Radio unexpectedly changes channel
Driver seat (leather) wearing. The finish is rubbing off.
The drivers seat; A more perfect torture device may exist, but I doubt it. Unlike my previous Volvo's, with their supportive comfortable perches, this seat seems to take every opportunity to make me uncomfortable. I find myself fiddling constantly with the power controls in search of an elusive comfortable seat combination. Amazingly, I find the passenger seat very comfortable.
The Key: What a devilishly clever little knee-capping device. Sticking straight out from the steering column it sits precariously, and threateningly in front of and adjacent to my knee. It leaves me no space to put my leg except hard up against the insanely over-sized center binnacle. Not exactly a sample of good ergonomic design.
The Steering: What was Volvo thinking of when designing this vehicle. Truck or Tractor? I cannot decide which. But this vague, heavy and cumbersome steering mechanism does not even hint at, nor is their even a pretense, of steering a car. If you want to have some sense of the road through the steering wheel, pass on this car.
The Ride: Well, mostly comfortable, until one encounters a slightly uneven surface pavement. Heaving, weaving, and bobbing all over the road are not manners that I would ascribe to a premium automobile approaching $50k (Cdn). But I can't blame the suspension components entirely, the insensitive steering seems to have some blame in this cacophony of uncontrolled body motions.
The Radio/CD: Nice little piece. For a Hyundai. Shrill, cheap, unconventional and simply not tolerable. I don't turn it on anymore. I bring a Walkman.
The Engine/Performance: More suited for a tractor, I guess. Sure, it pulls furiously from a stop. But when running at low speed, it jerks, surges, or hesitates (not necessarily in that order). It either starts off with the wheels squealing, with even the slightest touch of the gas pedal. Or it waits interminably for the transmission to catch up. It can NEVER seem to find just the right gear for the intended engine requirement.
I really loved my '99 V70. Which was why I chose an '04 V70. Sorry, not again. The '99 didn't ride all that great, but at least it was controlled, nimble and a pleasure to drive, and had a GREAT drivers seat. Even our S40 was somewhat of a disappointment. But I don't blame Volvo completely as the S40's DNA was tainted with some Japanese origination. Which I was aware of when purchased. But, then I am not complaining about that car. Though, repairs to the braking system nearly broke the bank.
You sound like a Audi dealer or something. Buy a Maybach next time, if one of the best car's on this segment isn't good enough for you.
I have driven a V70 2002 for 1000's of km's'in and I disagree with most of your comments. The V 70's seats are better than in any other European car in the price segment. The ride - it's sporty, but not even close to uncomfortable. The radio/CD-player - best "standard" factory system I've seen or heard, expect S70's. Automatic transmission and the motor's - top of the line.
And remember it's an European car made for "European taste" - most buyers here prefer sporty ride over soft, firm, but comfortable seat's over too soft etc...
No, I'm not an Audi dealer! I just don't think this Volvo, (2004 V70, 2.5T) is up to past quality or reputation. I have direct experience with at least 3 previously owned Volvos including a '99 V70 (a much better car) At almost 50k Kms. I haven't changed my mind, much, on the '04.
I had a Buick owner drive my car to Montreal and back to Toronto last weekend. His first comment. "The steering feels just like mine." He felt right at home. GAWD!!
Buicks are the most comfortable American cars made!
Well, after wearing out the original Michelin tires I have replaced them with Continental Touring Conti CH95's. Now with about 3000 clicks on the new tires.
Finally, I am beginning to like this Volvo. I am now convinced that many of the complaints on my list of complaints with this car are directly related to the tires.
From the beginning, the car had no road feel at the steering wheel, rode harshly (especially over expansion strips), was noisy, and was hard to control the direction in a straight line (especially over broken pavement).
Since replacing the tires, the car is quiet, it rides MUCH better, I can get some sense of the road through the steering wheel, and IT NOW DRIVES IN A STRAIGHT LINE without constant corrections. True, the handling is a tad less precise, but not enough to make a negative impression.
SO, my advice to you, dear Volvo owner, Get rid of the Michelin MXV4 tires. Junk.
Apologies to Volvo on these issues found to have been caused by the tires. It causes me to wonder if anyone at Volvo even tested the Michelins before authorizing their installation. I am still unable to find a comfortable position in the drivers seat, and the radio problem seems to have fixed itself.
Glad to hear you changed your mind. Well, can't argue with your comment on volvo tyre's choice; could be better. Well, I' still can't figure it out, why your's diver seat is uncomfortable. In my V70 T5 (which is in my opinion, great car in all aspects), there is the most comfortable seat I ever sat in.
OK, we're now within a whisker of hitting 100k Kms. The seat, finally, was replaced by Volvo. I turns out there was too much padding in the right shoulder of the seat back. It's better now.
The Continentals that replaced the Michelin are better at everything, except they get noisier as they wear down. Unbearable after 35k's.
Radio still a piece of junk. But channel hopping has disappeared.
After sitting in an Audi for a couple hundred kliks I found the Volvo "noisy" in comparison.
Only had to replace pads and rotors. No failures of any kind.
I really hate the steering. Heavy, imprecise, demanding full time attention just to keep it on a straight line.
Worse, the dealers here charge $300 (Cdn) for an oil change and tire rotation. They couldn't explain what the charges were for, except to mumble that they also did spark plugs, tuning, checking etc. At every oil change? Ridiculous. Rip off. Went elsewhere.
LIKES:
HVAC with dual controls is impeccable. Gas mileage is phenomonal. City: 28mpg. Hwy: 35mpg. Relatively fast at the stop light. Traction control works well in poor conditions. Great storage with lots of space in the back. I really like the storage bins under the floor. Since the seat fix, driving (except for steering issues) has been very comfortable. Paints looks as good today, as new (except for the dent in the right rear door from a shopping cart).
I am replacing this vehicle within the next 4 months. Not looking at Volvo. I wish I could by a '99 V70 brand new, but must look elsewhere.
Good luck with your next purchase. Hope it's as reliable as your Volvo has been!
Only a few more weeks with the Volvo and it's on to something new. Looks like I'll have to eat some earlier words. I made an earlier remark about the Volvo radio more suited to a Hyundai. After recently driving an '07 Santa Fe, I would now say that the Hyundai radio is exactly what I expect nearly $50k would get you. For $28k. (CDN).
After driving and examining very closely, Volkwagen Passat Wagon, Mazda CX-7, Toyota RAV4, Suzuki Gr. Vitara, Ford Edge, Saturn Outlook, and Chrysler Pacifica, I will be buying a fully loaded Hyundai Santa Fe. You'll see my comments on this in the Hyundai section soon.
Goodbye Volvo. I have very mixed feelings about my '04 V70 2.5T. And very negative feelings about the Volvo dealers and their expensive everything (oil changes included). Though I still pine for my old '99 V70.
Agree with the comments on the tyres. I have a 2003 V70 2.5T AWD. The steering, ride and handling was appaling on the factory fitted Pirellis. After throwing them away after 15K miles and fitting Bridegestone Potenzas it was like buying a new car. The ride was still firm, but not uncomfortable, the car now goes where you steer it when you turn the wheel, not 10 minutes later and the handling is fun. As a side benefit the average fuel economy improved by 10% also. One more tip for V70 owners with the AWD or Turbo engines. Check the four wheel alignment every 12k miles. It usually needs adjusting and makes a big difference to handling and economy.
I agree. Wheel alignment is not Volvo's strong point. Either that or I hit a lot of potholes while driving.
But wheel alignment is relatively cheap; I had it checked every 45,000 kilometers and it does make a difference.
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