Phase 3 cars....are they any better than the w**ky Phase 2s to live with?

[y2blade]

As per title.

Serious question btw.
Have been out a while now, How are these shaping up?

[Santa]

Phase2 is the best :P

Are you referring to reliability?

[y2blade]

Phase2 is the best :P

Are you referring to reliability?

I doubt that very much


Constant niggling issues mainly electrical, crap suspension parts, poor quality interior parts.....just general w**kyness


Keen to hear from actual Phase3 owners really, not "Phase2 is best" head in the sand types :P
However thank you for taking the time and considerable effort to reply.

[volvokid]

Hopefully you get some feed back on this one as ultimately a P3 will be my next car.

[stribo]

Blackdog would be the man to speak to, I think he's on his 3rd now. BTW we haven't had any w***yness from our P2, but then we don't load it up with hay bales. ;)

[Yosser]

I'm curious as to why you're so down on the p2 when you seemed happy with the xc90. I imagine the xc90 is pretty comparable with a p2 build wise.

That said, p3's are getting more accessible and I'm also curious about them as I could potentially see one in my future.

[y2blade]

I'm curious as to why you're so down on the p2 when you seemed happy with the xc90. I imagine the xc90 is pretty comparable with a p2 build wise.
.



The XC90 was a gift horse!!!! of course I'd be "happy" with it, despite electric seats that move about overnight, auto wipers that were completely unpredictable, temperamental mirror folding motors, alarm that would go off without reason every now and then etc etc

btw My OH still has my old S60 D5, that has a much longer list of similarly annoying niggles that are to date untraceable not to mention it's appetite for droplinks (front and rear) and wheel bearings..... tbh it's just getting run unit it presents a big bill then it is off to the scrap yard in the sky.


In my experience P2s are disappointing for long term ownership and I can hand on heart say I'd not have another 2000-2007 Volvo even if it was FREE!!!!

I'd gladly have another 850 or P1 V70 though.
I'm very interested to hear how the Phase 3 cars are getting on now they have been out a while.



ANY PHASE 3 OWNERS ON HERE????? I'd be genuinely interested to hear how your ownership experiences have been.

Thank you

[Yosser]

Ah right, I must have misconstrued "after three faultess years together" as being "happy".

[y2blade]

Ah right, I must have misconstrued "after three faultess years together" as being "happy".


It never broke down, it never threw a big bill.

It was reliable, it was comfy and a joy to do miles in.

[Blackdog]

Yep. On my third D5 V70. Two autos and now a manual. Nothing major has happened to any of them just one sensor for the screen wash and a ball joint. One problem with a sat nav update but that was sorted. 40 mpg on the autos and 43 on the manual. Ask any specific questions that you may have and I will answer to the best of my knowledge. Drop me a pm if you want my number to have a chat and depending on where you are we could arrange for a meet up.

[y2blade]

Excellent, thank you for replying :) I'd like to return to the brand sometime in the future.

[Blackdog]

When I bought the first one we tried a lot of others stuff but nothing compared to the build and comfort of the Volvo.

[y2blade]

When I bought the first one we tried a lot of others stuff but nothing compared to the build and comfort of the Volvo.


Comfort is what other brands are lacking in my experience, once you've spent time in Volvo seats you struggle to find anything that comes close.

[Blackdog]

Yep. We tried Vauxhall, Ford, Merc, BMW, Pug, Audi and Citroen. The Audi (A6) and BMW's (5 series) were too small for the dogs. The Merc (C class as the E is out of the budget) we just handed the keys back to the sales guy without a test drive, and the others we just got back in the Ph2 V70 we had at the time, and both thought why are we looking at anything else.

I did try the 2.0D four pot but thought it was too under powered. The D3 and D4 five pots are good from what I have driven as loaners (not V70's though) during services.

[Ettienne]

We bought / paid a deposit on a xc60 this morning and this afternoon got a call saying the car is no longer forsale and a refund.

They damaged the car before it was released, oh well I shall look for another.

[Blackdog]

We bought / paid a deposit on a xc60 this morning and this afternoon got a call saying the car is no longer forsale and a refund.

They damaged the car before it was released, oh well I shall look for another.

If you are buying from a main dealer then I can strongly recommend Bells Volvo in Bedford. They are not the closest dealer to me but they are the nicest one of all the ones I have dealt with.

[LeeT5]

I doubt that very much


Constant niggling issues mainly electrical, crap suspension parts, poor quality interior parts.....just general w**kyness


Keen to hear from actual Phase3 owners really, not "Phase2 is best" head in the sand types :P
However thank you for taking the time and considerable effort to reply.

:rotfl:

[y2blade]

:rotfl:

I'm glad someone picked up on it.
You'd expect better from our leader wouldn't you :D

[Ettienne]

If you are buying from a main dealer then I can strongly recommend Bells Volvo in Bedford. They are not the closest dealer to me but they are the nicest one of all the ones I have dealt with.

Main dealer or Indy, not new but just looking around, my wife is a pita to buy a car for.

[960kg]

When I bought the first one we tried a lot of others stuff but nothing compared to the build and comfort of the Volvo.


Yep. We tried Vauxhall, Ford, Merc, BMW, Pug, Audi and Citroen. The Audi (A6) and BMW's (5 series) were too small for the dogs. The Merc (C class as the E is out of the budget) we just handed the keys back to the sales guy without a test drive, and the others we just got back in the Ph2 V70 we had at the time, and both thought why are we looking at anything else.

I did try the 2.0D four pot but thought it was too under powered. The D3 and D4 five pots are good from what I have driven as loaners (not V70's though) during services.

Well.....that was the worst thing you did was hand the keys back with no test drive in the C class Merc.......

I have had 12 volvo`s with 5 of them turbo`s over about 29/30yrs....yes, i agree comfortable motors and after 300mls one can get out and think you have only been around the block!...but the Merc scores on a lot more than comfort, by the way it is not uncomfortable...... seeing as mine is the C320 CDI with 7gears auto and lowered sport suspension!...it is a cossetting fast ride when you want it to be and will out perform a V70 T5 in MPG also......

I said i would never ever own a 2000- Volvo of any model especially when they are designed to go wrong and give the owner big bills....i had a 2001 1.8 S40 phase 2 with VVT and the VVT went tits up twice in 80,000mls so `cos i bought it like it i sold it like it as i was not going to fund Ford/Volvo ....other problems as well,heater controls that go AWOL ....that was the last straw with Volvo`s...

Jamest5r bought my last Volvo the `97 V70 T5 and fast and furious with 24 mpg ....i can do that a lot quieter with my Merc and get almost 40mpg using the power and being RWD no problems with traction off the line with it`s 245 wide standard tyres.

Mercedes parts are cheaper compared with Volvo...£268 for TWO MAF`s (V6) including the plastic airway "Y" piece they fit into onto the airfilters...how much is a pucker Volvo MAF for ONE?

Just had my O2 sensor replaced and by an MB mechanic fitted £226.80p.

So go try a Mercedes again but this time drive it and see what you prefer....all galvanised body with stylish quality interior and all the gadgets if you want them...even a setting to move the passenger mirror down to the rear alloy wheel when reversing so you don`t spoil your expensive alloys on the kerb when reversing!.......Mercedes have it all, if you want it......and if you look around not at an expensive price either!

[kmb]

The side mirror reversing trick has been on BMW's for many years too. I like it!

[Ettienne]

Well.....that was the worst thing you did was hand the keys back with no test drive in the C class Merc.......

I have had 12 volvo`s with 5 of them turbo`s over about 29/30yrs....yes, i agree comfortable motors and after 300mls one can get out and think you have only been around the block!...but the Merc scores on a lot more than comfort, by the way it is not uncomfortable...... seeing as mine is the C320 CDI with 7gears auto and lowered sport suspension!...it is a cossetting fast ride when you want it to be and will out perform a V70 T5 in MPG also......

I said i would never ever own a 2000- Volvo of any model especially when they are designed to go wrong and give the owner big bills....i had a 2001 1.8 S40 phase 2 with VVT and the VVT went tits up twice in 80,000mls so `cos i bought it like it i sold it like it as i was not going to fund Ford/Volvo ....other problems as well,heater controls that go AWOL ....that was the last straw with Volvo`s...

Jamest5r bought my last Volvo the `97 V70 T5 and fast and furious with 24 mpg ....i can do that a lot quieter with my Merc and get almost 40mpg using the power and being RWD no problems with traction off the line with it`s 245 wide standard tyres.

Mercedes parts are cheaper compared with Volvo...£268 for TWO MAF`s (V6) including the plastic airway "Y" piece they fit into onto the airfilters...how much is a pucker Volvo MAF for ONE?

Just had my O2 sensor replaced and by an MB mechanic fitted £226.80p.

So go try a Mercedes again but this time drive it and see what you prefer....all galvanised body with stylish quality interior and all the gadgets if you want them...even a setting to move the passenger mirror down to the rear alloy wheel when reversing so you don`t spoil your expensive alloys on the kerb when reversing!.......Mercedes have it all, if you want it......and if you look around not at an expensive price either!

Are they better for rust now? I had a Merc before and you could sit and watch it rust away.

I know they have problems on the Dyno the newish ones, my rich who owns the local one said he has had a few go mental and have go be returned to the main dealer.

I think he advises people not to use Mercs on the Dyno as they need a special Dyno setting, but as always people don't listen.

He has the tool? To put BMWs in Dyno mode iirc otherwise they can go a bit mad also.

So far my p2 been pretty good with its high miles, box engine (now shimmed) interior etc, gets quite a lot of stick sometimes too.

[960kg]

I do believe from 2004 on they are all galvanised bodies....there is no hint of chips or rust on my 2006 96000mls motor.

All Mercedes have a Dyno Mode built into the ECU and is entered by going to the Instrument Cluster and doing all that digital stuff with the buttons ...it stays in that mode until programmed out the same way as you entered it in!.....it does not reset itself...

Mercedes are no different to any other motor for use on the Dyno except as said the auto needs Dyno Mode...what year that came in i don`t know as i am still learning on the MB sites.

Mine is the facelift model just before 2007 with the different straighter headlamp arrangement....they do say all was sorted by then but the newer models suffer problems such as the "Red Colour" has a pigment problem and the paint all gets pitmarks after a year or so!.......apparently Mercedes know about it from the USA models and do actually honour the problem.

I think manufacturers are all the same they get it right , then ££££ it up by bringing out new models.... under the bonnet all the same but in different places so then of course newer problems!....different hoses longer pipes etc.

Although a Merc may be more expensive than a Volvo to start with the running cost and reliablity together with the cost of parts fitted at an MB specialist is the way forward.

[Ettienne]

I had a 230k 1.8 c class and it was a 53 plate, it was quite economical and handled well, it just didn't like my driving style and the rust of course, a bit slower than I thought it would be.

I find the Volvos seem pretty tough and able to take a lot of stick, and reliable never had a major breakdown, just a case of keeping on top of maintenance.

I was looking into a e63 or similar, just the scary £1200 coil packs that put me off, but preformance wise I'd pretty much think they would be bomb proof too, having been in a few at Merc world now and they sound nice.

I'd steer clear of a small engine with a compressor again.

[Blackdog]

Well.....that was the worst thing you did was hand the keys back with no test drive in the C class Merc.......

Looks like I've touched a raw nerve. Why would I want to take a car out for a test drive and waste my time and the salesman's time when I did not even like being sat behind the wheel.

Also remember that the OP is after info on the Ph3 Volvos........

[Santa]

I doubt that very much


Constant niggling issues mainly electrical, crap suspension parts, poor quality interior parts.....just general w**kyness


Keen to hear from actual Phase3 owners really, not "Phase2 is best" head in the sand types :P
However thank you for taking the time and considerable effort to reply.
I'm glad it was appreciated :P

[moosepowerlee]

In my experience with my p3 yes the ride, build and quality is much improved and have had no issues other than a dead battery
where as my older p2 stuff was a headache so thumbs up from me at the mo

[Timo.]

I have a phase 3 V70 2.0D R design.

Fantastic car. Handling is superb and really instils confidence. Brakes are fantastic and easily slow the beast.

I don't do regrets but if I was looking for one again I would pick at least the D3.

The 2.0D has a lot of torque (only a smidge from the D5) low end but lacks powers mid to top. No where near as good on fuel as I had hoped but it does do a lot of round the houses trips. Will easily average 44+ (true reading) on long journeys. Do anything over 70mph and it drinks fuel.

A very solid car....

Had mine since August 2013. Not had a single problem.

Si

[JUDGENINJA]

Anyone plunged for a phase 3 T6 yet? The V70s seem very cheap.

[Timo.]

Anyone plunged for a phase 3 T6 yet? The V70s seem very cheap.

The awd T6 are really cheap.

Three things put me off..... Alot!!

a) huge fuel consumption
b) massive road tax
c) No manual gearbox

[JUDGENINJA]

Fuel consumption seemed similar to the T5, but agreed on the tax, However I get the feeling that eventually we'll all be there if we want to still drive fast cars..

[jimka]

Blade, are you interested in a particular mk3 model?

I have a new D2 v40 R-design lux Auto and its a great car. The difference in electronics from the 09' c70 t5 (which i've still got hidden in garage at the moment) is mad. LED's, auto-brake, cameras, computer on board for better usb/bluetooth/audio control, mood lighting which changes colour (for making me look my best, no matter the weather! ;) ) and 113bhp from a 1.6 8v that actually does 68mpg is pretty awesome. The R-design pack does help with the styling.

The interior is clearly an improvement in terms of leather and plastic grade over the other mks and I believe the steering (although still volvo woolie) and suspension; particularly are surperb for a car in that price bracket.

I've done 5000 miles in it and pick it over the c70 on the long drives for comfort (unless its sunny of course!)

[volvokid]

Blade, are you interested in a particular mk3 model?

I have a new D2 v40 R-design lux Auto and its a great car. The difference in electronics from the 09' c70 t5 (which i've still got hidden in garage at the moment) is mad. LED's, auto-brake, cameras, computer on board for better usb/bluetooth/audio control, mood lighting which changes colour (for making me look my best, no matter the weather! ;) ) and 113bhp from a 1.6 8v that actually does 68mpg is pretty awesome. The R-design pack does help with the styling.

The interior is clearly an improvement in terms of leather and plastic grade over the other mks and I believe the steering (although still volvo woolie) and suspension; particularly are surperb for a car in that price bracket.

I've done 5000 miles in it and pick it over the c70 on the long drives for comfort (unless its sunny of course!)

I love the interior in the v40s but I hate the plastic touches the bottom of the door cards are a hard plastic and there I'd a big bit of plastic on the back seat where the seat would have had a nice curved bolster on the older volvos.

[volvokid]

The side mirror reversing trick has been on BMW's for many years too. I like it!

So do volvos well sort of, I set the memory button 3 on my seat to tilt both mirrors down, I use it every time I reverse.

[LeeT5]

I'm glad someone picked up on it.
You'd expect better from our leader wouldn't you :D

It did make me laugh! :)

[y2blade]

Blade, are you interested in a particular mk3 model?

I have a new D2 v40 R-design lux Auto and its a great car. The difference in electronics from the 09' c70 t5 (which i've still got hidden in garage at the moment) is mad. LED's, auto-brake, cameras, computer on board for better usb/bluetooth/audio control, mood lighting which changes colour (for making me look my best, no matter the weather! ;) ) and 113bhp from a 1.6 8v that actually does 68mpg is pretty awesome. The R-design pack does help with the styling.

The interior is clearly an improvement in terms of leather and plastic grade over the other mks and I believe the steering (although still volvo woolie) and suspension; particularly are surperb for a car in that price bracket.

I've done 5000 miles in it and pick it over the c70 on the long drives for comfort (unless its sunny of course!)

Nope nothing specific just looking at options
Thanks for the great reply :) really following the P3s with interest tbh

[LeeT5]

So do volvos well sort of, I set the memory button 3 on my seat to tilt both mirrors down, I use it every time I reverse.

Get the VT function extender then the mirrors will dip every time you select reverse amongst other things!

[Kingsford G]

P2`s are good cars but like with everything else its about yr luck with one and P3` I`ve no experience with but driven a new shape S80,still loud engine noise in the cabin but more refined and a pleasure to drive.

[T5R+]

Phase 2 T5 over Phase 3 T6. Latter not as quick, thirsty and no manual plus lacks the persona of T5's

Phase 3 D5 over Phase 2 D5. Former is much more modern in design, feel and ergonomics. My 16 stone frame preferred the Phase 2 seats but those on the P3 were heated and cooled so better overall. The P3 feels much more airy. Nothing fell off nor broke on the P3 so no real gripes.

I have defected to MB as they have bigger capacity diesel engines and more oomph BUT still have a S60 2.4D EuIV 6 speed manual for my 60mile/120mile daily commute as the seats in the 2004-2008 cars are superb.

[Ettienne]

Phase 2 T5 over Phase 3 T6. Latter not as quick, thirsty and no manual plus lacks the persona of T5's

Phase 3 D5 over Phase 2 D5. Former is much more modern in design, feel and ergonomics. My 16 stone frame preferred the Phase 2 seats but those on the P3 were heated and cooled so better overall. The P3 feels much more airy. Nothing fell off nor broke on the P3 so no real gripes.

I have defected to MB as they have bigger capacity diesel engines and more oomph BUT still have a S60 2.4D EuIV 6 speed manual for my 60mile/120mile daily commute as the seats in the 2004-2008 cars are superb.

I'd agree with the phase 3 d5s, but the phase 3 s60 t6s 3.0 are not slow at all, they are quicker than the standard s60r and tbh it would be a pretty sorted one to be faster.

The reason is they are nothing like the book figures with bhp and torque they are quite a lot under estimated, as are the performance figures. I've been looking into them recently, I'll have to dig out the link but some of the standard polestars are over 400 ftlbs, iirc 410ftlbs they are only meant to be 365 ish. It's the same for the s60 t6s.

[hillmangt]

I have owned my P3 V70 Auto for a year now.
Its my first Volvo and I bought it as I needed an estate for work. I had a Vectra 1.8 petrol which was big enough but a massive money pit.
I was recommended to Volvo by my Brother in law who has driven many of them in the course of his job as a paramedic driver training instructor in Scotland.
I managed to find a 2008 one owner plus demo at my local dealer Doves in Croydon.
It had full history by them and had only done 33000 miles. It had been serviced every year.
Its a D5 2.4 SE Auto and is a great car. Its my first diesel and has taken a bit of getting used to(engine noise and vibration at idle).
It is not as economical as hoped but will achieve 40 on a run as long as you stay under 70.
On a run from Edinburgh to Croydon about 400miles I tend to get about 36/37 at up to 80mph.
Its a heavy car but is very comfortable and nicely equipped and I often do that run nonstop.
Its powerful and copes well in traffic and does about 29mpg.
The only problem Ive had was a knocking in the steering which resulted in a new rack, pump, reservoir and flush of all pipework and full steering realignment. Caused by a small piece of the pinion breaking. Doves assured me it was a one off and were brilliant in persuading the Volvo used warranty people that all these parts were needed due to complete contamination of the steering oil with metal. oh and at a cost to them off £3000.00.
I have worn a new front set of Pirellis out in 11000mls.
Just been serviced at Doves with no issues.
Hopefully no more issues just enjoyable fuss free driving as I generally keep cars for some years.
I have a 2001 C class merc 320 V6 petrol saloon which I love driving. It has some mods and I prefer the drive to the Volvo but then I cant get a washing machine in the back like I did the other day!
The Volvo is the best estate ive owned and Ive had a few namely Rover, VectraB and Omega V6.
Highly recommended.

[walter leever]

Can't tell the difference between the P2 and the P3 cars(as i came out of the 855R(well known here,"the grey one")but the leap is enourmous as it should be going to the P3 :duck:

It's been a while since i've been here but now driving( allready 5 yrs and counting) a V70T6.:firedevil

The T6 is not so much a fast car as it is a very comfy cruiser wich if you want it to can pick up speed very easy(thanks to it's torqy engine)mine has been Polestared so it's around the 6 sec mark(about 6.5)so not too bad for a 1900 kgs beast.overtaking is well very easy since there's allways enough on tap.Auto isn't the fastest but i can live with it(and if you want a bit better response just shove it into Sport.)

In the 5 years of owning this "puppy" there have been no surprises other then the normal things so would say it's a very reliable car,still very happy with it(problem will be what to get next,since it's all 4-cyl now)

Maybe in a year or 2 looking into the V60 Polestar(since we don't need such a big car anymore and the V90 will be even bigger)

gr ,walter

[Owengsi]

I've been driving my 2009 V70 R design for 2 years now. Done 60+k miles and other than service items, I've only had to replace a single bulb, the starter motor and a rear trailing arm bush.

It's the 2.0d - slightly underpowered but will be getting chipped at some point (176 is do-able without further mods). returns 50-60mpg (all motorway driving for me).

I've had Ph1 & 2's, 850's and XC90's and other than the 2012 XC90 we had, it's better than all of them. Sumptious drive, good economy and reliability too. Well specced and fun to drive. Would have another in a heartbeat.

[Ettienne]

I drove the range of 2017 p3's in Gothenburg around the demo track, I'm glad I did as I didn't like any of the diesels d2, d3, d4, weren't very good and incredibly noisy, the d5 was better and the d6 hybrid was actually quite good.

However the t5 (2.0) was a corker of an engine even though it gets some stick from Volvo purists, I drove the 240bhp xc60 (really liked this) and the t6 xc90 twin charged (liked this also just felt it lacked a bit of torque), also had a go in the v60 t6 (6 pot) which was the nicest I drove that day (only slightly though)

We recently bought a xc90 d5 and the engine feels a bit more refined that the later d5, I'll be going petrol t5 / t6 xc60 for the p3 we buy, as the xc90 does the donkey work.

[chadders]

I love my P3 had a P2 & 1 a few years ago I just like Volvos I guess :o
One good thing about Fords input is the ease of changing the headlight bulbs no more scraped knuckles and trying to squeeze big hands into small spaces!!

[Jma3]

I have 120k miles on my 05 V70R. Outside of normal maintenance the only mechanical issue was a leaking steering rack replaced under warranty. What I have noticed about my 16 V60 P* is that it had some QA issues: paint run and improperly installed trim on the inside of the lift gate. Volvo continues to remove small features like the ticket clip on the wind screen and jacket button on the passenger headrest. Overall the P2 feels built to a higher quality, inside and out.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Gold 'N' Brown]

Volvo continues to remove small features like the ticket clip on the wind screen


Probably not such a bad move IMO. I removed the ticket clip on my Ph2 as it was just, and only just, loose enough to rattle over bumps. It was so annoying I ripped the bloody thing off. Never actually used to hold tickets anyway.

[LiamT4]

Always interesting to read others opinions but, for me, the phase 3 are much better cars. I've been in a few of the phase 3 s80s and v70s recently and i found them quieter, more comfortable and better handling.

I really like them and if they'd have made one with enough power, that was inside my budget, i'd have probably got one.

[DrClumber]

The third gen (phase) S60 is an absolute joy to drive. Outside my Volvo history I have driven a variety of cars, some claimed to be 'sporty yet comfortable' - none of them are a patch on the S60. Having test driven the phase 4 cars (S90/V90) now, I'd say a lot of lessons were learned by Volvo when developing the 3th gen S60 - sharper, more agile, better handling throughout the range, better throttle response etc. I am comparing my S60 D5 Polestar with a tuned 2nd gen S60 T5 owned by a relative who absolutely adores that car - even he admitted that mine wasn't just better to drive, it was faster and more composed.

To illustrate - there is a sequence on my daily commute where there are three fast corners in sequence, right, left, right. I took him along there in my (unmodded) S60 at 50mph throughout the corners, demonstrating it is possible (and legal, limit is 50) although a bit hair-raising and challenged him to do the same in his, he argued he didn't know the corners, so let me drive his darling dearest. I couldn't get it through over 40mph and that was pushing it to the limit, this is a car with similar bhp to mine and amended suspension.