Some initial thoughts on the V70

"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish) 06/16/2019 at 23:25 • Filed to: Volvo

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I was originally going to post a photodump of a car show I was at, but kinja is a bag of dicks, so you get some rambling about my new Volvo instead.

I like that when I hit the gas, I almost immediately have acceleration, partly because this is a more powerful engine than I’m used to, but mostly because this transmission is willing to downshift. I’m used to the awful 4EAT in the Subaru that I need to manually downshift if I’m planning on shooting a gap in traffic. Not necessary with the AW55, because it actually downshifts. A novel concept, I know.

I think I get turbos now. I didnt think I would like this type of power delivery, but it’s addicting. It’s such an eager feeling engine, once the turbo starts to spool it just wants to go more. Again, the Subaru is the opposite. The EJ253 is agricultural, and likes to bog when you try and get it to give you more power. This strange 5 cylinder turbo gem of a motor requires very little throttle for normal driving, and is more than happy to haul if you ask it to.

The suspension is tired, it’s a bit crashy over some bumps, and the steering wants to follow ridges and dips, I assume from work control arm bushings or ball joints. All that said, the ride is still much comfier than the Subaru, and less fatiguing. I can’t chuck it into corners like the Subaru, but that’s understandable. It goes smoothly into a lower gear when I give it gas after corners, instead of a clunky, reluctant downshift.

Visibility is good, especially out the back. The big flat rear and side windows make reversing and parking extremely easy. The sunroof is wonderful, man I’ve missed having one. It’s not great on gas, but not horrible. I’m using 13.6L/100km, with my usual 80/20 c ity/highway driving. The Subaru uses 111.2L/100km. I’ll notice the switch to 91 from 87 more than the consumption increase. The interior rattles over bumps more than I expected, but not worse than the Subaru.

On the highway, with cruise and AC on, it’s just lovely. Definitely a good road trip car. I’m h appy with my purchase so far.

Chariotoflove > gmctavish needs more space 06/16/2019 at 23:35

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Hooray. Good purchase then. New shocks?

gmctavish needs more space > Chariotoflove 06/16/2019 at 23:39

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I’m gonna have my mechanic go over it next week and see what he would do before taking it on a long trip. I used more of my budget than I was planning on, so I may have to just do shocks, or some less old tires, not both. I almost might not do either until I’ve had it for a while in case it turns out to be a nightmare than I need to sell. I don’t think it will, but the first step is to get the opinion of my volvo specialist who’s had like 4 or more P2 volvos himself 

Chariotoflove > gmctavish needs more space 06/16/2019 at 23:54

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Good call. 

For Sweden > gmctavish needs more space 06/17/2019 at 00:05

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Control arms wear out; just buy new replacements.

gmctavish needs more space > For Sweden 06/17/2019 at 00:26

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That would be easier than trying to do the ball joints and bushings separately 

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > gmctavish needs more space 06/17/2019 at 00:30

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Boost claims another victim to its addictive ways

For Sweden > gmctavish needs more space 06/17/2019 at 00:44

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Also buy a copy of VIDA and join Matthew’s Volvo Site.

gmctavish needs more space > For Sweden 06/17/2019 at 00:49

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If it looks like I’ll have it long enough to justify, I’ll figure out the whole VIDA/DICE thing, and yeah I’ve been doing a lot of reading on there. Much more helpful than Swedespeed lol

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > gmctavish needs more space 06/17/2019 at 00:54

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A manual in a NA Subaru goes a long way to liven it up but that 2.5l is still not happy to rev. My Mazda has 25 less horsepower but is 10 times more alive than my outback.

gmctavish needs more space > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 06/17/2019 at 01:00

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I drove a 2008 Mazda3 for a week, and even with an auto, that 2.3 was a very happy and li vely engine

Future Heap Owner > For Sweden 06/17/2019 at 01:19

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VIDA?

Future Heap Owner > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 06/17/2019 at 01:44

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Vroooooooom

Future Heap Owner > gmctavish needs more space 06/17/2019 at 01:47

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I too remember turbo lag sounding much more annoying than it turned out to be. The zoomy part after the lag is well worth it.

Glad you’re enjoying the Volvo. I’m looking forward to hear what your mechanic thinks about it s condition.

DutchieDC2R > For Sweden 06/17/2019 at 03:14

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Livin la vida loca?

gmctavish needs more space > Future Heap Owner 06/17/2019 at 03:43

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Proprietar y Volvo diagnostic software. You can buy pirated copies

Sovande > gmctavish needs more space 06/17/2019 at 07:51

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Get a bigger rear sway bar from IPD, it will make a world of difference in corners and will not negatively impact day-to- day handling.  

Seeing your car and makes me want one. Have fun!

Sovande > gmctavish needs more space 06/17/2019 at 07:52

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You can get a laptop with VIDA for about $200 and the DICE is about another $100.  It’s well worth it.

Spasoje > gmctavish needs more space 06/24/2019 at 23:42

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I r o n i c a l l y , I s a w t h i s i n p e r s o n b e f o re I saw the post here (we were looking for parking at the same time for the Italian / F r e n c h s h o w i n N V l o l ) . Nice buy a n d w e l c o m e t o t h e V o l v o f o l d ! T h e s e c a r s h a v e a g e d a s g r a c e f u l l y as I thought t h e y w o uld.

gmctavish needs more space > Spasoje 06/25/2019 at 00:09

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Oh cool! That was a really cool turnout there.

And thank you, I’m fairly happy with it.