2004 Volvo V70 V70R 2.5L turbo from North America

Summary:

Great family vehicle that performs like a sports car

Faults:

By far the most reliable car I have owned.

Minor issues such as a periodic vibrating shifter in 5th gear. Acceleration hiccup that was fixed via new software. Vibrating/buzzing from the plastic cover just over the front dome lights.

General Comments:

Perfect family vehicle with more than decent performance capabilities. Still not keen on the turbo lag, but once it spools up, there is plenty of acceleration.

Won't compete with an M3 in driving pleasure, but at least I don't have to visit the service center on a monthly basis. Would take the V70R over the M3 as the daily family vehicle without hesitation.

It's too bad they have decided to discontinue the R, but hopefully it will be replaced with something even better. A V8 would be nice :).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th October, 2007

18th Oct 2007, 03:20

The new V70 2008 is available with the N/A V8 with 315hp, and in the turbo V8 version with ca. 370hp.

2004 Volvo V70 R gas turbo from North America

Summary:

The most unreliable car I've ever owned

Faults:

Left front Shock.

Axel clacking noise (two times.

Airbags need service after power seat fuse blew locking driver seat full back.

Exhaust Rubbing on drive shaft (2x)

Power steering reservoir leaking.

Fuel level sensor.

Climate control not working correctly.

Engine miss 3000-4000 RPM.

Rear end side stepping.

Critical Susp. error light, towed in.

Tail light bulb fixture (multiple times)

Transmission not going into reverse in cold temp.

Parking brake.

Shifter cables replace.

Faulty thermostat.

Parking brake frozen in place.

Rear wheel bearing.

Slave cylinder.

Clutch.

Fuel pump (2x)

General Comments:

Drives and runs great when it does.

However it's been in the shop now for five weeks (this time) and counting.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st September, 2007

23rd Sep 2007, 04:01

Doesn't seem so bad if its done 530,000 miles!

23rd Sep 2007, 11:14

I concur with the above comment!

25th Sep 2007, 09:02

Sorry, Typo on mileage, that should have been 53,000 miles. Update: The car is still at the dealer going on 6 weeks...

21st Oct 2009, 20:59

Runs good for a little while when new. Then problems start

I'm the original owner. 2004 V70 manual tranny. Now 133,00 miles.

Transmission rattles on 1st-4th gears.

Sliding roof went out spontaneously.

Electric Gas door inoperable.

Radio changes stations spontaneously.

Paint on interior trims faded to white.

Front lights burn out very often.

Back leather seat ripping (almost never used; I have no kids).

Signal light stick works on and off.

Cruise control disengages by itself.

I was told Volvo cars perform on average 20 years, and the seller at the dealer told me there are Volvo cars with over 1 million miles. I'm only at 10% of that and need a new tranny (over $3000 worth of expenses!)

Please be careful with misleading dealerships.

Is there a recall for transmissions on 2004 V70's?

26th Oct 2009, 21:20

You should consider a Santa Fe, from Hyundai. I ditched my '04 V70 for a Santa Fe. It's a much better car, everything I expected my Volvo to be and more.

In reply to 26th Oct 2009, 21:20

3rd Nov 2012, 12:23

I must say, I'm surprised with the negative comment on this car! My 2005 V70 has just turned 290,000 miles (Yes!) and is just wonderful in every way - I can't find anything better to replace it as an all-round car, and I won't change marque after looking at other makes, especially as all the Volvo's I've owned have been so good to me. Many people I know are now driving Volvo's after my experiences, and they love them!

In reply to 3rd Nov 2012, 12:23

3rd Jan 2013, 00:39

I think the V70 problems are caused by owners not doing basic servicing and using the right oils.

Long ago in my dark past, I had my own taxis, and there were some who ran their cars till they dropped, and others who did regular services. Driving habits show up in worn brakes, tires and steering, as well as fuel consumption and general wear and tear.

Drive with the car, and help the shift in the gears by backing off a fraction when you know it should change.

I found my running costs were lower using quality tires, brakes and parts. Just the air filter is no minor matter; do it right and it's cheaper.

4th Aug 2016, 11:23

Wait until the clutch slave cylinder will give up between 40K-100K miles, a $2000-$3000 repair.

http://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread.php?119165-Documenting-Slave-Cylinder-Failures