1999 (2000) V70R - Phase3

papariccardo · Post by **papariccardo** » 14 Jun 2014, 01:20

Hi, this car has come up for sale locally. I think it must be a Phase3 car, as it's a 2.4 (not 2.3), with dual exhausts, 5sp auto, and the understated interior. It's done just 60k mi (101k km), and pretty much unmarked.

I've always had FWD T5 or 850R cars, is this going to be an improvement over them? I expect the AWD system will need regular servicing, I'm wondering about the weight vs the extra power and how it affects overall dynamics.

How rare is this car? Is it true they only made 400 Phase3 cars? I know there where only 74 sold in the UK, & around 5 here, so the numbers seem about right. What would I pay where you are? Here it is around US$6.5k (GBP4.5k)

Post by **precopster** » 14 Jun 2014, 04:30

The inclusion of the early 5 speed wasn't Volvo's finest hour however if maintained with regular fluid changes and solenoids are refurbished before they cause the transmission to self destruct they can see some serious miles.

At this mileage this car would be part of my car collection quite easily

papariccardo · Post by **papariccardo** » 14 Jun 2014, 07:31

precopster wrote:At this mileage this car would be part of my car collection quite easily

Thanks for that, precopster, good to know. If I do buy it, the solenoids will be the first thing to do I guess. I love the 855R, but prefer the interior of my V70 T5, I'm hoping the Phase3 will a good blend of both. I haven't yet driven it, but I'm hoping it's devoid of squeaks & rattles so often found on earlier cars. That said, my 855 is a 97, the last of the beasts, so it's better than some, and I wouldn't sell it if I acquired a new sled. I guess it's not a car for DD, but I have a Miata that does daily chores without issue or expense.

Post by **scot850** » 15 Jun 2014, 23:19

I live in Canada and have a 2000 MY (1999 manufactured) V70R with a B5244T2 engine and 5 speed auto.

Car has approx. 165k miles on it. I have spent a fair amount of money on it in the last year. There was another of the 40 Laser Blue wagons (sold in 2000 MY in North America) for sale recently here and the guy was looking for $11,000 CDN. Too high in my opinion, but the body of the car was very clean and the car had only 75k miles on it. He had spent around $6500 in repairs in the 3 months he had owned it and decided to get out. At $11,000 he might break even. He had to replace the tranny.

I have spent a huge amount on my car, more than any sense would make, but I do really enjoy driving the car. Keep the tranny oil clean and enjoy driving it!

I am considering selling my car, only as I don't drive it enough ( < 3k miles in 18 months). What keeps it with me is when I do drive it, it is a hoot, with Rica software (approx. 310bhp and 320 ft/lb torque). The 5 speed tranny shifts way faster than the 4, but is weaker.

AWD v's FWD? Guys who have high power FWD Volvos say get rid of the AWD as it is extra weight and lots of power can cause expensive problems, and once moving the FWD cars are quicker. If you have a need for AWD, then of course it is a bonus (long winters and lots of snow here).

Having owned 850s and P80 V70's I like both for different reasons. Best thing is to test drive the car, the danger is you will probably buy it! At the price, I'd jump at it!!

I've attached a picture of my car running 17" Volvo alloys.

Neil.

papariccardo · Post by **papariccardo** » 16 Jun 2014, 00:41

scot850 wrote: Having owned 850s and P80 V70's I like both for different reasons. Best thing is to test drive the car, the danger is you will probably buy it! At the price, I'd jump at it!!

I've attached a picture of my car running 17" Volvo alloys.

Neil.

blue volvo_1.jpg

Gutted I never bought those rims recently (from a XC90) when a set were going cheap, bought 18" BBS instead. I have 5 sets of extra wheels now, ranging from 2 sets of 16" blades, 2 sets of 17" Volans & the BBS.

I'm off for a test drive this week.

Post by **mikealder** » 16 Jun 2014, 11:40

Make sure the prop shaft to the rear wheels is still fitted as they often get removed to cover up other failures with the AWD system, make sure all four tyres tread depth are a very close match otherwise you run the risk of loading the AWD system leading to early failure.
Make sure if the auto neutral function is enabled on the autobox that it works correctly without banging into gear when you let off the brake pedal, you can get the auto neutral feature disabled via a software update which should help with the overall life of the box.
With only 60K on the box I would simply change the box fluid progressively with a number of sump dumps refilling with fluid that meets JWS3309 (anything else will ruin the autobox) and only introduce the new fluid via the autobox dipstick tube, there is no other filler port on these boxes. Pay attention to the correct fluid level as there is only 200ML between hot low and hot full marks on the dipstick - Mike

Post by **shiloh51933** » 17 Jun 2014, 08:38

papariccardo wrote:US$6.5k (GBP4.5k)

This thing is serious!! I'd be all over that being as rare as it is...copp that!!

papariccardo · Post by **papariccardo** » 24 Jun 2014, 00:08

shiloh51933 wrote:This thing is serious!! I'd be all over that being as rare as it is...copp that!!

I think you are right. I just went online to Japan to see what others are available. Sure enough, a black Phase3 is selling there right now. However they have tripled their price in the last 3 years, ex-Japan (which is a cheap country for 15yo cars) it is now US$12,000. That's double this one!

I drove it today, and what a tight ride it is. Low, quiet & smooth - unless pushed hard, when I can hear what sounds like induction noise.

Sold.

Here is the Japanese one, & the website.

http://www.tradecarview.com/used_car/ja ... /14892605/