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Volvo V70 Wagon Experience

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Comments

  • jim314jim314 Member Posts: 491
    What are the signs of sludging?

    Would changing to thin synthetic (say Mobile1 5W-30) dissolve the sludge, or would some engine oil flush be in order, one of the commercial products or kerosene?
  • oiloil Member Posts: 3
    read with interest your comment eg "volvo changed the engine in 2001 which has caused oil buildup". I would be very interested in any documentation you have that supports that conclusion.

    I'm trying to collect more evidence on this subject. I'm aware of others who have had to replace their engines at relatively low mileage having followed the recommended oil changes. did this happen to you?
  • oiloil Member Posts: 3
    the valve cover was removed --the engine is full of thick sludge coating the engine that will require thousands $ to fix or replace engine.
  • jim314jim314 Member Posts: 491
    What is the power-train warranty on the 2001 V70 T5? Would sludging be covered by Volvo. When Toyota had a sludging problem they reportedly first attributed it to owners' failure to change the oil as specified, but gave way under persistent pressure.

    It's been many years since I've looked under a valve cover, and that was a Chrysler slant-six. Does the presence of visible sludge there indicate that oil passages in the head are plugged, or are there other indications as well? Does the visible sludge itself interfere with lubrication of the the cam shafts or valves? Is there detectable wear of the cam bearings?

    Who is it that is proposing replacing the engine? Would it be possible to use one the engine flush products? I could imagine that some of these products would detach adhering sludge and have it plug up smaller oil passages, but this is jsut what I imagine without any experience in desludging an engine.
  • davidinazdavidinaz Member Posts: 14
    Hey all. Still looking at the Volvo wagon.
    One more question. I read that the Volvo V70 takes premium gas. If I get this car, I do not plan on doing any hard driving that requires performance, exceptional acceleration, etc.
    Can I get by on unleaded gas or is premium a must?

    Please advise.
    Thanks.
    Dave
  • jim314jim314 Member Posts: 491
    The 2004 Volvo manual says the the minimum octane requirement for all Volvo engines is 87 octane AKI, but that Volvo engines are designed for optimal performance with 91 AKI or above. So you can get by with regular 87 AKI, but why would you want to? The savings would be minimal.

    What is available in Dallas where I live are AKI 87, 89 and 93. I use 93 because it only costs 10 cents more per gal than 87. I could save a little by mixing equal parts of 89 and 93 to give 91 exactly, or 1 part 87 plus 3 parts 93 which would do the same, but the savings is minimal. The way I drive, 89 would work fine and even 87, but just on the off-chance that the knock sensor would fail I use what the manual recommends. Recommends, not requires.

    The Volvo engines have a knock sensor (which I think retards spark timing if knocking is detected) which allows it to run without damage on any fuel above its minimum cutoff of 87 octane AKI. AKI is AntiKnockIndex = (research octane number + motor octane number)/2.

    The extra cost of premium fuel is negligible compared to the total cost of ownership of a Volvo, and our V70 is a base model 2.4L, 168 hp, non-turbo, cloth, no sunroof, with auto trans as the only option. I am tight with a dollar and I use premium fuel. I used to use regular in our 1996 850 wagon and never had any knocking.

    I also use full synthetic Mobile1 10W-30 (Dallas climate)and have the dealer change at 7500 miles like the manual says. This costs me an extra $40 per change, but some modern engines (like some Toyotas) were cooking conventional oil in the heads, and I don't want to take a chance on that.

    I put a trailer hitch on it and have done some towing. I plan to do more towing, and I want optimum lubrication and fuel.
  • crissmancrissman Member Posts: 145
    We've had our V70 non-turbo for six months now and never used anything but regular gas. I don't believe there would be enough of an improvement in mileage or power to justify premium fuel.
  • jim314jim314 Member Posts: 491
    It is possible that you would get slightly better fuel economy with premium, but that might only be detectable if you were driving it hard.

    Why don't you alternate regular and premium and see if you can detect any difference? Be sure the tires are inflated to some standard pressure above the minimum. The 2004 V70 base tire was 195/65-15 with OE on ours Michelin tires that have 51 psi max infl pressure.

    I inflate ours to 35 to 38 psi (38 psi is maximum recommended on the V70 tire sticker) and we get the EPA mileage estimates (22 city/30 hwy for the 2004 base V70 with 168 hp non-turbo engine).
  • shieattshieatt Member Posts: 75
    I have a 2001 V70 T5 with 62,000 miles, and luckily I bought the full VIP extended warranty... a little before I hit 60,000 miles I noticed two problems with the car: 1. it was leaking oil at a pretty good pace; 2. there was a knocking sound coming from the front suspension.

    Took it in for the $700 60K service and mentioned these problems. They did the service, told me the knocking was the result of broken connectors for the anti-sway bars and a broken anti-vibration something or other on the engine, which they fixed under my warranty minus $100 deductible. Said they could not identify source of oil leak and I should bring it back if it persisted (i.e., we did the gravy maintenance work and don't feel like searching for an oil leak).

    Took it back 2 weeks later - thing was leaking like an old Camaro. This time, they used die, and service rep called and told me it was coming from the engine block itself, and was result of either a bad anerobic seal inside engine or a defect in the block. Either way, the only fix was an entirely new engine!!! Almost 1 week later VIP warranty company is still arguing with the dealer and factory rep regarding this diagnosis. It all seems ridiculous that a $40K car that is only 5 years old with 60K would require a whole new engine. FYI, I have had all factory scheduled maintenence done at the dealer, and have had oil changed every 5K miles. Dealer assures me that factory will insist on replacement. I guess I'm happy to have a new engine at no cost, but it certainly makes me think twice about keeping this car for another 5 years like I had planned. Wife thinks I should quit while I'm ahead and trade in for a Camry. She also thinks I should insist on a refund for the $700 service they did on an engine that is going to be replaced because they didn't feel like diagnosing the problem at the start.

    I'm thinking this is just some freak thing and that I should be happy to have an essentially new car. Thoughts anyone???
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    A bad block is as freakish a thing as you can have.

    With a new engine that car should be good for a long time to come.

    BTW, alot of people are unhappy w/ the new Camry, so changing cars doesn't always mean more reliability.

    Dealer should have caught the leak, so getting a refund on the 60K service is justified.
  • shieattshieatt Member Posts: 75
    Volvomax... thanks for confirming my feelings on the matter... I love my T5 and am guessing I would be less happy driving a brand new Camry every day than my 5 year old Volvo. I definitely will ask for some compensation on the very expensive service on this engine that will be scrapped, recognizing that some of the maintenance was on other components of the car (transmission, cabin filter, etc.)... won't settle for less than half.

    So, now I am wondering, will I get the identical engine that was in my 2001, or will I get the current T5 engine, which I understand has been tweaked since 2001 to produce a bit more horsepower and torque? Obviously hoping for the latter :)
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    All you are actually getting is a new engine block. The intake and exhaust manifolds, turbo, head, air box and ECU's will be re-used from the old engine.
  • blckislandguyblckislandguy Member Posts: 1,150
    Just spent a long weekend in our 2001 XC70 and loved it. Loved it so much that despite some maintenance issues (see earlier posts) we might re-up for a 2007. Up in Maine seemingly every fourth vehicle was either a Suburu or a Volvo. One thing about a V70 is that even our relatively "older" one is quite comfortable, no rattles, and still stylish. Sure, it would be nice to have DSTC and Zenons but seemingly little else has changed.

    A note to those who use Mobil1 10-30. Reading the oils forum here on Edmunds has me convinced to use 0-40 Mobil1 year round for three reasons. The "base stock" in this grade is superior to that in the 10-30, it is afterall the same price, and , finally, on a hot day the extended range up to 40W will give you more protection.

    Speaking of hot days, even here in New England I find that after a brisk drive in July when I shut down the engine, the auxilliary fan comes on to blow hot air out of the engine compartment. Is my aux fan overly sensitive or is this standard all year long in such climates as Houston? To help out, I raise the hood. No other car that I've owned has done this (or had such high under hood temps).
  • shieattshieatt Member Posts: 75
    Okay, now the extended warranty company (which is the Volvo VIP warranty) is refusing to pay for the new engine block, insisting instead that the dealer take it apart and attempt to repair/replace the anaerobic seal. Volvo factory rep insists that this will not fix the problem. Service advisor tells me that if this were under the "real" warranty, they would be replacing the block. I am not pleased, as the reason I sprung for the Volvo authorized extended warranty was so that my warranty coverage would be seamless. The separate company that administers the extended warranty is wholly-owned by Ford, which of course owns Volvo as well - I am furious that they are arguing with each other.

    In any event, I am not given comfort by my service advisor's mention to me that they have never attempted such a repair, that the standard labor hours for this repair are 20, but that it will take much longer. This, of course, means that the technicians will avoid this job like the plague since they are paid a flat rate.

    I am calling VIP warranty today to unleash a little frustration... more updates later.
  • jim314jim314 Member Posts: 491
    A team leader mechanic at my Volvo dealership in Dallas told me that Volvo has directed a small amount of a/c from the passenger compartment into the engine compartment to cool a computer module. This may be the small fan you are hearing. Or it could be something to do with the emissions--the carbon cannister. I hear this on our V70.

    Raising the hood to cool the engine compartment is something that some people think is beneficial. I can't believe it is worth the trouble and extra wear on the hood mechanism. A hot day in New England? Get real.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    most modern cars will run the aux cooling fan after shut down if conditions warrant it.

    Here in AZ we have hot days(don't consider any day in NE hot!)
    Even when it is 115 degrees outside we never have overheating problems. Hewck, my S60's temp gauge never goes over mid way.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    ...don't consider any day in NE hot!

    Trust me - 94 degrees and a dew point of 75 is hot. "It's jungle hot."
  • jim314jim314 Member Posts: 491
    I don't think this is the radiator fan running. It's some small, hidden fan which is barely audible.

    Temperature humidity index is important to animals and for the performance of evaporative coolers (water fans) but is irrelevant to the cooling of an auto engine. It's the actual air temperature. Wind chill is similiarly irrelevant to the level of antifreeze protection required.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    Well, there are 2 fans that can run.
    One is the radiator fan.
    The other is the interior climate control fan.
    This runs approx one hour after engine shutdown, it is designed to clear water out of the evaporator.
  • jim314jim314 Member Posts: 491
    Thanks for that info. I had been trying to get into the habit of switching off the a/c compressor, but not the fan, a mile or so from home to clear out the evaporator. This is just one more hassle and a distraction. I'll stop doing it.
  • blckislandguyblckislandguy Member Posts: 1,150
    VolvoMax, you 'da man. I used to think I was nuts when once or twice a year the interior climate control fan was still running after I had gone into the house. Now I know why.

    The radiator fan runs much more frequently after stopping. But you're right, the temp needle never budges.

    Thanks.
  • blckislandguyblckislandguy Member Posts: 1,150
    Our XC70 is getting long in the tooth and we are thinking about another one. (The inventory clearing deals in August, 07 as they launch a revision to the V70 should be awesome.)

    When you compare the Saab 9-5 wagon with the Volvo V70 the pricing seems very close. The Volvo needs to be optioned up a little to match the Saab specs but when all is said and done they both have an MSRP of about 37K with leather, roof, etc. HOWEVER, only Volvo offers AWD and it isn't much more money. To get Zenons on a Volvo wagon you have to go for the XC AWD model and then pay $700 extra for them as an option. Zenons are not available on two wheel drive V70s. The Saab 9-5 while not available as an AWD does have a sport package (formely calle the Aero package) for about $1000 which gets you some neat sport seats, a tuned and lowered chassis, etc. Zenons for Saabs are available for roughly $1200 in a package.

    All in all, it seems fairly clear. If you live in the snow belt the XC70 is preferable and if you don't, the Saab 9-5 wagon with the sport package sounds like much more fun than a two wheel drive V70.

    This might change 360 degrees when you come to sedans. I think that a Saab 9-5 with the spors package would be much more fun than the standard Volvo sedan with about 55 more HP (260 vs. 208). I can't understand the atraction of an AWD sedan (if you need AWD, go all the way to a wagon and get some load carrying capability etc.). To my way of thinking the Saab two wheel drive sedan is the way to go, especially if you add the sports package with sport seats, the opional ventilated/cooled seats and zenons.

    I didn't consider the R Series Volvo in the above because the price premium makes it hard to compare with the Saab.

    Volvomax and others, what say you?
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    Well, I'm not a big SAAB fan.

    The real difference is going to come at resale time. A Volvo wagon will do alot better than a SAAB one.

    As for sedans, with the lease deals out there the S60R is an unbeatable choice.
  • blckislandguyblckislandguy Member Posts: 1,150
    Vovlomax,

    Agreed. The Saab resale is notoriously low due in part to the heavy discounting of MSRP. (This makes a fair comparison difficult because no one pays even within 5K of list for a Saab.)

    Interestingly enough, while the Volvo dealer body seems stronger with better facilities etc. there are still at least a couple of Saab dealers in New England that built their business on the old two stroke 96 series so beloved by a generation of college faculty. Stetson in Maine is one. I suspect that these guys would give better customer service on a sick 9-5 than the typically much larger, higher volume Volvo stores would on a V70. When Volvo went up-scale with the 144 Series in the late 60's it pulled away from Saab. Then when Suburu came in 10 years later with AWD, Saab lost what low end busines it still retained. A whole generation of Mainers whose parents drove Saabs now drive Outbacks and their more successful cousins drive Volvos.

    How is the resale on a V70R? Does it tend to be only a small premium above the XC70? In other words, are there deals to be had such as finding a V70R in good shape for the same or not much more than full retail on a XC70?

    As an S60R knowledgeable owner how is the ride? Is it too boy racerish?
  • winterhoundwinterhound Member Posts: 4
    Sport Wagon Saga

    First of all: a special thanks to all of you who have spent your time posting about various cars, trials and tribulations with dealers, price haggling and results, and the features that stand out in the various models. For the past 3 months, your efforts have been incredibly helpful.

    I went from the BMW 325xi to the Audi A4 Avant. I tried the Subaru Outback and Legacy GT (not enough room to stretch my legs out), and for a time ended up with a VW Passat 3.6 4motion Wagon on order (Sport Pakage). I still think it is a great car, and that the sport suspension and seats are the only way to go. However, after waiting 5 weeks and realizing that the 6 week promise of a car was patently false. (In the beginning preorder, I had even told them that the internet had suggested 10 weeks yet they stuck to their 6 week time frame.) After it became obvious that the car would be late, it is currently on the dock in Germany awaiting transport (at 5.5 weeks), I tried to renegotiate the numbers (I had offered $36, 800—about $800 over invoice) but they said it cost them money to order the car and couldn’t do anything on price—they also said if I backed out there would be “no hard feelings” and a full refund of my $500 deposit. I didn’t back out at that time, but I did continue the search. Initially, I had eliminated Volvo’s: XC 70 no fun to drive (though it did have everything else). While the V70 T5 was a kick to drive, and had a nice feel, I needed a vehicle with all wheel drive. I hope to NEVER put chains on a car again! I eventually returned to Volvo (I already own a ’94 940 wagon with 110,000 miles with NO problems so I’m a bit partial). Took a ride in the V70-R and fell in love—seriously.

    I needed all wheel drove for the snow, an exceptionally comfortable seat to withstand 6.5 hour drives to the SF Bay Area for wind, and an equally long 6.5 hour drive to the snow for skiing. I also wanted a FUN car to drive. Additionally I needed a fair amount of room for surfing and windsurfing gear. Further, about half the time, I needed room for a wife and dog, and sometimes a daughter. You’ll laugh about these volume requirements, but in fact I was scaling down from a Suburban which is usually full of stuff with room for only one passenger—and even then I had to move some stuff around! The Volvo wagon offered adequate size, but it wasn’t until the end of the line (and steep discounts on 2006 Volvo’s), that I went back and test drove, for the first time, the V70—R.

    What an amazing car! Comfortable, FUN, glued to the road, way more to offer the “spirited” driver than ALL the other cars. Even better than the 330xi I tested solely for trying out the sport suspension and seats which I could never find in the 325xi. If you’re in the market for an understated rocket, be sure and give the V70-R some consideration.

    I added roof rails and got an agreed upon price of $41, 580. This is about $7000 under MSRP, and about $4000 above the cost of the VW Passat 3.6 4 Motion Wagon (I should mention that the Passat had 0.0% financing for 36 months which is obviously worth something). Thanx again to ALL who shared their stories and helped me make an informed decision.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    V70R is going to be very hard to find used. very few were built.
    Also, you would need snow tires since the R rides on summer performance tires.

    Saab's last bastion in the US is in the northeast, so dealer service should be good there.

    I drive an S60R, and w/ the adjustable suspension the ride can be whatever you want it to be. Soft to racetrack hard.
  • jim314jim314 Member Posts: 491
    We own a 2004 base model V70 168 hp 2.4L 5-cyl with 5-spd auto. Can I get a mileage computer installed by the dealer? Alternatively, can I use a scanner in the ODB port to yield mpg or fuel flow per unit time?
  • blckislandguyblckislandguy Member Posts: 1,150
    VolvoMax,

    "What do Mack Trucks and Saab have in common?"

    Only people in New England still buy them.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    heh heh heh :D
  • pl8sterpl8ster Member Posts: 5
    Hello all - I'm currently driving a 2003 Accord EX (yawn) but really want a wagon. I'm waiting to hear back from a private seller on the particulars of a 2000 XC for sale locally (southern Maine) - current mileage, especially - but I've been poking around in these Volvo forums and I can't help but think I'd be disappointed in the inevitable repair bills, though it does appear that the pre-2001 engine is a positive, and my Accord hasn't been trouble-free either (dead CD changer, emissions issues). Gas mileage will probably take a hit since I'm used to 30+mpg regularly, but I can live with that.

    Curious to see if anyone else has made the Honda-to-Volvo swap or has any horror stories to tell about the pre-2001 XC wagons that I should be aware of. Thanks!
  • lozroycelozroyce Member Posts: 4
    I JUST BOUGHT MY WIFE A 2001 V70 T-5...IT HAS A HOWLING NOISE AND SHAKES AT AROUND 60MPH...I HAVE GOT THE TIRES BALANCED TWICE, I HAVE GONE TO THE EXTENT TO PUT A NEW DISC AND IT STILL DOES THE SAME THING. HAS ANYONE HAD THIS PROBLEM OR HEARD OF SOMETHING LIKE THIS? THE ONLY THING LEFT IS TO PUT NEW HUBS!!!!ANY HELP GRREATLY APPRECIATED...ANYONE KNOW WHERE THE BEST PRICE FOR THE HUBS...
    THANKS,
  • pgb3pgb3 Member Posts: 7
    ">I too own a Honda (2001 Odys - major yawn) and have considering a purchasing a new V70R. We also own a 1998 S70GLT, which has given us many problems (major and minor), the most irritating of which are the constant blub & headlamp replacements. I beleive that Volvo has since changed the electrical wiring system, and the platform. The V70R is fun to drive (test-drive w/manual trans.), and safe to boot. What a great combination. I like the looks of the V70XC, but it's just not as fun. Good luck.
  • blckislandguyblckislandguy Member Posts: 1,150
    We run Michelin Artic Alpins on our '01 XC70 in the winter. One now has a hole in the sidewall such that if you peel back the black rubber you can see the white/gray inner cord. So, we need a new tire.

    Problem is I am told by one dealer that until Volvo in '03 went to the Haldex AWD system that you can't just change one tire but all four because the old style AWD would burn itself up trying t o accomodate tires of different diameters (one new; three old). Compounding this, the Artic Alpin is no longe available. The Tire Rack suggested a Michelin that replaced it but said that while comparable it had a different tread design.

    Can I get away with three somewhat worn Artic Alpins and one different tire?

    Should I put TWO new non-Artic Alpins on the same axle?

    Or do I have to buy four new identical tires?
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    How many miles are on the tires?
    If there is going to be a significant tread difference between the new and old ties then replacing all 4 is necessary.
  • flgirlaolflgirlaol Member Posts: 51
    Hi there,
    I'm usually on the Suburu boards, but my new Tribeca has just been in a wreck and we just rented a Volvo V70 at ATL airport yesterday. They told us that it was AWD and even the placard said that the V70 which is part of their "Prestige" line at Hertz is AWD. It's important to have an AWD because we need it here in the mountains of NC today.

    Anyway, we're driving it and we can't find anywhere in the car saying that it's an AWD car. It does have an option that will let us drive when it's raining or a "W" feature. But it does not say AWD on the back or inside.
    I'm concerned because it may snow tomorrow and our place is on top of a steep mountain here.

    Please help...how do I make sure this car is in fact AWD? Where does it say this so I can feel a bit more comfortable.

    Thanks!
  • jim314jim314 Member Posts: 491
    I would think that a V70 would have "AWD" on the back hatch if it were truly AWD. The standard V70 is front wheel drive. But if you have an XC70 it comes only with AWD. Look under the car at the back and see if it has drive shafts going to each wheel (and a differential in the center. The rear differential is smaller than the differentials of RWD cars.)

    But even if it's just a front wheel drive V70, that should handle winter rain and snow acceptably well. The "W" is winter tranny setting which reduces start-up wheel spin on slick road surfaces (by starting in 2nd gear, I think).
  • flgirlaolflgirlaol Member Posts: 51
    Thanks Jim,

    I appreciate your response. I'm just a bit upset that Hertz sold us a weekly rental on a this Volvo (which was an upgraded car!) as an AWD. It even said so on the placard at the counter. This is why we were a bit baffled when we didn't see AWD anywhere on the car.

    We love this V70 and it's a great car. Thanks.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    The V70 AWD is no longer made.
    Only the XC70 and V70R come w/ AWD.
    I doubt that Hertz is renting V70R's!
    Are you sure you don't have an XC70, because Hertz does rent those.
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    Good point.

    The XC70 is easily recognized by it's plastic cladding around the lower body and fenders.

    image
  • jim314jim314 Member Posts: 491
    What is the exact model designation on the back hatch?
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    XC70

    Also says Cross Country under the back glass.
  • shamrock23shamrock23 Member Posts: 1
    It is not worth it. As tires wear they actually become smaller. If you don't agree you can actually measure them but it is tough to be acurate. Take a piece of chalk and draw a line on the pavement. Roll a new tire 5 or 10 complete revolutions and draw a second line. Do the same with an existing tire same revolutions. you will see a difference and this will cause your AWD to fail.

    doing 2 won't matter any way so if you not going to buy 4 just do the one and replace your transfer box if/when it fails.

    Sorry my wife loves the volvo wagons and we are looking to replace our old 850. She wants AWD and I want FWD specifically for these reasons.

    In an old life I sold tires and went through a couple of week training sessions at the Michelin plant in SC. They will tell you to buy 5 tires when you replace and rotate every 6-8 K including the 5th tire in the rotation pattern. That way this will prevent you having an issue like this. Oh yea it won't cost you any more because by buying 5 instead of 4 tires you get more wear out of them.

    That said I never saw anyone purchase 5 tires under this logic.

    All of this said all is probably a mute point because few people rotate their tires often enough to keep them the same size. My guess is your volvo eats up front tires quickly and rotation is very important on his model as they are so much heavier in front them back.

    Good Luck
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Then it's AWD.
  • jim314jim314 Member Posts: 491
    flgirlaol,

    What is the exact model designation on the back hatch of the rented Volvo wagon? Does it read "V70R" or just "V70"?

    Were you able to confirm the presence, or absence, of drive axles connected to the rear wheels?

    Whether it is FWD or AWD drive, I hope you'll let us know how the vehicle handled the mountain road. In about 1985 our 1981 Pontiac Phoenix (GM "X-Body) FWD easily climbed an icy hill that a bunch of Mercedes and BMW RWD cars were slewing sideways on. FWD will do a great job of climbing icy hills. Where AWD shines is in aggressive driving on twisty roads.

    Jim
  • flgirlaolflgirlaol Member Posts: 51
    It just says V70...I didn't look at the drive axles yet...sorry it's too cold outside..but I'll look later!
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Hmm - I can't delete this message. I thought it was flagirl posting the lettering - not volvomax.
  • paddlemepaddleme Member Posts: 1
    I must be lucky! I have been driving Volvo wagon for a decade now. Started from the 850 series to V70's and never had problem. I do lease my cars, so I change them every 3 years and get the same car over, just a different version. Right now I'm driving the V70-R series. It's nice but have to refuel more often, this car drinks gas... I think my favorite one is the T-5.
  • churechure Member Posts: 3
    I'm looking at buying a V70 T5 and was looking for feedback as to whether the T5 was recommended over the the standard V70.
    We will adding child #2 soon and don't want to jump into the minivan world or add another SUV. I'm moving from a Jetta GLI and prefer to have a sporty feel to my vehicle and the T5 seems to fit the sporty family car. I'm am looking in the used market, most likely '04 coming off of 3yr leases.
    Again, I'm interested in comments about the T5 and whether I should continue to look for it versus the standard V70.

    Much appreciated.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    The T5 is faster, htats pretty much it.
    Seats are a little nicer and you would have a few more toys on the car.
    T5 wagons are pretty rare.
    The 2.4T or 2.5T's are more common.
    They also have turbo engines, they just aren't as powerful.
  • jim314jim314 Member Posts: 491
    Are you considering a base 2.4L non-turbo? My wife has a 2004 base V70 168 hp with 5-speed auto tranny and roof rails as the only options. It's got plenty of power, gets better fuel economy and is a lot cheaper.

    On a trip with a Thule roof box we got 29 mpg. I've also got a Volvo trailer hitch on it, but in the one highway trip pulling the trailer the mpg was down significantly to a little over 20 mpg.
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