Looking to purchase my first Volvo : XC70

westu37 · Post by **westu37** » 10 Sep 2020, 19:49

Hello all,

I'm looking into my first Volvo. I've had 3 Subaru's before, and 2 were good to me. My wife's current car hasn't been the smoothest experience though (that's another story). I've always liked the style of the P2 wagons, and figured I'd start to educate myself on Volvo.
I live in the Northeast (NJ) and travel throughout the tri-state area for family, recreation, and for property in upstate NY. I'm looking to have a car that would be comparable to my old 2005 Subaru Outback XT, so a 05-07 XC70 seems to be pretty close as-is.

So my goals are:

1. Keep to a budget of $6k for the car and repairs to be reliable for local driving and the occasional weekend trip.

2. similar performance/handling to a 250-275hp Outback (I had a 5 speed manual/tune/wrx turbo/intake/cat-back/struts+swaybars/plus sized wheels/summer tires) 0-60 aprox 6 seconds or less and sporty feel for country roads.

3. dependable for daily driven to work.

With the research I've done so far, I'm looking at a 2005-2007 Xc70 or have considered the idea of a 2009+ Xc70 with T6 engine.

The 09+T6 cars are over the $6k budget, but If you guys think they're worth it, I'll look in to them more.

BUT, it seems like what I've found so far is the P2's hold up better in long term/higher mileage when cared for.

To meet my goals, either the P2 or P3 would need to be modified, I think. (my Outback was a sub 6 second 0-60)

Can a later 2.5T easily reach the 275-300 (R models) power level without too much investment (am I right in thinking 1st stage 0, then exhaust system, tune, high pressure turbo would be pretty close?)

Finally, just wanted to ask, you guys think the P2's are generally better than P3's? ( I found a 2009 XC70 T6 for $6400 with what looks like the Polstar optimized (blue square) with 135k miles. Am I better off looking to build a 05-07? (average price for 130-150k miles is $4-5k near me)

any insight is appreciated.

Wes

Post by **darrylrobert** » 10 Sep 2020, 21:41

A manual volvo is like gold here..they are rare. Find one and you will have a better more reliable driving experience, volvo stopped making them and are now making cars that drive themselves...your talking alot about performance and driving pleasure if i was you i would "stick" to a subaru from what ive read they are very good cars. Have you test driven a volvo??

Jonboy74 · Post by **Jonboy74** » 11 Sep 2020, 00:00

Just beware the AW-55 Transmission if you are looking at Automatics. You could be in for a nightmare....I'm with darrylrobert - if I could get a manual transmission, I'd get one in a heartbeat.

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=75828

Goodnight Elizabeth,

Jonboy

Post by **abscate** » 11 Sep 2020, 04:16

The manual P2s are indeed rare , the Rs command 10-15k in good shape

An R is what you are looking for if you want that performNce level, though.

Skip the cheap ones, my feel is thatRs are either pristine or trashed with the price telling the tale

Good night, Jonboy.....

westu37 · Post by **westu37** » 11 Sep 2020, 05:15

I know the R's are where the performance is at. But to put things in perspective, I'm a fan of a sleeper. I prefer the ride height of the XC70. I've had many R owners in other forums/facebook say the turning radius is terrible. I was also told I am unable to use XC70 struts in a R model ( I would want to get a V70R and put XC struts to raise the ride height with Koni inserts to keep the feel sporty, then use the "resistor fix" to trick the active suspension system into thinking the electronic struts are still there)

I'm fairly convinced to get the 05-07 XC70 at this point, especially in comparison to my 05 Outback XT. I loved that old Subaru, but I've owned 3. I like to explore what other cars are out there. (I'm currently driving a 1967 Ford Country Sedan) I figure the tuning from some providers would get me close to the R models (1 second faster 0-60) with just a tune and stage 0 maintenance.

As for transmissions, I'm fine with the aw55 auto (US really no m56/m66 trans options) That's why I'm looking for 05+ models with less than 150K miles. Worst case I can put a valve body in if it "feels" a little off.

I'm trying to get some insight to see if the 2009 Xc70 T6 is a better choice for the budget, or if i'm better off getting the 05-07 Xc70 and chipping away at performance goals at my leasure, while spending less on a similar condition/mileage car. (you know, spent a little less now, and more later, or spend a little more now and less later)

Subaru's are all well and good, but I have my own set of issues with them to look out for; a list that is longer than the issues that creep up on the Volvo's from what I've seen. (and with the blown engine on my wife's Forester XT, I'm more vigilant on service history)

So to sum up my rambling; If any of you were searching for a XC70, would you guys be more inclined to 05-07 P2 XC70 or would the power of a P3 2009+ XC70 T6 be a good deal right out of the box?

Wes

Post by **abscate** » 11 Sep 2020, 05:18

The LPT inthe XC has pretty good snap off the line, I would stay with a cared for P2.

Drive one and see if it will make you smile.

In NJ CT it’s a Mecca of good cared for P2s by the way

I split my time between NYC and ALB for work, Finger Zlakes, Lake Champlain, and Cape for play.

Post by **jonesg** » 11 Sep 2020, 07:00

I'm more concerned mine just starts and runs good.

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 11 Sep 2020, 08:15

....and that some kid texting while driving doesn't hit me at a red light.

Post by **BlackBart** » 11 Sep 2020, 10:46

My limited perspective is that the P2 turbo has a lot of smooth torque that surprises you if you decide to use it. Sort of like a Ford 390! (we had a '66 Country Sedan growing up). With stiffer shocks and ipd sway bars, you can stiffen it up.

My impression is that the P3 is quite a bit more complicated electronically than the P2. The P2 is also all Volvo design, and the P3 is the first of the Ford products, based on one of their world chassis platforms.

Sounds like you had a hotrod Soobie! I've always been curious about the flat 6 engine....the PorscheSoob!

With the P2 you're talking 220/230 hp and a lot of torque.

Post by **KidsV70** » 11 Sep 2020, 23:48

I have owned and driven both an Outback XT and a V70 2.4T (same engine as the XC, but FWD). The XT was just plain quick. The Volvo has reasonable power but not fast like the XT. I'd guess the XT is 4-500 lbs lighter than the Volvo, and has more HP. I'd second the test drive suggestion! Volvos can be enjoyable, but they are heavy. My first impression driving ours was that the Volvo should have had a turret and main gun.