This is a first model year P3 V70 2.5T with a very early manufacturing date in 2007 that has about all the extras that were available at the time. It being a 5 cyl petrol engine with all the goodies makes it a very rare unicorn.
This is arguably the last generation “dumb” Volvo Wagon that is (relatively to newer cars) easy to maintain and repair yourself for longevity. No android software, driver aids, no strupid updates that make you dependant on the producer and subjected to planned obsolecense. Almost all parts needed are easily sourceable directly from OE-manufacturers, from third party suppliers and on the second hand market.
To justify putting the time and effort to “prep” a 10+ year old Volvo for another 10 years of service in one go, it has to be something I really wanted. So my list of bare minimum requirements were these:
- Dynaudio – a must for any HiFi enthusiast.
- Sunroof
- 5 cyl – A true volvo is a 5-potter. No diesel, and no Si6/T6 because of its added complexity, higher weight, less mileage and overall cost of ownership, especially due to the difference in insurance cost. The 2.5T, which is the same engine as the T5 in the C30/S40/V50 and the Ford Focus ST225 is arguably the best compromise all things considered.
- The old pre facelift dash design – I think it looks much more sleek compared to the newer dash. I believe the older design will mature better with age without the huge cap housing for the sensus screen.
- Black or silver color was a must – Silver because it is probably the best looking but black because it looks almost as good but is easier to color match upon respray when needed.
- Black interior was a must – Especially on an older car bright interior will almost always look much more worn.
- Navi, although outdated AF, was almost also a must – Because although I will not use it for navigation I want the possibility to use the pop-up-dash for something more up-to-date in the future. This is just not possible with the Sensus screen
This combination of requirements is almost impossible to find. This is because the P3 V70 was designed to address the premium segments with its new 6-cyl engine globally and in Europe with its diesel engines. During the first years the 5-cyl petrol alternatives were not even possible to configure with driver aids, which for me personally is a good thing. The really good equipped P3 V70s are either Si6 or diesels while the absolute majority of 2.5T/2.5FT’s are quite poorly equipped. Eventually after looking for more than a year. I found a real gem.
It has now been more than 2 years ago I found it and almost immediately jumped into the car and drove cross Sweden to grab it. It came with some minor defects and considering age and mileage was in pretty decent shape, but very very dirty and a lot of work to do to get it into shape. Since I bought it I have got two kids (not twins) and the car has mostly just sat in the garage. Now it is time to get it running.
From what I know this car has every box ticked from the equipment list that was available at launch. Among all the things, it has rarities such as:
Four-C (uncommon on a 5 cyl P3)
Heat deflecting IR-windscreen with tint. (extremely uncommon on any V70)
Parking heater (quite uncommon on petrol)
Laminated windows all around (was/is not possible on either P2 or SPA)
Came with 18″ Odysseus from factory and because of this is registered with 245 wide wheels in its papers. In a rare circumstance this can actually be helpful during future MOT/police traffic control if someone with authority is really nit picky.
The few things it doesn’t have is reverse camera and RSE rear headrest DVD player. However I have a copy of an original dealer equipment listing and I dont think these were available at launch. Moreover that RSE is too outdated for anyone to even want it there today so I am glad it is not there. IT also doesnt have the floor hatch with integrated shopping bag holder which is a bummer. I will be looking for that but the problem is this seems to be a unique part number when combined with subwoofer so this will be a bit problematic to find.
The hopes is to get this car on the road at the end of the summer. I have already done quite some work to it. Almost the complete interior has been ripped out due to extensive cleaning and accessing both the sunroof and removing the rails. The complete suspension has been torn down. Almost everything will be replaced. Right now I am mostly doing under body rust prevention and cleaning/painting/servicing the suspension parts that are kept.
I will try to post updates daily.
Parts list:
Chassis:
New FourC shocks all around
New Sachs front strut mounts and bearings
New Monroe shock mounts
Good as new OEM R-design Sport springs
New Meyle HD front LCAs
New Lemförder tie rods
New OEM front wheel bearings/hubs
New Meyle HD trailer arm bushings
As new rear Polestar ARB with Polestar double balled droppings
Brakes and wheels
New OEM Iron stone Bor wheels
As New OEM Polestar Winter Wheels (from test vehicle)
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 studded Nordic winter tires.
Polestar front brake setup with New OEM rotors and new EBC yellows.
New Hella Pagid rear rotors
New Hella Pagid rear brake lines
Engine:
Do88 IC
New SKF aux belt rensioner
New Webasto Evo5 Burner
New Webasto Evo5 control unit / fan
New OEM Webasto remote start kit / Telestart T91R
New Webasto Telecall TC4 Advaced mobile start kit
New Calix connector wiring
Used Calix charger
New MANN fuel filter
New OEM Vacuum pump
Outside trim / Body:
New OEM IR shielded windscreen with upper tint
New OEM 2008 and 2011 front grille with the bigger iron mark (gotta choose one)
New OEM Ocean Race lower fog light/DRL covers
As New OEM XC70 Led DRL lights
New OEM 2014 facelift head lights
New mirror turn indicators
New OEM outer mirror glass both sides
New rear lower rails lights
New OEM license plate lights
New R-design rear Lower spoiler with single exhaust cutout.
Resprayed mirror caps in matte Volvo Iron Stone
New OEM trailer hitch wiring loom with connector.
New trailer hook lock with turn knob.
Inside trim / Interior:
New OEM keyhole trim
Usef TFT cluster and/or standard analog cluster with “upgraded” aluminum dial facia from T6/D5
Used R-design 2011 Sport steering wheel
New OEM steering wheel aluminum insert w/o R-design logo.
New OEM silver inlays leather shifter knob
Used 2011 waterfall console front facia eith chrome inlays.
New OEM modern wood front dash and driver door inlays with the rest of the doors with used inlays
New OEM illuminated door sills
New OEM Miller aluminated middle arm rest console curtains
Used 2011 middle console with stitched arm rest leather, storage package, phone, USB power outlet and chromed hinge
New OEM rubber mats
New OEM textile mats – the thicker version
As new OEM Premium mats
New soft leather rear seats
Booster seats
Accessories