Discussion
I have just been offered a 180k V70 TDI at a bargain price and apart from the mileage it looks like a lovely car - full leather, lots of (working) toys, no rust and good service history. The obvious question though is how reliable can I expect it to be with this sort of mileage on it the clock? It is a manual gearbox so I assume it would be better but I generally do ~25k/Year so would like to know if I could expect another 50k from a good one? Are these engines reliable? Are they the earlier versions of the D5 by any chance? Are they easy to work on/service and what sort of Mileage could I expect from one..? I note with interest that there are not many for sale - not sure if this is because they are rare or just so good, people don't want to get rid of them..! What should I be looking for?
Appreciate the feedback.
Appreciate the feedback.
Right, we've had 5 of these engines in the family.
I owned a manual Tdi. Dad has two auto Tdi's, one of these went over 180k miles. Goes like stink (for what it is...) no problems at all really. It's had a MAF go, and an air leak.
My manual Tdi was bloody good too. Infact, I wish i'd never got rid. If you feel like it drives well, it should go on forever.
The flywheels and clutches on the manual and a biggish job, but mega mileage is not uncommon with these cars at all. Even if the clutch+FW need doing, the initial outlay should still be worth it. It will eat 25k miles up easily. The engine should not use any oil either.
Apologies that this post is all over the shop - dinner is ready!
I owned a manual Tdi. Dad has two auto Tdi's, one of these went over 180k miles. Goes like stink (for what it is...) no problems at all really. It's had a MAF go, and an air leak.
My manual Tdi was bloody good too. Infact, I wish i'd never got rid. If you feel like it drives well, it should go on forever.
The flywheels and clutches on the manual and a biggish job, but mega mileage is not uncommon with these cars at all. Even if the clutch+FW need doing, the initial outlay should still be worth it. It will eat 25k miles up easily. The engine should not use any oil either.
Apologies that this post is all over the shop - dinner is ready!
Hi
I've been driving Volvos for over 25 years and have my V70tdi auto for 7 years and only just done 210,000 miles !! Usual wear and tear and only a spot of rust on it's galvanised body. As for the 5 cylinder VW/Audi 2.5 diesel unit, it will go forever as long as you give it regular services. Cambelt change @ 80K and fuel pump belt change @ 40k - keep an eye on these pls. The heavy diesel engine gives a great grip in the snow and I've never been stuck in the recent bad winters - and that's in an automatic. As for the seats, you can spend hours driving and not get tired. Solid bit of pre-Ford car and parts still widely available. Should expect around 40mpg urban and around 50mpg on motorways depending on your driving. Autos will obviously less (4 speed on mine).
Check out Volvo drivers on : www.volvoforums.org.uk
Plenty of dedicated news, views and help available - Volvo for Life !!
Good Luck
I've been driving Volvos for over 25 years and have my V70tdi auto for 7 years and only just done 210,000 miles !! Usual wear and tear and only a spot of rust on it's galvanised body. As for the 5 cylinder VW/Audi 2.5 diesel unit, it will go forever as long as you give it regular services. Cambelt change @ 80K and fuel pump belt change @ 40k - keep an eye on these pls. The heavy diesel engine gives a great grip in the snow and I've never been stuck in the recent bad winters - and that's in an automatic. As for the seats, you can spend hours driving and not get tired. Solid bit of pre-Ford car and parts still widely available. Should expect around 40mpg urban and around 50mpg on motorways depending on your driving. Autos will obviously less (4 speed on mine).
Check out Volvo drivers on : www.volvoforums.org.uk
Plenty of dedicated news, views and help available - Volvo for Life !!
Good Luck
I had a 1998 V70 2.5 TDi with 230k miles on the clock. (Face lifted version of the 850 shape) It didn't use a drop of oil, started first time, pulled very well and cruised at 90 if I wanted to, fantastic car. The engine was bullet proof, my local Volvo specialist says it's the best engine ever used in a Volvo - as long as it has oil and water nothing breaks.
It was probably one of the best built cars I've had too, incredibly well put together and designed, it's a real shame the later cars are Ford based, my current S80 although faster, quieter, smoother and more roomy doesn't have the rock solid feel of that V70.
The only things that went on mine are the usual items, ball joints and a few bushes and brake discs.
I did block off the EGR valve - that made a good difference, lowered the amount of smoke and made it slightly faster so the spring in the EGR valve was probably a bit weak.
It was probably one of the best built cars I've had too, incredibly well put together and designed, it's a real shame the later cars are Ford based, my current S80 although faster, quieter, smoother and more roomy doesn't have the rock solid feel of that V70.
The only things that went on mine are the usual items, ball joints and a few bushes and brake discs.
I did block off the EGR valve - that made a good difference, lowered the amount of smoke and made it slightly faster so the spring in the EGR valve was probably a bit weak.
i bought mine about 18 months ago and since then have done nigh on 40k, none of which were very kind miles either. It's been brilliant, granted it's a bit rough round the edges but it was bought as a stop gap workhorse but has been so good, I'm loathed to part with it. It's never actually let me down and what it's needed has been wear and tear - track rod ends, lower suspension arm (balljoint) couple of rear top mounts, an ABS ring and sensor and that's about it aside for servicing parts. Change the oil every 10k and the diesel filter every 5k and they'll run and run. Mine will do 40 to 50mpg during normal driving and thus far, has taken some abuse towing, shifting machinery, the kids, surviving my missus and so on. Very simple, well engineered cars... granted, a bit dull to drive and no street cred but as a solid, economical and reliable big bus, they're rather good.
morgrp said:
More info please!
In short, I had a 1996 850R Auto for a brief stint earlier in the year, decided it was surplus to requirements, popped it up for sale and it was bought by the Top Gear chaps for use in one of their forthcoming big challenges. Not sure when it's due on the TV, possibly around Christmas or it may be the new year. Mine bit back the other day and developed a fairly significant rattle which I thought was something broken along the valve train. Turns out the o/s timing belt had gone slack and thus, the belt was rattling off the casing. Bugger. Stripped it down to discover the tensioner had gone slack. Bugger. Now, normally I'd have whipped it off, popped a new one on with a new belt and carried out but VW in their wisdom have fitted a massive pulley on the end of the crank which is seemingly on so tight, you will poop your pants.
Plus, seems the crank is't splined nor has a woodruff key... so when you take it off (in order to access the belt tensioner) then you need o time the whole lot back up, including the 'other' end of the engine, ie the second belt that runs the diesel pump, the latter of which needs the timing set with some sort of computer. Already visions of snapped power bars, smashed valves and increasing debt were flashing before my very eyes. So, I left it on the drive for a few days.
Then, I figured it's a Volvo and old Volvos don't die so whipped the auxiliary drive belt tensioner tensioner off, realised you need Volvo special tool GBJR48254/6544/GHY-7653 mk3 to tightened the tensioner but figured a BMW viscous fan spanner will do the job. Just. Granted couldn't get the tensioner tight tight, but certainly got the belt a damn sight tighter than it was so stood back, alerted the emergency services in case there was going to be a massive explosion or bits of camshaft would soon be embedded in my eye... and started it.
Great success! It runs so no damaged valves or broken camshaft here. The tensioner is turning, the belt's tight and ok so it's running a bit off centre but bah, it runs so sod it. So far it's done 500 miles and hasn't consumed it's internals yet and actually seems to be running better and there's less diesel knock than before, especially from cold when the turbo finally remembers what it's role is and starts working.
So, in short... not entirely sure what happened but seems it's advised the tensioner tension as it were should be checked every 20k and nipped up when required. Makes sense given mine has done 35,000 miles since it arrived 18 months ago and I've pretty much neglected it and nor is there any belt change history. I may have a go at locked up the crank (which can be done through the bell housing seemingly) getting the pulley off and sticking a tensioner on it but for the time being, the old girl rides again.
I've now probably cursed myself and so await a call for Mrs Davie to say it's ground to a halt and the AA are en route...
Plus, seems the crank is't splined nor has a woodruff key... so when you take it off (in order to access the belt tensioner) then you need o time the whole lot back up, including the 'other' end of the engine, ie the second belt that runs the diesel pump, the latter of which needs the timing set with some sort of computer. Already visions of snapped power bars, smashed valves and increasing debt were flashing before my very eyes. So, I left it on the drive for a few days.
Then, I figured it's a Volvo and old Volvos don't die so whipped the auxiliary drive belt tensioner tensioner off, realised you need Volvo special tool GBJR48254/6544/GHY-7653 mk3 to tightened the tensioner but figured a BMW viscous fan spanner will do the job. Just. Granted couldn't get the tensioner tight tight, but certainly got the belt a damn sight tighter than it was so stood back, alerted the emergency services in case there was going to be a massive explosion or bits of camshaft would soon be embedded in my eye... and started it.
Great success! It runs so no damaged valves or broken camshaft here. The tensioner is turning, the belt's tight and ok so it's running a bit off centre but bah, it runs so sod it. So far it's done 500 miles and hasn't consumed it's internals yet and actually seems to be running better and there's less diesel knock than before, especially from cold when the turbo finally remembers what it's role is and starts working.
So, in short... not entirely sure what happened but seems it's advised the tensioner tension as it were should be checked every 20k and nipped up when required. Makes sense given mine has done 35,000 miles since it arrived 18 months ago and I've pretty much neglected it and nor is there any belt change history. I may have a go at locked up the crank (which can be done through the bell housing seemingly) getting the pulley off and sticking a tensioner on it but for the time being, the old girl rides again.
I've now probably cursed myself and so await a call for Mrs Davie to say it's ground to a halt and the AA are en route...
George111 said:
It was probably one of the best built cars I've had too, incredibly well put together and designed, it's a real shame the later cars are Ford based, my current S80 although faster, quieter, smoother and more roomy doesn't have the rock solid feel of that V70.
Which ones are Ford based? The 2000-2007 model isn't, it has Volvo DNA all the way through.Super Slo Mo said:
George111 said:
It was probably one of the best built cars I've had too, incredibly well put together and designed, it's a real shame the later cars are Ford based, my current S80 although faster, quieter, smoother and more roomy doesn't have the rock solid feel of that V70.
Which ones are Ford based? The 2000-2007 model isn't, it has Volvo DNA all the way through.George111 said:
Super Slo Mo said:
George111 said:
It was probably one of the best built cars I've had too, incredibly well put together and designed, it's a real shame the later cars are Ford based, my current S80 although faster, quieter, smoother and more roomy doesn't have the rock solid feel of that V70.
Which ones are Ford based? The 2000-2007 model isn't, it has Volvo DNA all the way through.Gassing Station | Volvo & Polestar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff