Looking to buy a second hand V70

J

Jason Russell 20 years ago

Hi, and apologies for not read backward over the thousands of posts here.

Due to a recent accident (not my fault, was rear ending), I am having to bring forward my search for a newer car.

I have whittled it down to choices, either a BMW 5 Series Touring or a Volvo V70.

The BMW's seem to be too highly priced and not many available, so I reckon the Volvo is the one.

I looked at an R plate (1998 Reg for non-UK readers) V70 2.5 10v with

148,000 miles on the clock.

It was a manual, and was in good condition for its age/mileage. Only fault I could find was the rear wiper/washer not working - although the garage told me they would fix that.

Reasonable spec including AC, ABS, Airbags etc.

Is there anything I should be looking out for especially?

or are there any good Volvo forums that you could point me in the right direction.

Many thanks.

-- Jason Russell Dotcom-Computers Ltd t: 01403 784340 f: 01403 786698 e: dotcom AT dotcom-computers.co.uk

Vote

T

Tim.. 20 years ago

There are many V70 Classic's about, many with high miles, but several with under 100k on them, at very little extra money.

Thats not to say the V70 is still good at 150k+ but you have less risk with a lower mileage car on things like clutch (500quid job on a 70series) and the like.

Otherwise-

a) Drivers door checkstrap clicking or door pillar itself cracked. b) Growling and or nearly knackered clutch. Life is anywhere between 80k and

140k miles. c) tired tailgate struts and or snagged headlining -avoid car, its had a fair bit of use. d) evidience of lots and lots of receipts and regular servicing. Condition and service history is more important than age or mileage. e) A/C evap burst. - dash out job. f) Electric window switch pack knackered- 80quid new, and good s/h are like rocking horse s*1t. g) Saggy rear suspension and or tow hitch thats seen some use. h) Any sign at all that the engine has overheated in the past or been apart. - avoid. g) ABS lamp lit, or not present at all. ABS modulator faults are reasonably common.

Look for the SE's with winter pack (headlamp wash wipe) and the Tape / CD stereo. There are alot of S's or base models about masquerading as SE's. The fake wood and the CD player is the clue its a real SE.

The 2.5 10v is very capable and deceptively faster than it feels, though if you plan to carry passengers, tow or live in a hilly area the 20v is a better bet, or better still the 2.5T.

Tim..

Vote

R

Roger Mills (aka Bonnet Lock 20 years ago

I've had the occasional funny noise from the clutch on my 1999 V70 2.5D for over 2 years. It sometimes makes a sort of squeeling noise as it is engaged when starting from rest. It only does it occasionally - but more often in very cold or damp conditions. It first did it at 4 years old (about 40,000 miles) and has done it on and off ever since.

Can anyone throw any light on what it might be? I would have thought that if the release bearing were knackered, it would do it all the time.

Vote

T

Tim.. 20 years ago

Its either a dry release bearing or more likely the input shaft dry and the teflon coating wearing off. It'll probably soldier on for many many more miles yet, so I wouldnt worry.

Tim..

Vote

M

mjo 20 years ago

I bought a 2002 v70 2.4 Petrol with 117,000 miles on it just under a year ago on recommendation from a friend its now done 140,000 miles it goes well and fully volvo serviced. (it was not the plan to do so many miles !)

Only thing to break like so many others was the clutch, could not really complain seemed to be the original, lots of MW miles, Volvo replaced for £600 ouch, but now lovely again.

My suggestions, make sure whatever you buy has a fvsh and if you are buying a hih miler, see if you can find out its history we know ours lived on the MW before we bought it. And go for the the better models, though little extras are worth paying for and make it a nice car.

Hope this helps

Vote

Looking to buy a second hand V70

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?