Comfy Volvo Content
Discussion
S100HP said:
Sa Calobra said:
Ah go on then I'll get one too. Which auto gearbox should I avoid, geatronic? Any particular years.
General consensus is to avoid the 5 speed box and go for the 6 speed. Switch was made around 05.My current S80 (which has the same box but with 87k on the clock) has done one minor flare so far in three weeks of ownership, I've already started changing the fluid and can feel it is much happier already (old fluid was brown not black).
I think if you catch the 5 speed box before it starts banging violently into gear and as long as the fluid does not smell burnt it's ok (although new fluid really helps). Also they made a lot of changes to it in 03 (the 01 and 02 cars had servo issues and software that put the car into neutral when you stopped which caused high wear). It seems that when the fluid gets old it loses its ability to shed heat and starts to cook the solenoids causing them to stick. Gradually replacing the fluid improves the thermal transfer and makes it a happy box again - that's my theory at least
I'm a bit of a fanny about tyres and I like to have matching all round, especially on a AWD car. Unfortunately my Volvo had 3 different brands on it. Two of the same on the front and a different one on each of the rears. These cars were originally fitted with the Pirelli Scorpion 4 season tyres from the factory and I did investigate replacing them all, but they were coming out at nearly £350 for a set. Given my recent history of changing cars every 6 months I decided to go onto eBay and see if I could find some alloys with tyres fitted, but found nothing suitable.
My search then progressed to 2nd hand tyres but didn't throw up any Scorpions, but did show me a set of 4 Pirelli SottoZero winter tyres for £120 delivered. They had about 6mm of tread all round but the feedback of the company was positive, so I purchased them. Impressively they were couriered overnight from Scotland and arrived this morning. £40 to the local tyre fitter and they are on the car and have made it feel significantly nicer to drive. I plan to use them year round as I can't really see any downsides to this especially when you consider the car. A diesel Volvo estate is never going to set the world on fire, so losing a bit of handling when the temp gets up to 20 deg is a small trade off IMHO.
My search then progressed to 2nd hand tyres but didn't throw up any Scorpions, but did show me a set of 4 Pirelli SottoZero winter tyres for £120 delivered. They had about 6mm of tread all round but the feedback of the company was positive, so I purchased them. Impressively they were couriered overnight from Scotland and arrived this morning. £40 to the local tyre fitter and they are on the car and have made it feel significantly nicer to drive. I plan to use them year round as I can't really see any downsides to this especially when you consider the car. A diesel Volvo estate is never going to set the world on fire, so losing a bit of handling when the temp gets up to 20 deg is a small trade off IMHO.
Edited by S100HP on Thursday 25th January 12:55
30mpg mixed is about right for a 185bhp E4 auto - they're not as economical as the old 163 and also the fuel computers seem to be more accurate on them.....
I'd disagree that the 6-speed is inherently more reliable than the 5-speed. In fact the early 6-speeds has loads more problems than the later 5-speeds. Usually the valve body (some of which had a design fault - there is a Volvo TSB somewhere) which can at least be replaced on it own
I'd disagree that the 6-speed is inherently more reliable than the 5-speed. In fact the early 6-speeds has loads more problems than the later 5-speeds. Usually the valve body (some of which had a design fault - there is a Volvo TSB somewhere) which can at least be replaced on it own
xcseventy said:
Looks a really nice example. Should be pretty unstoppable with a set of winters as well.
Always though this 2nd gen looked more "purposeful" than the 3rd gen.
That's the plan. I can confirm AWD is working too. Tried it this morning climbing up a bank then back down another with no slippage. This is prior to fitting the new tyres too.Always though this 2nd gen looked more "purposeful" than the 3rd gen.
Glad I'm not the only one who's funny about tyres. Mine has come with Scorpions fitted, but I do intend to keep an eye on Ebay to see if I can slowly collect spares for when they do require replacement. £40 a corner fitted is a great price. Can you chuck the old ones on EBay to recoup a few extra quid?
Which reminds me that I've got an old repaired tyre off my Golf in the garage which I need to stick on Ebay.
Which reminds me that I've got an old repaired tyre off my Golf in the garage which I need to stick on Ebay.
JQ said:
Glad I'm not the only one who's funny about tyres. Mine has come with Scorpions fitted, but I do intend to keep an eye on Ebay to see if I can slowly collect spares for when they do require replacement. £40 a corner fitted is a great price. Can you chuck the old ones on EBay to recoup a few extra quid?
Which reminds me that I've got an old repaired tyre off my Golf in the garage which I need to stick on Ebay.
How has yours turned out?Which reminds me that I've got an old repaired tyre off my Golf in the garage which I need to stick on Ebay.
S100HP said:
How has yours turned out?
Love it. It's got every toy imaginable and feels really planted to drive. I won't be doing any trackdays in it, but it's a nice change to my previous cars which have all been quite nippy. Certainly doesn't feel like it's done 220,000 miles - it is absolutely immaculate.Only one issue, it's got the upgraded stereo, but for some reason no sound comes out of the two drivers side speakers - front and rear. It's not a huge issue as I mainly listen to Radio 5 in the car, but if I can determine an easy fix I'd like to try and get it sorted.
JQ said:
S100HP said:
How has yours turned out?
Love it. It's got every toy imaginable and feels really planted to drive. I won't be doing any trackdays in it, but it's a nice change to my previous cars which have all been quite nippy. Certainly doesn't feel like it's done 220,000 miles - it is absolutely immaculate.Only one issue, it's got the upgraded stereo, but for some reason no sound comes out of the two drivers side speakers - front and rear. It's not a huge issue as I mainly listen to Radio 5 in the car, but if I can determine an easy fix I'd like to try and get it sorted.
i had a v70 2.4t and it was great (let's not talk about volvo gearboxes though)
i do wonder why volvo went away from this style of seat though, they are literally the comfiest things i have ever sat in - my sofa included, lol...
later volvos went to flat, hard seats and are nowhere near as comfy, why...... they can't be that much more money to make can they???
i do wonder why volvo went away from this style of seat though, they are literally the comfiest things i have ever sat in - my sofa included, lol...
later volvos went to flat, hard seats and are nowhere near as comfy, why...... they can't be that much more money to make can they???
A great, do it all motor, OP.
My late father bought one about 12 years ago (an '05 D5 SE Lux 6 speed manual), mum only just sold it recently as she's recently returned from living in Portugal, where they'd retired to live. The XC70 was a tough, practical and comfortable machine. No real issues bar the clutch master cylinder failing unexpectedly. Had the usual clutch replacement at about 95k miles, a new intercooler (very hot climate made it split) and the usual service items. The body was still immaculate/rust free when sold.
Probably the most comfortable car I've ever been in. Dad and I did a 1100+ mile run in it whilst moving some of their stuff over and it just munched the miles without breaking a sweat. The D5 5 cylinder is a nice unit.
Hope yours serves you well.
M&D's continental mile muncher.
My late father bought one about 12 years ago (an '05 D5 SE Lux 6 speed manual), mum only just sold it recently as she's recently returned from living in Portugal, where they'd retired to live. The XC70 was a tough, practical and comfortable machine. No real issues bar the clutch master cylinder failing unexpectedly. Had the usual clutch replacement at about 95k miles, a new intercooler (very hot climate made it split) and the usual service items. The body was still immaculate/rust free when sold.
Probably the most comfortable car I've ever been in. Dad and I did a 1100+ mile run in it whilst moving some of their stuff over and it just munched the miles without breaking a sweat. The D5 5 cylinder is a nice unit.
Hope yours serves you well.
M&D's continental mile muncher.
Thanks. There is something about them I do like. Nothing stands out (except the seats) but as an all round package they work for me.
Having only just purchased it I did the sensible thing and took it from Southampton to Wookey Hole today with zero preparation. 150 miles in filthy weather along the A36 mostly. It was absolutely fine and gave me a good chance to get to know it on all sorts of road.
The handling is a little boaty on corners but the suspension does a good job of ironing out imperfections in the road surface which is an acceptable trade. The engine feels good and strong but is still only averaging 33mpg and the gearbox feels spot on and certainly works with the relaxed nature of the car. I'm struggling with the noise of a diesel having not owned one for many years but as an all round package it certainly works well together. I particularly like the slightly raised driving position along with the seats (did I mention the seats)
On the way home the conditions were challenging and to add to that I had to stop off the beaten track to collect a boot tray from someone. I can certainly see why he has an XC70. He lived right out in the sticks, down narrow single track roads that had been covered in mud and floods from the rain today. You know the kind that if you move too far to one side as passing another car you're stuck! Anyway, boot lining collected and I set off again to be met with a low coolant warning! As soon as it came on it went again. This happened another few times till I managed to find somewhere where I could top the car up. It only needed about 500ml, it was right on the cusp of setting the sensor off, but certainly something to watch.
Anyway, rambling over, no pictures to add as I forgot to take any in the Mendips, but 250 miles down and I'm pleased with my purchase. Hopefully today got it suitably filthy for the dirty Cars thread.
Having only just purchased it I did the sensible thing and took it from Southampton to Wookey Hole today with zero preparation. 150 miles in filthy weather along the A36 mostly. It was absolutely fine and gave me a good chance to get to know it on all sorts of road.
The handling is a little boaty on corners but the suspension does a good job of ironing out imperfections in the road surface which is an acceptable trade. The engine feels good and strong but is still only averaging 33mpg and the gearbox feels spot on and certainly works with the relaxed nature of the car. I'm struggling with the noise of a diesel having not owned one for many years but as an all round package it certainly works well together. I particularly like the slightly raised driving position along with the seats (did I mention the seats)
On the way home the conditions were challenging and to add to that I had to stop off the beaten track to collect a boot tray from someone. I can certainly see why he has an XC70. He lived right out in the sticks, down narrow single track roads that had been covered in mud and floods from the rain today. You know the kind that if you move too far to one side as passing another car you're stuck! Anyway, boot lining collected and I set off again to be met with a low coolant warning! As soon as it came on it went again. This happened another few times till I managed to find somewhere where I could top the car up. It only needed about 500ml, it was right on the cusp of setting the sensor off, but certainly something to watch.
Anyway, rambling over, no pictures to add as I forgot to take any in the Mendips, but 250 miles down and I'm pleased with my purchase. Hopefully today got it suitably filthy for the dirty Cars thread.
Edited by S100HP on Saturday 27th January 18:46
kapiteinlangzaam said:
If that's a genuine 33mpg (and not OBC lies) then I'd say it's pretty much spot on.
They are big and heavy and the AWD and slush box sap the economy.
My 90 with the same engine averaged 26mpg over the time I had it. Mainly motorway miles too!
Nope, it's the OBC. I dare not work the real numbers. I was able to see 36 on a run in the R which is why I'm surprised this is so poor. I was expecting circa 40. 26 is awful!They are big and heavy and the AWD and slush box sap the economy.
My 90 with the same engine averaged 26mpg over the time I had it. Mainly motorway miles too!
MJK 24 said:
Ex Volvo UK with that reg!
Where was it PDI'd?
Is that a good thing?Where was it PDI'd?
It appears I made a school boy error with my purchase. I knew cambelts were 100k or 10 years and given the car was on 140k I assumed it had been done. It appears it had not.
Today its been off with the trusty local Volvo man who has just changed it, along with water pump and aux belt for £370. Oops. Would it have made a difference to my purchase or adjusted the price? Probably not. At least I know its been done now. To celebrate I went and drove down a muddy track near my house. Its ridiculous that a Volvo estate can navigate such lanes. It's now muddy.
Edited by S100HP on Tuesday 30th January 16:30
Brilliant cars, had mine two years and now up to 140k. Just sailed through another mot.
Managed to get mine stuck at the top of the north Pennines a few weeks back in the snow for the first time. Three foot snowdrift at the top of Teesdale that I couldn’t see due to drifting snow. 5 mins with a spade and winter mode engaged and we were off again.
Managed to get mine stuck at the top of the north Pennines a few weeks back in the snow for the first time. Three foot snowdrift at the top of Teesdale that I couldn’t see due to drifting snow. 5 mins with a spade and winter mode engaged and we were off again.
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