Buying a used V70

[mikealder]

Phase one V70 petrol with the 170 BHP engine is probably the best bet although the Electronic Throttle Motor (ETM) is a weak point on the late 98 onward cars, otherwise drop links on the front suspension can be problematic but cheap to fix. Headlight reflectors are often faded on these cars leaving little light output when driving on unlit roads.

I have had my V70 auto with the 140 BHP engine for three years and in this time only the following has been an issue:

1/ ETM Failed, cost £330 but far cheaper to repair these days (circa £100)
2/ Thermostat, cost £15 fitted
3/ Pre-Cat O2 Probe cost £111 fitted
4/ Headlights were shot cost £255 (Projectors not OEM)

Other than the above the only other costs have been tyres, handbrake shoes, oil, plugs, more tyres, battery, wiper blades i.e. what I consider consumables which can fail or simply life ex on any car. Oh and I have a set of new front wishbones to go on the car at some future point, a bargain from Euro Car Parts that simply couldn't be missed out on.

Add to the above new projector headlights with HID's, Indicators, grill, rear lights with LED's inlue of bulbs, front splitter, stereo, bluetooth handsfree, brodit holders for the iPhone and sat nav, twin screen DVD player for the rear seat occupants (kids) 17" Volvo Alloys but this little lot was all cosmetic and can be considered nice to have rather than essential

Three years of ownership 50K miles and I bet I have put twice as much in fuel over this period in cost terms than the purchase price of the car added to the cost of the additions and modifications! - Mike

[V70RMW]

I think you should think about whether you are happy to go for Phase 1 car (less electrical gubbins to go wrong is my uninformed opinion) or want to go for a Phase 2 curvy shape.

I have 2 P2 cars and would personally never go for P1 as I find the interior too unpleasant. Plenty of chaps on this forum who swear by the P1 though - although on the P1 subforum to be fair.

On engines, I can't comment on the P1s or diesels. 2.4T has turned out to be a great engine - although thirsty with an auto box. My S60 has a 2.0T which was a bit slow until it was remapped.

[smallzoo]

Anyone have any strong views on which petrol version I should consider

I just cant decide between 2.4 and 2.5 and turbo / non-turbo etc
I have seen for example

fleabay

1997 V70 20V AWD 97k miles £1000
1998 V70 2.5 20v SE 93k miles £995
1999 V70 2.4 10v Torslanda £985
2000 V70 2.4 (140bhp) 160k miles £800
2000 V70 2.4 CLASSIC 200k £800
Volvo V70 2.4 TURBO SE AUTO

[Chris_Rogers]

Assuming the insurance cost isn't an issue for you I'd say go for the car in best condition.
There isn't much to choose between them in terms of reliablity or fuel consumption.

[Jameshow]

Originally Posted by Chris_Rogers

Assuming the insurance cost isn't an issue for you I'd say go for the car in best condition.
There isn't much to choose between them in terms of reliablity or fuel consumption.

Insurance is quite cheap for what your getting, compared to BMW audi etc.

I would have thought that ful eccois worse on T5 than on 140 I get about 20 mpg, while my p1 2.0 used to get 30 mpg for same routes etc. I know the t5 is fun but its expensive!
Go LPG
Yours James