Volvo V70

[Robbieswift]

Changing my Pajero 4x4, thinking of a volvo v70, has anyone towed with this car and what did you think of it

 

[AdifferentJim]

I've got the D5 with load compensating suspension and tow a Bailey Senator Arizona. The best car I've had towing and solo. Average 55mpg solo

 

[Guest]

My son 'inherited' my old Volvo 940 and although it is ancient compared to your V70, he has found to his total surprise that it is one of the best cars he has ever owned. The sarcastic comments about bricks and green wellingtons have ceased, and it is the Mercedes that he also owns, that gets the stick now. Volvos have an addictive following so I am sure you will be happy with yours.

Do get the Nivomat suspension and it is usually worth paying for Volvo seficing in the long run. Look at the Volvo Owners Club web page for more information.

www.volvoclub.org.uk/forum/index.php

 

[Ogre]

We too had a Volvo 940 Saloon Turbo, and it was, quite simply, the best towcar we have ever owned.

Effortless power, and as steady as a rock at all times.

The traditional shape Volvos are still the best saloon towcars in the UK as far as I'm concerned.

If you've never had a Volvo, you have definitely missed out on great towing.

That said, I wouldn't touch one of the newer Volvos. They are just not as sturdy or reliable.

 

[MONKEY1]

My Parents have owned more Volvo's than I care to remember and despite having V70's they have 740 circa 1989 as they can't part with it.

Back to your question both the 2.4 petrol and the 2.5 diesel make excellent towcars as they can vouch

Monkeys husband

 

[farmerdave21]

Hi,

I dont know why people are saying that new Volvo's are not as good as the older type. Just take a look at the spec of the V70, its got everything you need. I have had 2 V70's. My current being a 2004 D5 AWD with a six speed gearbox. As far as sturdy & reliable mine have never let me down. I feel totally safe in mine & the only other Volvo i would consider is the XC90 but of course your talking money.

Incidently the KW of mine is 1690KG.

I tow a Twin Axle Bailey Senator Montana MIRO 1390KG MTPLM 1750KG with no problem & returns about 30MPG towing which i consider to be good.

The D5 engine is 1 of the best engines on the market its performance & economy are brilliant, just see how many Volvo Police cars there are on the roads.

Regards

David

 

[Guest]

I think saying that new Volvo's are not as good as older models is possibly not the best way to state things. The newer cars do have the advantage, or disadvantage, of more electronics which make better driving vehicles, but can also lead to more problems. The older models being simpler were easier to fix. Also the older models were undoubtedly made of thicker steel as anyone who has leaned against both will confirm. The phrase built like a brick s... h...e did have a true meaning although anyone who has watched the arranged head on collision at high speed between a 960 Volvo and a BMW will testify that the extra weight and thickness did not necessarily make for a safer vehicle at that speed. The BMW was a right off, but the Volvo also suffered a lot of damage expecially in the passenger area. At lower speeds undoubtedly the heavier weight would lead to the phrase 'sinking the opposition' to be true. As Volvo owners will know there is also an offical high mileage Club for models where mileages in excess of 150000 are noted. These go up to 500000 and the record is evidently in the million miles area. These usually apply to 740 and 940/960 models and only time will tell if the newer ones follow suit. There is no question that there are still a sufficent number of elderly Volvo's on todays roads to justify the longevity tag, and I admit to having great affection for them as I owned one, which has now passed to my son so is still in the family. I also thoroughly enjoy my S80 and the more extensive technology it gives, although I do know that if it breaks down I am unlikely to be able to fix it with a piece of wire or my girlfriend's tights. There is a slogan 'Volvo is for Life' and I admit that once bitten, you feel shortchanged with any other car.

 

[Bryan_374228286]

I've got the D5 with load compensating suspension and tow a Bailey Senator Arizona. The best car I've had towing and solo. Average 55mpg solo

This query is addressed to 'a different Jim' or others with a similar vehicle.

Earlier this year I purchased a Volvo V70 D5 Sport with the Geartronic Gearbox. Currently it has completed 8000 miles and returns around 35MPG. New to caravaning, I pick up a new Elddis Odyssey 505 end of Jan 07, so I have not yet towed with the car. Queries as follows to you or others with similar vehicle:

(1)Fuel Consumption :

- Is your car an auto?

- What milage has the car completed?

- What driving conditions / roads for you to achieve 55MPG?

(2)Load compensating suspension :

- Was this fitted as standard?

- If added was it a worthwhile addition and did the standard suspension sag excessively?

(3)Auto gearbox oil cooler, the manual states auto gearboxes may require additional oil cooler for towing purposes :

- If your car is an auto did you have an cooler fitted.

(4) Caravan details :

- What caravan do you tow?

- What is the caravan MTPLM?

 

[Bryan_374228286]

This query is addressed to 'a different Jim' or others with a similar vehicle.

Earlier this year I purchased a Volvo V70 D5 Sport with the Geartronic Gearbox. Currently it has completed 8000 miles and returns around 35MPG. New to caravaning, I pick up a new Elddis Odyssey 505 end of Jan 07, so I have not yet towed with the car. Queries as follows to you or others with similar vehicle:

(1)Fuel Consumption :

- Is your car an auto?

- What milage has the car completed?

- What driving conditions / roads for you to achieve 55MPG?

(2)Load compensating suspension :

- Was this fitted as standard?

- If added was it a worthwhile addition and did the standard suspension sag excessively?

(3)Auto gearbox oil cooler, the manual states auto gearboxes may require additional oil cooler for towing purposes :

- If your car is an auto did you have an cooler fitted.

(4) Caravan details :

- What caravan do you tow?

- What is the caravan MTPLM?

 

[Guest]

Some quick answers.

The D5 engine will give around 25 mpg average while towing, depending on MTPLM of course. Obviously auto's are less frugal than manuals, but are usually preferred for ease of driving. Cruise control is usually fitted to make life easier.

Most V70's do have self levveling shocks fitted, but check your own car in case it is a base model. They definitely make a significant difference to stopping rear end sag.

The auto gearbox has a cooler fitted as standard and normally no other cooling is necessary. Only if you do a lot of heavy towing in hot conditions may problems occur. There is a TCM module in the computer system which records the temperature of the fluid and the time when it exceeds the normal limits. Volvo can give you advice on whether you are overstretching it, but with a normal caravan should have no problems.

 

[AdifferentJim]

Brian re. your questions

1. The car is manual and it's on around 44,000 at present.

Most of my driving is done on motorway and dual carriageway. I usually put it on cruise control at around 65mph ( quite stress free )

2. I ordered the load compensating suspension as factory fitted extra. It was about