V70 P3 2011 D3 purchase advice

[Drumeo]

Thanks again guys for further input into this decision. So it seems Nivomats are the main thing that could really make this an expensive car to run if they fail. I've been trying to find a proper answer whether they can be swapped out for standard shocks. Looks like it depends if the car has self-levelling headlights as well?

[Drumeo]

Oh and this might now be a 2012 model instead...

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Drumeo

Thanks again guys for further input into this decision. So it seems Nivomats are the main thing that could really make this an expensive car to run if they fail. I've been trying to find a proper answer whether they can be swapped out for standard shocks. Looks like it depends if the car has self-levelling headlights as well?

There's a conversion kit available, which means you can change your Nivomat shocks to standard shocks. You also have to change the springs too as far as I know, as Nivomat springs are softer than standard springs. If you don't, the car will squat too low at the back. So Nivomat springs can only be used with Nivomat shocks. Standard shocks need standard springs. So for you to do the conversion, you need to replace the shocks to standard and replace the springs to standard ones also.

Honest opinion, if you don't need Nivomat suspension (i.e. you don't tow often or carry heavy loads), don't buy a car with them... Easier option. Like I said in an earlier post, Nivomat's are great at what they do for the people that need it (frequent towers, frequent loads in the boot). They're very expensive when they fail though because they're only available from the main dealer at around £500 each, then you have to either fit them yourself or get a garage to do it. On an older car that isn't worth much, it doesn't always make financial sense to replace Nivomat's with Nivomat's (unless you absolutely need them). That's why those that have Nivomat often convert to standard suspension when they fail.

Ordinary rear shocks are about £80 each. There's a big difference in cost. I'd personally advise you to think carefully about having a car with Nivomat suspension if you don't actually need it. If you don't, just buy a car that has standard suspension. It'll save you the headache and the cost down the line too. Nivomat's, like any suspension component, will fail. Nothing lasts forever.

[Drumeo]

Ok, all makes sense. Yeah, that sounds like a ball ache to change all of that. I haven't seen a conversion kit online but probably haven't look hard enough.

The only heavy thing going into the back is my drums and people. So Nivomats are not worth it.

Basically I'm looking for a roomy estate car around the 100k miles, ideally 2010 or newer, manual/auto, not a huge engine, decent history. I've been looking/test driving Passats and they're the only thing that seems to be ticking the boxes so far for my 5k top budget.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Drumeo

Ok, all makes sense. Yeah, that sounds like a ball ache to change all of that. I haven't seen a conversion kit online but probably haven't look hard enough.

The only heavy thing going into the back is my drums and people. So Nivomats are not worth it.

Basically I'm looking for a roomy estate car around the 100k miles, ideally 2010 or newer, manual/auto, not a huge engine, decent history. I've been looking/test driving Passat's and they're the only thing that seems to be ticking the boxes so far for my 5k top budget.

Understandable. Volvo's are pricey, but they're more comfortable than a Passat in my opinion. Not that there's anything wrong with a Passat, but it can't match Volvo comfort. In saying that, the Passat will be better on fuel (they're four cylinder engines) and the boot is slightly larger.

Skoda Superb might also be another option for you. The boot is huge in one of those. Far bigger than the Passat or Volvo, but again, not as comfortable.

[simboc2004]

[QUOTE=Kev0607;2946224] Honest opinion, if you don't need Nivomat suspension (i.e. you don't tow often or carry heavy loads), don't buy a car with them... Easier option.

Exactly why i bought a standard car and made it look like an R Design, which all have (in the UK) Nivomats as standard. When starting with cars done 100,000 miles (as I do), it's these factors that make it affordable or not. I changed all the suspension (Bilstein B4s plus Eibach springs) for the cost of one rear Nivomat shock...

[BigGreenThing]

Originally Posted by Drumeo

Thanks guys for your responses, really helpful info and some good indicators that perhaps, all in all it's an alright car. Additionally, I believe the D3 of this year is without the swirl flaps, which is something else not to worry about.

I read that the cambelt had been done in 2020 when it had about 97k on the clock. According to my research it should be changed every 10 years or 72k, so looks like that should be alright for a while.

What's the life on the DMFs and the Nivomats like?

Sam

Hi Sam, I think the cambelt is 10 years or 100K - whichever comes soonest, but the Aux belt and the aircon belts need doing every 5 years or 55k miles I think. I'd double check both belt changes (and aux belt tensioner) - as if they go kaput - you risk the whole engine going kaput...which isn't ideal