V70 R's - A few questions

[Allblackdup]

Hey all

As you may know from my welcome thread, i'm on the look out for a v70 R / AWD / R AWD.

- Auto / Manual? Who has which and what do you think of them? How reliable have they been?

- Should i be put off by a car with more than 150k on it?

Whatever car i buy, i'm not looking at adding to the power it already has. I want a reliable, comfy, good car to cruise along in on the daily grind. Ability to swallow lots of stuff and have a good bit of power.

If this all comes in Saffron orange then even better

Any feedback on these is very welcome.

Gaz

[gazjacko]

Firstly the 4WD is a completely different drive to the 2WD version. Secondly the Auto and Manual are a different type of drive too.
I'd suggest if you can, you try a 4WD as you'll find it a lot less 'hectic' even in tuned trim. Remember the Auto box can be locked out of the higher ratios when doing a B road blast.
I wouldnt be too worried with miles provided there's evidence of service and upkeep of both the 'box and the tyres.
rule of thumb is that + - 2mm in tread depth between axles then walk away, and let the owner dig himself in by a casual asking as to what he does with gearbox oil/tyre changes because if he doesn't know then chances are he's not keeping an eye on it
Good luck, perhaps local forum members can demo the differences?

[Allblackdup]

Thanks for the info fella!

The one car i've enquired about today has over 170k but it has a FVSH, so i'm hoping that could prevent any/many problems. But that's really good info re tyres and box.

Is that more for 4WD re the axles?

Yeah i'll have to see if anyone local can help.

Cheers!

[Allblackdup]

For other R owners, do you guys mostly use optimax or the higher octane fuel or do most run it on normal unleaded?

[mexybhouy]

Tesco much more Max or Shell Optimax for deffo! if the Expertz say so why disagree??????? cost more but, hey that's the price you pay! if i could run it cheaper i would! but as the rule of thumb, especially if it's chipped, the higher the Octane the better!

[Mrsmopp]

If looking at the AWD be aware that you will have to be extra vigilant on the tyre wear etc to keep the car running as it should.

Optimax etc are great for the T5's and R's but not a necessity (unless you are re-mapped)

You should see a slightly better mpg with the higher grade fuels

[Allblackdup]

Thanks both. Pretty sure i'm looking at the 2wd version now. Plus i'm really looking at a standard car. When should the cambelt be done?

[Mrsmopp]

You cant go far wrong with the FWD, cambelt change is 80K

[gazjacko]

Can't go far wrong with one of those!
Remember that just because no drive is going to the rear you'll reap the benefits of a good rear suspension overhaul in tying the back down, especially if you're using the loadspace.
Tyres are of course a personal thing but watch for spirited driving taking out the fronts quicker than you can say Yokohama!
when you find one, post pics!

[Allblackdup]

Using the loadspace will just be now and again really. Even then i can't see it being anything that's going to cause the back end any problems.
Front tyre wear duly noted.

I've seen quite a few different ones last few days, but hopefully found a nice one last night, which has also got new front tyres on it
Just waiting to hear from the seller about going to see it. Will update as i go along.

I know the cambelt's been done and its got FSH. What else should i check when i view the car? (R, FWD, Standard car).

Thanks

Gaz

[gazjacko]

PCV system (search the forum)
ABS light - ensure it comes on then goes out
taigate rattle
heated seat recall
all good bargaining points but no great shakes to sort.

[Allblackdup]

Are the tow bars detachable?

Fingers crossed i've found a good one! Should be going to buy/collect next weekend. Only thing missing is the dolby surround sound Is this purely the extra speaker on the dash?

[Mrsmopp]

Are the tow bars detachable?

Fingers crossed i've found a good one! Should be going to buy/collect next weekend. Only thing missing is the dolby surround sound Is this purely the extra speaker on the dash?

No the dolby surround is like night and day compared to the standard system - if you like your music you'll wish you had the dolby surround system

[Allblackdup]

Cheers, though that's a big shame if i do go for this one.

Any ideas on the tow bar?

[Mrsmopp]

Any ideas on the tow bar?

Very much dependant on the make and model of the tow bar - is it a standard Volvo jobbie?

[Allblackdup]

Very much dependant on the make and model of the tow bar - is it a standard Volvo jobbie?

Thanks. As i haven't definately bought it yet, I'll have to come back to you if and when i pick up this car and go from there.

[MisterC1501]

For other R owners, do you guys mostly use optimax or the higher octane fuel or do most run it on normal unleaded?

My standard R is fed on normal Shell, and for some reason, I get better economy (and no noticeable difference) than if I used the Optimax (V power)

[Allblackdup]

My standard R is fed on normal Shell, and for some reason, I get better economy (and no noticeable difference) than if I used the Optimax (V power)

Good to know, cheers!

[Allblackdup]

Guys, great news!

I picked up a 1998 V70 R today! I'll hopefully take some pics tomorrow!

Gaz

[Mrsmopp]

Fab!! I hope she serves you well!