v70 manual or automatic?

[alan48]

Hi all

Hoping for some advice.
I plan to buy a v70 estate diesel for business use, I have a budget of about 5K
I would like an automatic but I am concerned about reliability, a friend of mine runs a manual and he advised against auto boxes, so any advice from other memebers would be greatly appreciated.
many thanks

Alan48

[reggit]

Auto's are renowned for early failure, however this is caused by lack of oil changes on the box. If you find a good one and change the oil (with the correct type 3309)and keep it fresh, it is capable of high mileages. Loads of info on here if you search.

Manuals can have the clutch slave cylinder or dual mass flywheel fail, so again big work if it happens to you. Again though, big mileages have been reported with little problems.

I've had both auto and manual, both are good cars.

You pays you money..... as the old saying goes.

[garethXC]

I had a D5 manual from new but it was the 163hp 5 speed box, excellent economy and a great drive but in 5th it always felt it needed a 6th, if you know what I mean... I then had a 6speed 185hp XC70 which was much better.
Ive now had two 215hp D5 XC70 auto's and to be fair they are nice smooth boxes and very relaxing to drive, but I prefer a manual.
MPG wise I got high 40's to low 50's from the 5 speed and 6 speed ( driving like a nun) but the auto is steady at c 40.
Both the manual cars I took from 0 - 85,000 miles without any gearbox or clutch issues. The autos are too new to really comment on.

[davidsmith1307]

Don't want to steal someone else's thread but I have the chance to get a 163 D5 V70 but with a 6 speed manual box.

Any know issues with this box over the 5 speed?

[alan48]

Many thanks to all for your advice, seems I need to choose wisely and get it checked out or some kind of warranty if I buy from a dealer, but yes first job get oil changed
Many thanks
Alan 48

[oragex]

I don't know about the D5 engine, but in the petrol engine the automatic transmission is very smooth and pleasant to drive. Here in the North America, 99% of the transmissions on Volvo are automatic. On open road, the auto box also gets great mileage, for example on my non turbo petrol I get about 6l/100 km driving at 90km/h.

I read on this forum about a very common and costly clutch issue with the manual transmission, perhaps it's good to search about this issue

As for the issues with the automatic, those were mostly for the early 2001 and 2002 models. After that, from about 2003 up to 2006, the main issue was that Volvo didn't require a transmission fluid replacement interval. The solenoids in these boxes did get clogged with debris from old transmission fluid causing more or less harsh shifting, especially from 2nd to 3rd gear. I think the solenoids were redesigned starting with 2007. A side note, Volvo does mention a fluid changing interval when towing, so perhaps if you can find a car that has been towing, chances are you will find in the service papers a couple of fluid changes which is good news, meaning that possibly the transmission is in good shape.

[charles p]

I've had both and whilst the manuals are more economical the 5 speed box is not the smoothest change in the world (6 speed is better) the car just seems designed to be an auto. The cabin ergonomics for example are clearly designed for a slush box (the central cup holders are useless on a manual).

That said I like the auto but my wife hates it and suggests that autos should only be sold to the disabled! I change the fluid every 30K

Charles

[october37]

Originally Posted by alan48

Hi all

Hoping for some advice.
I plan to buy a v70 estate diesel for business use, I have a budget of about 5K
I would like an automatic but I am concerned about reliability, a friend of mine runs a manual and he advised against auto boxes, so any advice from other memebers would be greatly appreciated.
many thanks

Alan48

I have had no fewer than five Auto and Geartronic XC or V70s which include two 185bhp Diesels, and never had any trouble with any of their Gearboxes, nore have I ever had the oil changed in the box as Volvo says its not necessary. No doubt there may be the odd car that has gearbox trouble, but that can occur with all makes of car with manual as well as auto gearboxes.

2006 XC70se D5 185bhp Geartronic

[charles p]

Originally Posted by october37

I have had no fewer than five Auto and Geartronic XC or V70s which include two 185bhp Diesels, and never had any trouble with any of their Gearboxes, nore have I ever had the oil changed in the box as Volvo says its not necessary. No doubt there may be the odd car that has gearbox trouble, but that can occur with all makes of car with manual as well as auto gearboxes.

2006 XC70se D5 185bhp Geartronic

Out of curiousity what sort of total mileages were you reaching?
Sub 100k or way above?

Thanks