V70 Recommendations

88760RICH · Post by **88760RICH** » 30 May 2015, 19:38

We own a 760 turbo sedan and are extremely happy with it and the reputation of the "Red block" engine. We are currently considering adding a wagon to our family.Our search has expanded from another 760 turbo to possibly a 940 turbo, but fairly nice examples are a little hard to find so we are considering expanding the search to the newer V70 models. Do the V70's have a similarly good reputation ? Do they have any weak spots to keep an eye out for ? Are the turbo versions problematic, as I have seen some references...are these accusations accurate and truthful ? What are the differences that cause a separation in V70 groups.....up to 2000 vs. 2001 and newer ? Are the 5 cyl FWD cars, just not the good 'ol / real Volvo's as I've seen referred to ? Thank you for any thoughts and inputs. Rich

Post by **vtl** » 30 May 2015, 20:45

Bricks V70 are P80 platform, direct descent of 850. Curvy V70 with now Volvo's distinctive "shoulders" are P2 platform. First two years of production (2001-2) had problematic throttle and transmission. 2003+ are ok. Last year for P2 was 2007, following Y3 platform was engineering under Ford's reign with all pros and cons.

Average 200x car is generally less bulletproof than 198x car, because 20 years of technical progress and ecological regress put quite a lot of stuff in the cars, which, guess it, breaks.

5 cyl engines are really nice and durable, if treated well.

There's a lot of information on P2 around, read it well before doing the purchase.

I really like our 2002 V70, very comfy car.

88760RICH · Post by **88760RICH** » 30 May 2015, 21:38

I appreciate your response, unfortunately you are much more model savvy than I am. You have lost me with P80 , P2 and Y3 Platforms and "shoulders" , no clue what you are talking about. Sorry but I am on a learning curve that resembles a vertical line. First of all I thought the first V70 was 1997-2000. What year did Ford take over ? Appreciate any education you can shed my way. Thanks again Rich

dux02v70 · Post by **dux02v70** » 30 May 2015, 21:48

Maybe this will help. The first V70 was built on what was called the P80 platform. It's boxy and looks basically just like the 850. That style went through 2000. The next generation of the V70 was built on what is called the P2 platform. That is a more curvy body design. That style was built through 2007. The Y3 platform was the next one and that was developed while Volvo was owned by Ford.

greenman86 · Post by **greenman86** » 30 May 2015, 22:42

Late model 940s are your best bet. You have to look hard for a nice example. Expect to pay 3000-4000 for a good one that has been maintained. Turbo or naturally aspirated, you really can't go wrong with either though. But on the naturally aspirated models, I would recommend going with one that has Bosch fuel injection. I think by the model year 1993, Volvo began using 2 fuel injection systems, One was Bosch(tried and true and the one I recommend) and the other was Regina fuel injection. I don't have anything bad to say about Regina fuel injected cars as I have owned a few and they have been super reliable. I just prefer red blocks with Bosch fuel injection. To differentiate between the two, one must look at the ignition coil. Bosch will have a round cylindrical ignition coil, while Regina will have a square ignition coil.

I do also have experience with fwd cars. I have owned 850s, S70,V70,C70 models as well. Hands down I prefer 850s. Appearance wise the 70 series cars(1998-2000) look better because all the trim is painted and has a more rounded appearance. In my opinion, maintenance is similar to a red block except there are certain things that need attention and if not taken care of can cause damage to engine. If you choose to purchase a fwd car, make sure the timing belt has been done and ask if the pcv system has been service or replaced. If the timing belt breaks your look at some very expensive cylinder head work(if you pay someone to do it of course). I do all the work on my cars(as much as I am able to do). Another item to look at is the suspension, have the struts and strut mounts(these have to be OEM) been replaced. If not, this is also a costly to replace. Again expect to pay 3000-4000 for a good example. Maybe more if its a 70 series car. I stay away from 99 and up cars(I've owned them but maintenance tends to cost more).

88760RICH · Post by **88760RICH** » 31 May 2015, 00:04

Thank you for that great information, that gives good clarification to the development of the models.

Post by **abscate** » 31 May 2015, 02:32

Rich ..you have to work on these cars yourself to make them affordable. The PCV (much better on the 99 on cars) and timing belt (also better) are examples of bolt on things that would cost 1500 to have a shop do, but very reasonable to do yourself. If you are going to pass on a car that needs a TB, these aren't the cars for you, unless you budget 2000 annually for repairs