Matthew’s 2004 Volvo V70 R

August, 2012

My 2004 V70 R Meets Its Maker. Ugh.

V70 R is totalled by Allstate insurance company after minor collision. All in all, a nice car. Would I get another? Yes, but a manual. In fact, this is probably the time to buy one, while there are still enough good samples (read: not modded, abused, etc.) with low-middle miles on them.

Matt’s 2004 Volvo V70 R Ownership Update

May 25, 2011

I love our R. I have few complaints. Going with an ’05 or newer is wise because the Four C suspension was improved, according to JRL in the Volvo Forum. Auto transmission is improved in ’06, so like any car model, they tend to get better the newer you buy.

The R wagons do not self-level, so with lots of family/luggage it’ll sag in the back and the wheels will ‘lean’ in. This might be something to think about if you’re going to put 2k miles on a long roadtrip for instance — inside rear tire wear.

No major problems so far. I replaced control arm bushings at 95k miles, along with spring seats — with the good OEM XC90 ones. The struts are still good at 107k miles. The Four-C Monroes are very expensive, $451.21 for one front strut at IPD, so I’m dreading the day she needs new absorbers. Dreading.

With the baby seat behind the front passenger, there’s not as much legroom as I’d hoped in front passenger. That’s solved by me doing the driving. I still dislike the radio controls compared to the SC-816 radio in my 850, but appreciate the steering wheel radio controls, something no 850 ever had.

It eats a little more engine oil than my ’97 850 T5, but it’s still well within normal range. There is a nagging information center message to alert you to this “Oil Level Low”. I find it’s a little too eager, meaning the dipstick shows low-acceptable when this message appears.

Buying a P2 V70 R? Do all the fluids/filters when you get one if they haven’t been done/documented recently. This can get expensive, so beware. Expect to pay $1500-ish to have this done, taxes and consumables included.

That reminds me, time for timing belt.

Amazing in snow with new tires, like I said above. I bought a set of 235/45ZR -17 Continental ExtremeContact DWS. The cornering is amazing in Advanced suspension setting on dry pavement.

V70 R Ownership Notes

January 11, 2011

I am its 3rd owner. It had 89k miles when I bought it in Summer 2010. My 2004 V70 R is a P2 Platform Volvo and of course a member of the second generation V70 wagon family.

It was dealer maintained up to 50k miles, and between 50k and 89k owned by a guy who was not quite a “car nut”, but was certainly more conscientious than the average car owner. He used Amsoil products (fluids) in her.

Within 10 days of buying it I had an every-fluid replacement service done at Volvo Specialists here in Denver, what they call a “90k Old School Service”: Front and rear diffs + Haldex + Engine oil + Trans fluid + Coolant + Brake fluid.

It’s very good in snow.

2004 V70 R Photos