Buying advice and problems Volvo V70 2 (2000-2008)

Mar 11, 2021 | Buying advice | 0 comments

The Volvo V70 is the most successful Volvo of the last decades in terms of sales numbers. Only the 340/360 and 440/460 were sold more. The Volvo Type 2 that was built between 2000 and 2007 was, and still is, very popular. The reason, probably, is the friendly and solid image of the Volvo, you don't get embarrassed in a Volvo. The high reliability and safe image probably also plays a role. And fortunately, this type was still supplied with 'real' Volvo engines, the 5-cylinders.     

History of the Volvo V70 2

When the Volvo V70 was launched in January 2000, Volvo surprised friend and foe with just the introduction of the new V70 - where had the S70 gone? But the implacable Swedes from Gothenburg calmly stated that there was none and none coming. The V70 looks somewhat like an S80 estate car, and it was indeed based on the same modular P2X platform, but it is about 110 mm shorter and 30 mm narrower. Volvo probably thought that an S70 would be too close to either an S60 or S80. In the end, no one crowed about the S70, and the V70 sold like hot cakes. In the introduction year, more than 6000 were sold in the Netherlands. This is a gigantic number for a car in this price range. The total market share that year was more than 1%.  

Engines and equipment V70 

At launch, there were a number of different variants to choose from. Several petrol engines were available, the 2.4-litre 140bhp engine was carried over from the previous generation V70, as was the 170bhp version of the same engine. The 200 hp 2.4T engine was slightly improved from the 193 hp engine of the 'old' V70, and the 2.3-litre T5 variant with 250 hp needs little introduction. Those looking for a diesel had a fine 2.5-litre turbo engine at their disposal.

In June 2000, Volvo introduced the V70 Cross Country off-road version, which retained the chic look of the Audi allroad reflects and is equipped with the 200 hp 2.4-litre petrol engine. Equipment levels were reasonable, but you had to order an edition for a nice level of equipment. The conventional 140 hp and 170 hp petrol engines remained available over the years, while a 163 hp D5 common-rail 2.4-litre diesel engine appeared in the summer of 2001. The Volvo V70 Cross Country was renamed XC70 in early 2002 and BiFuel versions of the 140 hp V70 were also offered. In 2003, Volvo launched the V70 R. By now an iconic appearance in the mint green colour with no less than 300 hp under the bonnet.

The driving characteristics of a V70

The dynamics of the Volvo V70 are better than you would expect. Body roll is evident when you put the big Volvo into a corner, but the steering feels precise and the handling is benign and predictable. The five-cylinder engines are great, and while the entry-level version with 140bhp doesn't seem over-engineered, it's certainly not slow. All engines are reassuringly quiet and most at home on the off-road/highway. Of the models, the fast T5 makes the most headlines with its top speed of 250 km/h and ability to do the 0-100 km/h sprint in under 7 seconds. The R is of course even faster to the 100 km/h, only 6 seconds. The turbo diesel (D5) is a model of flexibility and in combination with a manual gearbox extremely economical, 1:18 is really achievable. 

The 2004 facelift 

In 2004, a major facelift was introduced to the range. The main changes that will be most noticeable were a more streamlined set of bumper and grill with clear tail lights fitted to all models. There were changes to the interior trim and several bits of new technology were added. The T5 also received a boost of 10 hp to 260 hp. For the 2006 model year, a further power boost was introduced with the D5 diesel at 185 hp. Nevertheless, the 163 hp engine in 2.4D form and the 130 hp diesel remained. Later in 2006, a 180 hp 2.0-litre 5-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine also became available. All models at that time received door mirrors with integrated indicators.

How is a Volvo v70 2 as an occasion / youngtimer?

The Volvo V70 is a traditionally solidly built Volvo with a vertical rear window that can carry enormous loads. The shape, however, is not the usual slab-sided body, with elegantly tapered shoulders running along the car's flanks. Volvo claims a rear seat capacity of 1641 litres.
Where the old V70 was all sharp angles and boxy looks, this v70 type 2 is all round. Designer Horbury has cleverly reduced the curvature of the side windows from front to back, for maximum style on the driving side and maximum carrying capacity on the business side. The rear end is distinguished, as before, by Volvo's now customary pillars of tail lights.

The interior

The interior is reasonably timeless and well-matched to the driver; the seating position is simply very good. The ergonomics are also fine, with the central console tilted towards the driver, so that everything is within reach. Furthermore, the seats are sublime and can be adjusted in many ways, so that almost everyone can find a good sitting position. Unfortunately the interior of this Volvo doesn't stand the test of time as well as for example an Audi. The upholstery of the seats is prone to tearing, the steering wheel can sort of peel and creaks in the interior are no stranger to this Volvo either.  

What should you look for when buying a V70? 

The Volvo V70 has not yet reported any significant defects, but as with any estate car, you should check the rear cargo area for signs of damage. The five-cylinder engines are bulletproof, with the exception of the 250-horsepower variant, turbo problems do occasionally occur. In addition, the diesels can suffer from piston ring/ rocker arm problems when they reach a high age. The engine then makes a knocking / popping sound, an expensive repair. On the more powerful models, check the tyres carefully, as they can quickly wave the white flag if the car has been driven "vigorously". Use the Cross Country check for proper wheel alignment and inspect the suspension and exhaust if you suspect it has been subjected to anything more than a grassy car park. The automatic gearboxes are just fine and will last a long time, but you should make sure during a test drive that it shifts smoothly up and down. And when idling, don't ping. Small jolts do not have to be a problem and can be solved by flushing the automatic transmission. The costs are between 250-400,- euro. This flushing should be done periodically, every 100,000 kilometres is recommended. The front suspension can also become slack, which you will notice when driving over speed bumps. This can of course be solved by fitting a set of new shock absorbers.

Alfa Romeo 147 problems and buying advice

Dec 4, 2020 | Buying advice | 0 comments

Every car has its problems, including the Alfa 147. The Alfa 147s are reliable cars if they are well maintained, but as with all vehicles there are some points you should pay attention to when buying. In this article you can read about problems that can occur with the Alfa 147. From this information you know what to look out for when buying. 

The famous Twins Sparks 

The engines (twin sparks) in Alfa Romeo cars use oil. If you check the oil and there is little or no oil in the crankcase, this is an indication that the car has not been maintained by an enthusiast. It is probably best to walk away at this point. 

Pay attention to the timing belt interval and the camshaft adjuster

The timing belt is an important issue with the 147. At their introduction, these were given an interval of 120,000 kilometres. But Alfa Romeo reduced this to 60,000 kilometres because the timing belt regularly broke. Sometimes a rattle can come from the 4 cylinder engines which makes them sound like a diesel. This is the camshaft adjuster and should be replaced. 

The Alfa Romeo with the JTD engines

The diesel engines are very reliable with no real weaknesses. Here too, the timing belt interval is quite short, at 120,000 kilometres or a maximum of 5 years. Please note that when changing the timing belt, the water pump is/will be replaced as well. These are not known for their high quality. Therefore they should be replaced with every belt change. The JTD engine is equipped with the commain rail system, which ensures good performance in terms of consumption and power. 

Note the Twin-spark has 8 spark plugs 

The Twin-Spark engine has a nice power output, especially in the upper part of the rev range. On the other hand, because of its character, the Twin-Spark is not very economical. 1 litre per 12-13 is feasible, but you should not have a heavy right foot.  
The spark plugs last about 120,000 kilometres and cost between €10-15.00 each. Remember that a twin spark has 8 spark plugs, so it can be quite expensive to replace them all.  

The air mass meter and the thermostat 

When the Alfa 147 has little power or runs irregularly, this can be caused by a defective air mass meter. The costs for a new air masseter are not very high. So this does not have to be an insurmountable problem. If the 147 does not get up to temperature and remains stuck at 70 degrees, the thermostat is probably broken. This repair is not very expensive either and is done regularly for these types. 

Do all the panels fit properly? 

When looking at an Alfa Romeo 147, check the gaps in the panels to make sure they all fit properly. Accident damage can be seen in the poor fit of the panels. You can also look under the sills for dents and a slightly different colour.  

The clutch and gearbox (selespeed) 

The clutches and gearboxes are very reliable, a worn clutch tends to bite on the top of its stroke and since they are self-adjusting, a high engagement point means a new clutch is needed soon. The gearboxes are generally problem-free. Selespeed, on the other hand, have more problems, mostly electronic. Check that all gears shift smoothly without grinding. For Selespeed cars, make sure that all the different gearshifts are working, i.e. the paddles, gear knob and city mode.

The suspension of the Alfa 147

The Alfa 147 suspension is sensitive. The upper wishbone can have play at both ends and can manifest itself as a squeak when driving over a speed bump.
There is also a chance of worn suspension bushings and stabiliser rods. This is considered normal maintenance and contributes to the good steering characteristics of the 147.  

Rust, interior and electronics 

There are few problems with rust on the Alfa Romeo 147s, as the cars are all galvanised ex-factory and all interior trim is very hard wearing. The interior electrics are also generally very reliable, but it is worth checking that everything works when you test drive the car. Check these things:   

• Check the fan, 
• electric mirrors, 
• Electric windows, 
• lighter, 
• radio, 
• climate control, 
• windscreen wipers, 
• windscreen washers, 
• lighting, 
• sunroof, 
• tailgate release, 
• petrol valve unlocking device, 
• rear window wiper. 

It is also important to check that the various electronic systems on the car are in good condition. When you start the car, three major systems are checked by the car, all of them have a warning light that comes on at start-up and goes off a few seconds later if the light does NOT come on or stays on? Then there is a fault in that system that needs to be repaired. 

These systems are airbag, ABS and engine management. The airbag light is a little man with a big balloon in front of him that is located on the lower left between the tachometer and speedometer. The ABS light is a circle with ABS in the middle which is again between the two instruments and the fuel injection light is on the top right of the rev counter and looks like a yellow engine. Remember, they light up for a few seconds and then switch off. The display in the centre of the dashboard should also warn of any malfunctions. The 147 also has a CAN line connecting the various computers in the car. Any malfunctions on one of the monitored systems are indicated by a flashing light in the instrument panel. 

Opel Astra problems and buying advice

Oct 22, 2020 | Buying advice | 0 comments

The first Opel Astra was launched in 1991. With it, Opel wanted to give a worthy successor to the very popular Opel Kadett. As always, Vauxhall had a lot of competition in the mid-segment. Although the Astra did well in terms of sales figures, they could not VW and later Peugeot In terms of sales figures, the Astra doesn't beat the competition. This may be explained by the somewhat bourgeois character, the Astra doesn't excel in anything, but on the other hand it doesn't score an insufficiency on the components, reliability, space and equipment. The finish isn't on the VAG level, but it isn't bad either and generally stands the test of time well. 

In this article we will discuss the Opel Astra Mk6, production took place between 2009 – 2015 and was offered with both diesel and petrol engines. In addition, there were many different body styles, from a beautiful coupe to a spacious estate car. If you are considering buying an Opel Astra Mk6, you might want to check the following points. 

Common problems Opel Astra 

• The M32 six-speed manual transmission can fail. Opel recognises this problem and replaces the gearbox. So please check whether this has been done. 
• Look in the boot for signs of water leakage. There may be a puddle of water near the spare wheel. Replace rubbers. 
• As written, the finish is in order but not top-notch. This can cause squeaks and creaks. If you want to remedy this, it can be a long quest. So pay attention to this during a possible test drive. 
• The cruise control may be disabled and the brake lights may flash due to a known parking sensor fault.
• The bearings/balls in the front suspension wear out quickly, leading to knocking when the car drives over bumps. Fortunately, replacement is not very expensive. 
• The 1.4 engine has a few points of interest. High oil consumption can be caused by a broken crankcase ventilation membrane. The cooling system of the 1.4 engines can show leakage. In addition, the water pump and the thermostat can give up the ghost sooner than you might expect. A false report of a low cooling water level is caused by a broken float in the reservoir or a defective sensor.

The pros and cons of the Opel Astra Mk6 

Generally, buying an Vauxhall Astra is a safe choice. Although this car doesn't really excel in anything, it doesn't fall through the cracks either. There are some annoying problems, like the six-speed gearbox that can fail, but which Vauxhall does replace. In this case it is advisable to check whether this has already been done. Finally, the 1.4 engine can be disappointing in terms of reliability. 

Volvo C30 problems and buying advice

Oct 15, 2020 | Buying advice | 0 comments

In the past, Volvo gained fame with large, safe and comfortable models. In the past, only the Volvo 480 was sold in the compact segment. With the introduction of the Volvo C30 in 2006, the Volvo again with a compact model. The Volvo C30 is strikingly styled and good to drive. This is because it shares many parts with the well steering Ford Focus. The Volvo C30 sold reasonably well in Holland, but could not compete with for example the Ford Focus. Golf 6. This is probably partly due to the lack of a 5-door variant. This is a shame, because the C30 has a lot to offer, not least excellent safety levels, good build quality and most models are also well equipped. The C30 also came with some excellent engines, from mild to wild. However, the small boot, limited rear legroom and lack of availability of a five-door option made the C30 a serious option for not everyone. Because of these drawbacks, today you can buy a Volvo C30 for relatively little money. Of course, every car has some common problems, and the Volvo C30 is no exception. Below are the most common problems with the Volvo C30. 

Problems Volvo C30 

• Wind noise of some early cars can be a problem, mostly due to the design of the wing mirror; it can be solved.
• Air conditioning stops working when the condenser fails, although system leaks are not uncommon either.
• Large rims on sporty C30s easily get kerb damage. This is due to the cluttered body.  
• The focus is on style rather than practicality; the C30 cannot carry more than four people, as there is no fifth seat.
• Door cladding panels can squeak or creak, solving this can be a time-consuming task.
• If you drive in the dark a lot, it is worth buying a car with xenon lights, as the standard lights are not that good.
• Windshields are prone to chipping and cracking; check if they have already been renewed.
• The 1.6 diesel engines, are not bad but always need new oil according to the maintenance schedule. Check this, otherwise the turbo may fail sooner than you expect. 
• Most models are equipped with a timing beltCheck whether it has been replaced.
• We find the 1.6 petrol engine too light for this Volvo, the 1.8 is fine. 

Pluses and minuses of this compact Volvo

As you would expect from a Volvo, the safety level is extremely good. The NCAP gave this car 5 stars and scored the maximum in many areas. In addition, the build quality is simply good, which keeps the Volvo looking good as it ages. The engine range is good, with our preference going to the 1.8 petrol and the 2.0 diesel. These are nicely balanced engines with sufficient power and are also relatively fuel efficient. The small boot space and the lack of a 5-door may be a reason for people to ignore this nice Volvo. This is also reflected in the purchase price, which is interesting on the occasion market.  

Peugeot 308 problems and buying advice

Oct 7, 2020 | Buying advice | 0 comments

When the 308 entered the market in 2007, it was supposed to succeed the popular 307. This Peugeot 308 was a lot better than its predecessor in terms of comfort, refinement, fuel-efficient engines and vastly improved interior quality. Few small family hatchbacks offer the same ' value for money' as the 308. And because Peugeot is not that value-for-money, it is quite affordable as an occasion car. The Peugeot 308 is also safe, with a Euro NCAP crash test rating of five stars. However, the space on the back seat is not great and the 308 is not the best steering mid-sized car on the market. But with a decent fuel consumption of the diesel engines and very low purchase prices, the 308 may be just the right choice for a price-conscious family.

Peugeot 308 checklist

• From January 2010, ESP became standard on all 308s, with the exception of the entry-level Urban editions.
• If you don't cover many kilometres, cars with a particulate filter are likely to cause costly problems.
• The electrics can be erratic and the engine can fail. Starting the engine can also be a problem due to faulty electronics. So check that everything works. You can do this by having the car checked before buying it. 
• The instrument panel may have problems. This causes the trip computers and service indicators to malfunction. The odometer may also have problems; the remedy is a software update.
• The interior trim is weak and sometimes the interior suffers from squeaks and creaks
• Look for signs of water leaking in through the windscreen seals. This can cause annoying electronics problems. 

Plus and minus 308

Although the Peugeot 308 is not the most desirable model in its class, it can be a good rational purchase. This is primarily due to its competitive purchase price. You simply buy a lot of car for relatively little money. In general, the Peugeot 308 can be called reliable, although there have been a few annoying electronics problems. That is why it is wise to have the car checked before buying it. 

golf 6 problems and buying advice

Oct 5, 2020 | Buying advice | 0 comments

With the VW Golf Mk6 caught up in the emissions debacle, you might think that you should ignore this VW, but nothing could be further from the truth. Although some owners have complained that the VW emission cuts have ruined their diesel-powered Golf, it doesn't affect the petrol versions and the same goes for a diesel model. The result is that you can still enjoy an excellently built family car that simply drives well, is well equipped and scores well in terms of safety, see NCAP report. Despite the emissions scandal, a Golf 6 still holds its value. You still pay more for a Golf than for an equivalent Ford Focus or Peugeot 308. Whether you want to pay this extra price is of course entirely up to you, but we are happy to put down a few hundred euros more for the Golf 6. 

Golf 6 checklist 

• While S-trim comes with a space-saving spare wheel, posh Golfs only get a tyre mobility kit.
• Some 2.0 TFSi engines suffer from defects in the ignition coils, which can lead to an unevenly running engine.
• The 1.4 TSI engine may suffer from cracked pistons, although it is difficult to check before purchase, it may be smarter to avoid this engine.
• Alarm systems can be erratic and go off for no reason. It is usually just a matter of having the ECU software updated by a dealer.
• In some early examples, the Bluetooth system did not recognise most types of phones; it can now be fixed, but the cost may be high.
• The squeaking and creaking coming from the cabin of the Golf is not unknown. It is often because the backrest of the rear seat is not locked properly.
• Creaks from the underside at the front are due to the suspension bushes drying out. It is usually best heard in dry weather.

Strengths and weaknesses of Golf 6 

As we reveal in the article, the Golf is a pleasant car. Although the model has been a bit weighed down by the diesel emissions scandal, it is a good car with a wide range of engines. As can be expected from the VAG group, the build quality is excellent, you notice this especially when a car gets older. The higher purchase price in the used car market takes some getting used to, but in many cases you will see a return when you trade it in.  

Kia E Niro Leasing Deal

Sep 18, 2020 | Buying advice | 0 comments

Leasing a car is no longer just for companies. Private individuals are also increasingly opting for a lease car. The electric lease car is also gaining ground. The advantages of a lease car are that you drive a new car for a fixed amount per month, no extra costs for maintenance and road tax.

Why a Kia E Niro?

The Kia has long proved to be a well-performing brand in the car market. The brand has been around for many years and is now also available to people who would like to drive electric but don't want to pay the jackpot for it. A Kia E Niro is packed with the latest innovations using the latest technologies.

The battery

A super important part of an electric passenger car is, of course, the battery. How far can you drive on a full battery and how long does it take to recharge? The Kia E Niro features a battery with a range of around 375 kilometres. Charging the battery on the highway is super-fast. An indicator light on the dashboard shows the charging status. Within thirty minutes, the Kia is ready for another challenge. Few electric cars in this price range have such a long range. The Kia E Niro therefore handles its energy very efficiently. For instance, it makes use of so-called regenerative braking. This ingenious braking system brings the car to a complete stop by braking on the engine. The flippers on the steering wheel provide extra braking power and the resulting energy is also stored in the battery pack.

Luxury and comfort

Kia stands for luxury and comfort. The Kia E Niro has a stylish design with many luxury options. For example, there is Ambient Lighting in the interior, which allows you to completely adjust the colour to your style and mood. An electronic parking brake, handy rotary knob on centre console instead of a handbrake, interior made of high-quality materials and all kinds of smart innovations. The Kia E Niro has it all. With its 204 hp and up to 150 kWh of power, you'll go from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in just 7.8 seconds. The Kia E Niro is surprisingly spacious. Much more spacious than those of comparable cars. With the rear seats folding down in several parts, you quickly and conveniently create a cargo space of no less than 451 litres. That's a lot of extra practical space. The higher sitting position in the front gives you an excellent overview. In the back, there is room for three people. They also benefit from seat heating on the back seats. In many other cars, this only applies to the driver and co-driver.

Favourable lease price

Comparing its range and space with other electric cars, the Kia E Niro emerges as one of the most attractive cars to lease. Cost of servicing, road tax and inspections are all included in the monthly price that you pay over a period of 3 to 5 years that you choose.