V70: 2011-2014 V70 D3 or D4 buying decision

[sacke]

Hello,

First time post here. Just quick background… I would not really want to buy a car, but need to buy one and thought that I might just as well get one that will get the best bang for buck.

I have been told by a trusted mechanic that the 2011-2015, 5-cylinder D3 engines are the most reliable and least problem ridden of all the engines.

I don’t know if this matters, but I live in the south of France where the weather is hot and dry.

I would like to stay as close to 10k€ as possible, which means getting a car that has about 200k kilometers already. I expect doing less than 10.000km per year, as I don’t need it for commutes, but I do expect to drive more often into the mountains, not having to share the car with my wife any longer.

My question:
- How big of a difference in reliability does the engine D3 vs D4 vs D5 make?

There is one D4 that looks really good, and wondering if few owners and more known history is more important than a less known history D3 version that has recently been checked and repaired by a car shop that I don’t know anything about apart from the online reviews.

- I prefer reliability and simplicity over features and bling.
- I prefer long term use in years, more than long term use in massive distances made.
- I prefer cheaper replacement parts over more expensive parts.

Option 1: 2012 Volvo V70, D3 Ocean Race edition - Light blue
- Unknown seller, at least 3 owners with unknown history the first 4 years 2012-2016, but the seller has been very reactive and replaced rear brakes, front triangles and some other stuff.

https://www.leboncoin.fr/ad/voitures/2683965736

Option 2: 2014 Volvo V70, D4 Summum - Red
- Individual seller, 2 owners, known history in France. Only mention of major repair in official documents, replaced windshield less than a year ago.

https://www.leboncoin.fr/ad/voitures/2749617208

——

The second option is only slightly more expensive, looks newer inside, but has 16k kilometers more.

Looking to you for advice. Which would you pick, and why?

[Sotosound]

Welcome.

The D3 and D4 both use the 2-litre 5-cylinder Volvo engine.

I can't speak for the French market, but when the engine was first introduced in the UK it was as the D3 with around 161bhp.

I believe that the 5-cylinder D4 was introduced in 2012 with 163bhp and, at the same time, the 5-cylinder D3 was downgraded to 136bhp.

I test drove an example of the later 136bhp D3 with automatic transmission and it was a lovely car to drive. I have also driven an earlier automatic 161bhp D4 and that was also great, and it felt very powerful.

With regard to your own needs, I suspect that the 161bhp D3 and 163bhp D4 are better suited to Alpine driving because they have excellent torque.

My personal belief is that you don't really need a D5 as the earlier D3 and later D4 are both very good performers in their own right.

In 2014, both versions were replaced with the new D3 and D4 with 4-cylinder Volvo VEA engines. Given, however, that some VEA engines manufactured between 2014 and 2016 suffered from seriously high oil consumption, I would avoid that option.

I also believe that your mechanic is probably right in what they say, although other forum members might be able to offer more information about the D5 and its relative reliability.

[TimS]

As Sotosound says, be sure which D3/D4 you're offered - there were several engines using these badges.

I've had my 2013 D4 (5-cyl 163) Geartronic from new. Never had any problems, but I've only done ~58k miles and never towed. Plenty of performance, and a lovely car for long journeys. Had a D3/136 on a 24-hour test before I bought mine, and whilst it was good, the D4's wider torque (and therefore extra power) won me over.

Not driven a D5, and no experience of the 4-cylinder ones.

[Kev0607]

The 5 cylinder engines are very good. The newer VEA 4 cylinder engines aren't... Plenty of Volvo mechanics have told me that.

I have two D5's in the family... a 163bhp Volvo S80 and a 185bhp V70. Both are older than what you're looking at, but these engines are fantastic.

Just so you're aware, these are not cars that can be run on a shoe string. I know you mentioned that you like cheaper parts, but Volvo parts aren't cheap (genuine or aftermarket). Don't buy cheap aftermarket parts... buy quality. Cheap parts will not last.

[Sotosound]

Regarding those two cars, the second (newer) one looks a better prospect. It's a facelift model with active "bending" xenon headlights, memory seats, configurable tft display, voice activated control, heated seats etc.

It also has a better service history.

I am not certain that I like the colour, but that is a personal preference. There is also some additional risk because it is being sold privately, presumably with no warranty.

The Ocean Race has some service history missing, and the right-hand rear door appears to be the wrong colour in one photo. It also has a tow bar, which might mean that the rear suspension and automatic gearbox will require some maintenance work. Furthermore, some spare parts such as the wheels might be harder to obtain because it is a limited edition.

I can say, however, that the V70 is an excellent choice of car if you find a good example. (Well, I would say that, wouldn't I? )

Finally, Kev0607 is right. Do not buy cheap parts.

[Kev0607]

I'm in agreement with Sotosound... the newer red V70 looks like the better buy to me. Its a better spec as he mentioned with better history, despite the mileage being higher. The red wouldn't be my choice of colour either, but like he said, personal choice on that.

Do your homework. Have a drive in both of them to see what you think. Don't jump at it... go with your gut instinct. If something doesn't sound right or feel right, let your head lead you and not your heart.

[GMcL]

There are two early D3 engines coded D5204T2 and D5204T3. I have the T2 in my 2011 S60 and it offers biblical turbo lag off boost. The T3 was released within a year of launch which addressed this to some extent, also revs a little more freely and changes the power and torque characteristics.

All of these cars rated at 163PS are single, light pressure, turbo units.

I had a red S60 from mid-2000s, it didn't fade as badly as VW or Vauxhall reds though did need work. Living in the south of France will your car be garaged when not being used ?
Red is a colour that will fade if not protected from strong sunlight.

[Sotosound]

@Sacke Please can you let us know how your story ends?

[morsing]

Originally Posted by sacke

Option 2: 2014 Volvo V70, D4 Summum - Red
- Individual seller, 2 owners, known history in France. Only mention of major repair in official documents, replaced windshield less than a year ago.

https://www.leboncoin.fr/ad/voitures/2749617208

——

The second option is only slightly more expensive, looks newer inside, but has 16k kilometers more.

Looking to you for advice. Which would you pick, and why?

OMG DO NOT BUY THIS!

High oil consumption is only the beginning of the problem! You will end up with a big repair bill buying any car with this engine, especially with the milage that car has done.

[sacke]

I was looking around on Swedish sites as well, as the Swedish crown in cheap at the moment.

Found this. https://sigtunabil.se/bilar/?item=17712386

One single owner. Full service history at the official Volvo dealership. Looks incredibly well kept.

The previously posted options. One of my friends who lives in Luxembourg will go test drive the Ocean race next week and check if the pictures of the car are just poor quality, or if indeed some doors have been replaced etc.

I will keep you updated, but knowing that the 163bhp engines are the ones to go for, I’ll keep that in mind as I continue my research.

The one from Sweden would definitely look like a keeper. Lower mileage too at 154.000 kilometers.