Which V70 AWD model?

Author
Discussion

Jon101

Original Poster:

42 posts

255 months

Sunday 6th March 2011
quotequote all
Hi,

I'm looking for a c.£5k V70 to use as a family car. Probably around 10k miles a year with everything from school run to family holidays. I'm thinking AWD may be the best all-rounder and am thinking a D5 would be the sensible choice but the R would be the fun choice. Must be an auto by the way for the missis.

Reliability, running costs and MPG are important, but so is a degree of fun and a bit of grunt. I've been thinking the D5 with a chip might be the best choice, but I'm totally new to Volvos and so would welcome any advice from those who've been down the same road.

Also interested to know the best places to buy such a car.

TIA.

dazzalse

564 posts

180 months

Monday 7th March 2011
quotequote all
steer clear of the AWD as they are nothing but trouble on the V70

Jon101

Original Poster:

42 posts

255 months

Monday 7th March 2011
quotequote all
dazzalse said:
steer clear of the AWD as they are nothing but trouble on the V70
What's the issue with them? Thanks.

halo34

2,449 posts

200 months

Tuesday 8th March 2011
quotequote all
I believe the older models which you would be looking at suffered some inherent faults.

Most of the time you only find out its running 2 wheel drive in slippery conditions as the pinion or angle gear?? (I think) is prone to going. Worst case takes out transfer box.

Auto boxes of the 2000 era also had some autobox valve body problems as well as diesels having injector problems around 65k onwards.

Volvo forums should have some info.

I think an uprated part is available for the AWD - certainly on any car you were considering thats AWD, I would be checking to see if its already been done.

On a diesel check for injector problems and any auto should change gear smoothly without pause or clunk if your changing gears.

This is just from memory but might give you some search criteria on the forums?

This all sounds bad but they are just worth bearing in mind. Very solid cars overall and will give stirling service, just beware the odd "big" bill if not already taken care of by previous owner.

Edited by halo34 on Tuesday 8th March 20:40

morgrp

4,128 posts

199 months

Thursday 10th March 2011
quotequote all
Prop shafts are prone to wearing out and the whole unit is one piece and needs replacing at great expense - they're not really worth it 2wd version is more fun anyway - certainly quicker and more exciting to drive

Jon101

Original Poster:

42 posts

255 months

Saturday 12th March 2011
quotequote all
Thanks. Sounds like it's back to the drawing board. Maybe FWD D5 and a remap....

rb5230

11,657 posts

173 months

Saturday 12th March 2011
quotequote all
Just get a Subaru legacy.

pikeyboy

2,349 posts

215 months

Tuesday 22nd March 2011
quotequote all
I looked at these recently as a potential smoker and the gearbox bevel gear self destructs and they run in 2wd cost at least a grand to fix. Plus the other probs as mentioned above and aircon pulleys work loose another grand for the bits and they arent avail used as they all break

Legacy's are ok but thirsty, and the flat fours have head gasket probs.

I think a manual a6 avant tdiquattro - not 2.5 as they eat diesel pumps and not auto as the gearboxes break is the way to go.

pikeyboy

2,349 posts

215 months

Tuesday 22nd March 2011
quotequote all
I looked at these recently as a potential smoker and the gearbox bevel gear self destructs and they run in 2wd cost at least a grand to fix. Plus the other probs as mentioned above and aircon pulleys work loose another grand for the bits and they arent avail used as they all break

Legacy's are ok but thirsty, and the flat fours have head gasket probs.

I think a manual a6 avant tdiquattro - not 2.5 as they eat diesel pumps and not auto as the gearboxes break is the way to go.