2005 v70r

[racer]

After a long time away from here, I'm back and in need of some advice. I'm going to look at a '05 plate V70R next week, and possibly returning to the Volvo fold.

Can anyone tell me what to look out for? I had an '06 V70R for a couple of years, but as nothing ever went wrong with it, I've no idea if there are any "stock faults" to look out for.

Thanks in advance!

[t5_monkey]

there's a fair bit that can go wrong with those - PM 'Santa20' on here he'll fill you in!

Main things... 4wd issues, cracked block, misty/faulty xenons.

Why the V70r rather than a remapped V70 T5 estate?

Real-world performance is similar ... and you'll have cash left over for upgrades if you go T5.

[M-R-P]

V70 T5 all the way!

[Santa]

They have there problems but when its working properley and you decide to have a bit of a play they are great :-) (And you soon develop a sense of humor for the repair bills.....the kids soon get used to having to go to school in shoes with holes in.....dog still needs that brain operation).

Oh and don't drag race it...........tends to put all sorts of strain on components and they aren't that great at the olde 1/4 mile anyway

[racer]

Thanks for the pointers. Why a V70R and not a T5? Basically because my last R was the best road car I've ever had by some margin. The 4WD really helps with some of the places I have to get to in winter for work stuff. Then there's race weekends, you can put the awning, tools, genny etc in the back, hook up the trailer and it will still go up motorway hills in 6th gear.

It was a leased company car, and if Volvo hadn't decided to stop building them, I'd have had another one when it was time to change.

I just can't afford the tax with the company car anymore, hence looking for another V70R.

[dave stew]

I've been doing some research too as I really fancy an R. The biggest problem is the 'angle gear' - this manifests itself on all variants of Volvo 4WD - google it and see the amount of XC90s with the problem. I don't know about the cracked block issue - what about the current S40 T5s and previous gen Focus STs?

In my ever so 'umble opinion, I would get the brute up on the ramp at least once every six months and check the angle gear oil seals as that's what goes.

[volvokid]

I wouldnt worry to much about the block, all performance cars have there flaws, i havnt heard of any standard blocks failing unless the engines tunned, my mates ST cracked the block but it is rather fiddled with. Go with the R there far better you should know this from past, far better than a T5.
not everyone out there tunes there cars

[t5_monkey]

People do crack blocks with the 2.5T... but generally they are tuned, even then it's basically pot luck from what I read.

If you're worried about the winter get a set of Winter tyres! The 4WD does sound nice for when it's wet and slippery tho...

S60R will need remapping to be genuinely quicker than a T5.

To give you an idea - mines bolt on stage 3, and it adds more speed in the 2nd 1/8 of the 1/4 mile than Santas Stage 2 S60R (although his is WAY quicker timewise in the first)

[volvokid]

In standard form a manual R will kill a T5 i have driven every one of the T5 phases and R's

[LiamT4]

I think its just the angle gear and suspension that you should look out for on a standard manual car.

I know richard (santa20) has had a few issues with his, but he does tend to drive it hard. lol

and even when totally standard the R does look far more "special" than a T5.

[Santa]

S60R will need remapping to be genuinely quicker than a T5.

Both standard the S60R will still have the edge even on a run. A mapped later T5 will most likely be quicker in real terms than a standard S60R.

On the corners and more twisty bits in anything other than absolutely perfect conditions with similar drivers the S60R will end up having more than an edge over the T5.

Really comes down to what you prefer though, AWD you end up replacing 4 tyres instead of 2 and pay more in fuel for the weight and friction.

[t5_monkey]

This is an interesting debate!

I'd be tempted by the R... they do look awesome - basically you only live once so why not

Bear in mind if you have either the T5 or the R... if you spend some money on upgrading the Suspension and handing which has never been a Volvo strong-point.... you'll be quicker than either stock in most conditions apart from a pure straight line, and have a lot more fun driving it.

IMHO polybushing, the IPD rear roll bar, Good Dampers (bilstein or similar) are far better upgrades than more power. Just had mine fully polybushed with all the kit listed above and more, and it's sublime to drive on a twisty road.

[Redbrick]

The only suspension mods needed on an R are the thicker IPD front and rear ARB's. Stick in a better intercooler and some WI and you are ready to roll. Seem to have dropped in price recently and it's a hell of a lot of car for the money.

[AndysR]

If I was in the market for a performance phase II 60/70 series car I'd have no second thoughts about picking the R. At no point would I be left thinking I should have gone for the T5 because I have

Better brakes
Better suspension
Better traction
Better seats
Better residual values
Better front bumper
Better standard exhaust and rear bumper to accomodate
Bi-Xenon headlights
Pegs and yes mine would be 18's
300 BHP

and that is as it comes from the factory too so saving a bundle not having to upgrade a T5 to be "on par" with the above R spec in an effort to differentiate it from a D5..

[STEVO RRR]

I've been doing some research too as I really fancy an R. The biggest problem is the 'angle gear' - this manifests itself on all variants of Volvo 4WD - google it and see the amount of XC90s with the problem. I don't know about the cracked block issue - what about the current S40 T5s and previous gen Focus STs?

In my ever so 'umble opinion, I would get the brute up on the ramp at least once every six months and check the angle gear oil seals as that's what goes.

As an R owner for nearly 3 years I have had all the problems you speak of.The angle gear parts are less than a £100 + a liquid gasket.All it is are seals and gaskets.Not a biggie.IMHO an R is far superior to a T5.Bigger brembo brakes,Pegasus alloys,active chassis with the more aggressive map in advanced setting,AWD,blue dials,spaceball gearshifter,the rarity value,stronger engine,better noise.Other problems are the dual fuel pumps,clutch and flywheel plus the struts.£550 for one from Volvo or you can buy 2(same Monroe strut)on Ebay for £330.Mine has been remapped to 340 bhp and a 3 inch SS exhaust that pops and bangs even at moderate revs.It sounds fantastic!They can be a massive PITA but whens all going well they are brilliant.It`s the best car I`ve ever owned and you can,literally,go months without seeing another one so its the perfect sleeper too.No-one knows how quick they are.To sum up expect to have these problems around the 100k mark but once they are fixed all will be well.I`m thinking of selling mine early next year and I`ll miss her.This year she`s been bullet-proof and a joy to drive and own.
Steve

[Jimmie]

Its good to see the comments from people in defence of the later R's that actually owned one,not just tittle tattle (hearsay).

There are a lot of people that comment againt them that have never had a seat in one let alone driven them.
They are a different machine to the T5,thats why there is a price difference when they were new?

[t5_monkey]

I've sat in one.... Santa20's

Is lovely and very plush.

When all is said and done - follow your gut instinct... your wallet will cope!

[Santa]

I've sat in one.... Santa20's

Is lovely and very plush.

When all is said and done - follow your gut instinct... your wallet will cope!

And the electric windows are very strong. (Sorry).

[jay30h]

Ive had my S60R for 2 years and 15k its now done 97K ,the more you drive one the more you like them.The brakes,grip ,sure footed road holding, trim and that fact you have something a bit unique are what makes an R special ,
Mine has been no more expensive to maintain than a T5 , i changed all the drivetrain fluids when i got it as Most angle gears fail due to the fact they run out of oil,i do the spannering myself although it still goes to MRG for a service
Having the injectors cleaned is also worth while and over 30mpg on a run is achiveable. I now have the dilema if i sell it im sure i will miss it ( i regert selling my 850 T5) and what would i get to replace it ? an R is a lot of car for the money

[t5_monkey]

And the electric windows are very strong. (Sorry).

Forgot about that! Yeah it has hungry windows ready to give you a nibble...