V70 D5 motorway cruiser
Discussion
I'm currently living in south Wales and have been offered a graduate job in the midlands, based at a well known Proving Ground. I'll still have to come home often to visit my father, aswell as having to do a lot of travelling for my new job. My M140i, while being a perfectly comfortable car, isn't particularly cheap to use for high milage.
Enter the new motorway cruiser. I wanted a cheap car I could put miles on and not worry about. I found this Volvo V70 D5, quite cheap, apparently full service history, belts changed twice, and only a couple of issues. 2007 car, D5, 157k miles and quite a good spec. Heated leather, sunroof, cruise, memory seat, plenty of space in the back too. I'd have liked an auto but I couldn't find a decent one, besides this should be better on fuel and less maintenance.
Cost me the grand total of £950. It does need a little bit of work:
Stereo doesn't work
One headlight has water ingression
Wheel bearing on the way out
Needs new handbrake shoes
Armrest doesn't close properly and is very annoying
Needs a service (more so because some of the service stamps look suspiciously similar)
Key for tow hook missing.
But that's about it. Ordered most bits I need, going to service it and hopefully forget about it and not spend money on it, which is easier said than done. Here's to lots of comfortable motorway miles
Enter the new motorway cruiser. I wanted a cheap car I could put miles on and not worry about. I found this Volvo V70 D5, quite cheap, apparently full service history, belts changed twice, and only a couple of issues. 2007 car, D5, 157k miles and quite a good spec. Heated leather, sunroof, cruise, memory seat, plenty of space in the back too. I'd have liked an auto but I couldn't find a decent one, besides this should be better on fuel and less maintenance.
Cost me the grand total of £950. It does need a little bit of work:
Stereo doesn't work
One headlight has water ingression
Wheel bearing on the way out
Needs new handbrake shoes
Armrest doesn't close properly and is very annoying
Needs a service (more so because some of the service stamps look suspiciously similar)
Key for tow hook missing.
But that's about it. Ordered most bits I need, going to service it and hopefully forget about it and not spend money on it, which is easier said than done. Here's to lots of comfortable motorway miles
Superb mile munchers they are.
I had an '04 that did several 1000+ trips to Europe and back with total ease.
Apparently (I'm not an expert) the manuals are the better choice as the auto boxes can have issues.
Yours looks lovely in that colour. Do I spot some kind of headrest speaker too? Never seen that before, interesting.
I had an '04 that did several 1000+ trips to Europe and back with total ease.
Apparently (I'm not an expert) the manuals are the better choice as the auto boxes can have issues.
Yours looks lovely in that colour. Do I spot some kind of headrest speaker too? Never seen that before, interesting.
Good to hear. Its very comfy to drive albeit a little rattley here and there.
Manual box is quite nice, I'm not too bothered about it. I drove a xc70 before I got this that was an auto and it didn't sound too healthy gearbox wise.
Yes it's a speaker that's linked to the phone, scared the life out of me when I pressed the sos button by accident
Manual box is quite nice, I'm not too bothered about it. I drove a xc70 before I got this that was an auto and it didn't sound too healthy gearbox wise.
Yes it's a speaker that's linked to the phone, scared the life out of me when I pressed the sos button by accident
FlabbyMidgets said:
Good to hear. Its very comfy to drive albeit a little rattley here and there.
Manual box is quite nice, I'm not too bothered about it. I drove a xc70 before I got this that was an auto and it didn't sound too healthy gearbox wise.
Yes it's a speaker that's linked to the phone, scared the life out of me when I pressed the sos button by accident
Ah factory fitted phone, didn't spot that. I'm trying to remember, I think that section was a pop-out cup holder on mine.Manual box is quite nice, I'm not too bothered about it. I drove a xc70 before I got this that was an auto and it didn't sound too healthy gearbox wise.
Yes it's a speaker that's linked to the phone, scared the life out of me when I pressed the sos button by accident
I hope it gives you plenty of trouble-free miles
Not sure whether this applies to euro 4 engines but on euro 3's you should check for an oil leak between the engine and gearbox. Run away or get your wallet out if you find anything, it's probably a core plug leaking behind the flywheel! Theres a small hole on the edge of the gearbox housing that it will drop from.
These D5s are brilliant engines, my mum had one and put 200k miles on it and in that time all that went wrong was a split end bit on the intercooler and key insert collapsed. Both cheap fixes.
I'm surprised you're not just gonna put the miles on the M140i though as I thought they could crack 40 mpg on a run?
I'm surprised you're not just gonna put the miles on the M140i though as I thought they could crack 40 mpg on a run?
KnackeredOldBanger said:
Not sure whether this applies to euro 4 engines but on euro 3's you should check for an oil leak between the engine and gearbox. Run away or get your wallet out if you find anything, it's probably a core plug leaking behind the flywheel! Theres a small hole on the edge of the gearbox housing that it will drop from.
Thats good to hear. I went to see an auto xc70 which was euro 3, half an hour before this one. It had quite a bad oil leak from that area. I was nearly tempted hoping it was just the sump. Glad I didn't! CarPrintGuy said:
These D5s are brilliant engines, my mum had one and put 200k miles on it and in that time all that went wrong was a split end bit on the intercooler and key insert collapsed. Both cheap fixes.
I'm surprised you're not just gonna put the miles on the M140i though as I thought they could crack 40 mpg on a run?
Also good to hear. If I could drive it and get 40mpg I'd be more tempted, but the sound gets the better of me and I inevitably end up putting my foot down. It also doesn't fit very much in and I don't fancy putting around 20k miles a year on it. I'm keeping track of costs and if the volvo isn't saving anything I'll most likely get rid. I can't see me losing anything on itI'm surprised you're not just gonna put the miles on the M140i though as I thought they could crack 40 mpg on a run?
ChampionRabbit said:
I'll be interested to read about fuel use since the D5 in the V70 isn't a particularly economical engine. I'd have thought averaging 40mpg would be an achievement, although maybe I'm just bad at driving! I haven't driven one in an age; maybe I misremember...
I bought one as the dog wagon for my wife 10 or so years ago, a mate drove it home who is obsessed with mpg, I was waiting for some time before he arrived with a big smile on his face, he’d got nearly 70 mpg (on the computer), mind, there was a 2 mile tailback behind him 
Even my wife could get 40 mpg out of it trundling round the villages.
Great barge.
It is a question asked many times but what sort of economy do you get on a run in the 140? Looking for it to be my next car but I do 350 work miles a week. No traffic and 300 of those miles are all motorway.
Currently got a barge myself although its a not the most economical Saab 9-3 Aero. Trying to work out if it is worth keeping this to commute in.
It is a question asked many times but what sort of economy do you get on a run in the 140? Looking for it to be my next car but I do 350 work miles a week. No traffic and 300 of those miles are all motorway.
Currently got a barge myself although its a not the most economical Saab 9-3 Aero. Trying to work out if it is worth keeping this to commute in.
Lovely car! These represent excellent value for money providing your not scared of some DIY maintenance at home.
You appear to have the later D5 euro 4 which is very pokey at 185bhp and 400nm. A used tuning box set at a medium setting woken mine up and it was an excellent motorway cruising machine.
Those rear shoes should be the first on your to do list as should they fail they cause damage to the hub assembly.
You appear to have the later D5 euro 4 which is very pokey at 185bhp and 400nm. A used tuning box set at a medium setting woken mine up and it was an excellent motorway cruising machine.
Those rear shoes should be the first on your to do list as should they fail they cause damage to the hub assembly.
RDHR32 said:
Great barge.
It is a question asked many times but what sort of economy do you get on a run in the 140? Looking for it to be my next car but I do 350 work miles a week. No traffic and 300 of those miles are all motorway.
Currently got a barge myself although its a not the most economical Saab 9-3 Aero. Trying to work out if it is worth keeping this to commute in.
On a run taking it easy I could get 40mpg if I try, 30 if I just drive normally, cruising like 80/90, any faster and I reckon I get around mid 20's. I just do short journeys recently and get around 19mpg. That being said I do sometimes drive it like you'd expect a 23 year old to drive a 140iIt is a question asked many times but what sort of economy do you get on a run in the 140? Looking for it to be my next car but I do 350 work miles a week. No traffic and 300 of those miles are all motorway.
Currently got a barge myself although its a not the most economical Saab 9-3 Aero. Trying to work out if it is worth keeping this to commute in.
XRMike said:
Lovely car! These represent excellent value for money providing your not scared of some DIY maintenance at home.
You appear to have the later D5 euro 4 which is very pokey at 185bhp and 400nm. A used tuning box set at a medium setting woken mine up and it was an excellent motorway cruising machine.
Those rear shoes should be the first on your to do list as should they fail they cause damage to the hub assembly.
Thats what I'm hoping. Yeah it's the 185, it's had apparently had an egr blank fitted and had a remap. It does feel pokey, if uni opens back up before by job starts I might put it on the rolling road. You appear to have the later D5 euro 4 which is very pokey at 185bhp and 400nm. A used tuning box set at a medium setting woken mine up and it was an excellent motorway cruising machine.
Those rear shoes should be the first on your to do list as should they fail they cause damage to the hub assembly.
Yep already ordered new shoes and a rear wheel bearing kit, plus standard service stuff. I'm looking for a headunit, didn't realise how expensive they were! Nearly half the value of the car for a good one!
FlabbyMidgets said:
Thats what I'm hoping. Yeah it's the 185, it's had apparently had an egr blank fitted and had a remap. It does feel pokey, if uni opens back up before by job starts I might put it on the rolling road.
Yep already ordered new shoes and a rear wheel bearing kit, plus standard service stuff. I'm looking for a headunit, didn't realise how expensive they were! Nearly half the value of the car for a good one!
If it's had the remap as suggested you'll be knocking on the door of 220bhp providing the engine and turbo is healthy. These engines are very impressive bits of kit.Yep already ordered new shoes and a rear wheel bearing kit, plus standard service stuff. I'm looking for a headunit, didn't realise how expensive they were! Nearly half the value of the car for a good one!
That's good to hear, so many horror stories of rear parking brake issues it's scary.
There are a few android options in regards to the H/U, although I retained mine and added a Volvo 300 amp and wiring kit for a subwoofer.
If you get the bug for mods xc90 front and rear brakes fit easily... fronts being 336mm as per mk2 Focus RS. You can also make the engine brace solid to convert to a strut brace for pennies. Investing in Volvo Dice might be worthwhile for diagnostics and troubleshooting.
XRMike said:
If it's had the remap as suggested you'll be knocking on the door of 220bhp providing the engine and turbo is healthy. These engines are very impressive bits of kit.
That's good to hear, so many horror stories of rear parking brake issues it's scary.
There are a few android options in regards to the H/U, although I retained mine and added a Volvo 300 amp and wiring kit for a subwoofer.
If you get the bug for mods xc90 front and rear brakes fit easily... fronts being 336mm as per mk2 Focus RS. You can also make the engine brace solid to convert to a strut brace for pennies. Investing in Volvo Dice might be worthwhile for diagnostics and troubleshooting.
I would have stuck to the original hu but it's not working, common fault apparently. Trying to fit a aftermarket hu is a little confusing due to the factory amp that's fitted. I haven't heard great things about android units, but for the price it may be worth a shot. That's good to hear, so many horror stories of rear parking brake issues it's scary.
There are a few android options in regards to the H/U, although I retained mine and added a Volvo 300 amp and wiring kit for a subwoofer.
If you get the bug for mods xc90 front and rear brakes fit easily... fronts being 336mm as per mk2 Focus RS. You can also make the engine brace solid to convert to a strut brace for pennies. Investing in Volvo Dice might be worthwhile for diagnostics and troubleshooting.
I'm staying away from mods, all I'm tempted to do is fit some better headlight bulbs. Any other mods and it's a slippery slope
You can get the head unit repaired by these guys https://www.centralservicescaraudio.co.uk/
It's invariably dry joints, they are cheaper than a new head. Unit
The gearbox will start slipping at some point. You don't need to do the whole box, just the valavebody, there are various repairs on a swap basis and you can do. It from above on the driveway.
The steering racks leak a lot, talk to formula cars for a replacement. They are rebuidable but the cost doesn't make sense.
The intercooler swell and eventually corrode, you can stop this by banding the intercoolwr
Particalry handy if your running a more aggressive map.
There are tonnes of interesting options and a accessories you can find if you look out for them!
It's invariably dry joints, they are cheaper than a new head. Unit
The gearbox will start slipping at some point. You don't need to do the whole box, just the valavebody, there are various repairs on a swap basis and you can do. It from above on the driveway.
The steering racks leak a lot, talk to formula cars for a replacement. They are rebuidable but the cost doesn't make sense.
The intercooler swell and eventually corrode, you can stop this by banding the intercoolwr
Particalry handy if your running a more aggressive map.
There are tonnes of interesting options and a accessories you can find if you look out for them!
Manual will give you the best MPG. Is that a 5 or 6 speed box (think that the 6 had a spherical knob).
Anyone achieving less than 50MPG in a EuIV with a manual box needs to learn how to drive a diesel. Cannot recall if I achieved 1060 or 1070miles on brim to brim. If it is chipped then you will easily spin the wheels with less than half decent tyres.
Best colour (except black) - great choice and with Oreste (I think) alloys! Soon you will also appreciate why many say that they have the best seats.
Anyone achieving less than 50MPG in a EuIV with a manual box needs to learn how to drive a diesel. Cannot recall if I achieved 1060 or 1070miles on brim to brim. If it is chipped then you will easily spin the wheels with less than half decent tyres.
Best colour (except black) - great choice and with Oreste (I think) alloys! Soon you will also appreciate why many say that they have the best seats.
PugwasHDJ80 said:
You can get the head unit repaired by these guys https://www.centralservicescaraudio.co.uk/
It's invariably dry joints, they are cheaper than a new head. Unit
The gearbox will start slipping at some point. You don't need to do the whole box, just the valavebody, there are various repairs on a swap basis and you can do. It from above on the driveway.
The steering racks leak a lot, talk to formula cars for a replacement. They are rebuidable but the cost doesn't make sense.
The intercooler swell and eventually corrode, you can stop this by banding the intercoolwr
Particalry handy if your running a more aggressive map.
There are tonnes of interesting options and a accessories you can find if you look out for them!
Thanks, a lot of handy tips there. Luckily I've got a manual, the auto I looked at was a right dog. Front bumper is coming off soon so I'll check out the intercooler. It's invariably dry joints, they are cheaper than a new head. Unit
The gearbox will start slipping at some point. You don't need to do the whole box, just the valavebody, there are various repairs on a swap basis and you can do. It from above on the driveway.
The steering racks leak a lot, talk to formula cars for a replacement. They are rebuidable but the cost doesn't make sense.
The intercooler swell and eventually corrode, you can stop this by banding the intercoolwr
Particalry handy if your running a more aggressive map.
There are tonnes of interesting options and a accessories you can find if you look out for them!
T5R+ said:
Manual will give you the best MPG. Is that a 5 or 6 speed box (think that the 6 had a spherical knob).
Anyone achieving less than 50MPG in a EuIV with a manual box needs to learn how to drive a diesel. Cannot recall if I achieved 1060 or 1070miles on brim to brim. If it is chipped then you will easily spin the wheels with less than half decent tyres.
Best colour (except black) - great choice and with Oreste (I think) alloys! Soon you will also appreciate why many say that they have the best seats.
6 speed manual box in this. Getting decent mpg although I've barely driven it. Looking forward to a motorway cruise in it. Hopefully I get that sort of range, not sure on tank size. I do like the colour, nice and low maintenance. I like the wheels too, they do let the whole car down in their condition so I may get them powder coated in a nice silver. And the seats are very impressive, it's more like an arm chairAnyone achieving less than 50MPG in a EuIV with a manual box needs to learn how to drive a diesel. Cannot recall if I achieved 1060 or 1070miles on brim to brim. If it is chipped then you will easily spin the wheels with less than half decent tyres.
Best colour (except black) - great choice and with Oreste (I think) alloys! Soon you will also appreciate why many say that they have the best seats.
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