What's the best Volvo? V70R ?...from Bedfordshire

Post 782266 by ROCKOZ on 2015-08-18 17:37:05

Hello. I'm Ollie from Bedfordshire. I've started looking into Volvos and now trying to work out what's what. I'm after an estate - petrol - manual ideally fairly quick (but totally reliable?) so which is best v70R? Or a T5? What are the model differences? I've currently got a Subaru Legacy GTB which I love but want something that'll (hopefully) be bullet proof if I find the right one..what mileages would you consider up to? I'd like it to last me a fair few hassle free years... I'm also quite partial to the 4wd of my legacy! Thanks a lot I hope to buy something soon. Ollie

Post 782268 by Harvey on 2015-08-18 17:52:52

What's best well that's very much up to personal preference, but what sort of year car are you looking for / price. Very happy with mine V70R 2006 model year but it's a 2005 year car the big thing is when the road tax changed 2006 cars are around £490 a year the 2005 cars are £285 ish. You want to see a Full service history at least or a big folder of what's been done to the car.

Post 782269 by Ettienne on 2015-08-18 17:53:08

There is a buying tuning guide on the forum in the p2 section

Post 782270 by Ettienne on 2015-08-18 17:54:09

[QUOTE=Harvey;782268]What's best well that's very much up to personal preference, but what sort of year car are you looking for / price. Very happy with mine V70R 2006 model year but it's a 2005 year car the big thing is when the road tax changed 2006 cars are around £490 a year the 2005 cars are £285 ish. You want to see a Full service history at least or a big folder of what's been done to the car.[/QUOTE] Happy with my 14 days before the tax increase too

Post 782271 by claymore on 2015-08-18 17:54:10

850 is the best :)

Post 782272 by Ettienne on 2015-08-18 17:57:02

I fortunately have both, oh and rwd :)

Post 782273 by twr on 2015-08-18 17:59:54

[QUOTE=claymore;782271]850 is the best :)[/QUOTE] Here here ��

Post 782275 by Ettienne on 2015-08-18 18:00:56

Worth a read if your thinking of buying, it's got pitfalls as well as tuning info http://www.vpcuk.org/forums/showthread.php?57355-The-BIG-(Potentially)-P2-Remap-thread-(No-Crap!)&p=782274#post782274

Post 782292 by ROCKOZ on 2015-08-18 19:29:35

If you ever want to sell yours - let me know. I think a 4wd v70R has got to be the way surely? I've read the link Ettienne - quite interesting. I don't know if I would tune it to be honest. I'm quite partial to OEM after having my modified Legacy. I dunno, I'd need to have a go in a modifed one! Hardest thing is finding one in the first place?!!!??? [QUOTE=Harvey;782268]What's best well that's very much up to personal preference, but what sort of year car are you looking for / price. Very happy with mine V70R 2006 model year but it's a 2005 year car the big thing is when the road tax changed 2006 cars are around £490 a year the 2005 cars are £285 ish. You want to see a Full service history at least or a big folder of what's been done to the car.[/QUOTE]

Post 782293 by ROCKOZ on 2015-08-18 19:34:47

Price wise - under £5k

Post 782305 by Santa on 2015-08-18 20:14:17

Welcome :)

Post 782311 by M-R-P on 2015-08-18 20:27:40

V70R is indeed the pinnacle of Volvo engineering.... ....until it goes wrong. Then you may find yourself selling body parts or even your least favorite child to repair it. Grab a face-lift T5 and spend the difference tuning it a little. Better fuel economy, less to go wrong, faster if tuned correctly... The only downside being fwd and less toys to play with.

Post 782320 by ROCKOZ on 2015-08-18 20:48:57

There's a lot more T5's about but even those with 'low' mileage seem rare! What goes wrong with the R's then? What makes the T5's more reliable? Doesn't the FWD torque steer horribly? What mileage would you buy up to? Thanks again. Good to find some enthusiasts. Ollie [QUOTE=M-R-P;782311]V70R is indeed the pinnacle of Volvo engineering.... ....until it goes wrong. Then you may find yourself selling body parts or even your least favorite child to repair it. Grab a face-lift T5 and spend the difference tuning it a little. Better fuel economy, less to go wrong, faster if tuned correctly... The only downside being fwd and less toys to play with.[/QUOTE]

Post 782323 by claymore on 2015-08-18 20:55:06

one of the biggest issues is the awd system.

Post 782325 by jamesy12345 on 2015-08-18 20:57:32

:welcome: Does it need to be an estate? S70R would be my vote :) Nice choice of Scooby btw

Post 782356 by ROCKOZ on 2015-08-18 22:09:30

Bit of a shame that..massively ruins the R for me. I do have a big preference towards an estate but I guess ultimately it would depend what came up at the right money!

Post 782364 by M-R-P on 2015-08-18 22:51:17

Mine has over 217k on it, does 40mpg @ 60mph, 150mph in 4th gear, surprises many 330i (and some M3) drivers, has no knocks, rattles etc. The turbo has a very mild smoking habit but then I'm running 17-22 psi through the original turbo :D. That'll be rectified shortly ;) Age and mileage are irrelevant, it's all about how well it's been looked after :) Not too shabby for an old plodder.

Post 782365 by stribo on 2015-08-18 22:51:51

[QUOTE=ROCKOZ;782356]Bit of a shame that..massively ruins the R for me. I do have a big preference towards an estate but I guess ultimately it would depend what came up at the right money![/QUOTE] As an R owner, I would agree with Harvey, full service history, from Volvo, or Volvo specialist is essential. The R doesn't actually cost that much more to run than a T5, but certain things have to be taken care of at servicing, that a T5 doesn't need. First off the angle gear, they all weep (we've had our's resealed twice in the 3 1/2 years since we've owned the car and it still weeps), so make sure it's topped up at every service. If there's no record of it, get the haldex unit on the rear diff serviced (oil and filter) it'll only need doing every 100K miles, but for peace of mind, whatever the mileage, get it done. Other than that, nothing other than a T5 would need. Check any car you're looking at doesn't use water, that will point to a split liner, it's a problem some have, though , contrary to popular belief, not all, it can be rectified, but budget about £500-600 to get it done. The R also has a 3 mode suspension system, with electronic shocks, if these need replacing, they can be sourced from Monroe for about £300 for either both fronts or both rears, which is far cheaper than getting them from Volvo. If you find a good one, it'll be head and shoulders above any T5, the traction and grip you get from the AWD, makes a T5 look silly in the dry, and laughs in it's face in the wet. Our's get's thrashed around the track, and up the strip (though sadly not this year) and the only problems we've had with it, are, the VVT unit packed up on the exhaust fan (£500 bill), and the water pump failed, because I was stupid enough to buy a cheap one off eBay (that was in my Volvo infancy). As for an 850, our S60R shows some of them a clean set of heels. :) [video=youtube;5fTritwFUNM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fTritwFUNM[/video]

Post 782366 by stribo on 2015-08-18 22:53:39

[QUOTE=M-R-P;782364]Mine has over 217k on it, does 40mpg @ 60mph, 150mph in 4th gear, surprises many 330i (and some M3) drivers, has no knocks, rattles etc. The turbo has a very mild smoking habit but then I'm running 17-22 psi through the original turbo :D. That'll be rectified shortly ;) Age and mileage are irrelevant, it's all about how well it's been looked after :) Not too shabby for an old plodder. [/QUOTE] and never seen a strip, or track in its life.

Post 782369 by Ettienne on 2015-08-18 23:22:23

I personally dont think they are expensive to repair or run, buy phase 2.5 and look after it

Post 782510 by ROCKOZ on 2015-08-20 00:16:50

Searching the web and struggling to find one I want to buy! Anyone seen a good buy?

Post 782513 by Harvey on 2015-08-20 00:37:28

They are like buses never when you want

Post 782573 by LiamT4 on 2015-08-20 16:57:59

Technically speaking, the s60 and v70 R are better than the T5s and the earlier cars, though they do have a few more issues than a normal T5 of the same generation. But if you really wanted one, i wouldn't let that put you off, just make sure you get one thats been looked after. Personally, i prefer the older 850s and S70 R's. For me they just have more character (although i find thats the case with most cars, not just volvo's).

Post 782613 by Shinsplintz 101 on 2015-08-20 20:35:11

Get an 850. Simple. Anything post 1997 does nothing for me. Volvo's especially. Get a good t5, or R, MOD it sensibly & look after it & you'll be the envy of all your friends & family for years to come. They are great cars, comfy, fast & bonkers fast when thrashed. Each too their own, so good luck with the hunt. Cheers, Morgan

Post 782614 by Nealevo on 2015-08-20 20:47:46

850 is a better car, but they are becoming fragile, the newer stuff just got heavier, get a T5 or R and I doubt you will lose money as they seem to be creeping up in price. Be warned once you start modding them, it's a long and expensive slope to hell. Have fun.

Post 782617 by stribo on 2015-08-20 21:01:35

[QUOTE=Nealevo;782614]850 is a better car, but they are becoming fragile, the newer stuff just got heavier, get a T5 or R and I doubt you will lose money as they seem to be creeping up in price. Be warned once you start modding them, it's a long and expensive slope to hell. Have fun.[/QUOTE] How is it better? Or has JamesT5 hacked your account?

Post 782620 by Nealevo on 2015-08-20 21:07:51

[QUOTE=stribo;782617]How is it better? Or has JamesT5 hacked your account?[/QUOTE] It's better in every way.

Post 782623 by Harvey on 2015-08-20 21:14:21

[QUOTE=Nealevo;782620]It's better in every way.[/QUOTE] At least it's not inferior.

Post 782625 by Ettienne on 2015-08-20 21:26:22

[QUOTE=Nealevo;782620]It's better in every way.[/QUOTE] Oh yeah just love them rubbish 4sp autos, oh hang on didn't you change your box lol

Post 782627 by stribo on 2015-08-20 21:29:39

[QUOTE=Nealevo;782620]It's better in every way.[/QUOTE] As in, slower, noisier, more uncomfortable, less toys, worse sound system, less space, need I go on?

Post 782630 by Ettienne on 2015-08-20 21:50:04

Having both, p2r auto brilliant as a daily, 850 fun car beit as a classic or track car. P2 fatter less edgy, more civilised stronger engine (shimmed) better turbo, better brakes. 850s can be more fun, definitely sharper can actually make it around a car park, less civilised, still make a good passable daily (not an auto though) Horses for courses.

Post 782633 by Nealevo on 2015-08-20 21:57:14

[QUOTE=stribo;782627]As in, slower, nope, fastest Volvo on forum is 850 noisier, not really more uncomfortable, it's because you have cheap suspension, you should try quality stuff. less toys, elec everything, cruise, climate, heated f&r seats what more do you need worse sound system, I got an iPod connector less space, can you fit a wardrobe in the back of you c70/s60??? need I go on?...... Please do as nothing above is true. [/QUOTE] Lol xxx

Post 782640 by stribo on 2015-08-20 22:32:57

As in, slower, nope, fastest Volvo on forum is 850.[COLOR="#FF0000"] Yes, one 850, your, Jims, Ades etc are slower than our R, in fact, a 434 BHP 850, can only manage the 1/4 in 14.7 seconds :P[/COLOR] noisier, not really[COLOR="#FF0000"] So no trim rattle from any 850 ever?[/COLOR] more uncomfortable, it's because you have cheap suspension, you should try quality stuff.[COLOR="#FF0000"] Ha, 3 mode suspension on an R, it can be as comfortable as a limo on the road, and nice and tight for the track.[/COLOR] less toys, elec everything, cruise, climate, heated f&r seats what more do you need[COLOR="#FF0000"] Memory seats, and mirrors programmed to the keys, electric folding mirrors, xenons, two setting heated seats, auto dim rear view mirror, rain sensing wipers etc[/COLOR] worse sound system, I got an iPod connector [COLOR="#FF0000"]You haven't got 13 speakers with pro logic dolby II in an 850[/COLOR] less space, can you fit a wardrobe in the back of you c70/s60??? [COLOR="#FF0000"]Talking about a V70R yes you can, and as MRP will tell you, (whether you want to hear it or not ;) ) you can fit a double matress in the back.[/COLOR] need I go on?...... Please do as nothing above is true. [COLOR="#FF0000"]Job done. :D[/COLOR]

Post 782642 by Doingitsideways on 2015-08-20 22:49:15

Now, now, girls... Look, we all know that the superior car on the forum is my 460 Turbo! :D I think everyone should get one. Oh wait, you can't. There are none left :(

Post 782649 by Ettienne on 2015-08-20 23:22:01

Just curious I think the 850s would put up a better fight on the track if properly set up with the weight advantage. But then it wouldn't be a standard car.

Post 782651 by LiamT4 on 2015-08-20 23:33:23

Well, i do disagree on the space. There's clearly less room in an s60 than there was in the older s70s and 850 saloons.

Post 782655 by Doingitsideways on 2015-08-20 23:46:46

[QUOTE=Ettienne;782649]Just curious I think the 850s would put up a better fight on the track if properly set up with the weight advantage. But then it wouldn't be a standard car.[/QUOTE] I don't think there would be much, if anything, in it. The P80s would have weight on their side, but superior traction out of bends would bring the P2Rs back into it.

Post 782657 by stribo on 2015-08-20 23:50:03

[QUOTE=LiamT4;782651]Well, i do disagree on the space. There's clearly less room in an s60 than there was in the older s70s and 850 saloons.[/QUOTE] Definitely, but the thread is about a P2 V70R, and they have loads more space than a 855/P1 V70.

Post 782658 by LiamT4 on 2015-08-21 00:05:27

[QUOTE=stribo;782657]Definitely, but the thread is about a P2 V70R, and they have loads more space than a 855/P1 V70.[/QUOTE] I've never noticed the legroom to be any more than the previous cars. I'd have thought the boot would be bigger though, after all they are pretty lardy car.

Post 782659 by stribo on 2015-08-21 00:05:28

[QUOTE=Ettienne;782649]Just curious I think the 850s would put up a better fight on the track if properly set up with the weight advantage. But then it wouldn't be a standard car.[/QUOTE] [QUOTE=LiamT4;782651]Well, i do disagree on the space. There's clearly less room in an s60 than there was in the older s70s and 850 saloons.[/QUOTE] [QUOTE=Doingitsideways;782655]I don't think there would be much, if anything, in it. The P80s would have weight on their side, but superior traction out of bends would bring the P2Rs back into it.[/QUOTE] A standard P2 V70R would be far quicker on a track, that a standard 855R, better power to weight ratio, 6 speed box, active AWD, far, far, far superior brakes, and adaptive suspension, the old 850 wouldn't stand a chance. I understand the hankering after the old days, when the 855 was in the BTCC, and the 854, but they won jack, the S40 would the title, but no-one seems to care about them. Either way, it was nearly 20 years ago, things change, time moves on, and the car that is 10 years newer, is not surprisingly better than the older car, in pretty much every way, and to be fair, that's no surprise, if Volvo made a performance model, that was worse than a 10 year old predecessor, they'd be slated, and rightly so. I think the biggest problem is, 10 years on from the P2R there hasn't been the leap in performance, that there was from the 850R to the P2R, which means, I personally will be looking to a different manufacturer when it 's time to sell the R.

Post 782660 by LiamT4 on 2015-08-21 00:13:48

I'd never argue about which is the better car, technically speaking. Just looking at purely standard cars, its quicker in a straight line, will go round corners quicker, stop shorter, use less fuel, less wind/road noise, should be safer in a crash, etc. Everything else is just personal preference.

Post 782663 by Ettienne on 2015-08-21 01:22:13

I've looked at other cars and the costs are a whole lot more to repair, a 400bhp s60r manual nicely maintained and set up would be adequate for me, or a modded s60 t6 (manual converted).

Post 782671 by M-R-P on 2015-08-21 08:20:07

[QUOTE=LiamT4;782660]I'd never argue about which is the better car, technically speaking. Just looking at purely standard cars, its quicker in a straight line, will go round corners quicker, stop shorter, use less fuel, less wind/road noise, should be safer in a crash, etc. Everything else is just personal preference.[/QUOTE] An R uses less fuel? :hilarious:

Post 782708 by LiamT4 on 2015-08-21 15:59:45

[QUOTE=M-R-P;782671]An R uses less fuel? :hilarious:[/QUOTE] I'm talking about the new vs old cars, not the s60/v70r vs the t5. The phase 2 t5's should be better than the old t5s and the R should be better than the first v70 R awds.

Post 782709 by jamesy12345 on 2015-08-21 16:03:29

[QUOTE=LiamT4;782708]I'm talking about the new vs old cars, not the s60/v70r vs the t5. The phase 2 t5's should be better than the old t5s and the R should be better than the first v70 R awds.[/QUOTE] There's not many standard ones left for a real comparison - mine thinks it does 36 mpg & so is the best :)

Post 782714 by Ettienne on 2015-08-21 16:33:45

[QUOTE=jamesy12345;782709]There's not many standard ones left for a real comparison - mine thinks it does 36 mpg & so is the best :)[/QUOTE] Except for me totally standard Gul and totally standard v70r except for cat back Upto 24mpg around town Gul and 18-20 v70r, I really only do town and 35-37 from v70r at 68-70 2,000 rpm

Post 782715 by jamesy12345 on 2015-08-21 16:47:22

[QUOTE=Ettienne;782714]Except for me totally standard Gul and totally standard v70r except for cat back Upto 24mpg around town Gul and 18-20 v70r, I really only do town and 35-37 from v70r at 68-70 2,000 rpm[/QUOTE] we just need a standard S60R and the Stig now, that would settle this

Post 782720 by Harvey on 2015-08-21 17:34:21

[QUOTE=jamesy12345;782715]we just need a standard S60R and the Stig now, that would settle this[/QUOTE] So what are the book numbers ?

Post 782721 by jamesy12345 on 2015-08-21 17:47:01

[QUOTE=Harvey;782720]So what are the book numbers ?[/QUOTE] I know mine - S70R 24 mpg, 0-60 6.7, quarter mile 14.9 something like that. But that is standard and more importantly about 18 years ago.

Post 782723 by Doingitsideways on 2015-08-21 17:58:43

[QUOTE=jamesy12345;782715]we just need a standard S60R and the Stig now, that would settle this[/QUOTE] Ok. Who's gonna lend me an S60R?

Post 782731 by Ettienne on 2015-08-21 18:56:31

I know the book number on mine aren't that accurate, but I know for sure the later s60 t6's are quite a lot under estimated, so much so there have been several articles about it. Even the polestar is under estimated. I know these are later cars but may be true of earlier cars?

Post 782734 by AcidicDavey on 2015-08-21 19:26:45

Discovered this site only the other day, great for when you've got you're nerd hat on and want to look up factory specs. Can even look at some of the pricing when new :) Manual S70 R. Manual S60 R. Click here to look at any other cars.

Post 782735 by Harvey on 2015-08-21 19:28:29

Post 782739 by Ettienne on 2015-08-21 19:47:13

That's just the Volvo data on the site, which I've seen on later stuff to be pretty inaccurate, even when compared to there own figures lol from other sources. Most likely the best way would be to drag the car at a strip for an accurate time

Post 782743 by AcidicDavey on 2015-08-21 20:00:50

[QUOTE=Ettienne;782739]That's just the Volvo data on the site, which I've seen on later stuff to be pretty inaccurate, even when compared to there own figures lol from other sources. Most likely the best way would be to drag the car at a strip for an accurate time[/QUOTE] Oh absolutely, the only true way to get accurate info is to test 2 standard cars with the same driver on the same day. There are too many variables here :P

Post 783006 by ROCKOZ on 2015-08-23 23:21:19

..... So which is best....or should I ask more importantly has anyone got or found a low mileage V70 T5/V70R/850R for sale? My legacy sold on Saturday so I'm ready to jump on whatever comes up!!!!

Post 783008 by Ettienne on 2015-08-24 00:52:11

Rockoz buy a p2r to drive now and an 850 to restore.

Post 783013 by Tee5alive on 2015-08-24 09:00:13

I definitely want a V70R but they are so rare now !

Post 783015 by Soulboy on 2015-08-24 09:46:05

There is a lovely example on the bay, your pockets need to be mighty deep though. Having said that, it is the only R I've seen with the indicators on the mirrors making it a rarity I guess. 131584462150

Post 783018 by Harvey on 2015-08-24 10:05:49

[QUOTE=Soulboy;783015]There is a lovely example on the bay, your pockets need to be mighty deep though. Having said that, it is the only R I've seen with the indicators on the mirrors making it a rarity I guess. 131584462150[/QUOTE] Also comes with the £490 road tax :confused: This is nice but silly money. http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=252061231420&globalID=EBAY-GB&alt=web

Post 783020 by Doingitsideways on 2015-08-24 10:27:58

[QUOTE=Harvey;783018]Also comes with the £490 road tax :confused: This is nice but silly money. http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=252061231420&globalID=EBAY-GB&alt=web[/QUOTE] Wow, every option ticked there! Lovely, but daft money :(

Post 783021 by jamesy12345 on 2015-08-24 10:35:55

[QUOTE=AcidicDavey;782734]Discovered this site only the other day, great for when you've got you're nerd hat on and want to look up factory specs. Can even look at some of the pricing when new :) Manual S70 R. Manual S60 R. Click here to look at any other cars.[/QUOTE] Nice links there Davey. Yes it's subject to all sorts of variables (inc age of car!) but interesting to see how they compare on paper. S70R is about 170 hp per tonne and S60R about 183 hp tonne according to that info. Combined with the AWD and better suspension the newer car should be quicker around a track than the S70. I don't think the older car would be left for dead but I know from driving mine around Croft - traction out of slow corners is not the best..!

Post 783022 by stribo on 2015-08-24 10:49:49

[QUOTE=Harvey;783018]Also comes with the £490 road tax :confused: This is nice but silly money. http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=252061231420&globalID=EBAY-GB&alt=web[/QUOTE] That's where we bought our S60R from, not for that sort of money though.

Post 783024 by Soulboy on 2015-08-24 11:15:56

[QUOTE]Also comes with the £490 road tax This is nice but silly money. [/QUOTE] So that's 2 on the market at once for ridiculous prices, which is the point I made in a previous thread about dealers taking the p155 when they get something a bit uncommon. I'm sure when buying they didn't stump up an extra 2k just to own it, greed is not good )-: On the other hand, if you already own one it must put a smile on your face

Post 783026 by jamesy12345 on 2015-08-24 11:46:05

[QUOTE=Soulboy;783024]So that's 2 on the market at once for ridiculous prices, which is the point I made in a previous thread about dealers taking the p155 when they get something a bit uncommon. I'm sure when buying they didn't stump up an extra 2k just to own it, greed is not good )-: On the other hand, if you already own one it must put a smile on your face[/QUOTE] Looking at that price, my opinion would be to get an old shape V70R..for around 2-3k would get a very nice one? The new shape ones are not worth 8k more than the old (just my opinion folks :))

Post 783027 by Shinsplintz 101 on 2015-08-24 11:48:23

The thing is the dealer can mark up as much as he/she wants. They're running a business after all & they're going to squeeze as much out of each car as they can - especially the 'rare' ones. I reckon if you walked in there with 7k cash & a hard nose you'd get that car. It's worth that money all day long. It's in lovely condition & very low mileage. Life's all about the haggle :)

Post 783028 by Ettienne on 2015-08-24 12:33:09

I only paid £2500 for the sonic, but I was lucky

Post 783032 by Soulboy on 2015-08-24 15:56:08

The thing is the dealer can mark up as much as he/she wants. They're running a business after all & they're going to squeeze as much out of each car as they can - especially the 'rare' ones. I reckon if you walked in there with 7k cash & a hard nose you'd get that car. It's worth that money all day long. It's in lovely condition & very low mileage. Life's all about the haggle

I only paid £2500 for the sonic, but I was lucky

Post 783044 by Ettienne on 2015-08-24 17:56:27

[QUOTE=Soulboy;783032]Well I've got the hard nose just not the 7k right now )-: Yep I agree totally,a very nice example and worth a premium over older,higher mileage,lesser examples,but how much of a premium? Just 12k sounds like a lot for an 8 year old V70,however much I like them and however good they are. I'll give you £2600 for it and take a chance? lol[/QUOTE] I'll just store it when I'm done with it, but when I insured it last year they said £7000 market value. But I'd not sell, I like it too much, much more than I thought I would.

Post 783046 by Soulboy on 2015-08-24 18:12:51

I'll just store it when I'm done with it, but when I insured it last year they said £7000 market value. But I'd not sell, I like it too much, much more than I thought I would.