Dear group, Since my unfortunate happenings with my 1997 V70 and it's leaking crankshaft oil seals (at 248,000 miles I should add!), I bailed out and treated myself to a new shape V70 with the original 2.5 Audi-derived diesel engine. This decision was made after much effort was put into finding a decent D5 model at the right price. After a few test-drives, I decided to stick with the tried and trusted 2.5 Diesel, as I found one at a very good price, locally, with low mileage. I had also put much thought into buying another 'old' shape V70 having seen a few low-mileage variants at competitive prices. I decided to try and keep up with the times, and go for a new shape model! The result is: Boy am I pleased. This car had completely exceeded all of my expectations in all areas, interior space, comfort, build quality, swift performance (much swifter than my high mileage version of the same engine), ride comfort, and sheer beauty. I have read many reports about the new shape V70 lacking the quality or performance of the original model, but I now disagree with all these. Whilst this car boasts considerably comfort with it's full leather interior, and is incredibly quiet inside, it doesn't seem to shove you back in your seat like the older one did, BUT The Speedo seriously ROCKETS up, and traffic doesn't half disappear in your mirrors quick!! Wow, how can the same engine be so different? Those guys at Volvo hidden an intercooler in there or something? Have they used a bigger turbo? Anyway, I have a couple of questions for the group, and I will then write a little about the answers I have found to some of my original questions. Q1: How do I reset the service light? I had a tool for my old car which plugged into the OBDII socket. Is there such a socket on this car, and is there a tool available for the purpose? (My current tool is from Draper). Perhaps my current tool will work? Perhaps I can reset the light without any tools as on the older 850s e.t.c?? The car actually has full Volvo service history, but I will do all my own servicing from now on. I'm not fussed about resale value, I'm keeping it! Q2. I only have 1 remote key fob.Can I buy more off ebay, or from breakers yard and program them for my car? Dealer job? Q3. Can I fit cruise control myself? I asked this question earlier and got some good response, but my dealer has quoted £452, so I'd like to know if I can realistically fit this myself, and what parts I require. Q4. Can I fit the trip computer myself too? Do I only need the new indicator stalk with the extra switches on it? Where does it plug in e.t.c. ? Right that's it for the questions. I'd appreciate any answers possible. Now for my attempt to answer a couple of questions which others may have, based on my own questions, which I have answered simply by driving the car in question. 1. Is the car longer in length, it looks bigger than the old shape V70? No, it's the same, give or take a tiny amount. The bonnet space is a lot shorter, making the interior space bigger. Some strange ideas have been put into use to save space under the bonnet, such as putting the battery and fuseboards under the floor in the boot (at the sides). I think this is a very good idea, because all the fuses and relays are kept dry. For the true critics out there, the new shape model is 10mm shorter than the old one, 44mm wider, and 55mm higher, so only marginal changes really. Although I have just photographed both cars side by side, I didn't measure them! I have all the brochures here for old and new. 2. Is the car a lot wider than the old shape V70? No, again it's the same. There are small differences when you look at the spec, but it's the same to drive. I haven't clipped any kerbs with the rear wheels yet! 3. Is the larger turning circle a problem, the official figures look pretty crap? I have been pleasantly surprised to find that the turning circle is almost as good as the old model. I turn round and park in a confined driveway, and I have no problems. I know the S80 is said to be very poor on this point. Maybe the chassis has been widened since my car was built to fit the D5 engine in, or the 6 cylinder engines in? Turning circle for old shape is 10.6m for the diesel with 205 section tyres, and 10.9m for the new shape with 215 section tyres. 4. Is there less legroom than the previous model? No, there's plenty. It looks smaller, but it's ample. Just an optical illusion. 5. Does the car corner as well as the original V70, and is there more body roll? Yes, the new shape V70 corners EVEN BETTER than the older model, and body roll is minimal. The overall handling of this car has impressed me considerably. I didn't expect it to give such astounding handling, based on some of the reviews and reports floating around the media. 5. Is it more comfortable having the centre console higher up, and closer to hand, especially the gear lever? Yes, it's a godsend. 6. Is it great to have so much torque at idle speed that you can pull away from rest without touching the throttle? Yes, it's great. This is why I prefer diesels for moving trailers around in tight yards. You can hover your right foot above the brake pedal, and use the clutch as normal. 7. Is it great to be 24 years old and drive a car that many people can only afford then they're close to retirement? Yes, it gives me a superb feeling. People think I'm old before my time, UNTIL they have a ride in a decent Volvo! My overall comments? Very, Very satisfied. Just need some decent dealer service to match it now. Cheers for reading, and sorry it's so long! Joe Landy Peterborough UK. E-mail Joelandyman<at>postmaster.co.uk 1997 V70 2.5 TDI 248,000 miles (offers please, it needs crankshaft oil seal and another cambelt. Current cambelt 5 weeks old, and ruined by the leaking oil) 2000 V70 2.5 TDI 60,000 miles (lovely.....)
