The new adventures of Luna, the moon mile V70 shed.
Discussion
So what do you call someone who buys a manual V70 D5 with 258k on the clock?
Time will tell, but I am either an idiot or a smart purchaser who values history over mileage and also has an obsession for cars with character.
Luna started out life as a normal V70 D5 (manual) and over the first 3 years of her life, covered 120k miles without too many issues.
She then was bought from the dealer by a gentleman called Alan who kept the car for the next 11 years and put a further 138k miles on her whilst lavishing no small amount of care and attention along the way as only a Volvo enthusiast will do.
Basically all the usual V70 foibles have been identified (broken) and replaced judging by the history and speaking with him.
Now when you have more than 250k miles (or 415k Kilometres for our international friends), you expect a few marks and signs of wear and tear, and Luna has them – lots of them! 
Bodywork appears sound with no rust (of course), and will benefit from a good wash and maybe even an attempt at detailing one day.
Alloys have seen better days and will either need to be refurbished or replaced at some point.
Replacement tyres are going to be required ahead of that.
First up though will be the interior. The seats are well worn and still as ridiculously comfortable as ever. Why can no-one make seats as good as Volvo?
They are also in serious need of a clean and about 5kg of leather feed!
The steering wheel has that well-worn look that I quite like (ok, the idea of replacing it scares me!)
The gearstick, and handbrake shrouds will get replaced along with sourcing a set of mats.
Heck, if I am not careful the car will start to look quite respectable!
Now, driving the car…
This does not drive like many would think. It is still smooth (for a diesel) and pulls well with no smoke even under very hard acceleration.
New clutch and DMF 2 years/20k ago so that should be fine up to 400k miles at least.
I filled it up and decided on my 185 mile drive home to see what mpg it will give if I drive sensibly.
These were the results…
Now, I know the fuel computer is known for being a little optimistic, but the fuel gauge has barely blinkin’ moved!
As I will be using it as a daily driver for the next month, covering 100 miles a day on average, I will get through that tank and find out just what it really does. But on first impressions this is amazing for a 14 year old 250k+ old Volvo estate!
I will give her a service and check things like the EGR to see how much crud is in there.
Long term plans?
I want to keep her and initially take her over 300k miles – MOT permitting.
I can already understand why she was owned for so long, there is just something about this one.
I also wonder if anyone has ever remapped a car with this sort of mileage…?
Shark/MTE, if you are reading, this could be a great marketing opportunity for you
I also want to take Luna out and about, get her to see places other than the motorways.
She needs to go to the seaside, experience the beauty of the Lake District, the rugged wilderness of Scotland, the traffic cops of Wales and maybe further afield.
All that are the adventures ahead – right after I tell the wife what I have bought.
It is currently sitting on a neighbours drive!
Oh and why did the owner decide to sell?
Well aside of the XC90 D5 he already has, he has bought another estate - a V70R!
Time will tell, but I am either an idiot or a smart purchaser who values history over mileage and also has an obsession for cars with character.
Luna started out life as a normal V70 D5 (manual) and over the first 3 years of her life, covered 120k miles without too many issues.
She then was bought from the dealer by a gentleman called Alan who kept the car for the next 11 years and put a further 138k miles on her whilst lavishing no small amount of care and attention along the way as only a Volvo enthusiast will do.
Basically all the usual V70 foibles have been identified (broken) and replaced judging by the history and speaking with him.
Now when you have more than 250k miles (or 415k Kilometres for our international friends), you expect a few marks and signs of wear and tear, and Luna has them – lots of them! 
Bodywork appears sound with no rust (of course), and will benefit from a good wash and maybe even an attempt at detailing one day.
Alloys have seen better days and will either need to be refurbished or replaced at some point.
Replacement tyres are going to be required ahead of that.
First up though will be the interior. The seats are well worn and still as ridiculously comfortable as ever. Why can no-one make seats as good as Volvo?
They are also in serious need of a clean and about 5kg of leather feed!
The steering wheel has that well-worn look that I quite like (ok, the idea of replacing it scares me!)
The gearstick, and handbrake shrouds will get replaced along with sourcing a set of mats.
Heck, if I am not careful the car will start to look quite respectable!
Now, driving the car…
This does not drive like many would think. It is still smooth (for a diesel) and pulls well with no smoke even under very hard acceleration.
New clutch and DMF 2 years/20k ago so that should be fine up to 400k miles at least.
I filled it up and decided on my 185 mile drive home to see what mpg it will give if I drive sensibly.
These were the results…
Now, I know the fuel computer is known for being a little optimistic, but the fuel gauge has barely blinkin’ moved!
As I will be using it as a daily driver for the next month, covering 100 miles a day on average, I will get through that tank and find out just what it really does. But on first impressions this is amazing for a 14 year old 250k+ old Volvo estate!
I will give her a service and check things like the EGR to see how much crud is in there.
Long term plans?
I want to keep her and initially take her over 300k miles – MOT permitting.
I can already understand why she was owned for so long, there is just something about this one.
I also wonder if anyone has ever remapped a car with this sort of mileage…?
Shark/MTE, if you are reading, this could be a great marketing opportunity for you
I also want to take Luna out and about, get her to see places other than the motorways.
She needs to go to the seaside, experience the beauty of the Lake District, the rugged wilderness of Scotland, the traffic cops of Wales and maybe further afield.
All that are the adventures ahead – right after I tell the wife what I have bought.
It is currently sitting on a neighbours drive!
Oh and why did the owner decide to sell?
Well aside of the XC90 D5 he already has, he has bought another estate - a V70R!
Dum Dum said:
She then was bought from the dealer by a gentleman called Alan who kept the car for the next 11 years and put a further 138k miles on her whilst lavishing no small amount of care and attention along the way as only a Volvo enthusiast will do.
Basically all the usual V70 foibles have been identified (broken) and replaced judging by the history and speaking with him.
<snip>
Oh and why did the owner decide to sell?
Well aside of the XC90 D5 he already has, he has bought another estate - a V70R!
That would be me then. I'm still not sure that swapping my trusty, sensible D5 for a 5-owner R was a good idea... but I don't do many miles these days and love a 'sleeper' so maybe. Currently the average MPG in the R is 18ish.... but it's been ragged a bit recently.Basically all the usual V70 foibles have been identified (broken) and replaced judging by the history and speaking with him.
<snip>
Oh and why did the owner decide to sell?
Well aside of the XC90 D5 he already has, he has bought another estate - a V70R!
If interested you can read about my R buying dilemma over here:
https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=28...
And when you get bored of her, give me a shout, I could be interested in having her back!
Alan.
aland75 said:
That would be me then. I'm still not sure that swapping my trusty, sensible D5 for a 5-owner R was a good idea... but I don't do many miles these days and love a 'sleeper' so maybe. Currently the average MPG in the R is 18ish.... but it's been ragged a bit recently.
If interested you can read about my R buying dilemma over here:
https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=28...
And when you get bored of her, give me a shout, I could be interested in having her back!
Alan.
That was quick Alan! If interested you can read about my R buying dilemma over here:
https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=28...
And when you get bored of her, give me a shout, I could be interested in having her back!
Alan.
Lovely car, a credit to you sir.
Rest assured I will look after her properly. I am a tad obsessive over my maintenance.
Maybe we have a chat when I have stuck another 130k on her?
In the meantime I will be monitoring your experiences with the R with a hint of envy!
Update time now I have been running Luna for a month.
Mileage is now up to 262.5k - yep she has been busy these last few weeks!
So, after putting 4k miles on her I gave her a service at the weekend and she needed it
Much happier with fresh (Mobil 1) oil, filter and air filter (will do fuel filter when I remember to run down the tank).
Trip computer is still comically optimistic showing 62.3mpg over the last month - which still translates to a highly impressive 55mpg in the real world. This is mainly due to 90% of the driving being motorways and me accepting the fact trying to drive one of these swiftly is really rather pointless!
To anyone who does a lot of mileage, a simple message...Get one of these!
I have never experienced anything more comfortable - and that includes Saab's (and I have had a number of them).
The seats are perfect, there is no other description. I drove 600 miles yesterday including the obligatory 1,5hrs stuck on the M25 and never felt uncomfortable or stiff when I got out.
I have had to spend money on the first repair - a headlight (dipped beam) bulb has blown!
Other than that everything just works and climate control has shown its worth over the last month.
Now I am going to change both dipped beam bulbs as it is a nice day and my lad is on one of his Fortnite marathons...
Changing headlight bulbs on a Volvo, it can't be too bad - can it?
Mileage is now up to 262.5k - yep she has been busy these last few weeks!
So, after putting 4k miles on her I gave her a service at the weekend and she needed it
Much happier with fresh (Mobil 1) oil, filter and air filter (will do fuel filter when I remember to run down the tank).
Trip computer is still comically optimistic showing 62.3mpg over the last month - which still translates to a highly impressive 55mpg in the real world. This is mainly due to 90% of the driving being motorways and me accepting the fact trying to drive one of these swiftly is really rather pointless!
To anyone who does a lot of mileage, a simple message...Get one of these!
I have never experienced anything more comfortable - and that includes Saab's (and I have had a number of them).
The seats are perfect, there is no other description. I drove 600 miles yesterday including the obligatory 1,5hrs stuck on the M25 and never felt uncomfortable or stiff when I got out.
I have had to spend money on the first repair - a headlight (dipped beam) bulb has blown!
Other than that everything just works and climate control has shown its worth over the last month.
Now I am going to change both dipped beam bulbs as it is a nice day and my lad is on one of his Fortnite marathons...
Changing headlight bulbs on a Volvo, it can't be too bad - can it?
Well that was disappointingly simple!
Loads of space to reach down and work
I had read stories of this being a real PITA and of people having to remove the front bumper (like modern VAG cars..)
Nothing of the sort. I have big hands and it was straightforward. Both bulbs replaced inside 5 minutes.
Tried these out as they appear to have very positive reviews and with the lights running full time the "super bright" ones would not last too long I suspect.
I will need to do something about the headlights themselves though.
Could be better, but let's be honest here, for 14 years and 262k they look surprisingly good.
Any recommendations on the best stuff to use? There appear to be a few different products.
Separately I am drawing up a list of things to sort between now and the end of the year. I love tinkering and doing things myself so this is my idea of fun.
Replace tyres (ok not a job for me as I am no tyre fitter!) - getting rather close to the wear markers. Will probably go with full winter tyres as I have never had an issue using them in the summer (aside of slightly increased wear). Will be nice to have full set of the same brand
Change front discs and pads - again, quite worn and simple enough job for a weekend. OEM is my first choice unless people recommend otherwise?
Replace brake fluid. Flushing the whole system will be a good idea as I prefer fluid to be clear, not slightly brown.
Flush and replace coolant. Temperature gauge has remained rock solid even during heavy traffic when it was very warm down in Kent.
Not sure when it was done so won't do any harm to give it new stuff.
Replace gearstick and handbrake shrouds as they are really showing their age.
Replace engine mounts - all of them. There is more vibration coming through than I would expect and that is usually the engine mounts.
Top one seems to have quite a lot of play (not torn though) and other 2 look original.
Replace current front seats for heated ones. Need heated seats for the winter.
Wiring appears to be there and the switches are present behind the blanking plate so need to source seats and switch fronts then go see friend with dice/vida setup to activate - I make it sound so easy....
Replace (perfectly fine and working) aftermarket head-unit with something that has DAB and better Bluetooth.
Enough there to keep me occupied for a few weekends over the next few months.
As you may have guessed, I am already rather attached to Luna. Funny how these get under your skin rather quickly!
Loads of space to reach down and work
I had read stories of this being a real PITA and of people having to remove the front bumper (like modern VAG cars..)
Nothing of the sort. I have big hands and it was straightforward. Both bulbs replaced inside 5 minutes.
Tried these out as they appear to have very positive reviews and with the lights running full time the "super bright" ones would not last too long I suspect.
I will need to do something about the headlights themselves though.
Could be better, but let's be honest here, for 14 years and 262k they look surprisingly good.
Any recommendations on the best stuff to use? There appear to be a few different products.
Separately I am drawing up a list of things to sort between now and the end of the year. I love tinkering and doing things myself so this is my idea of fun.
Replace tyres (ok not a job for me as I am no tyre fitter!) - getting rather close to the wear markers. Will probably go with full winter tyres as I have never had an issue using them in the summer (aside of slightly increased wear). Will be nice to have full set of the same brand
Change front discs and pads - again, quite worn and simple enough job for a weekend. OEM is my first choice unless people recommend otherwise?
Replace brake fluid. Flushing the whole system will be a good idea as I prefer fluid to be clear, not slightly brown.
Flush and replace coolant. Temperature gauge has remained rock solid even during heavy traffic when it was very warm down in Kent.
Not sure when it was done so won't do any harm to give it new stuff.
Replace gearstick and handbrake shrouds as they are really showing their age.
Replace engine mounts - all of them. There is more vibration coming through than I would expect and that is usually the engine mounts.
Top one seems to have quite a lot of play (not torn though) and other 2 look original.
Replace current front seats for heated ones. Need heated seats for the winter.
Wiring appears to be there and the switches are present behind the blanking plate so need to source seats and switch fronts then go see friend with dice/vida setup to activate - I make it sound so easy....
Replace (perfectly fine and working) aftermarket head-unit with something that has DAB and better Bluetooth.
Enough there to keep me occupied for a few weekends over the next few months.
As you may have guessed, I am already rather attached to Luna. Funny how these get under your skin rather quickly!
Looks a good buy! Amazing how many miles these things can apparently cover.
I just bought my first (2005 Eu3 Geartronic) after a few months of searching. Was looking for a manual but an auto with 107k came up for a good price and the box is sound. Girlfriend is away in Brighton for the weekend so I've got a box flush planned alongside a full oil and filter change, as well as an investigation into a front end knock (drop links?).
Had it just over a week and it's great. Seats and stereo are incredible!
I just bought my first (2005 Eu3 Geartronic) after a few months of searching. Was looking for a manual but an auto with 107k came up for a good price and the box is sound. Girlfriend is away in Brighton for the weekend so I've got a box flush planned alongside a full oil and filter change, as well as an investigation into a front end knock (drop links?).
Had it just over a week and it's great. Seats and stereo are incredible!
Interesting that you compare to a SAAB.
I have a 9-3 which is about to hit a very similar 275k.
Body work all looks very similar, plenty of war wounds but no signs of corrosion.
Interior however does look to be in a bit better condition.
Steering wheel & leather has held up pretty well.
The seats are super comfortable in the SAAB too.
Still on the original clutch & gearbox too.... which concerns me a little....
I have a 9-3 which is about to hit a very similar 275k.
Body work all looks very similar, plenty of war wounds but no signs of corrosion.
Interior however does look to be in a bit better condition.
Steering wheel & leather has held up pretty well.
The seats are super comfortable in the SAAB too.
Still on the original clutch & gearbox too.... which concerns me a little....
pti said:
Looks a good buy! Amazing how many miles these things can apparently cover.
I just bought my first (2005 Eu3 Geartronic) after a few months of searching. Was looking for a manual but an auto with 107k came up for a good price and the box is sound. Girlfriend is away in Brighton for the weekend so I've got a box flush planned alongside a full oil and filter change, as well as an investigation into a front end knock (drop links?).
Had it just over a week and it's great. Seats and stereo are incredible!
Gearbox fluid flush highly recommended by those wiser than me (and I would agree with them).I just bought my first (2005 Eu3 Geartronic) after a few months of searching. Was looking for a manual but an auto with 107k came up for a good price and the box is sound. Girlfriend is away in Brighton for the weekend so I've got a box flush planned alongside a full oil and filter change, as well as an investigation into a front end knock (drop links?).
Had it just over a week and it's great. Seats and stereo are incredible!
Lots of information on how to do it, just make sure you only use the 3309 fluid (which is apparently cheap(ish) from Toyota).
Be warned with the oil filter that the casing can be a swine to open!
36mm socket works on the top and this is even better as it is shallow https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000ROB0RG/ref...
Knocking will most likely be drop links, could be bottom ball joints also but the first one is much easier and cheaper. Get Volvo ones..
Seats are truly epic aren't they
Stereo is sumptuous and I have a (frankly not very good) aftermarket unit in there.
Get the car right and it you won't want anything else
Dan_1981 said:
Interesting that you compare to a SAAB.
I have a 9-3 which is about to hit a very similar 275k.
Body work all looks very similar, plenty of war wounds but no signs of corrosion.
Interior however does look to be in a bit better condition.
Steering wheel & leather has held up pretty well.
The seats are super comfortable in the SAAB too.
Still on the original clutch & gearbox too.... which concerns me a little....
How the heck have you got it to 275k on the original clutch?? I have a 9-3 which is about to hit a very similar 275k.
Body work all looks very similar, plenty of war wounds but no signs of corrosion.
Interior however does look to be in a bit better condition.
Steering wheel & leather has held up pretty well.
The seats are super comfortable in the SAAB too.
Still on the original clutch & gearbox too.... which concerns me a little....
That is seriously impressive! Which model is it?
I have owned loads of Saab's over the years, 9000 through 9-3 to 9-5's so I think I can make the comparison.
Saab seats are excellent, but the Volvo seats are simply better (well certainly in this series of cars).
Saab's are easier (and a lot cheaper) to tune though and the 2.3 Aero engine is better than the 2.3 T5 (again, had both).
Volvo stereos are ridiculously good and way superior to anything in a Saab.
9-5 Aero (Noob'd) with V70 seats and a properly sorted stereo... now that would be something
Edited by Dum Dum on Thursday 2nd August 16:12
Turns out I lied.
Checked through the paperwork last night just to be certain.
Clutch assembly changed at 71k just before I bought the car.
So it's only done 204k on the current one.
It's an 08 plate 9-3 1.9 diesel.
Stereo isn't bad on this one - it's got the Bose upgrade, but it seems to depend massively on the input, radio doesn't sound great, bizarrely anything fed through the Aux in does sound really good.
Here's an awful picture....
Checked through the paperwork last night just to be certain.
Clutch assembly changed at 71k just before I bought the car.
So it's only done 204k on the current one.
It's an 08 plate 9-3 1.9 diesel.
Stereo isn't bad on this one - it's got the Bose upgrade, but it seems to depend massively on the input, radio doesn't sound great, bizarrely anything fed through the Aux in does sound really good.
Here's an awful picture....
Edited by Dan_1981 on Friday 3rd August 10:19
I would call that an atmospheric picture, I like the lighting and the colour
207k on a clutch is still impressive but probably going to need replacing soon. You can't say you haven't had your money's worth
Always found the radio a little rubbish on the 9-3 And like you say, aux input is so much better.
Bose system is quite good, which is a good thing as upgrading is a "challenge" on those.
207k on a clutch is still impressive but probably going to need replacing soon. You can't say you haven't had your money's worth
Always found the radio a little rubbish on the 9-3 And like you say, aux input is so much better.
Bose system is quite good, which is a good thing as upgrading is a "challenge" on those.
Great things.
I have a facelifted version but with the 163bhp engine and manual box... though sadly the 5 speed, not the six and it really could use another gear but it was stupidly cheap so who cares. Mine is "barely run in" at 186k, the Volvo cliches never get old and thus far has been a great tool to basically treat with an element of care free abandonment and yet still cover miles with astounding ease. My top mount fell apart, then the alternator pulley started squeaking but a second hand one fixed that and it's been treated to four new Dunlops but aside for that, it's racking up miles like a Intercity train. Granted, had a worrying moment a few hours ago whilst cruising up the A1 for the 457th time this week... it suddenly made a horrific wailing noise. Sounded terminal to be honest but I realised the wife had been using the car and slot 6 on the headunit had been infiltrated by a Brunos Mars album. SInce removed, noise has stopped. All good.
I have a facelifted version but with the 163bhp engine and manual box... though sadly the 5 speed, not the six and it really could use another gear but it was stupidly cheap so who cares. Mine is "barely run in" at 186k, the Volvo cliches never get old and thus far has been a great tool to basically treat with an element of care free abandonment and yet still cover miles with astounding ease. My top mount fell apart, then the alternator pulley started squeaking but a second hand one fixed that and it's been treated to four new Dunlops but aside for that, it's racking up miles like a Intercity train. Granted, had a worrying moment a few hours ago whilst cruising up the A1 for the 457th time this week... it suddenly made a horrific wailing noise. Sounded terminal to be honest but I realised the wife had been using the car and slot 6 on the headunit had been infiltrated by a Brunos Mars album. SInce removed, noise has stopped. All good.
For your headlights, I recently used this as it was in the Amazon sale:-
3M headlight restoration kit
30 minutes of solid graft (I went slowly and gave it a lot of passes) and mine were like new.
You'll need a drill to attach the pads to.
3M headlight restoration kit
30 minutes of solid graft (I went slowly and gave it a lot of passes) and mine were like new.
You'll need a drill to attach the pads to.
Yep, pre-2005 they were glass. Pre-2005s are definitely the years to get for the P2 V70s... 2005 onwards is when Ford got hold of them and started ruining them. Plastic headlights, relocated ECMs which got water damaged frequently, cheaper plastics, cheaper leather, redesigned seat frames, and a whole host of other crap.
Love the V70 though, parents had one for 9 years and 170k miles. Never had an issue bar consumables like discs and pads, insanely comfortable and pretty decent audio too.
Love the V70 though, parents had one for 9 years and 170k miles. Never had an issue bar consumables like discs and pads, insanely comfortable and pretty decent audio too.
Cookeh said:
Yep, pre-2005 they were glass. Pre-2005s are definitely the years to get for the P2 V70s... 2005 onwards is when Ford got hold of them and started ruining them. Plastic headlights, relocated ECMs which got water damaged frequently, cheaper plastics, cheaper leather, redesigned seat frames, and a whole host of other crap.
Love the V70 though, parents had one for 9 years and 170k miles. Never had an issue bar consumables like discs and pads, insanely comfortable and pretty decent audio too.
Ah but the post 2005 got the better 6 speed auto box, better haldex system (in the case of the AWD models) and a host of other bits such as indicators in mirrors and chrome trim on the indicator stalks/vents. Decisions decisions Love the V70 though, parents had one for 9 years and 170k miles. Never had an issue bar consumables like discs and pads, insanely comfortable and pretty decent audio too.
Davie said:
Great things.
I have a facelifted version but with the 163bhp engine and manual box... though sadly the 5 speed, not the six and it really could use another gear but it was stupidly cheap so who cares. Mine is "barely run in" at 186k, the Volvo cliches never get old and thus far has been a great tool to basically treat with an element of care free abandonment and yet still cover miles with astounding ease. My top mount fell apart, then the alternator pulley started squeaking but a second hand one fixed that and it's been treated to four new Dunlops but aside for that, it's racking up miles like a Intercity train. Granted, had a worrying moment a few hours ago whilst cruising up the A1 for the 457th time this week... it suddenly made a horrific wailing noise. Sounded terminal to be honest but I realised the wife had been using the car and slot 6 on the headunit had been infiltrated by a Brunos Mars album. SInce removed, noise has stopped. All good.
Good to hear the facelift manages to survive such wanton abuse without lasting damage quite an achievement considering Ford's usual level of quality control. I have a facelifted version but with the 163bhp engine and manual box... though sadly the 5 speed, not the six and it really could use another gear but it was stupidly cheap so who cares. Mine is "barely run in" at 186k, the Volvo cliches never get old and thus far has been a great tool to basically treat with an element of care free abandonment and yet still cover miles with astounding ease. My top mount fell apart, then the alternator pulley started squeaking but a second hand one fixed that and it's been treated to four new Dunlops but aside for that, it's racking up miles like a Intercity train. Granted, had a worrying moment a few hours ago whilst cruising up the A1 for the 457th time this week... it suddenly made a horrific wailing noise. Sounded terminal to be honest but I realised the wife had been using the car and slot 6 on the headunit had been infiltrated by a Brunos Mars album. SInce removed, noise has stopped. All good.
Not sure your marriage will recover from such an ordeal though
Despite my attempts at the outset to consider this a shed to rack up some miles the old girl has weaved her way into my affection.
I mean as an example I filled her up with Shell V Power diesel yesterday. Nearly £100!
A few more of them and the fuel will have cost more than Luna herself!
Sadly so far all I have to show for this is extra Shell points (yay) and a realisation that she really doesn't care what diesel goes in.
I have to say it pleases me immensely to park it at work in the middle of the usual leased German mediocrity. It also makes a good discussion piece with clients who expect me to be driving aforementioned financial masochism.
Finally I must say thank you to you and S100HP for your brilliant write ups on V70 ownership.
Aside of giving me and many others great enjoyment with your writing, I leaned much about ownership of these old buses.
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