2001 Volvo V70 from UK and Ireland - Comments

The only minor problem so far has been the one-touch facility on the driver's electric window failing.

This was a software fault, rectified by performing a reset of the software.

This procedure I was able to do myself for free with instructions from the Internet.

It has since been fine.

No other issues to report.

The V70 is the estate car to have. There may be estates with larger load bays (Vauxhall Vectra Estate for instance), better NCAP results (Renault Laguna Estate) or more upmarket image (Audi A4 Avant). However, none have the all round package the V70 offers.

Safety is excellent, reassuring with 6 airbags and whiplash protection. Performance is reasonable even with this base 140 spec 2.4, offering a characterful 5 cylinder thrum too.

As this engine is really just the 170 bhp engine de-tuned, after market tuners can happily re-tune the unit to 180bhp without straining the engine at all. Useful if, like me, you couldn't find a higher spec engine at the right price, condition and trim level.

The V70 also offers a big boot with a nice flat load floor. The usage of space is clever too. The seat base splits folds as well as the seat back, enabled a 60 or 40 flat area with rear passengers and the front passenger seat folds flat too.

For load safety, there's a pull out load net built into the seat backs. This splits too and can be used with the seats up or folded down.

The seats are truly impressive. Many seats offer the same range of adjustments that Volvo does, but none can match the incredible comfort. Back pain is a thing of the past in a Volvo.

The ride is also comfortable, without suffering too much body roll. This Volvo couldn't be described as sporty, but it is certainly a pleasure to drive, especially on long Motorway runs.

My car is what's laughably called a base spec model, including leather seats, CD player, dual-zone climate control, electric windows, mirrors and sunroof, etc. The SE models offer little extra that most people will find important.

As is traditional for Volvo's, this car has daytime running lights - i.e. headlights that you can't switch off! Hence, since owning this car, I've also noticed a curious phenomenon whereby on-coming motorists keep flicking their lights on as they see me approach - I see this noticeably more often than in my wife's Astra. This usually happens during evenings and poor weather conditions. I guess the Volvo's lights act as a reminder to other drivers that headlights might come in handy. What they think about me on bright, sunny days I have no idea!

Where can I get the software reset instructions as I have a similar problem with my V70?

If I am very lucky someone will respond to this comment (sending it along to the original author perhaps) and a follow up will indicate where the reset instructions the review refers to are on the Internet. Looked hard so far with no luck. Thanks so much, mks (at) zoo (dot) ufl (dot) edu.

Snip:

The only minor problem so far has been the one-touch facility on the driver's electric window failing.

This was a software fault, rectified by performing a reset of the software.

This procedure I was able to do myself for free with instructions from the Internet.

I'm the original reviewer.

To reset the door/window computer, do the following:

| Close all of the doors and hood.

| Key in position II engine not running.

| Hold both the driver window and passenger

| window switches in the driver door panel in the closed or

| up position for 5 to 8 seconds after the windows are closed.

| Release buttons.

| Remove the ignition key.

| Operated the remote twice. lock/unlock lock/unlock.

| This will reset the UEM brain.

| This can correct faulty operation of the sunroof

| and/or erratic door lock function.

|

| Using the key in the drivers door to lock/unlock

| lock/unlock will also reset the UEM ----

| Upper Electronic Module.

Hope this helps!

Follow up review:

Things have started to go wrong.. :- (

So far: driver's seat base collapsed, but Volvo paid half as goodwill gesture, engine is burning 1 litre of oil every 4000 miles with no oil leaks apparent, clutch release bearing has failed and front suspension arms need replacing.

I've also picked up several door dings (despite careful parking), indicating the shape of softness of the metal is prone to this kind of thing. Either that or I've been unlucky.

The paint also seems to scratch easily, as I found out when driving through narrow lanes in Devon..

Original Reviewer again:

I'm now up to 86,000 miles. I've turned to a local dealer for servicing, much cheaper, but not as glossy an experience!

The suspension arms are actually OK.

Faults so far since I got the car:

Clutch release bearing squealing (can be ignored for now)

Door looks on passenger side are relucant to lock (a known fault, ignoring this too)

Driver's seat base replaced.

Engine is still losing oil at same rate, nothing to worry about - probably just how this car is.

Maintenance work done:

Two services

One cambelt change (for just £100, including tensioners)

Front brake pads changed

Front tyres replaced

Many bulbs: headlamps x3, rear lights, number plate lights etc.

Things that could do with sorting (if it were not for money) :

Paintwork has broken up on roof rail guide channels (common problem)

Fake wood trim has scratched off around door handles

I'm missing the spare remote key fob..

Multiple door dings are fustrating.

I went for the 180bhp upgrade in the end plus a performance air filter, things are very much improved. There's less need to down change, throttle response is improved and there is a noticable increase in top end power. Shame about big increase in insurance premium, especially when compared to standard 170bhp 2.4!

The day to day experience with this car just keeps getting better. The comfort, practicality and good looks keep me loving this car. In fact, I've now had the car for a full year, which is a big thing for me, as I change them every 8mths on average! It must be doing something right for me! :)

At more than 85k miles, apart from the clutch release bearing spoiling the gear change a little, the car drives pretty much the same as new - a cliche, but very true here.

Only the door dings, odd scratch and scuffs in the boot give the mileage away.

Fuel economy is averaging around 30mpg, not bad for a big car with a 2.4 howling under the bonnet!

This is the OR again. This will be my final note for this car, as I'm trading it in on Wednesday for a Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 CDTI (150) SRI Nav...

Why? The V70 was up to 88,000 miles and showing signs of ETM failure (see http://www.vexedvolvo.org/). Basically, the car can stall or surge without warning, and there is no fix except a replacement of the same design that fails every 8,000-30,000 miles or less...

I couldn't put my family at risk, especially since I've recently been in touch with people who have been injured following accidents caused by ETM failure. I know the risk is real, something I cannot ignore - even if Volvo can.

Therefore, despite loving my Volvo car, I've fell out of love with the company Volvo Cars AB who seem to value the bottom line over consumer safety.

My overall impression of the car over 18,000 miles? Good, but somehow the gloss seems to be lacking. Little niggles like faultly door locks, dodgy ETMs, clutch release bearing etc that I haven't been suffering on so-called lower marques. Why should I have to put up with this sort of stuff from a Volvo?

It's funny, when I first came here to post I was genuinely surprised about the many negative comments about the V70. Now I'm in sympathy.

Come on Volvo, at least match the standards set by run-of-the-mill cars, even if you can't exceed them anymore!