V70 Update: The First Full Day

"Jack Does Cars" (jackdoescars)
11/06/2016 at 21:51 • Filed to: Volvo

I think I received many Dad Points with this activity.

A few weeks ago, we received a Griot’s car cleaning bundle thing in the mail from a friend, and none of us had used it yet. So, naturally, I wanted to use the V70 as a testbed.

It shines.

The kit included all what is pictured (except for the Rain-X spot free protection and the Lowe’s bucket, obviously), along with leather cleaner, and wheel cleaner. I didn’t use the latter two products as I couldn’t find the wheel cleaner we typically keep in the shed and I don’t own the cloth necessary for applying the leather cleaner. Like I said, the V70's biggest downfall is the driver’s seat. It is quite worn, yet intact and still Volvo-comfortable, but it just looks very old. Nonetheless, the car looks brand new on the outside now.

SHEETZ! SHEETZ! SHEETZ!

Also, I had to take it on it’s first Sheetz run. The local Sheetz is just a few miles up the road, but it still gave me time to play with the car a little bit. I did a few quick pulls, and while the car responds fairly quickly, I do notice some turbo lag. I have not driven a turbocharged car at any period of length before, so I’m no expert on how they drive.

Now this is something I can get used to.

According to the computer in the car, I am averaging about 19.2 MPG. I personally wanted a bit higher, but I knew what I was getting myself into when I bought the car. For reference, the TrailBlazer averaged 17 MPG. I have to teach myself to always put 93 octane in the car, even though my second nature instincts tell me to press 87.

I’m loving this car more and more every time I get into it. I cannot emphasize how comfortable the seats are. Last night, I took my friend Giulia (yes, named after the Alfa’s. Her mother is from Milan, mind you) to dinner at the classy Golden Corral and she even said how comfortable the ride was. Let’s just hope that I keep liking this vehicle as I do have to drive it every day for the next few years.

DISCUSSION (20)

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Jack Does Cars
11/06/2016 at 22:17

Very nice, she cleaned up well! :)

I wish cars with higher kms like this for low prices weren’t in such rough shape here, but that is the joy of living in an Atlantic Canadian province with hard winters and extra salty roads :(

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Jack Does Cars
11/06/2016 at 22:18

Thank you for reminding me I need to give the S10 one more good thorough wash/wax/rain-x before it gets too cold.

I had the exact opposite issue with the gas grades going from the M3 to the S10. For about a month and a half I would accidentally put 93 in an engine that could probably run on old frying oil.

Glad to hear you’re enjoying it!

Jack Does Cars > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
11/06/2016 at 22:21

I briefly considered a 2002 Blazer ZR-2 with the 4.3, but obviously decided against it. Could’ve stuck with 87 there.

Thanks, I’m loving it a bit too much.

Jack Does Cars > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
11/06/2016 at 22:31

I’m very lucky and grateful to live in the hot and humid southeast where cars aren’t plagued by rust. But it can’t be that bad, I’ve seen Trailer Park Boys.

Spasoje > Jack Does Cars
11/06/2016 at 22:44

Ninja edit!

pjhusa > Jack Does Cars
11/06/2016 at 22:48

Classy dinner choice.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Jack Does Cars
11/06/2016 at 23:05

I love those ZR-2s, but that little lift kit they gave them apparently caused suspension components to wear out quick.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Jack Does Cars
11/06/2016 at 23:13

That’s so mint. Now I need to visit the coin-op as the water’s shut off along with the irrigation system at my house.

Amoore100 > Jack Does Cars
11/07/2016 at 00:08

YEAHHHHHH welcome to the club! ;) I’m sure you’ve heard my dad has a silver one of these at 211K and it just keeps going and going! Hopefully you’ll have the same luck that we’ve had and get the pleasure of Swedish motoring for years to come.

P.S. It’s funny that your friend says the ride is comfortable since my dad’s V70 is possibly the harshest riding car I’ve ever been in, and that was after we replaced just about every suspension bit from bushings to struts. Perhaps she’s been in too many Italian cars...

Jack Does Cars > pjhusa
11/07/2016 at 08:19

Only the best.

Jack Does Cars > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
11/07/2016 at 08:20

Wait you have no running water at your house right now?

pjhusa > Jack Does Cars
11/07/2016 at 08:20

Quality.

Jack Does Cars > Amoore100
11/07/2016 at 08:21

I remember my father’s second S60 was a bit more harsh, as it had the sport package, but mine is dumb smooth. I hope mine makes it past 211k as well because it has to last me a few years.

Sovande > Jack Does Cars
11/07/2016 at 10:39

I bet you can find a replacement drivers seat fairly easily and for short money. And I bet your mileage will improve as you drive it and figure out how to stay on and off boost while still keeping up with traffic. A boost gauge would help with this and they are easy to install. There is definitely some turbo lag! You may look into adjusting the wastegate actuator to get it back to the stock spec, or even get it to boost a bit sooner by tightening a little past stock.

The car looks great!

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Jack Does Cars
11/07/2016 at 10:47

We have running water inside the house, but none of the outside taps have running water.

Jack Does Cars > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
11/07/2016 at 10:55

Ok that’s good enough yet still pretty annoying I bet.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Jack Does Cars
11/07/2016 at 11:01

Unfortunately, I have no way of rinsing off the car at home.

Jack Does Cars > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
11/07/2016 at 12:19

Steal your schools water? People at my school do it all the time to wash off their Jeeps and trucks.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Jack Does Cars
11/07/2016 at 12:25

I’m currently homeschooled. Coin-op it is.

Jack Does Cars > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
11/07/2016 at 13:51

Ah. At least the coin-ops have water pressure.