Rob
Well-Known Member
Seeing as this is a LC related forum I thought I would post this here as I stand a good chance of getting an unbiased opinion. I recently bought a fun 1999 Volvo V70R 2.4 AWD Auto and it has been quite a bit of trouble, mainly gearbox issues. Although the gearbox issues seem to have been sorted I need to replace the engine due to a low compression issue (easier and only £100 more to replace the entire engine and current engine likely to have a cracked head which are almost impossible to find used or new). This is a great car to drive (0-60 in about 7s) but I am loosing faith in it as I am fitting a used engine with no evidence of history. The cars AWD system had a major overhaul with all the components replaced at a cost of £4000 by previous owner so one can assume the AWD system on this car will be reliable for the next 100k miles. One thing to note is I only get 22mpg which stings but I have just learnt to accept it. So my question is, do I do a proper job and spend the extra £300-£400 and replace the cambelt, angle gear sleeve (crucial AWD component that tends to fail), thermostat, PCV system, sump off and check oil pressure relief valves etc and keep it or do I just put the new engine in and sell it for say £2500-£3000 and buy something else?
And if I sell what do I buy if my budget is about £3500? I would like a car that can carry 4 adults with ease as I liftshare with passengers contribute for fuel so a family hatchback is out of the question as don't want to be driving on B roads with limited travel on the rear suspension. I would like something that is fun to drive and quick, ideally something that is not expected to be quick and wont spend most of my weekends fixing it. Manual is a must and must not be prone to rust. So far I have come up with the following:
Cars to modify:
2wd volvo 850/v70 T5 or R for up to £1200 (older, more durable 2.3 engine with less electronics and no heavy, complicated and expensive AWD to repair). I would install LSD as its FWD (£700) and start to play with the engine to bring it up to about 320hp reliably.
Nissan Stagea, really ugly estate with Skyline drivetrain and suspension. Would go with the legendary RB25DET engine (only engine that is more tunable on the planet is the RB26DET) with the Skyline AWD system. With a new ebay turbo, exhaust and self tunable Adaptronic ECU this could easily get about 400hp reliably. Only issue is that manual versions seem to very difficult to get within my budget.
Sensible cars:
Subaru Legacy, preferably a GT twin turbo B4 or the slower but newer post 2003 3.0 NA B6. Would keep the 3.0 standard but might be tempted to remap the B4 GT but need to research what the engines are capable off reliably. Comes with a AWD as standard. Only issue is that B6 may be a little slow for my liking.
BMW E39 530d. Would be the most sensible option but I suspect it could be a bit boring and therefore would definitely need a remap but still may lack excitement some of the other cars above may provide.
So what should I do and are there any other cars I should consider?
And if I sell what do I buy if my budget is about £3500? I would like a car that can carry 4 adults with ease as I liftshare with passengers contribute for fuel so a family hatchback is out of the question as don't want to be driving on B roads with limited travel on the rear suspension. I would like something that is fun to drive and quick, ideally something that is not expected to be quick and wont spend most of my weekends fixing it. Manual is a must and must not be prone to rust. So far I have come up with the following:
Cars to modify:
2wd volvo 850/v70 T5 or R for up to £1200 (older, more durable 2.3 engine with less electronics and no heavy, complicated and expensive AWD to repair). I would install LSD as its FWD (£700) and start to play with the engine to bring it up to about 320hp reliably.
Nissan Stagea, really ugly estate with Skyline drivetrain and suspension. Would go with the legendary RB25DET engine (only engine that is more tunable on the planet is the RB26DET) with the Skyline AWD system. With a new ebay turbo, exhaust and self tunable Adaptronic ECU this could easily get about 400hp reliably. Only issue is that manual versions seem to very difficult to get within my budget.
Sensible cars:
Subaru Legacy, preferably a GT twin turbo B4 or the slower but newer post 2003 3.0 NA B6. Would keep the 3.0 standard but might be tempted to remap the B4 GT but need to research what the engines are capable off reliably. Comes with a AWD as standard. Only issue is that B6 may be a little slow for my liking.
BMW E39 530d. Would be the most sensible option but I suspect it could be a bit boring and therefore would definitely need a remap but still may lack excitement some of the other cars above may provide.
So what should I do and are there any other cars I should consider?
Only thing to check on buying is that the air suspension is working properly.
That's probably be my choice if it was within budget 
Flatmate's Cupra R is approx 280bhp and that would benefit from one. My brother has a 2012 Skoda VRS with remap and that also wouldn't warrant an LSD. Is a Seat Leon too small? Your budget would get you a well modified Cupra R or possibly a Cupra TDI and both drive well and respond well to mapping if not already done.
Yep, if I had the money.........
I know you are on the Volvo forums but I was amazed at the amount of problems there are with them. The C70 was my second Volvo, both gave problems.
new O2 sensor fitted, four and four new General Grabber AT's fitted less than two months ago, looking for £2000 but open to offers 
