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V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by Dave on
Wednesday, 5 November 1997, at 7:43 p.m.
A few questions:
I am interested in purchasing the V70R AWD sometime in the next year or so. When I spoke to my local dealer he told me that the 'R' model only comes in an automatic transmission. Does anyone know if Volvo will be offering the R in a 5-spd? To me the V70R is a sports car, which deserves to have the manual transmission.
Also, for those of you out there who have any type of Turbo wagon...how old are you? The reason I ask is that I am 24 and am completely sold on the 850/V70, now that they come in AWD models I can't even look at another automobile. Everyone that I talk to, sister, uncle, friends and girlfriend (who used to drive a '95 Supra Turbo) says I am insane to want to buy a safe family car, and a station wagon at that! ("grocery getter" as my girlfriend calls it...)
A friend has a '91 Toyota MR-2 which is what sold me on turbo, his trunk can barely fit his car cover. I am looking at the V70 as my PRACTICAL sports car since I am very active: mountain biking, hiking, scuba diving, you name it I do it.
I must say that I am not waivering whatsoever on my decision, but has anyone else had these experiences with friends?
Last question, anyone have any good or bad stories about the dealerships in the Metro Phoenix area?
Thanks for your input,
David
P.S. My local dealer had a silver V70R with dark tinted windows, 18" chrome rims and 40 series tires. I nearly lost it when I saw it, sweeeet!
Re: V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by TUBE on
Wednesday, 5 November 1997, at 9:04 p.m.
Hej Dave
The AWD R is not only good looking and can get alot of groceries but it will
kick alot of other cars buts.
Have you shown your G-freind the saffron colour?.Affectionatly known as metallic pumpkin.
As a precaution dont think that because you (might) have a Volvo and its AWD that your now invinceable and your going to take that off ramp that much faster.
The driving of an AWD at speed in wet/dry can get your heart a racing but the
things get done are somewhat different to what you might expect.
The V70 AWD R will not likely be sold in stick form due to emission levels that
dont agree with the law.We are not getting it north of the 49th either.
However I have driven a light pressure turbo for a winter and it took alot of nerve and practice to drive fast in snow.
Sme people migt have you beleave that all AWD will do is get ou further from the road in an out of road experience.
Have fun.
Tube.
Re: V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by Doug Gerard on
Wednesday, 5 November 1997, at 9:46 p.m.
I'm 43 years old and own a V70AWD. I mountain bike (day and night), sail a fast small boat (Zuma), ski for the National Ski Patrol, and I fly. The beauty of the V70 is that it looks serene, but drives/handles like sports car. Don't worry about your friends. Wait 'til they drive it...
Re: V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by Edmund Lam on
Wednesday, 5 November 1997, at 9:59 p.m.
It appears that Volvo will not import any manual transmission AWD models
into North America. I got one of the few AWD with standards which were
imported into Canada. Actually, I ran to get it. Didn't care the color.
I just bought it for the transmission. It is not the 'R', but will get
a TME upgrade so, it will be closer to the stock 'R'.
The car is ok. My old 740 was a lot more fun and a LOT faster. The V70
is more a luxo box. Very quiet and soft on suspension.
Also, the 236 hp isn't enough for this car. Remember, this 'V'agon it
is close to 280 lbs heavier than the V70 T5R which is available in a stick.
Re: V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by Mark Erickson on
Thursday, 6 November 1997, at 8:06 a.m.
Borton Volvo had a Black V70 R with a stick on their lot last week.
Not sure if it was an AWD or not.. Nice looking car.....They didn't seem to
have many Manulas on their lot either new or used..
Mark Erickson
83 240DL 169,900
Re: V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by Mark Klein on
Thursday, 6 November 1997, at 6:57 p.m.
Wait until you see the "Cross Country". This is one good looking car!
Re: V70R AWD/SANDSTONE[ALL/1998] posted by TUBE on
Thursday, 6 November 1997, at 9:07 p.m.
HEj Mark
Its goodlooking yes but from what angle.The sandstone colour changes as you move looks like V has fallen for the funky paint.
From a light/medium brown to gold to PURPLE in just a few short steps.
Those wacky Swedes.
I read somewhere that it was a lady that was responsible for the colours at V.
TTFN/Tube.
Re: V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by Brace on
Tuesday, 11 November 1997, at 6:42 a.m.
Sounds like you're going to be miserable if you buy anything other than a V70. My wife and I are in our late 30's and have recently purchased a V70 (non-turbo). The primary reason for our selection was safety, but now that we've had it for about 4 months I am convinced that there is nothing on the market that can compete with it for its versatility. Yes, it is a great grocery getter, but it is also very fun to drive, very functional, very well made, and the styling is quite unique. You get all of this without having to drive a mini van or sport utiility. All of my friends, old and young, have been very impressed with the V70. It is a great combination of classy and sporty. If you want to further extend the vehicle's versitility, get yourself a Thule rack system.
Re: V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by J. Allan on
Monday, 17 November 1997, at 8:39 a.m.
I've had 6 wagons since 85. They are the greatest because they satisfiy in everyway. The look great, the go fast, they are safe, they are efficient, they are carry almost anything, they have great resale value.... I don't think the AWD is perfect yet, give another year or two and I think it will loose the hefty feel it has today. I just bought the V70 T5 - love it. With snows, the front whee drivel is more car than almost anything on the market.
Re: V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by Pat on
Monday, 17 November 1997, at 10:22 a.m.
I'm looking to get the same car. Does the TRACS help alot in the snow? The 25mph threshold seems low but I'm hoping it's enough to easily get me going from a stop on a hill. Does it work transparently? or can you feel when it kicks in?
Re: V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by Jim Darling on
Monday, 17 November 1997, at 12:38 p.m.
I have been dissapointed with the performance of the TRACS on my 850, and would not mark it as a must-have in the list of options for a new V70. When I purchased my 850, I had a strong desire for TRACS, since I live on a road with a steep (approx 10% grade) hill, on which we occasionally get snow, and I figured that this would help considerably assending the hill (better than just the "winter" mode of the transmission).
The first year I had my 850, we had several snow storms which allowed me to fully test the system. As you may, or may not, be aware, the TRACS system attempts to "control" traction by sensing a "slipping" wheel, and intermittently applying the brake to that wheel. When in operation, the system sounds very similar to the "test" noise the ABS system makes once (at ~20 mi/hr) after startup. I would estimate that the brakes are applied at around 100 Hz.
The performace of the system, while assending the hill, was less than impressive. Upon starting up the hill, I would maintain traction until my momentum fell, and then one or both tires would start to slip. The TRACS system would activate, and I might continue up the hill a bit farter before stopping. Eventually, the system would just continue "buzzing", and I would go nowhere. Attempting the hill with the TRACS off, I could sense the slipping, and modulate the throttle, and generally get farther up the hill.
Attempting to modulate the throttle with the TRACS on did not seem to help much. If I provided enough throttle to cause the wheels to slip, then TRACS would engage, and I would go nowhere. If I didn't apply as much throttle, then
I would continue lose momentum, and eventually stop. I think the problem with the system is due to the "on/off" nature of the brakes, and the high-torque of the turbo motor. Giving enough throttle to get the tires to move (or slip) causes the TRACS to momentarily stop the wheel. When the brake is released, there is too much torque at the wheel, and it breaks free again.
I have driven several cars on this hill in the snow, including front and rear wheel drives. The best was a front-wheel drive legacy station wagon (with standard all-season tires). The 850T is one of the worst, due to a combination of the high-torque motor, and the relatively wide tires. By the way, I consider myself a reasonably good "snow" driver, having learned to drive in the snow and ice in Michigan.
If you desire to drive your V70 in the snow, I would recommend a good set of snow tires over the TRACS system. They are available (mounted on steel wheels) for around $450 + S&H from several places on the net - about the same cost as TRACS.
Re: V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by Pat on
Monday, 17 November 1997, at 1:15 p.m.
Well, you've given me something to think about. I have yet to here any good comments about TRACS, so this might be one feature to disregard. The 25mph alone is bad so it seems it's really only good for starting from stop situtations. What about sliding? My current FWD car, when I go up my hill and I start to slip, the car then usually picks a side and starts to slide that way. While getting up the hill may be harder with TRACS, does it at least keep you going straight? Or do you still slide left or right?
thanks
pat
Re: V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by Jim Darling on
Monday, 17 November 1997, at 1:56 p.m.
Usually, sliding sideways is due to a "tilt" of the road (in a direction perpindicular to the "rise" of the road) or just the crown of the road. I have not found that TRACS helps with either (when things are uniformly snow covered). My hill has a slight tilt, and a moderate crown, and I attempt to "center" the path of the vehicle over the "top" of the crown - but once it starts sliding with the tilt, its hard to stop.
I will mention that TRACS can be an advantage when the surface is not uniformly slippery, or if only one wheel is on slippery surface. In this case, the wheel that is slipping will buzz, but the wheel with traction will continue to get (some) power. Without TRACS, the standard differential will provide the most "power" to the wheel with the least traction, not exactly what you want.
I have also heard mention of tire chains available for the 850 from Volvo. I have not seen anything in the accessories cataolgs, but you man want to ask your dealer.
Re: V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by Brace on
Tuesday, 18 November 1997, at 9:39 a.m.
I recently checked on the Volvo tire chains and found their price to be a bit on the excessive side ($300.90). If you're interested in chains you might want to consider a good cable type rather than links. Try Security Chain Co. at
http://www.scc.chain.com. I think you will find their prices to be much more agreeable and they also provide some good info on the subject of tire chains.
Re: V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by Thom Geer on
Monday, 17 November 1997, at 2:59 p.m.
Hey Dave,
I just bought a 83 245 Wagon, while it is a far cry from the new turbo wagon. I have also always thought volvo's wagon's are nifty. Much better than a tiny little sports car, you would be lucky if you could fit your scuba fins in. I have a 68 1800s as well and although I think it is the sportiest (looking) car volvo ever made, the wagon version is nice as well. You just can't beat the versatility of the "Sports wagon" though. It is an all around great car.
later
thom
1983 245
1968 1800s
Re: V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by Nick C. on
Monday, 17 November 1997, at 10:57 p.m.
Don't listen to them!! But most important, NO CHROME WHEELS!! Please.
Re: V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by Dave on
Wednesday, 19 November 1997, at 5:09 p.m.
Why do you say no chrome wheels? Any black car looks great with them...
Dave
Re: V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by Mikael Nylander on
Tuesday, 18 November 1997, at 3:03 a.m.
Here in Sweden the V70 R AWD comes with a manual transmisson (250 hp) or an automatic with 240 HP.
Re: V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by Mikael Nylander on
Tuesday, 18 November 1997, at 3:10 a.m.
One more thing.
If you're interested, the entire swedish V70 lineup is presented on the link below. In swedish, but I think that most of it is understandable (if not, drop me a line).
Re: V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by Crispin Glymph on
Tuesday, 18 November 1997, at 4:23 p.m.
Hey, I totally know what people are saying when they see you with a Wagon - Why did you get a wagon? . . . . I am 25 years old and I have a Black 850 R Wagon. I love this vehicle!!!!!
I drove everything in the same price range and found nothing I wanted, maybe a Land Rover, but that is for different reasons.
I have a Thule system on my roof with Euro-rails. I go mountain biking, skiing, canoeing, climbing, camping and still beat these other so called sports cars - off the line - to the sixty - whatever. This car is fast.
I do want to do some more updgrades to the vehicle, such as:
1. S.S. exhaust system - still haven't found one - IPD doesn't do it for the 850 wagon
2. Chip upgrade - To boost more hp - hopefully to what they claim - 275 hp
I do have some complaints, though. I live in Houston TX. AND THE ROADS SUCK BAD HERE!!!!!
I have busted one Titanium rim and ruined three Pirrelli tires (When it is time to get new tires I do not recomend the Pirrelli tires - too soft of a gum). I do recomend not getting too low of profile tires (I have talked with other "R" drivers also). The tires that came with my vehicle were 205/45 R17. The dealership told me to look for 205/50 R17 because they are higher profile, but I haven't gotten them yet. Another "R" driver told me he kept the 40 series tires, but increased the width (he didn't tell me to what) because the second number is a percentage of the first number - and he said he was happy with the results.
I do not know about the new sound systems in the new V70 AWD R's, but the old one also sucks. I had a six speaker 200 watt Alpine system in my Honda Civic that would have blown this 200 watt 8 speaker system away. My old system had high's and low's, but this new system is just OK at best. The present system is not enough power for this Volvo 8 speakers system. I have blown the rear door speakers twice in one month. Believe it or not, but I do not crank my system, these are just poor speakers with even poorer power. I would probably sell mine if I new any buyers.
With just these two complaints, I absolutely love this vehicle!!!!!! Let us know if you get it. I hope you enjoy it like I have enjoyed mine.
Re: V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by Steve Seekins on
Wednesday, 19 November 1997, at 7:22 a.m.
Martin Motorsports in Falls Church, VA can supply items like high performance SS exhausts, custom chips (we have a 96 850 turbo wagon that dynos at over 335 hp!), etc. We currently have 4 different chips for the 850 series and can build a chip to your needs - prices are not outrageous either. We can usually do a chip for less than $1000, though the SS exhausts are pricey - likely in the range of $700 or more. We even have a dual exhaust for the AWD models. Also lots of stuff for 200 and 700 models including suspension parts and complete performance heads for B21/23/230 engines including cams, flow machined, ported and polished . Contact me directly for further info:
Steve Seekins Martin Motorsports, Inc
120 Gordon Road
Falls Church, VA 22046
(703) 534-9860
Re: V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by Paul Elliott on
Wednesday, 19 November 1997, at 8:50 a.m.
Hey steve,
I think many of us werent aware that Martin MotorSports was into supplying performance upgrades for the 850 Turbos! Would it be seen as too big a confict of interest for you to write a column about this in Rolling, or perhaps to chronicle the upgrades you offer, and the specific results and/or user reaction to them? I certainly wish there was a facility like Martin here in metro NY, but , alas, no deal. Hence, the desire to read about you offerings! Thanks.
Re: V70R AWD[ALL/1998] posted by Terence Lui on
Wednesday, 19 November 1997, at 5:43 p.m.
I absolutely agree with your views. I am actually regratting for not getting the 855T. I got the 854T instead. Imagine blowing the doors off a BMW 325i or those race-car wannabe imports with a 850 wagon. What a feeling!!!!!! Anyway, regarding your interests in the upgrades, SS exhaust is good but expensive. IPD can them for you but it will be about $800+. The current ones they offer should last long enough for most owners. The IPD chip so far is the most popular. I had mine for a year and a half with no problem and tremendous power gain. I don't know anything about the chip from BSR and Steve Seekins company, so I would not comment on them.(By the way, Steve I am really interested in the upgrades your company offers, can you contact me to give me more information please?) According to IPD, the ECU works together with the other box which works the transmission or other stuff. Therefore by just replacing the "chip" the other functions would not follow the upgrade correctly. Therefore, the have to
reprogram the whole ECU. Regarding tires, I have 17X8" TSW with 205-45-17 P-Zeros, I do find them really harsh, but I want to how did you destroy your tires. Did you punctured them because of portholes or did they just die prematurely?
Talking about sound system, my tape deck died couple of months ago, I brought the car to my dealer last month and the were trying to replace the whole unit under warranty. But after trying 3 new radios, they could not make my cd changer work (dealer installed Alpine unit). Volvo told my dealer that they change some parts in the radio that it would not longer work with the Alpine Unit. My dealer promised to exchange a new Volvo changer and a new radio free of charge for me. My question regarding the sound system is I have a couple of Nakamichi speakers, Amplifiers and cross-overs taken out from another car. I am thinking about putting them into my car with the Volvo sound system. Is this possible or did anyone try something similiar? Thanks
Terence Lui
95' white 854T-5R lookalike(no suede leather)
Re: 850 - Tire and Sound[ALL/1998] posted by Crispin Glymph on
Monday, 24 November 1997, at 9:18 a.m.
Two of my tires and one rim was damaged by potholes, but one tire failed prematurely. I had a bubble on the inside of the tire. The bubble was about 30% of the entire tire. It stuck out far enough that it was hitting the suspension coils ~ 8 inches. The people at Volvo had never seen anything like it. I ended up getting a pro-rated tire from Pirelli. I was very lucky that the tire did not blow up or out on the road.
As for the speakers and amps that you have, I do not think that the Volvo sound systems have RCA outs. This would render most amps useless. Some amps have highpass crossovers for inputs - if yours has these you can hook your speaker wires up directly to the amp, cheaper amps will give you feedback or road noise which is not very nice to listen to at low volumes (Nakamichi makes pretty nice equipment). As for replacing the speakers with your other speakers this might work just fine, but the odds are that the speakers will have different efficiencies and you will hear the most efficient speaker instead of all the speakers in unison. You might have to replace all of the speakers for those to work and sound properly - this becomes costly if you have eight speakers like I do. Let me know what you find out. I'm interested in doing something with my lack of good audio.