The Enabler - 2007 Volvo XC70 D5
Discussion
After months of indecision on what my next car should be I finally settled. First place on the list changed daily, from Citroen BXs, to Discovery 3's, and everything in between. One day I wanted ultimate comfort, the next practicality and the next the ultimate driving experience. After making excuses and shying away from all sorts of cars I have genuine interest in, I decided a two car policy was the best option. One perfectly practical and sensible car and another interesting one to satisfy my need for the quirky and different.
Now the second car in this two car policy will be slightly delayed due to a house purchase, and likely, more indecision. But the general idea is that this removes the ability to use excuses like "What if we need to buy a wardrobe from Ikea, and it's already been built".
I won't bore you all with the, er, lengthy decision making process that lead me to P2 XC70s but the basics is that I wanted:
Welcome to my shed money 2007 Volvo XC70 D5 SE
£1400 with just over 180k on the clock.
Definitely doesn't want for nothing, but unless I've missed something major there's nothing that will stop to car from being used, and a hefty chunk of the budget is left over to cover.
Initial list of things to fix:
Now the second car in this two car policy will be slightly delayed due to a house purchase, and likely, more indecision. But the general idea is that this removes the ability to use excuses like "What if we need to buy a wardrobe from Ikea, and it's already been built".
I won't bore you all with the, er, lengthy decision making process that lead me to P2 XC70s but the basics is that I wanted:
- Auto
- Diesel
- AWD
- Practical boot/load area
- Self-leveling rear suspension
Welcome to my shed money 2007 Volvo XC70 D5 SE
£1400 with just over 180k on the clock.
Definitely doesn't want for nothing, but unless I've missed something major there's nothing that will stop to car from being used, and a hefty chunk of the budget is left over to cover.
Initial list of things to fix:
- Driver's door lock is sticky and doesn't work with the remote
- Sat-Nav won't read discs
- Gear selector is loose
- Tyres are in need to replacement
- Centre console is creaky
- Engine/Gearbox mounts are all shot
- Creaky suspension on one corner
fleming164 said:
I completely convinced myself that somebody had removed the driveshaft to make it 2WD, there's no way it's that economical! A few tests on some gravel lay-bys and a muddy field entrance makes me think it is actually working though.
The 4WD can fail on some of the earlier cars (I used to work for a Volvo specialist, albeit not a mechanic.) Fairly certain the AWD has a controller and pump of sorts. Had several 2wd "4wd" XC's over the period I was there. If in doubt, get the codes read using Vida.Other than that, great purchase. Should stand you well. Keep on top of the maintenance and it'll power on until 300k + no problems.
I had the next gen one of these on a 57 plate and loved it. Bought it on 190k and sold it at 201k. It drove like a new car, ridiculously comfortable, fast enough, pretty good on fuel and capable enough for a bit of soft off roading. I prefer the looks of the previous generation one like yours.
ilovequo said:
Sounds very cheap! I envy you englanders having such a selection of cheap cars, in NI that car would be twice the price minimum.
To be fair most of them are around 2.5-3k. Think I struck lucky with this one, just been through the files and there's full service history and it looks like it's been given everything it asked for. It looks like it spent some time in NI too!Jonmx said:
I had the next gen one of these on a 57 plate and loved it. Bought it on 190k and sold it at 201k. It drove like a new car, ridiculously comfortable, fast enough, pretty good on fuel and capable enough for a bit of soft off roading. I prefer the looks of the previous generation one like yours.
I think the next gen ones are a lot more modern feeling, this feels quite dated in comparision to our '06 S40. I was quite keen on stretching to a P3, but buget creep kept kicking in and I was finding myself looking at the later twin-turbo versions for £7k+! If we have the money in a year or two it's likely we'll upgrade.The annual insruance policy doesn't start until tomorrow so I've occupied myself today by hoovering the interior and spending money on parts! All 5 engine mounts, a new key case, seat belt guide, gear selector repair kit and a Haynes manual. Hopefully that should keep me busy until next pay day!
Whats up with your gearshift?
I just bought this d5 v70 a few weeks ago, its only fault is occasionally 1st/reverse will be quite hard to engage (manual box). Double clutching into 3rd usuallu freea things up... Mechanic greased selectors but seems to have made little difference.
Had a full clutch replacement from volvo md 30k ago.
I just bought this d5 v70 a few weeks ago, its only fault is occasionally 1st/reverse will be quite hard to engage (manual box). Double clutching into 3rd usuallu freea things up... Mechanic greased selectors but seems to have made little difference.
Had a full clutch replacement from volvo md 30k ago.
Edited by ilovequo on Sunday 7th March 09:42
Great cars. I had a 2008 3.2 V6 petrol on 250,000 miles, looked and drove like it had done 30,000. Got rid of it in the end as +£500 tax and 17mpg started to hurt after a while.
I'm currently looking to buy either a 2008 D5 or if I can find one cheap enough the 2012 D5.
Hope you enjoy it.
I'm currently looking to buy either a 2008 D5 or if I can find one cheap enough the 2012 D5.
Hope you enjoy it.
Yep, great cars. Bought ours last winter as a hack/house mover/tip runner. It’s become the most used car in the household.
42mpg sounds about right for the auto on a cruise. They’re 2wd all the time until slip is detected and then haldex clutch on nose of rear Diff kicks in. Propshaft is spinning all the time, but otherwise no additional losses.
As above, get VIDA to read codes. The VX DIAG nano kits off ebay work well.
42mpg sounds about right for the auto on a cruise. They’re 2wd all the time until slip is detected and then haldex clutch on nose of rear Diff kicks in. Propshaft is spinning all the time, but otherwise no additional losses.
As above, get VIDA to read codes. The VX DIAG nano kits off ebay work well.
ilovequo said:
Whats up with your gearshift?
I just bought this d5 v70 a few weeks ago, its only fault is occasionally 1st/reverse will be quite hard to engage (manual box). Double clutching into 3rd usuallu freea things up... Mechanic greased selectors but seems to have made little difference.
There's no resistence between 'D' and Manual, or Manual and 'Up'. Seems to be a fairly common problem and could just be a spring that's popped off. The official repair kit was around £20. I'll see if I can take a quick video today.I just bought this d5 v70 a few weeks ago, its only fault is occasionally 1st/reverse will be quite hard to engage (manual box). Double clutching into 3rd usuallu freea things up... Mechanic greased selectors but seems to have made little difference.
Edited by ilovequo on Sunday 7th March 09:42
I do like the pre-facelift ones, I think they're better looking from the front, but I wanted the extra 20HP and 60lb/ft of torque
JQ said:
Great cars. I had a 2008 3.2 V6 petrol on 250,000 miles, looked and drove like it had done 30,000. Got rid of it in the end as +£500 tax and 17mpg started to hurt after a while.
I'm currently looking to buy either a 2008 D5 or if I can find one cheap enough the 2012 D5.
Hope you enjoy it.
The petrols were top of my list, either the 2.5t or the 3.2, unfortunately we bought a cheap caravan last year so ended up with a diesel. From what I've read the later D5's are much better. Twin-turbo so they're far more responsive and apparently they're quieter too. I've been quite surprised at how noisy this one is, coupled with the auto box which is more likely to let it rev. I'm currently looking to buy either a 2008 D5 or if I can find one cheap enough the 2012 D5.
Hope you enjoy it.
TurboRob said:
Yep, great cars. Bought ours last winter as a hack/house mover/tip runner. It’s become the most used car in the household.
42mpg sounds about right for the auto on a cruise. They’re 2wd all the time until slip is detected and then haldex clutch on nose of rear Diff kicks in. Propshaft is spinning all the time, but otherwise no additional losses.
As above, get VIDA to read codes. The VX DIAG nano kits off ebay work well.
If it sticks over 40mpg on a run I'll be over the moon. I'd budgeted for it being closer to 35! VIDA is on my list, but there are a few jobs taking priority for now!42mpg sounds about right for the auto on a cruise. They’re 2wd all the time until slip is detected and then haldex clutch on nose of rear Diff kicks in. Propshaft is spinning all the time, but otherwise no additional losses.
As above, get VIDA to read codes. The VX DIAG nano kits off ebay work well.
We ran an early V70 2.5T for 3.5 yrs up to 185k miles and other than an appetite for suspension parts (heavy engine & the car being 10yrs old when we bought it), it was an excellent car...so much so we replaced it with an S60 D5 which we ran for nearly 2 yrs. People taking the mickey out of Volvo estate owners, but once you get use to the poor turning circle, there's not much to worry about (& they have the comfiest seats of a car we've ever owned).
MrC986 said:
We ran an early V70 2.5T for 3.5 yrs up to 185k miles and other than an appetite for suspension parts (heavy engine & the car being 10yrs old when we bought it), it was an excellent car...so much so we replaced it with an S60 D5 which we ran for nearly 2 yrs. People taking the mickey out of Volvo estate owners, but once you get use to the poor turning circle, there's not much to worry about (& they have the comfiest seats of a car we've ever owned).
The suspension is pretty worn on this one. Funds allowing it'll all get replaced (except the nivomats as they were done a few years ago) by the time it has it's MOT in October. As for the turning circle, everyone mentions it and I was expecting it to be impossible to park but I haven't really noticed it yet!
First round of fixes.
Frustrating locking fuel cap replaced with a genuine Volvo one:
Fixed the actual fuel door lock (the reason behind the after-market locking cap) by removing the motor, dismantling it, and reassembling! Now it locks and unlocks with the rest of the car:
4/5 engine mounts replaced. I didn't take any pictures while doing it as I simply forgot.
Top Mount (The rubber in this one was completely separate from the mount!):
Front Vacuum mount:
Lower front mount just peeking through the under tray:
The rear vacuum mount has also been replaced, but I wasn't able to attach the vacuum line to it as the connector has snapped off inside the old mount (little white plastic bit on the image below). My understanding of these vacuum mounts is that when the car is under 1500rpm the vacuum pump activates and the mounts go 'soft', this reduces the vibration in the cabin at idle. Once you get on your way the vacuum is reduced and the mounts become more 'solid' as the engine is smoother at the higher rpm. Since the line is no longer attached to the rear mount I imagine both mounts are constantly in their 'solid' state. I've order a genuine hose with connectors so hopefully there's even more NVH reduction when that arrives:
The right lower mount hasn't been replaced. Unfortunately I couldn't get the bolts undone and I was due back inside for tea and the family zoom quiz (yep, we're still doing that!). I was slightly hindered by the fact the somebody has riveted the wheel arch liner to the car...
Next on the list will probably be the driver's side seat belt guide. I've ordered an eBay special for a tenner, hopefully it will be okay, otherwise it'll be £30 for a genuine one.
Frustrating locking fuel cap replaced with a genuine Volvo one:
Fixed the actual fuel door lock (the reason behind the after-market locking cap) by removing the motor, dismantling it, and reassembling! Now it locks and unlocks with the rest of the car:
4/5 engine mounts replaced. I didn't take any pictures while doing it as I simply forgot.
Top Mount (The rubber in this one was completely separate from the mount!):
Front Vacuum mount:
Lower front mount just peeking through the under tray:
The rear vacuum mount has also been replaced, but I wasn't able to attach the vacuum line to it as the connector has snapped off inside the old mount (little white plastic bit on the image below). My understanding of these vacuum mounts is that when the car is under 1500rpm the vacuum pump activates and the mounts go 'soft', this reduces the vibration in the cabin at idle. Once you get on your way the vacuum is reduced and the mounts become more 'solid' as the engine is smoother at the higher rpm. Since the line is no longer attached to the rear mount I imagine both mounts are constantly in their 'solid' state. I've order a genuine hose with connectors so hopefully there's even more NVH reduction when that arrives:
The right lower mount hasn't been replaced. Unfortunately I couldn't get the bolts undone and I was due back inside for tea and the family zoom quiz (yep, we're still doing that!). I was slightly hindered by the fact the somebody has riveted the wheel arch liner to the car...
Next on the list will probably be the driver's side seat belt guide. I've ordered an eBay special for a tenner, hopefully it will be okay, otherwise it'll be £30 for a genuine one.
TurboRob said:
Great to see another Ovlover working on these themselves.
Which make of engine mounts did you go for? I've done upper and lower, need to do front and rear.
Front arch liners are riveted on from factory
Bought all 5 from PartsForVolvo. The two vacuum mounts are Meyle (which I belive are OEM), the upper and front lower are genuine Volvo, and the right lower (which I haven't fitted yet) is branded as 'PartsForVolvo'. I spent a long time shopping around, but buying everything from P4V ended up being the same price, plus next day delivery was free!Which make of engine mounts did you go for? I've done upper and lower, need to do front and rear.
Front arch liners are riveted on from factory
Ah, didn't realise the arch liners were riveted on! There looks to be some bodged fasteners so I assumed somebody had just riveted instead of replacing!
New vacuum line arrived today. I was too impatient to replace the entire line so I just stole the connector and fitted it to the current line.
NVH at idle is much better now, you can no longer feel the seat vibrating! I would say it's still not quite as refined as our 2.0D S40 (which is hardly the pinnacle of automotive refinement!), but it's close.
I may fit the new vacuum line when I service the car next, if I'm feeling productive....
NVH at idle is much better now, you can no longer feel the seat vibrating! I would say it's still not quite as refined as our 2.0D S40 (which is hardly the pinnacle of automotive refinement!), but it's close.
I may fit the new vacuum line when I service the car next, if I'm feeling productive....
So a couple of weeks ago the eBay special seat belt guide arrived...
Damn
Guess I should have bitten the bullet and bought the official Volvo one for £27 + P&P!
Wait, what?
That ones not right either!
Back to google....
Turns out that they changed the seat belt guide in the 2005-2007 models when they did the facelift. That doesn't stop everybody advertising the above ones as 00-07 though!
I couldn't find the later revision from any UK seller so I ended up ringing the wonderful people at FRF Volvo Swansea. I've used them a few times and always forget how good they are, mail order only but the price usually comes out to the same or better than you can find online. £22 inc. postage bought be the correct item!
Ah, that's better! (Yes, the A-pillar needs a good scrub!)
The right hand seat belt gate is PN: 39873713 if anybody is interested!
I ordered the official Volvo towing Electrics and control box this week too (FRF again). The car has an aftermarket tow bar and electrics fitted currently, but the electrics don't work. I may change the tow bar to a swan neck one eventually, but that'll depend on how long we keep the car for.
The gear selector fix kit arrived, and so did the new bulbs for the climate panel so that will be on the list for the weekend, probably along with the towing electrics if they arrive in time.
New tyres on Saturday morning too.
Damn
Guess I should have bitten the bullet and bought the official Volvo one for £27 + P&P!
Wait, what?
That ones not right either!
Back to google....
Turns out that they changed the seat belt guide in the 2005-2007 models when they did the facelift. That doesn't stop everybody advertising the above ones as 00-07 though!
I couldn't find the later revision from any UK seller so I ended up ringing the wonderful people at FRF Volvo Swansea. I've used them a few times and always forget how good they are, mail order only but the price usually comes out to the same or better than you can find online. £22 inc. postage bought be the correct item!
Ah, that's better! (Yes, the A-pillar needs a good scrub!)
The right hand seat belt gate is PN: 39873713 if anybody is interested!
I ordered the official Volvo towing Electrics and control box this week too (FRF again). The car has an aftermarket tow bar and electrics fitted currently, but the electrics don't work. I may change the tow bar to a swan neck one eventually, but that'll depend on how long we keep the car for.
The gear selector fix kit arrived, and so did the new bulbs for the climate panel so that will be on the list for the weekend, probably along with the towing electrics if they arrive in time.
New tyres on Saturday morning too.
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