newer cars compared to the 900 series - and where the rear is heading - similar to the 940 estate.

Des. . .

[cheshired5]

Ok so you you might need a road as wide as the Thames to do a U-turn but I've found my P2 parks just like any other car and I have a boot and no sensors and 225 tyres.
To not have one based on a perceived lack of manoeuvring would be daft if that's the only concern.
If you must, fit 195 tyres.

[Mikeymo]

Thanks for the replies. I'm test driving it tomorrow. I'll go up in my 940, find a handy side road or drive or some tight spot. Test that with the 940 and then with the V70, see how they compare.

The V70 is a petrol turbo (but not the T5). So it's the kind of engine/power level I like. And it's got all the good things (leather, a/c, cruise) but none of the bad (sunroof).

As it's a good deal, I could buy it and if I don't like it I'll not lose a lot if I sell it on later. My local volvo specialist has offered to look over it for me first.

[Mr R Design]

If you are looking at a phase 2 you will not like it, in my opinion the turning circle is 'orrible'

I had a 940 Estate for ten years and I totally agree with you. You could park it in spots that people driving mini's where scared to try and get in to.

My understanding is that because it was rear wheel drive there was more space up front for the wheels to go left, right.

I now have a phase 3 V70 on 245/40 18'' wheels and it is the closest I think you will get to the parking ability of the 940 and it is immensely better than the phase 2 and I am as finicky as they come.

I still enjoy the look on disgruntled drivers faces with cars half the length who have given up trying to reverse in to a parking spot that I then wizz into in under 5 seconds!

[Simon Jones]

P2 turning circle is not great but a lot will depend on what size tyres/wheels are fitted and the steering limiters used. For example, I had a 2001 V70 with 17" wheels which had a pretty poor turning circle, but since then I've had an '04 & '06 XC70 running 16" wheels and there is a noticeable improvement.

[Mikeymo]

Thanks folks.

What I don't understand is how changing the wheel size helps.

If change to a smaller wheel diameter, doesn't it mean you just have to fit taller tyres, to keep the same overall diameter?