2008 Volvo V70 T6
Discussion
I thought I'd put this one up as I think its a reasonably uncommon car in the UK, and there don't seem to be too many of this spec around anywhere. Trying to find info on these was a bit tricky.
Bought to accommodate a growing family of three small kids, and to replace a beloved Gen4 Liberty GT Wagon. Those are big shoes. Came very close to getting an XC90, but just couldn't reconcile the need for seven seats, though the 4.4 V8 was v tempting. Not yet - I think that's a purchase on hold. I do like wagons, though, so this was the compromise.
Engine is 3.0-litre turbo I6, mounted transverse. 2008 model means 285bhp, which sounds great until you realise the car weighs 1900kg and comes with an auto box. Discretely swift is probably the apt description - 0-100kmh is a smidge over 7 secs. It all adds up to being a comfy cruiser, which is a big change from the Lib which was a hoot cross country and a very capable tourer. Its also a shame that its not in the same mould as the previous generation V70R - that would be fun!
What both V70 and Lib have in common are a low-key appearance and an appetite for 98RON unleaded. The Lib would drop to 20mpg readily but return around 35mpg on a gentle cruise. The V70 is probably averaging around 20mpg at the moment, and I would expect around 28'ish on a run. I suspect 15mpg is but a toe-wiggle away.
The other item for the Volvo to live up to is quality. The Lib never felt less than solid, even at 10 years old, with not a rattle or loose feeling anywhere. Our 2007 Forester is the same. This is my first foray into Swedish metal, and first non-Japanese car for 10 years, so a 7 year old turbo model seems just the thing to break that cycle...
Its got a couple of jobs that need sorting, the first being a squeaky tailgate which I think is the trim around the inside of the hatch. The second is a small oil leak, which having spoken to the mechanic who looked after it for the previous owner, is a leaking vacuum pump and will cost around $300 to put right. With the price I paid for the car, I can live with that.
Generally the spec misses out on just the bluetooth phone and the sunroof, neither of which bother me.
And that price? Well, lets call it below market rate over here, and leaves a fighting fund of around $4000 in case something does go pop. Service history is all there, last serviced 5000km ago, with new rear brake discs/pads only 1000km ago. Rego is due in 2 months, so I'll get more checked then, but everything works OK at the moment.
Only got this pic, and I'll add a few more when I get chance.
Bought to accommodate a growing family of three small kids, and to replace a beloved Gen4 Liberty GT Wagon. Those are big shoes. Came very close to getting an XC90, but just couldn't reconcile the need for seven seats, though the 4.4 V8 was v tempting. Not yet - I think that's a purchase on hold. I do like wagons, though, so this was the compromise.
Engine is 3.0-litre turbo I6, mounted transverse. 2008 model means 285bhp, which sounds great until you realise the car weighs 1900kg and comes with an auto box. Discretely swift is probably the apt description - 0-100kmh is a smidge over 7 secs. It all adds up to being a comfy cruiser, which is a big change from the Lib which was a hoot cross country and a very capable tourer. Its also a shame that its not in the same mould as the previous generation V70R - that would be fun!
What both V70 and Lib have in common are a low-key appearance and an appetite for 98RON unleaded. The Lib would drop to 20mpg readily but return around 35mpg on a gentle cruise. The V70 is probably averaging around 20mpg at the moment, and I would expect around 28'ish on a run. I suspect 15mpg is but a toe-wiggle away.
The other item for the Volvo to live up to is quality. The Lib never felt less than solid, even at 10 years old, with not a rattle or loose feeling anywhere. Our 2007 Forester is the same. This is my first foray into Swedish metal, and first non-Japanese car for 10 years, so a 7 year old turbo model seems just the thing to break that cycle...
Its got a couple of jobs that need sorting, the first being a squeaky tailgate which I think is the trim around the inside of the hatch. The second is a small oil leak, which having spoken to the mechanic who looked after it for the previous owner, is a leaking vacuum pump and will cost around $300 to put right. With the price I paid for the car, I can live with that.
Generally the spec misses out on just the bluetooth phone and the sunroof, neither of which bother me.
And that price? Well, lets call it below market rate over here, and leaves a fighting fund of around $4000 in case something does go pop. Service history is all there, last serviced 5000km ago, with new rear brake discs/pads only 1000km ago. Rego is due in 2 months, so I'll get more checked then, but everything works OK at the moment.
Only got this pic, and I'll add a few more when I get chance.
I put it on my list, then took it off because of what I read. Then I bought one. Its behind the pace dynamically, but works for me on VFM, and family-friendly features. The double rear booster seats are ace, and the kids love them. The front is comfy and well appointed, and whilst its no ball of fire, its no slouch either once up and running. And it is discrete, which I do like.
If I only had two kids, I wouldn't be looking at this. In fact, if I only had two kids, I'd have got an M3 to go with the Forester already on the drive. So, very much a head rather than heart purchase, but one that so far I'm not too disappointed about. I expect to keep it for about 2-3 years.
Full thread of my musings about getting first the Lib, then this, is here...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
If I only had two kids, I wouldn't be looking at this. In fact, if I only had two kids, I'd have got an M3 to go with the Forester already on the drive. So, very much a head rather than heart purchase, but one that so far I'm not too disappointed about. I expect to keep it for about 2-3 years.
Full thread of my musings about getting first the Lib, then this, is here...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
If you've got three kids, they're definitely worth a look. The main problem is the car's weight, which should be 2-300kg lower. At 1600-1700kg With a more-responsive auto, or even a half-decent manual, it would be a proper successor to the last V70R. It is in any case a little left-field, and that always makes stuff worth a look. It is starting to grow on me.
Anyway, first purchase now coming up. Dozy bint in a Golf thought her car needed the space of a bus to make a turn, so she cut across the front of the Volvo, forcing me up a kerb. Have sliced the sidewall of the NSR tyre - no puncture, but needs replacing. 245/40R18 will be about AU$300 a corner. All tyres down to about 4mm, so probably needed doing in about 6 month's time, but would be nice to have been able to wait. Rim might need attention too. Arse.
Anyway, first purchase now coming up. Dozy bint in a Golf thought her car needed the space of a bus to make a turn, so she cut across the front of the Volvo, forcing me up a kerb. Have sliced the sidewall of the NSR tyre - no puncture, but needs replacing. 245/40R18 will be about AU$300 a corner. All tyres down to about 4mm, so probably needed doing in about 6 month's time, but would be nice to have been able to wait. Rim might need attention too. Arse.
Agree with previous post - specific output is a bit poor in this day and age, but hopefully it leads to lower stress on components. It does feck all for the fuel consumption, which is around 18mpg for its usual urban workout. Not tried it on a run yet.
One of the things I definitely like about this car is its subtle looks - combined in this case with a dark grey/blue metallic. Some might call it bland or anonymous, but if the power/weight ratio could be improved, it would be a fantastic Q car. Anyway, here's a few pics I've managed to take today...
Dash is clear and simple, heater/AC and heated seats awesome, storage space a bit crap, sound system pretty good, parking sensors needed but bloody annoying to have on all the time - so they get turned off. Which defeats the object.
New tyres on the rear - fronts still have >6mm left - after the kerbing a couple of days ago. A few bash marks visible on the rim. Have gone for a pair of Dunlop Sportmaxx to replace the Hankooks that were there before. VFM and availability guided this - have heard they can be a little short-lived but we'll see - they'll get swapped to the front at the next service.
So, whilst my posts so far might seem negative, the car is growing on me. I don't yet feel like I want to just go out for a drive, which is something I used to do regularly in the Lib, but at the same time, I'm happy to be driving it.
One of the things I definitely like about this car is its subtle looks - combined in this case with a dark grey/blue metallic. Some might call it bland or anonymous, but if the power/weight ratio could be improved, it would be a fantastic Q car. Anyway, here's a few pics I've managed to take today...
Dash is clear and simple, heater/AC and heated seats awesome, storage space a bit crap, sound system pretty good, parking sensors needed but bloody annoying to have on all the time - so they get turned off. Which defeats the object.
New tyres on the rear - fronts still have >6mm left - after the kerbing a couple of days ago. A few bash marks visible on the rim. Have gone for a pair of Dunlop Sportmaxx to replace the Hankooks that were there before. VFM and availability guided this - have heard they can be a little short-lived but we'll see - they'll get swapped to the front at the next service.
So, whilst my posts so far might seem negative, the car is growing on me. I don't yet feel like I want to just go out for a drive, which is something I used to do regularly in the Lib, but at the same time, I'm happy to be driving it.
Its been raining here, quite heavily, for the last day or so; a perfect opportunity to give the AWD system a workout, thinks I!
And my conclusion is that it works pretty well. A few full-throttle standing starts, uphill, on tarmac awash with rain and leaves has confirmed the AWD system is intact - a little squirm as one of the front tyres hit some leaves was all the evidence of the fronts being driven, which was nice. The body roll, slow steering and evident mass through corners means that I don't yet have a huge amount of confidence to flick the car around, but there's plenty of grip and whilst it lacks the preferred rear-weighted balance of the Lib, it nevertheless feels like it'll get round the corner fine.
I'm still learning the auto box, but have found this one works best when held in a gear to make progress. The spread of torque is such the third is going to get you most places on most roads, no matter how tight. Second makes it quicker, but the shifts are slow and I've never discovered any tactile pleasure to changing gear with an auto - its just a switch.
So, cornering grip coupled with torquey petrol engine means surprisingly rapid cross-country pace in the wet, albeit one that needs concentration.
Fuel consumption has settled at around 18-20mpg for the urban assault, with around 25 possible on the longer bits. I've got a trip to Canberra coming up in a few weeks, which is about 650km return, and freeway for about 600 of that, so that should tell me the best I can expect.
Now, does anyone know why big Volvos have such a crap turning circle? Parking has become a new art, where the Lib would just be flicked into place, the V70 feels like it needs to be berthed. I haven't tried putting it into our garage yet as even the Forester can be a bit tricky to get out and then onto the road in one go - I'm looking at a bit of shuffling for this one.
Two other good points discovered this week - front lights on main beam seem to provide daylight and the heated front seats - even in a place where summer can be 40C, heated leather seats have their place!
And my conclusion is that it works pretty well. A few full-throttle standing starts, uphill, on tarmac awash with rain and leaves has confirmed the AWD system is intact - a little squirm as one of the front tyres hit some leaves was all the evidence of the fronts being driven, which was nice. The body roll, slow steering and evident mass through corners means that I don't yet have a huge amount of confidence to flick the car around, but there's plenty of grip and whilst it lacks the preferred rear-weighted balance of the Lib, it nevertheless feels like it'll get round the corner fine.
I'm still learning the auto box, but have found this one works best when held in a gear to make progress. The spread of torque is such the third is going to get you most places on most roads, no matter how tight. Second makes it quicker, but the shifts are slow and I've never discovered any tactile pleasure to changing gear with an auto - its just a switch.
So, cornering grip coupled with torquey petrol engine means surprisingly rapid cross-country pace in the wet, albeit one that needs concentration.
Fuel consumption has settled at around 18-20mpg for the urban assault, with around 25 possible on the longer bits. I've got a trip to Canberra coming up in a few weeks, which is about 650km return, and freeway for about 600 of that, so that should tell me the best I can expect.
Now, does anyone know why big Volvos have such a crap turning circle? Parking has become a new art, where the Lib would just be flicked into place, the V70 feels like it needs to be berthed. I haven't tried putting it into our garage yet as even the Forester can be a bit tricky to get out and then onto the road in one go - I'm looking at a bit of shuffling for this one.
Two other good points discovered this week - front lights on main beam seem to provide daylight and the heated front seats - even in a place where summer can be 40C, heated leather seats have their place!
PowerslideSWE said:
I really like that car, and for me it might as well be in the thread about cars you didn't know existed. 
Swedish car, never sold new in Sweden. Unknown to a swedish petrolhead, I must be getting old.
The straight six was however installed in some Volvos on the home front, but not the V70.
From what I can gather, Vovlo did a bit of mix'n'match for the V and XC. In Aus we got the V70 in fully-loaded, T6 AWD spec only - I think this was to do with import duty regs. The XC70 came as D5 and 3.2 until about 2012'ish when it seems the V70 was dropped and the XC got the T6. Swedish car, never sold new in Sweden. Unknown to a swedish petrolhead, I must be getting old. The straight six was however installed in some Volvos on the home front, but not the V70.
In the US it was the other way around - XC70T6 (and D5) and V70 3.2 - though I think the XC70 now has the 3.2 option too.
No surprise the bigger petrol engines were limited or non-existent in the UK - just not the market. Bit surprised that Sweden missed out on some of the combos though - looks like they were all available in LHD and RHD at some point.
I’ve spent quite a bit of time with the Big Volvo over the past few weeks, and have time to muse on a few things - all is not well in PB's World of Sweden. This being my first Volvo, in 26 years of owning cars, I wasn’t really sure what to expect but whenever a Volvo is mentioned on PH its usually regarding one of four things – safety, the seats, the vast boot, and the general unburstability of the car as a whole – so lets go with those.
Safety – not had to use it yet, but the parking sensors are a bit sharp which leads to them being turned off. Sense of solidity throughout, and witnessed by the kerb weight of just over 1900kg. Can’t deny that in the back of the mind there’s a sense of “it must be good – it’s a Volvo”.
The seats are, well, OK. I have to admit to being a bit underwhelmed. They lack any form of side bolster, and being broad and leather, I find myself slipping around at the first sign of an enthusiastic corner. Once on a cruise, things are better, but after about an hour or so, I start trying to find a different position – its not discomfort, but I just want to shift. A fellow Subaru owner joined me for a motorway trip and also said the he thought Volvo seats were supposed to be great but wasn’t sure what the fuss was about. Maybe Sube seats are good too… However, I am a fan of the heating – it still gets cold here, and that warm butt feeling is rather pleasant.
The vast boot is, well, just that. A good shape and big enough for the dual-sus mtb to go in with both wheels on and without even lowering the saddle – impressive.
The general unburstability – it’s a bit early for my views, but this is a 2007 built 2008 model and has a couple of rattles which I can’t quite get sorted. Compared to the 2007 Forester it shares the drive with, which is tight and rattle free, and the 2005 Liberty it replaced, which was also rattle free, and I’m not yet sold. Its going in for the annual rego check next week, and there’s oil seeping out somewhere, looks like a vacuum seal around the gearbox, and the box is having its fluid changed too. I’ve asked for a general run down of things that’ll need doing and I’ll expect a couple of items on any 7-8 year-old car.
I can live some rattles, and seats that aren’t quite as good as perhaps the internet says, but it’s the driving experience that still leaves me miffed. Its just so…so…unmemorable and uninvolving. The other thread on the yellow 850R wagon just goes to show what Volvo used to do, and what is lacking in this car. I’ve already gone through most of this earlier in the thread, and I’ll repeat – it’s a bloody shame.
I really struggle to think of why this particular model exists, and can completely understand why it doesn’t exist in the UK – though I think there might be a couple over there. Its not particularly fast, its thirsty, handling is so-so, grip is good, comfort and ride is OK, space in the front is great but in the rear is a bit tight for the legs, the dash is nice to look at and use but lacks storage space, boot is huge.
So why the hell have I got it, and why am I not selling it?? Well, it’s the practicality of it that seems to be doing the trick. The kids love the rear seats, the boot space is important, and its not a bad place to be for a long trip. I think a lot of the negative feeling towards it comes from me not being a wafter – I can forgive a car most things if its got some sense of enjoyment in return, but I get nothing from wafting and that seems to be the V70’s forte.
There’s a real sense that I’ve bought the wrong car for me, but it’s the car that I need to have, at least until the kids are out of booster seats. If you just want to move from A to B, perhaps carrying something large, and have as little to do with driving as possible on the way, then this car will not disappoint.
Right, so that's enough whinging about its shortcomings, I think I need to get it out for a caning more often to get used to it.
Safety – not had to use it yet, but the parking sensors are a bit sharp which leads to them being turned off. Sense of solidity throughout, and witnessed by the kerb weight of just over 1900kg. Can’t deny that in the back of the mind there’s a sense of “it must be good – it’s a Volvo”.
The seats are, well, OK. I have to admit to being a bit underwhelmed. They lack any form of side bolster, and being broad and leather, I find myself slipping around at the first sign of an enthusiastic corner. Once on a cruise, things are better, but after about an hour or so, I start trying to find a different position – its not discomfort, but I just want to shift. A fellow Subaru owner joined me for a motorway trip and also said the he thought Volvo seats were supposed to be great but wasn’t sure what the fuss was about. Maybe Sube seats are good too… However, I am a fan of the heating – it still gets cold here, and that warm butt feeling is rather pleasant.
The vast boot is, well, just that. A good shape and big enough for the dual-sus mtb to go in with both wheels on and without even lowering the saddle – impressive.
The general unburstability – it’s a bit early for my views, but this is a 2007 built 2008 model and has a couple of rattles which I can’t quite get sorted. Compared to the 2007 Forester it shares the drive with, which is tight and rattle free, and the 2005 Liberty it replaced, which was also rattle free, and I’m not yet sold. Its going in for the annual rego check next week, and there’s oil seeping out somewhere, looks like a vacuum seal around the gearbox, and the box is having its fluid changed too. I’ve asked for a general run down of things that’ll need doing and I’ll expect a couple of items on any 7-8 year-old car.
I can live some rattles, and seats that aren’t quite as good as perhaps the internet says, but it’s the driving experience that still leaves me miffed. Its just so…so…unmemorable and uninvolving. The other thread on the yellow 850R wagon just goes to show what Volvo used to do, and what is lacking in this car. I’ve already gone through most of this earlier in the thread, and I’ll repeat – it’s a bloody shame.
I really struggle to think of why this particular model exists, and can completely understand why it doesn’t exist in the UK – though I think there might be a couple over there. Its not particularly fast, its thirsty, handling is so-so, grip is good, comfort and ride is OK, space in the front is great but in the rear is a bit tight for the legs, the dash is nice to look at and use but lacks storage space, boot is huge.
So why the hell have I got it, and why am I not selling it?? Well, it’s the practicality of it that seems to be doing the trick. The kids love the rear seats, the boot space is important, and its not a bad place to be for a long trip. I think a lot of the negative feeling towards it comes from me not being a wafter – I can forgive a car most things if its got some sense of enjoyment in return, but I get nothing from wafting and that seems to be the V70’s forte.
There’s a real sense that I’ve bought the wrong car for me, but it’s the car that I need to have, at least until the kids are out of booster seats. If you just want to move from A to B, perhaps carrying something large, and have as little to do with driving as possible on the way, then this car will not disappoint.
Right, so that's enough whinging about its shortcomings, I think I need to get it out for a caning more often to get used to it.
S10GTA said:
Interesting write up. I quite fancy an XC70 T6 once they come down in price. Maybe I'll need to reconsider.
Have a go in one, and see what you think for yourself. I do understand why people might want one, but unless you've got three kids, or must have a Volvo, at the moment I struggle to think of a reason why you would buy this over other cars. I really do think its a missed opportunity - Volvo could have put the 4.4 V8 in the nose for the Wafters and then sourced a decent 2.0-2.5 litre turbo with 6-sp manual for those of us that want the space tied to a bit of fun, perhaps leaving out a bit of weight in the process. Both would have been more interesting than the 3.0T with a slow auto.
Forgot to mention fuel consumption. Round town its in the 15-20mpg range, though the m-way cruise saw it closer to 30. That's not hugely worse than the Lib, which was 22'ish around town and 35 on a cruise.
PomBstard said:
Right, so that's enough whinging about its shortcomings, I think I need to get it out for a caning more often to get used to it.
I've taken this as the starting point for each drive over the past week or so, and I'm more appreciative of the pace the Volvo can develop and carry. It takes effort as its not a natural thing to do - the auto box being the main culprit - but changing gear with the lever keeps the concentration and helps ward off wafting-induced sleepiness. I'm tempted to see if I can do something about the front seats - some lateral support really is needed to have any cornering fun. There is a reasonable amount of grip and holding gears allows the mid-range to hoist the car along at a decent pace but only if the driver can wedge themselves against the central console and the door bin.
Have just had the annual rego check, which was incident free. Vacuum pump seals changed which was definitely the source of the oil leak, and autobox had its fluid changed. Trans fluid was definitely grubby but not apparently not too bad for 7 years and 126,000kms. $600 for the work might not be the cheapest but half of that was parts/materials and the engine bay has been degreased. And I didn't have to do it.
Next problem to sort is a constantly smearing windscreen. Just cannot clean it - white spirit, vinegar, meths - all with liberal applications of elbow grease. Bar Keepers Friend is next on the recommended list.
PomBstard said:
Next problem to sort is a constantly smearing windscreen. Just cannot clean it - white spirit, vinegar, meths - all with liberal applications of elbow grease. Bar Keepers Friend is next on the recommended list.
It seems that the reason I can't clear the smearing is because there's nothing there to actually clear. The 'smearing' effect is being caused be the enormous amount of scratches. It seems the old wipers had picked up something and simply wiped the windscreen with it - its like someone has swapped the rubber blades for some 240 grit and given it a couple of sweeps. Took it to a repair place to confirm that's what I was seeing, and its now booked in for a new screen on Monday. $460. Arse.Well, the windscreen change didn't happen. Apparently I've got a rain-sensing jobbie and the guy bought out a non rain-sensing jobbie and the two are not interchangeable. My fault for not getting the spec right, but I didn't know it had this feature. Anyway, tried it - doesn't work, just like the time I had it on a Bora years ago. IMO, one of those pointless uses of technology. Will try again to get the screen changed sometime soon.
Regardless, the car finally got used in the manner in which its purchase intended - full up, three kids, two adults and a s
t-load of stuff for a family trip to....Canberra! Oh, yes - the thrills of our nation's capital were upon us. To be fair, there's a reasonable amount there to browse and enjoy for kids and adults, but without being able to take the MTB, I was a bit shackled. The boot's bigger than the Lib's but we still filled it up.
The 320km cruise in each direction was fairly uneventful. As we left the Freeway Services about halfway, the message came up that the key fob battery was low. This is a good thing to know, but what would have made it better was some indication of how long was left. A quick detour to a watch/battery/shoe repair place in Goulburn sorted that for $20 - though I'm pretty sure this was the first Volvo fob the guy had ever seen. Lots of Fords, Holdens and Japanese cars outside the major centres, not many Swedes...
The next day there was a warning message that the headlights weren't working properly. They were on, pointing straight, and stayed on when we moved, so I deemed it a non-problem. I think its to do with the swivelling mechanism, which as the lights are still pointing straight brings me back to my original thought. I'll live with it.
Maneuvering around the hotel carpark highlighted the crap turning circle combined with limited visibility at the corners. Result was two kerbed rims on the low concrete kerbs so beloved of car park designers over here. Can't see the feckers and keep forgetting how much room I need to swing this car. Wouldn't be a problem if the rims/profile were a little higher.
No other problems in a total of 850km, but it does need a really good clean inside and out. Fuel consumption on the freeway was around 30mpg and for the total trip was 27mpg. That's well within the realms of acceptable in my book. And a road speed-related rumble suggests one of the wheel bearings is on its way out – sounds like NSR, but will need to check on a ramp.
Proving harder to live with are the famed comfortable seats. I'm not sure its the seats' fault, but more that I just cannot seem to get a driving position that feels comfortable for longer than about an hour. To me, the seating position seems a little off-line with the steering wheel/pedals - its not much but means just a little twist - and I think the culprit is the left foot rest. It feels like its in the position where the clutch would be, and should therefore be a little more the the left, but the tunnel's in the way. Anyone else notice this with auto V70s??
It'll be ferrying me to an MTB race in the early hours of Saturday morning, so I'll be making use of the rear space and the heated seats! Might even be fun to punt along some of the country roads on the way...
Regardless, the car finally got used in the manner in which its purchase intended - full up, three kids, two adults and a s
t-load of stuff for a family trip to....Canberra! Oh, yes - the thrills of our nation's capital were upon us. To be fair, there's a reasonable amount there to browse and enjoy for kids and adults, but without being able to take the MTB, I was a bit shackled. The boot's bigger than the Lib's but we still filled it up.The 320km cruise in each direction was fairly uneventful. As we left the Freeway Services about halfway, the message came up that the key fob battery was low. This is a good thing to know, but what would have made it better was some indication of how long was left. A quick detour to a watch/battery/shoe repair place in Goulburn sorted that for $20 - though I'm pretty sure this was the first Volvo fob the guy had ever seen. Lots of Fords, Holdens and Japanese cars outside the major centres, not many Swedes...
The next day there was a warning message that the headlights weren't working properly. They were on, pointing straight, and stayed on when we moved, so I deemed it a non-problem. I think its to do with the swivelling mechanism, which as the lights are still pointing straight brings me back to my original thought. I'll live with it.
Maneuvering around the hotel carpark highlighted the crap turning circle combined with limited visibility at the corners. Result was two kerbed rims on the low concrete kerbs so beloved of car park designers over here. Can't see the feckers and keep forgetting how much room I need to swing this car. Wouldn't be a problem if the rims/profile were a little higher.
No other problems in a total of 850km, but it does need a really good clean inside and out. Fuel consumption on the freeway was around 30mpg and for the total trip was 27mpg. That's well within the realms of acceptable in my book. And a road speed-related rumble suggests one of the wheel bearings is on its way out – sounds like NSR, but will need to check on a ramp.
Proving harder to live with are the famed comfortable seats. I'm not sure its the seats' fault, but more that I just cannot seem to get a driving position that feels comfortable for longer than about an hour. To me, the seating position seems a little off-line with the steering wheel/pedals - its not much but means just a little twist - and I think the culprit is the left foot rest. It feels like its in the position where the clutch would be, and should therefore be a little more the the left, but the tunnel's in the way. Anyone else notice this with auto V70s??
It'll be ferrying me to an MTB race in the early hours of Saturday morning, so I'll be making use of the rear space and the heated seats! Might even be fun to punt along some of the country roads on the way...
And it was indeed a reasonable bit of fun to punt along - roads were empty at 0500, except for others heading to the race. Need to make use of holding the gears as the box ain't the sharpest, and the sense of bulk never leaves, but there is a sense of making swift progress. Not so happy on the tighter roads closer to the start of the race, or the return booting it got through Galston Gorge - its just too big and wobbly for that. I'm also not Volvo-shaped so the seats don't encourage too much hard cornering.
Also need more welly than first thought to dispatch overtakes - that bulk takes all the available horses to shift, and the usual torquey wafting encouraged by the gearbox needs a sharp kick into touch.
Finally got round to fixing the creaking from the tailgate - a couple of squirts of lithium grease into the latch. Unbelievably simple fix to a really loud annoyance.
Need to clean it now - a week away with the family, followed by a trip to a marathon mtb race means its looking a little, well, filthy...
Also need more welly than first thought to dispatch overtakes - that bulk takes all the available horses to shift, and the usual torquey wafting encouraged by the gearbox needs a sharp kick into touch.
Finally got round to fixing the creaking from the tailgate - a couple of squirts of lithium grease into the latch. Unbelievably simple fix to a really loud annoyance.
Need to clean it now - a week away with the family, followed by a trip to a marathon mtb race means its looking a little, well, filthy...
IanCress said:
Probably a daft question, but have you checked the auto wipers are switched on? Having just picked up a V60, I've found that the auto wipers need to be switched on using a button on the wiper stalk. When you start the car they are automatically off.
Not really a daft question, seeing as I didn't know the car had this feature. Yes, have switched them on and they do 'work' but only when the sensor can be arsed to work. Same as the Bora. Pointless use of tech, along with auto-on lights. Really, if you can't see to operate features such as lights and wipers, then really shouldn't be driving. Other comfort tech I do like are the heated seats, which helped keep my legs and glutes warm after a five-hour bashing on the bike, and the self-dipping mirror which kept the country road dazzle to a minimum.
Have also been exploring the grip/oomph on my regular commute - couple of roundabouts that have good second gear exits. It is possible to feel the back of the car dig in and shoot you through with admirable pace, but you do have to hold on to the wheel and brace against the centre console. Bolsters, Volvo, bolsters!
And car now much cleaner...
Edited by PomBstard on Friday 14th August 11:54
Well, that didn't take long, the first sign of wear and tear has cropped up. Seems like the droning/rumbling noise I thought was simply a wheel bearing is in fact the rear diff. Not even eight years old, and only 130,000km on the clock. Now need to track down a spare somehow - mechanic reckons I've got about 10,000km or so before it gives up.
My plan to keep the car until early-2017 is looking a bit optimistic...
My plan to keep the car until early-2017 is looking a bit optimistic...
Well, bit of an update. The noise hasn't got any worse - in fact to these ears its quietened, and that's when I'm really listening for it. I got a couple of other opinions, and they weren't as decisive as the first, so nothing doing for the moment.
Over the past few months I've settled into a bit more of a rhythm with the car, we've done 8,000km in just over 5 months, and whilst its downsides still overwhelm its upsides for me, I've come to appreciate the engine more. Its not particularly powerful for a 3.0T I6 - 285bhp - but it is torquey, smooth and willing to hit the 6600rpm cut-out in lower gears with surprising gusto.
Around town, left to its own devices, the gearbox and engine conspire to pootle along at <2000rpm most of the time, and the engine seems happy to pull 1200rpm. Peak torque is spread from 1500-4000rpm (I think), so that's probably no surprise, but it does make for lazy progress. Where the gearbox shows itself to be problem is when you want to make progress - lazy kickdowns, or slow reactions with the manual shift. But once going, the engine is very good. Does anyone know if it found its way into any other cars?
I think I said previously that the car should've been offered with the V8 for wafters, and that's still true. What Volvo should then have done is sourced a better gearbox and made more of the I6. Bit of a hidden gem, like the Yamaha-designed V8 in the S80 and XC90.
The rest of the car seems fine, standing up to the usual crap of carting a family of five around. I've even gotten used to the seats, though they'll never be my first choice, and the lack of storage space in the front.
Its still a car of immense frustration - it could so easily have been great - and I still don't understand the devotion towards them. Its a car for people with no interest in driving - a bit like a Camry. I think the ability is there, but its under too many layers and the reward for finding it is just not worth the effort. I really do want to like it more.
A friend is looking to sell his Outback 3.0 and doesn't know what to replace it with. I think the V70 is the bigger, faster version of the Sube. It lacks the Subaru's agility, ergonomics and proper AWD, but it is a cruiser with plenty of space. What the V70 lacks is the Liberty/Legacy sporty twin. Some might suggest the XC70 is the Outback's bigger equivalent, but I'd say that's even further from the Japanese car being more wobbly and waft'ish than the V70. No, a sporty version of the V70 would be great, in the same mould as the old T5R/V70R - I think I'd buy one of those.
Over the past few months I've settled into a bit more of a rhythm with the car, we've done 8,000km in just over 5 months, and whilst its downsides still overwhelm its upsides for me, I've come to appreciate the engine more. Its not particularly powerful for a 3.0T I6 - 285bhp - but it is torquey, smooth and willing to hit the 6600rpm cut-out in lower gears with surprising gusto.
Around town, left to its own devices, the gearbox and engine conspire to pootle along at <2000rpm most of the time, and the engine seems happy to pull 1200rpm. Peak torque is spread from 1500-4000rpm (I think), so that's probably no surprise, but it does make for lazy progress. Where the gearbox shows itself to be problem is when you want to make progress - lazy kickdowns, or slow reactions with the manual shift. But once going, the engine is very good. Does anyone know if it found its way into any other cars?
I think I said previously that the car should've been offered with the V8 for wafters, and that's still true. What Volvo should then have done is sourced a better gearbox and made more of the I6. Bit of a hidden gem, like the Yamaha-designed V8 in the S80 and XC90.
The rest of the car seems fine, standing up to the usual crap of carting a family of five around. I've even gotten used to the seats, though they'll never be my first choice, and the lack of storage space in the front.
Its still a car of immense frustration - it could so easily have been great - and I still don't understand the devotion towards them. Its a car for people with no interest in driving - a bit like a Camry. I think the ability is there, but its under too many layers and the reward for finding it is just not worth the effort. I really do want to like it more.
A friend is looking to sell his Outback 3.0 and doesn't know what to replace it with. I think the V70 is the bigger, faster version of the Sube. It lacks the Subaru's agility, ergonomics and proper AWD, but it is a cruiser with plenty of space. What the V70 lacks is the Liberty/Legacy sporty twin. Some might suggest the XC70 is the Outback's bigger equivalent, but I'd say that's even further from the Japanese car being more wobbly and waft'ish than the V70. No, a sporty version of the V70 would be great, in the same mould as the old T5R/V70R - I think I'd buy one of those.
Rensko said:
Another NSW Pistonheader!
I contemplated a V70 for the other half when we were in the market for a wagon. The running costs of the V70 turned me off - especially fuel economy when it will be run stop start on the Eastern Distributor on the daily commute!
Ended up with an Octavia instead. Fast, no. Cheap yes. Cool as a Volvo T6 - hell no!
G'day, and welcome to either PH, NSW or both!I contemplated a V70 for the other half when we were in the market for a wagon. The running costs of the V70 turned me off - especially fuel economy when it will be run stop start on the Eastern Distributor on the daily commute!
Ended up with an Octavia instead. Fast, no. Cheap yes. Cool as a Volvo T6 - hell no!
There's a thread as to how I ended up with the V70 in Aus forum, but an Octavia would be too small. I've given up even monitoring the fuel economy - it gets a lot of urban use and is, ahem, exercised whenever the opportunity allows, which the kids also love! In any case, its about the same as a CX9 or XC90 3.2 or Commodore V8 and not massively worse than the Lib that came before it.
As for a Volvo T6 being cool, hmm, not sure about that, but thanks anyway!
B'stard thing left me stranded last week. Loaded up the kids on a stinking hot day to get out of the house, and when I pushed the start button the dash told me "Turn the wheel and try again". So I did. And the same message came back. Again, and again, and again. The kids learned some of Daddy's Naughty Words and promised not to tell their friends...
Roadside Assistance dude was helpful, having seen a few he prescribed cooling the electric steering lock, which seemed to do the trick. Apparently these aren't as woeful as the XC90... Seems that the steering lock hadn't engaged properly last time I used the car, and when the computer looked to unlock the steering this time, and discovered it couldn't because it was already unlocked, it went into safety mode, which means not letting the car start. The internet tells me of tales of Volvo owners in the US (where else...) crashing because their steering locks failed 'On' whilst driving.
Whatever. I now make sure the lock is on before leaving the car, but that doesn't happen until I open the door, so its a bit of deep-breath moment every journey.
Its also been pissing down here for about 3 days. Early on Day 1, the rear wiper released itself from the car, preferring instead the comfort of the road outside our house. No probs, thinks I, a new blade and we'll be right. Nope. Can't find just the blade anywhere and it seems to be a wiper arm removal job. Which is not going to be the work of a moment, I can just feel it. Will get round to it when it finally stops raining hard for long enough to take a proper look.
The trim on the edge of the centre console has started to peel its lacquer - looks a bit shoddy, have used a razor blade to slice it in line with its edges to try to hide it, but not really what I was expecting. Perhaps my leg resting against it was just too much for it to take.
Finally, the dashboard has just told me its time to book a maintenance check. So, its in with my local independent next week. That'll be about 10,000km in 8 months, of which a large proportion has been urban work. Don't think it'll be anything other than a routine service, but I just can't be sure.
The service is timely as I'm also going to put on a new pair of front tyres - the rears were replaced back in June following a kerbing incident - and then put it up for sale. A friend is off travelling for a year and I've agreed to look after his Mazda CX9 which he doesn't really want to sell. It means I don't have to keep the Volvo for another year as planned. Can't say I'll be sorry to see the back of it - not really wormed its way into my affections, I still don't get the attraction of these things. And I keep expecting something expensive to break/fail any moment.
Positives? Well, its still the engine, the rear booster seats, the boot, and, er, um, that's it for me.
Roadside Assistance dude was helpful, having seen a few he prescribed cooling the electric steering lock, which seemed to do the trick. Apparently these aren't as woeful as the XC90... Seems that the steering lock hadn't engaged properly last time I used the car, and when the computer looked to unlock the steering this time, and discovered it couldn't because it was already unlocked, it went into safety mode, which means not letting the car start. The internet tells me of tales of Volvo owners in the US (where else...) crashing because their steering locks failed 'On' whilst driving.
Whatever. I now make sure the lock is on before leaving the car, but that doesn't happen until I open the door, so its a bit of deep-breath moment every journey.
Its also been pissing down here for about 3 days. Early on Day 1, the rear wiper released itself from the car, preferring instead the comfort of the road outside our house. No probs, thinks I, a new blade and we'll be right. Nope. Can't find just the blade anywhere and it seems to be a wiper arm removal job. Which is not going to be the work of a moment, I can just feel it. Will get round to it when it finally stops raining hard for long enough to take a proper look.
The trim on the edge of the centre console has started to peel its lacquer - looks a bit shoddy, have used a razor blade to slice it in line with its edges to try to hide it, but not really what I was expecting. Perhaps my leg resting against it was just too much for it to take.
Finally, the dashboard has just told me its time to book a maintenance check. So, its in with my local independent next week. That'll be about 10,000km in 8 months, of which a large proportion has been urban work. Don't think it'll be anything other than a routine service, but I just can't be sure.
The service is timely as I'm also going to put on a new pair of front tyres - the rears were replaced back in June following a kerbing incident - and then put it up for sale. A friend is off travelling for a year and I've agreed to look after his Mazda CX9 which he doesn't really want to sell. It means I don't have to keep the Volvo for another year as planned. Can't say I'll be sorry to see the back of it - not really wormed its way into my affections, I still don't get the attraction of these things. And I keep expecting something expensive to break/fail any moment.
Positives? Well, its still the engine, the rear booster seats, the boot, and, er, um, that's it for me.
And that is the end of that. Buyer has just driven off, and the only reason I'm not dancing with elation is cos I sold it for 15% less that I paid for it, and I paid a cheap price only 10 months ago. Seriously, even at a low price the car had little attention. Interestingly, a V70 T6 I looked at last May has only just sold a week ago. He probably got a bit more for his car, but I'm not waiting for a year or so.
For the past 8 or so weeks, I've been running my mate's CX9 as well, and its shown the Volvo up for the lumbering beast it is. The Mazda is heavier, wider and higher but feels so much more nimble and gives very little in day-to-day driving. Build quality is at least the Swede's equal, even if the dash isn't quite as stylish. The main difference to me is that I don't have the lurking suspicion that the CX9 is going to stiff me for a major repair soon. I really did begin to dread what might or might not stop working on the Volvo.
In the past few weeks, I have tried to keep it moving between a variety of unsympathetic test drives, but choosing the bottom of Galston Gorge to throw a coil pack was not its finest hour. Esp on a day of 37-40C. I know, these things can go at any time, but trying to find a replacement was a right pain. Even Volvo dealers don't keep them in stock. Anyway, with a new pack fitted, the engine continued to run like the jewel it is.
And that really concludes matters. I cannot think of any instance where I would put a V70 at the top of the list, and can't see a Volvo, past or present, that I want to own. I still don't get these cars. But the engine was worth having, just for a bit.
For the past 8 or so weeks, I've been running my mate's CX9 as well, and its shown the Volvo up for the lumbering beast it is. The Mazda is heavier, wider and higher but feels so much more nimble and gives very little in day-to-day driving. Build quality is at least the Swede's equal, even if the dash isn't quite as stylish. The main difference to me is that I don't have the lurking suspicion that the CX9 is going to stiff me for a major repair soon. I really did begin to dread what might or might not stop working on the Volvo.
In the past few weeks, I have tried to keep it moving between a variety of unsympathetic test drives, but choosing the bottom of Galston Gorge to throw a coil pack was not its finest hour. Esp on a day of 37-40C. I know, these things can go at any time, but trying to find a replacement was a right pain. Even Volvo dealers don't keep them in stock. Anyway, with a new pack fitted, the engine continued to run like the jewel it is.
And that really concludes matters. I cannot think of any instance where I would put a V70 at the top of the list, and can't see a Volvo, past or present, that I want to own. I still don't get these cars. But the engine was worth having, just for a bit.
y2blade said:
Experiences like yours (and many others) cut deep and really do hurt the brand involved...As you say, I very much doubt you'll ever want another Volvo again.
If I could summarise my experience with the V70 its that it was competent, but little more. It offered nothing that I can't get elsewhere, and on this side of the planet, didn't have the service back up to give confidence. It was such a frustrating car to drive as it really felt like it was trying to span too wide a spectrum and didn't really succeed at any.More oomph out of the T6 - at least 350bhp, a little less weight or at least a permanent AWD system, a la Subaru. Sharper, more feelsome steering, and change the feckin map on that auto box. Then add some seats which offer proper support and a smaller steering wheel, and we're in business. Alternatively, whack in the 4.4 V8 and be done with. None of this is tricky stuff.
The ability was there, but it took such effort to uncover it, and the rewards were so slight, that I just couldn't be arsed in the end. And having driven the XC60 T6 and XC90 V8 I don't think its a one-off. Perhaps these make a better case with the lower spec engines.
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