V70R AWD 1999 laser blue

[jonmaine]

Being a bit new to all of this and still searching for a car to buy I have been looking at R AWD's.

There is a 1998 locally with 175,000 which i am mildly nervous about but please let me have your opinions. Will be looking at it on Sunday, by all accounts a very clean car with fvsh just had air con and suspension overhauled. Price tag less than 4k.

Then there is a laser blue 99, nice car 90k for around 7k.

Were all the laser blues the 265bhp model? Is that classed as a II or a III could someone kindly explain to me the progresion of the models and relative pros and cons. The guy selling the laser blue said that colour was only used on that phase of model and they all came in autos.

All suggestions, information and specific answers to the above questions gratefully received.:snail:

[macV70R]

yes the 99 laser blue ones were all auto and had 265hp with a larger turbo, the 19t.

Mine is a 97 and had the 18t before it was changed.

Some people say that there are problems with the awd system on the earlier cars, but all I can say is mine has been spot on and no uneven tyre wear.

Mac

[macV70R]

Also mate, if you do look at the either car check the propshaft up on a lift cos I ve just been quoted £650.00 for a new one!:doh:

I have had mine for nearly 2 years and had no bother at all.

[jonmaine]

Thanks for that, I will build a picture up slowl.

Another thing I was told is that all the laser blues had twin exhausts, however of two I have been looking at one has two and the other seems to have a cutout outline in the bumper on the left as you look at the rear of the car which is blanked but no pipe apparent. Is this usual? Am I being sold something different if it has only one rear pipe?

If I am clever there should be two piccys here to compare.

[T5ER]

Thanks for that, I will build a picture up slowl.

Another thing I was told is that all the laser blues had twin exhausts, however of two I have been looking at one has two and the other seems to have a cutout outline in the bumper on the left as you look at the rear of the car which is blanked but no pipe apparent. Is this usual? Am I being sold something different if it has only one rear pipe?

If I am clever there should be two piccys here to compare.
i like the reg plate on the first 1 but would go for the second car

[jonmaine]

Why?

I am still going to look at the older high miler at the weekend to unless someone can convince me not to.

[T5ER]

Why?

I am still going to look at the older high miler at the weekend to unless someone can convince me not to.
i honestly cant answer that but the first one looks nice and shiny but there is something about that second think it is the twin pipes i am a sucker for twin pipes

[jonmaine]

Thought that might be the answer, they want more dosh for that one but its closer to home and has had the cambelt just done where the other has not. What intervals should the cambelt be done is it 90k?

[burchi]

Hi

The early V70 R AWD (1997 - 1999) was available with either a 5 speed manual which had an 18T turbo or a 4 speed auto version which had the 16T turbo. Power was 250 BHP and 240 BHP respectively. Both versions have a throttle cable and Motronic 4.4 Management. These cars had a single exhaust outlet with a blank on the left side although there are many aftermarket systems that will use both sides and also custom systems too.

In 1999, the ME7 management was introduced to this range and others too. This is a drive by wire system with no throttle cable. Beware the dreaded ETM failure on these later cars which can prove expensive in the event of failure. The Laser Blue colour was 1st seen at this point but, the manual transmission was dropped and the 4 speed auto with 2.4 engine and 16T turbo was the single option I believe?

In 2000, the final version of the Classic V70 was produced and featured a new 5 speed auto box with the 2.4 engine and 19T turbo. power is 265 BHP on this version. This was the only version that sported twin tailpipes from the factory.

The AWD system CAN be very troublesome if rigourous attention is not paid to uniform tyre treads and rolling circumferences. My car had 2 new transfer boxes and a prop shaft in the time I owned it all due to poor tyre maintenance in a previous life. Very expensive with a total cost of these 3 being around £3,200 all in!!!!!! However, if maintained well, they provide great grip and handling and almost entirely remove torque steer and wheelspin even under the most agressive acceleration!!!

Hope this helps and good luck with your search.


Ian

[T5ER]

Thought that might be the answer, they want more dosh for that one but its closer to home and has had the cambelt just done where the other has not. What intervals should the cambelt be done is it 90k?
i know on 850`s it is 80k so sounds about right mate,as for having the cambelt done costs vary but are between £150-£350

[T5ER]

Thought that might be the answer, they want more dosh for that one but its closer to home and has had the cambelt just done where the other has not. What intervals should the cambelt be done is it 90k?
oh forgot here`s why about the exhaust thing
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h148/OLIVET5/VIMTOREARSmall.jpg

[jonmaine]

All very useful, thankyou everyone. But please keep all observations coming as I am green and need to learn from your experiences to hopefully save myself a bad one.


When I am not lusting after t5r's, 850r's, v70r's I enjoy working on old buildings here is my house I have been working on for the last 2.5 years, it was entirely derilict.

[muscas]

There were 3 phases of R-AWD produced between 1997 and 2000:-

Phase 1 :- were produced in 1997 and 1998 (United Kingdom P - S reg) and were available with either the B5234T-4 (2.3 20V) engine (18T turbo 250bhp/350nm)and 5-speed manual gearbox or the B5234T-6 engine (16T turbo 240bhp/310nm) and 4-speed 3 mode automatic gearbox. Both engines used the Motronic 4.4 engine management system. (0-60 7.3/8.1, 152/143mph)

Phase 2 :- were produced in 1999 (S - T reg) and were only available with the B5234T-8 (2.3 20V) engine (18T turbo 250bhp/310nm) and 4-speed adaptive automatic gearbox. These cars use the ME7 engine management system with fly by wire throttle and variable exhaust camshaft. (0-60 7.8 143mph)

Phase 3 :- were produced in 1999 and early 2000 (V - W reg) and were only available with the B5244RT (2.4 20V) engine (19T turbo 265bhp/350nm) and 5-speed adaptive automatic gearbox. These also use the ME7 engine management system as with the phase 2 cars. Phase III cars were fitted with the latest Volvo Sat Nav system us used up till 2003, as a £2500 option. These cars were the first Volvo's to be fitted with twin exhaust pipes and they also had vented disc's all-round The AWD system was slightly different in these cars in that it had different drive shafts which are supposed to improve reliability (0-60 7.3 152mph)

Trim and spec levels remained virtually un-changed through out the 3 phases. Trim was Leather and Alcantara in either Beige or Grey with aluminium trim on the dash and console (dark wood was an option on phase 1 and 2). On phase 1 cars the steering wheel was also leather/alcantara, but phase 3 had a thicker rimmed leather only wheel. Phase 3 cars had the option of contrasting grey/beige trim. These cars were virtually "fully-loaded" with very few options available (mainly pro-logic, 6 cd changer, sat-nav) as they cost £38000 when new!! Phase 3 front seats had "whips" system fitted and larger side air bags that help protect your chest and head in the event of a crash.

All phases were available with either 16" or 17" wheels in either silver or anthracite finish with temp spare wheel. 17" Alloys carried a £100 premium when fitted from new.

The colours available were I believe as follows :-

Phase 1 :- Saffron, Black Stone, Nautic Blue, Silver, Regency Red

Phase 2 :- Laser Blue, Black Stone, Nautic Blue, Silver, Cassis, Classic Red, Dark Olive

Phase 3 :- Laser Blue, Black Stone, Nautic Blue, Silver, Cassis, Classic Red, Dark Olive

Hope this helps.

By the way, your house looks fantastic, in fact it's so big that by the time you finish it you will be about ready to start again.

Good luck with your decision.

Patrick

[t5tart]

nice pad

bet that has been a money pit

[lab-monkey]

bottom pics you posted is my old car sold this year

link with probs :(

http://www.vpcuk.org/forums/t10538-lazer-blue-v70r-awd.html


reason box started to play up about 3 months before hand then i let misses drive the car for work and she drove it with a flat rear tyre for about 2 weeks :( which didnt do it the world of good (havnt ley her borrow mine since) , the turbo return pipe was leaking so after high speed driving it would leak over rear of engine (smell of burning in cabin) car was a risk so got rid, but before all that ran great . also forgot to add front right had a smash, wing, bonnet and bumper.



ps
i still have the towbar end attachment :) and a set of 4 tyres for it (the 1 that had a puncture so changed them all )
________
Yamaha Tg77 Specifications (http://www.yamaha-tech.com/wiki/Yamaha_TG77)

[chancha]

Jon, you forgot to mention the Scottish V70-R we spoke about ealrier in the week:)

Kevin

[jonmaine]

Thanks for that lab-monkey, how bad was the transfer box? Could it be still limping on now or would it be totally knackered after another 4k miles?
Do you still have any of the bits you removed?

[lab-monkey]

hi
Transfer box was leaking when i sold it and making a noise at high speed, as for parts i sold them all apart from handbook/wallet and towbar attachment (cost ?250 quid at vovlo just for that part ) which is still in excellant condition only used to tow jetski .
i also have the full history service sheets from every service from(volvo) plus most of the parts receipts which i took out (only left the service book in car)
Jay
________
CALIFORNIA MEDICAL MARIJUANA (http://california.dispensaries.org/)

[jonmaine]

I am still considering this car it looks great, the current owner seems unaware of the issues had by lab-monkey. However he has only kept the car for 4k miles and a few months so am not sure if he is unhappy with it for just the fuel economy whilst commuting 60 miles a day or more than that. I have spoken to him once on the phone and he seems fairly genuine.

Oh, Chancha sorry I did but am trying to look at cars a bit closer to home first, 400 miles opposed to 40 is a long way.

[lab-monkey]

hi
the garage that sold it on might have fixed it ? if not just get some 1 who knows about them to do a once over before buying :)


jay
________
Bdsm female (http://www.****tube.com/categories/236/female/videos/1)

[jonmaine]

Well I am looking at one on my doorstep tomorrow afternoon which is older, higher mileage and cheaper. I will see how that goes and if I am not impressed by the local car I will get back to Tom about his lovely laser blue twin exhaust 265bhp beauty and try and clarify the position with the earlier faults.

[muscas]

Good luck with your decision today.
If it suits you I would recommed to hold out for the 265BHP one, but I would say that.....

[jonmaine]

Always good to have another little shove towards what is just out of reach muscas !! Lol

[muscas]

Always good to have another little shove towards what is just out of reach muscas !! Lol

Let us know how you get on........

Patrick

[jonmaine]

Just having a cuppa, going to drop my wife off at the gardening show at the bath and west showground then look at the car its less than £4k and 1998 irish 4 letters 3 numbers plate 175000 on the clock volvo maintained with recently overhauled aircon and suspension.
The chap with the laser 265 has emailled back and said he knows nothing of the faults encountered previously as discussed in this thread. perhaps it was all sorted by the dealer before he bought it.

Will get back later

[jonmaine]

Looked at it, all wheels kerbed, paintwork a bit scratched and laquer peeling across the stone chips on the bonnet. Discs a bit thin.

Quite tidy inside, felt a pleasure to drive.

Not going to rush back for it. I will consider it and may talk to him later if nothing else better comes along but it needs some tlc and tidying up. Tyres looked a bit hit and miss to so I think a thorough check over of the transfer box and drive shafts would also be appropriate.

[muscas]

Looked at it, all wheels kerbed, paintwork a bit scratched and laquer peeling across the stone chips on the bonnet. Discs a bit thin.

Quite tidy inside, felt a pleasure to drive.

Not going to rush back for it. I will consider it and may talk to him later if nothing else better comes along but it needs some tlc and tidying up. Tyres looked a bit hit and miss to so I think a thorough check over of the transfer box and drive shafts would also be appropriate.

Follow your heart.....Buy the Laser Blue 265BHP one......

[jonmaine]

I am sorely tempted, my wife and my moneypit of a house are the only things stopping me going to get it , subject to an agreeable price this evening. How would you value it muscas, its listed on fleabay and will come up under lazer blue or v70 r awd.
Its lost its r mats had a knock to front corner professionally repaired at somepoint. It has also had a history of transfer box/ prop shaft trouble although the current seller says he has not encountered these and thinks the dealer who sold him the car dealt with it.
Other than that it looks fine and dandy.
Whats it worth do you reckon/ Toms after £7500 ???????

[jonmaine]

The other laser blue must have been a phase 2 as it only has one exhaust pipe so not so keen about that one.

[siamblue]

I am sorely tempted, my wife and my moneypit of a house are the only things stopping me going to get it , subject to an agreeable price this evening. How would you value it muscas, its listed on fleabay and will come up under lazer blue or v70 r awd.
Its lost its r mats had a knock to front corner professionally repaired at somepoint. It has also had a history of transfer box/ prop shaft trouble although the current seller says he has not encountered these and thinks the dealer who sold him the car dealt with it.
Other than that it looks fine and dandy.
Whats it worth do you reckon/ Toms after £7500 ???????

Buy the red phase 1 for £4250 use the other 3k for mods, at least with phase one it is manual and non ME7,

Gary,

[arbee]

there is also a really nice looking laser blue on ebay at the mo :)

[muscas]

Buy the red phase 1 for £4250 use the other 3k for mods, at least with phase one it is manual and non ME7,

Gary,

Nagh,,, Buy the Phase III Laser Blue

OK OK, constructive suggestion........

If I were in your shoes I would purchase the Phase III because I believe its the best V70R Classic.

Now there is nothing wrong with any other T5 / R, I had a T5 for 4 years and still have great admiration for those cars.

However where ever possible I always try to purchase the very best I can afford. It took me 18 months to find my current car, that's right 18 months, so I have seen plenty of performance Volvo's and the Phase III Laser Blue was the only one for me.

Please don't mis-understand me, I am in no way slating anybody else's car, far from it. It's simply to say that if I purchased any other than a Phase III, I know I would have regretted it.

From memory you have had an opportunity to look at an R reg with 175K and a V reg with 90K. The mileage alone should steer you in the direction of the younger car. To answer your question I reckon the Phase III Laser Blue is worth £7K+

I wish you the very best with your decision.

Patrick

[siamblue]

I`m with Patrick on this one. I also had a 850 T5 for years before finding my Laser Blue. Deffo hang out for best you can afford and look forward to seeing your decision at some point.


I am going to say sorry twice here, lol, one because i was looking at Red R's and meant to say buy the S plate AWD R 115k for £4250 doh, not the Red,

ans Sorry guys but you 2 are biased :biggrin: can understand what you mean about the 265bhp though ;)

[jonmaine]

Well it would seem either that I buy the right car now or wait for it to come along as Patrick and Fletch did. I am a bit unsure about Toms car still knowing the history posted by Lab Monkey from when he owned it and the fact it had been in a smash. I still feel I would like it, it is under warranty for four months so perhaps as long as it is a comprehensive cover I could take the risk. Tom seems unaware of any problems but is selling the car after only 4000 miles and a few months of ownership. I have never been one to sell a vehicle quickly.

My v70 tdi has now been repaired so that is a pleasure to drive again now we have steering, instead of being heavy as an ancient lorry. So I dont desperately need to change the car at this moment.But if I do whats a 1999 tdi with 185k thats been fully serviced worth? Its a few scuffs and scrapes to the bumpers thanks to my wife and the door cards dinged from the seat belt being trapped but with a valet could be quite clean inside again. Any ideas on value? Anyone want a well serviced diesel?

However I am feeling down in the dumps about two of my children who I have looked after for 10 years since their mother ran off with another man leaving to move back in with her because the grass is greener and suddenly she has become needy as her man has a brain tumour so I guess she is really quite wobbly and decided she wants to surround herself with the kids. I feel sorry for her but she is an underhanded cow that has wound the kids up against us and a decent up bringing. Anyway enough of that the point is I am feeling as if a bit of diversional therapy may make me feel a bit better if I have a new toy! Of course that also means I will have weekends where we can go away now too.

So all in all I will wait and see what figure Tom will accept for the car, it really seems to be a buyers market currently. £7k would appear to be the accepted price for a good one. I have bid on Ebay for it up to my ceiling which is still substantially below his reserve and other bidders have currently pushed my bid up to £5200 although I have bid more. The car finishes in a few hours so I will wait and see what happens.

Given the fact the r mats are missing and I dont know if I can replace them easily or cheaply and it has been pranged before, this makes me feel its value perhaps shouldnt be top dollar.

Well I guess I will have to wait and see what happens, someone may jump in at the last minute of the auction and reach the reserve price which is set at £7500.

I will see how it develops as Tom knows I am interested, He knows I am highest bidder on ebay and that due to this forum and lab monkey has been shown the history of the vehicle before he bought it so also knows I have a few reservations whilst still keen.

[lab-monkey]

hi jon
if you want to pm me ur number i can give you a call this evening and tell you the whole history for when i had the car if that helps :)

jay
________
WWW.**** TUBE.COM (http://www.****tube.com/)

[jonmaine]

I had a good chat with Jay the other night, very enlightening. I am undecided on how to move forwards. The phase 3 is back on ebay I never made it to look at it today. I may still do that this week I am not sure.
I know Tom is asking top price for a car which whilst unrecorded has had new bonnet, bumper and wing which strikes me as a fairly disruptive smash.
Any ideas on how this sort of damage gets factored into the value of a car?

Maybe I will just hang fire until another comes along.

How many phase 3 laser blues do we think exist?:cuckoo:

[muscas]

How many phase 3 laser blues do we think exist?:cuckoo:

I "believe" the number is 7 in the UK

Patrick

[lab-monkey]

I thought it was nearer 15?
________
Shower young (http://www.****tube.com/categories/993/young/videos/1)

[siamblue]

I thought it was nearer 15?


common as hell, just like the GG ones :haha: Cassis rules in the exclusivity stakes :saythat:

[jonmaine]

I am unsure :cuckoo: as to how previous smash to the car effects price.

Any Ideas? :biggrin:

[jonmaine]

I think it has been well repaired but is obviously repaired as they sprayed laquer over the inside of the inner wing and the inside of the bonnet. Of course these would be the base colour but matt unlaquered.

[muscas]

I thought it was nearer 15?

You may well be right.

I got the number 7 from the dealer I bought my car from up North, and that was 3 1/2 years ago.

Where did you come by the number 15?

Patrick

[muscas]

I am unsure :cuckoo: as to how previous smash to the car effects price.

Any Ideas? :biggrin:

Where is this car located?

Go and see the car soonest. If you are happy and have a warm feeling, buy it.

Make the most of it and start to enjoy the car.

From experience, those who hesitate....well you know the rest of it....

The bottom line is you need to assess the car for yourself, if it meets your criteria, what are you waiting for?

Depending on the cars location ask somebody from the forum to go with you for advise, this may well help to reduce the price as well.

INHO a cars previous smash does not effect resale price, now of course this is dependent on how well the repairs were carried out. But once again that is for you to assertain by having a close inspection of the car.

Good luck and keep smiling:anmflower

Patrick

[arbee]

a well repaired car should be undetectable to joe average and virtually undetectable to a pro - if that is the case, and you wouldnt know the repair had been done otherwise i feel it makes no difference. the panels you say have been replaced certainly dont constitute to a prang i'd be at all concerned about. just get someone with a bit of experience to give it a once over :)

[lab-monkey]

You may well be right.

I got the number 7 from the dealer I bought my car from up North, and that was 3 1/2 years ago.

Where did you come by the number 15?

Patrick
Hi

When i 1st brought mine the dealer said only 15 had came to uk(Harratts) and at that time i knew of 3 in gloucestershire alone , also i think pgi had said on 1 of there adverts that had 1 for sale only 15 in uk,


Jay
________
Fix ps3 (http://fixps3.info/)

[muscas]

Hi

When i 1st brought mine the dealer said only 15 had came to uk(Harratts) and at that time i knew of 3 in gloucestershire alone , also i think pgi had said on 1 of there adverts that had 1 for sale only 15 in uk,


Jay

As these cars get older it will become harder to determine the exact number.
It is interesting you mentioned 15, as this is a figure I have heard mentioned before.
Either way I know of one that has been broken for spares about two years ago.

So that's down to 14 by your estimation.

Patrick

[jonmaine]

I will have to try to find the time to look between the constant workload, its only 44 miles away, up to £3500 ish reserve not met on flea bay today

[muscas]

I will have to try to find the time to look between the constant workload, its only 44 miles away, up to £3500 ish reserve not met on flea bay today

So what's the verdict, have you been to see the car?

Patrick

[jonmaine]

So what's the verdict, have you been to see the car?

Patrick

Not yet, however I have been in touch with Tom the owner.

If he doesnt sell on fleabay he is px ing on Sunday. However he says a private sale would be preferable for him despite saying he has been offered a reasonable part exchange.

I will try to see the car either Friday or Saturday If Tom can accomodate an inspection and I can tear myself away from my manic workload which I should know by tomorrow night.

I would really like this car but if it doesnt happen I am prepared to wait and wait a while for the right one to turn up.

So the saga is not yet over ................:cuckoo:

[jonmaine]

So what's the verdict, have you been to see the car?

Patrick

Yep, seen the car now, very tidy a few minor marks here and there inside much as Jay described. Damage looks almost invisibly repaired, if Jay had not said I would never have guessed.

The spoiler is marked and scraped underneath and slightly on the front, I guess only to be expected for a low spoiler on a well used car.

The transmission felt smooth and responsive, the average mpg recorded was 22.7 but is being used on B roads commuting currently. So I guess this is normal? Anyone?

Certainly the symptoms mentioned by Jay were no longer present.

The wheels have suffered a degree of kerbing and a bit of bubbly laquer, I guess normal for unrestored 7 year old wheels. Underneath looked clean, the exhaust looks like its possibly reaching the end of its life.

looking down the sides of the car it looked very straight apart from a minor ding or two which were tiny. Thought the dolby 5.1 speaker on the dash was a bit ugly and so suprised such a top of the range car has no passanger airbag!!

All in all fairly impressed. Time for some deep thought.

I guess these cars come up very rarely.

Are the awd systems more reliable on the phase 3?

I want to check out warranties available, how reliable are the 19t turbos? What is the life expectancy?

Anyway enough for now.

[siamblue]

Yep, seen the car now, very tidy a few minor marks here and there inside much as Jay described. Damage looks almost invisibly repaired, if Jay had not said I would never have guessed.

The spoiler is marked and scraped underneath and slightly on the front, I guess only to be expected for a low spoiler on a well used car.

The transmission felt smooth and responsive, the average mpg recorded was 22.7 but is being used on B roads commuting currently. So I guess this is normal? Anyone?

Certainly the symptoms mentioned by Jay were no longer present.

The wheels have suffered a degree of kerbing and a bit of bubbly laquer, I guess normal for unrestored 7 year old wheels. Underneath looked clean, the exhaust looks like its possibly reaching the end of its life.

looking down the sides of the car it looked very straight apart from a minor ding or two which were tiny. Thought the dolby 5.1 speaker on the dash was a bit ugly and so suprised such a top of the range car has no passanger airbag!!

All in all fairly impressed. Time for some deep thought.

I guess these cars come up very rarely.

Are the awd systems more reliable on the phase 3?

I want to check out warranties available, how reliable are the 19t turbos? What is the life expectancy?

Anyway enough for now.


Hi you are right there aren't many phase 3's around, think there are even less phase 2's as they were only made for 6 months,
my car was also dinked on the front spoiler, nothing major but i knew it needed painting, 22.7 is good, I am getting 18 around town and 24 on a long run,
The wheels will cost you £50 a corner to get refurbed minimum, exhaust will be costly, £400 for a aftermarket one,
the AWD system is the same on all classic shape R's

[v70rade]

Hi Guys, firstly an apology for dragging up such an old post, but the wife’s out and this was my first port of call after the fridge!!

I couldn't quite believe it when I dug up this post, as it describes other member’s similar thoughts to mine during the summer of 2006!!!

Anyway, to cut a long story short (if anyone’s interested) the phase 3 in this post (Ex V621 RJO) has been sat on my drive since 21st Sep 06 when I bought it from Tom (fully aware of its history - although not from reading this post in 06!!!)

I was aware of the possible transfer box issue when I bought it and, budgeted for it; however it lasted without issue until Oct 08, when it was reconditioned by a specialist - touch wood all is sweet now!!!

To give you an idea of running costs - it now has all of the correct (although not its original) R paraphernalia back with it, 119k on the clock and has cost me best part of £10k (Excl. labour) over the last 3 years to get it to nearly where I want it. - Worth every penny, and still makes me smile like a teenager every time I drive it!!!

I've chucked a few pics on so you can see how it looks now!

And this was it in the garage in May? 06.

http://www.vpcuk.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10538&highlight=laser+blue

Ade.

[Dangerous Dave]

Awesome matey, AWD FTW!