I Decided the Perfect Replacement for My Volvo V70 was a Volvo V70

"Jack Does Cars" (jackdoescars)
10/11/2017 at 22:56 • Filed to: volvo

In the weeks the followed my latest accident, I was conflicted on how I should replace my very loved 2001 Volvo V70 T5. I went back and forth between BMW’s and Saab’s and even considered a Cadillac Escalade, but I really did not know was a suitable and appropriate replacement for my Volvo could be. Then, one stormy evening, it came to me. A vision. A dream. An answer. I needed another Volvo V70.

So I bought another one.

This car is nearly identical to my old one as it is a 2001 Volvo V70 T5, but this wagon is obviously a different color and has a few other minor differences. As a two owner California car with 124,000 miles, I was delighted to learn that it was in much better shape than my green wagon. My previous automobile in question had a never ending alignment issue that caused a horrible vibration at any speed above 65 miles per hour, it featured a horrifying creaking noises whenever I took a turn at low speeds, and half the time the air conditioning would blow hot air, all of which was less than ideal. The new car seriously drives like it’s brand new, as it is considerably more solid feeling and stable than the last V70. Of course, it still has the infamous Volvo turbo lag that punches the driver in the face at 4,000 RPM and swiftly brings you to the redline in no time at all. Volvo turbo lag is truly a unique phenomena, something you will not find in any other turbocharged vehicle.

Sure, it also has some of the usual Volvo Issues. And yeah, most of the interior doesn’t really work too well. All the interior lights won’t turn on, the sunroof cannot open, the passenger seat decided that it has to reason to move at all, the auto-dimming mirror refuses to do it’s only job, and just yesterday the cruise control decided to suddenly malfunction while I was travelling at about 70 miles per hour on the highway. There’s also some paint fading on the hood, which doesn’t surprise nor bother me as the car has lived it’s whole life in Vista, California. Still, the air conditioning works perfectly and the drivetrain feels brand new so I don’t think it’s appropriate to complain too much.

Also, the black Volvo’s worst problem was it’s most obvious: the bottle top resembling 16 inch wheels. They were just so unappealing. Thankfully, the green Volvo was sitting dormant in our front yard and it was filled to the brim with perfect parts, including Volvo’s stunning 17 inch Amalthea wheels. So I knew what I had to do. Over the course of an afternoon, I switched the wheels over from the green car along with some interior trim pieces to give both the inside and outside of car a generally better look. Not even going to lie, I think my new wagon looks cleaner than my previous car by at least tenfold and as you can see in the photos above, the larger wheels really do heighten the low-slung aesthetic of the V70.

I have only driven this car about 850 miles, nothing compared to the 15,000 miles I drove in the old car, but it’s simply so obvious to me how much better this car is compared to the old one. I’m really trying to not crash my latest vehicle, or any vehicle for that matter, as I plan on keeping this V70 for the rest of my life. Sure, I’ll own other cars but my V70 will always be there. After all, it’s no secret that I have a passion for these quirky, typically malfunctioning, Swedish wagons. Seriously, don’t be surprised when Jalopnik posts an article about my future V70 T5 collection after my town forces me to sell off all of my cars. I can’t wait for the adventures this car will take me on, the places we will go, and the people we will meet.

DISCUSSION (17)

Nothing > Jack Does Cars
10/11/2017 at 23:05

Probably still my favorite modern wagon design, period.

2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered > Jack Does Cars
10/11/2017 at 23:29

Posts a little are now isn’t it? You owned the car for a bit lol

Bet it’s good to drive such a familiar car you’ve already bonded with, even if it’s not a neat green

CB > Jack Does Cars
10/11/2017 at 23:33

Those electrical issues sound like pretty big problems.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Jack Does Cars
10/12/2017 at 02:06

It’s pretty obvious that your next car has to be a V70R.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > CB
10/12/2017 at 07:25

I mean I can’t say for sure, but Volvo are extra weirdly wired. Sometimes It could be as simple as a bad fuse, or the panel that lets you turn the lights on/off has a bad connection.

Sovande > Jack Does Cars
10/12/2017 at 07:32

Adjust the wastegate and you can get the boost to come on sooner. Start with one turn tighter and see where that gets you. Should be as simple as removing the heat shield and turning the adjuster. Google it and you will find the answers. It should be fully boosting by much sooner than 4000 rpms.

Jack Does Cars > CB
10/12/2017 at 08:48

My last one had a problem with the air conditioning that Volvo of Cary wanted to charge $1,100 for, but it was really just a fuse. Most of the problems are on the same wiring track so my guess is that it also needs a new fuse or maybe some simple wiring.

Jack Does Cars > Sovande
10/12/2017 at 08:49

It boosts before 4000 but the full kick in is around that area, but I will do that because boost is fun.

Jack Does Cars > Nothing
10/12/2017 at 08:49

This is why I have owned two of them lol.

Jack Does Cars > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
10/12/2017 at 08:50

Of course, in Solar Blue with a spaceball.

Jack Does Cars > 2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered
10/12/2017 at 08:51

I’ve had the car for about a week and half now, I just drive a crazy amount of mileage. I love it though and it’s nice to stick to what you know.

Sovande > Jack Does Cars
10/12/2017 at 09:51

Don’t over do it or rods will bend. You don’t want it coming in too soon!

cmill189 - sans Volvo > Jack Does Cars
10/12/2017 at 11:38

I like your style. I love seeing a nice P2 V70; they’re just so classy. Don’t get me wrong, I think my VR is much “cooler” looking but it lacks the ability to completely blend in whilst looking good.

Eric Villanueva > Jack Does Cars
09/13/2018 at 13:17

I love my 1998 V70 T5! It’s just a tick above 312k and still running strong. Granted you have to replace quite a few things to keep these things going for that distance and all these years. I’ve done most everything minus cracking open the engine or transmission (as far as I know it’s got the original clutch!). Yes, I got one of the few manuals and it’s very satisfying. Cosmetically it’s a beater, but I still love it and plan on keeping it a while. I told myself this last timing belt was the last...but maybe not.

Jack Does Cars > Eric Villanueva
09/13/2018 at 19:11

I wish I still had mine. About a month after I posted this, I was run off the road and the car was totaled, breaking my back in the process. I’ll do anything to have another.

Qazsedcftgb > Jack Does Cars
10/30/2018 at 13:18

I did the same thing.

My daily was a 2002 V70 2.4t, 280k miles. Yards of electrical problems, on top of a slipping transmission and a leaking/clogged motor. I’ve been saving up to buy an other car so I could give my V70 a break and fix it up, and found a 2004 XC70 on craigslist with 230k miles for $500. My initial plan was to swap the motor and drivetrain, but the XC70 was actually in amazing condition when I went to go look at it . The only issue was the drivers window was cracked and the ABS pump motor failed. Got a working pump out of a junkyard XC90 and I can live with the window for now. The XC70 was way better taken care of than my V70, it feels more.. substantial. Hopefully it will be a while before I run into the issues the V70 gave me

Kinja'd!!!

Christopher Kenneth > Jack Does Cars
02/13/2019 at 14:01

I had a 98 V70 T5 early year model. The one with the best combination of no T5 badging, the mechanical belt tensioners, and the ultra Tuneable ECU. I'll never replace her likely. I still weep for the day I sent her to the crusher. 12 new cars later, I just want my Volvo back! Goddamn 16 Focus ST can't hold a candle to my V70 T5!