Brilliantly successful Volvo, but what next?

[capt jack]

Hi All

I've had a 1997 Volvo V70 running on LPG for the past 8 years. The car is now at almost 285,000 miles and is fitted with the Tartarini sequential system from Autogas 2000 in North Yorkshire.

In recent months the LPG system became a bit troublesome but new solenoids and a new regulator have sorted out that problem. However, the rest of the car is beginning to show it's age, and I'm thinking that come MoT in the summer it's probably going to be time for a change. The steering rack is leaking, the suspension needs attention, the aircon doesn't work, the car rattles and creaks like mad, and after 8 years and all those miles to be honest I wouldn't mind a newer car now anyway.

The question is, what should I get to replace it? As the important bits from the LPG kit on my present car are relatively new I'd want to transfer the LPG conversion to the new one, and I'm thinking in terms of a big saloon, 2004/5 to 2006/7. There seem to be plenty to be had with lowish mileages without needing to spend much more than £5000.

I'm quite liking the idea of a Volvo S80, but the Jaguar S-Type and the Saab 9-5, and maybe (for a bit more cash) the BMW 5-series and the Mercedes E240 all seem to offer exactly what I want too.

My V70 will return 25 mpg on gas. It's the 140bhp 10v CD auto model so not the quickest car in the world, but it's performance suits me fine and it has been super-reliable. I also do my own servicing and like the fact that the V70 is actually quite a good DIYer's car.

So what would you go for? I'd be very interested to hear about other experiences of LPG conversions with the other cars on my current short-list. What's most important to me is quality and reliability, plus reasonable maintenance costs.

Thanks

Jack

[Gilbertd]

Don't know much about the S80 (not sure how much is Volvo and how much is Ford), Jags after a certain year can be troublesome on LPG (Ford again) with the variable petrol pressure system but Saabs, even the later all GM models, take to LPG well. If it were me I'd go for one of the last of the previous model 9-5 (up to 2005) as they still used the original bulletproof Saab engines and not the later GM ones as fitted to the Vectra.

[classicswede]

Hi Jack,

you have found your way over here now

The S80 as you will know is a good car all aside from the ETM problems. I prefer the 3ltr but a 2.4 would be better for you to reuse your existing kit.

The jags are nice but will not give you the hassle free motoring you are used to and are a pain to do plugs on (inlet manifold off each time)

I like the saab but to stop the suspension creaks you need to spend out on some uprated suspension parts. Engine wise they are very good


It is not easy to find a car that does not have some kind of common problem these days. Best advice would be go for a 164 as it will soak up the miles, loose no value and will save you a couple of undred quid every year on tax

[capt jack]

Hello Dai

Fancy bumping into you on here too!

Must admit, the S80 appeals the most, and I have got used to Volvo dependability and the fact that I've lerant a lot about how to keep a Volvo going! The fact that my LPG kit would be pretty much a straight swap is also a big plus. The Jag looks terrific, but there has to be a reason why such a handsome car is so cheap. I love the quirkiness of the Saab, but given that I'm looking for a long-term relationship I wonder if it's such a wise choice now that Saab are no more. Mercs and BMWs again look to be extremely good cars, but they do carry a hefty purchase price premium.

A 164 on LPG would be fantastic I agree, or maybe a 240 GLT? As you say, 100% depreciation-proof and on balance probably a better long-term bet than a modern mobile computer!

Cheers

Jack

[j33myb]

From my experiences of more modern Mercs and BMWs, I'd stay away if you want a car that'll take you to galactic miles - i just don't think they are built the way they used to be. My parents have had various Mercs and the newer ones have not been great for robustness. The 04 E270 (albeit diesel) constantly suffers from problems - steering pumps at 80k, snapped springs at 70k, droplinks constantly failing (Merc parts), mirror glass gone by 70k, failed injector at 90k,, aircon doesn't work and needs a new unit at £700, bulbs constantly blowing and plenty other small things. For a car that's never been abused and regularly serviced, it's not impressive. The older one, a 1997 C180 was a solid car, but suffered terribly from rust and all the bushes, bearings and couplings went in the end - was costing too much and it got scrapped.

[Tubbs]

I agree, i dont think mercs are anywhere near as good since they became daimler/chrysler. That said i have a few 'executive chauffeur' cars that have done starship mileages. But they tend to change them after about 5+ years and a couple of hundred thousand miles or so. So maybe they know more than they let on....

[capt jack]

Thanks all for the comments. I think that in all probability it'll be a case of sticking with what I know best and replacing my old Volvo with another Volvo. I know that they are not the most exciting of vehicles, but the one I've had for the past 8 years has been absolutely fanatstic, both in terms of the car itself, and as an LPG conversion. I reckon in that time the total cost of running the car, taking into account depreciation on the purchase price, the cost of the LPG conversion, all fuel, servicing, repairs, insurance etc works out at around 21p per mile driven.

That is going to take some beating!

Cheers

Jack

[classicswede]

If keeping with Volvo another car worth thinking about other than the S80 would be a C70. The kept the older version engine and running gear for quite some time so you can get a newer car but with a more reliable electronics package. Just something to think about.

[capt jack]

Oh now a C70! Well I wouldn't have to worry about the wind in my hair as I haven't got any hair and I wouldn't have to worry about the fact that convertibles are noisy as I am quite deaf!

Actually, that is quite seriously a good suggestion. most of my motoring is my daily commute to work - 30 miles each way, and then fishing trips at the weekend. With a LPG conversion I can cover the first issue - fuel economy, and a with a little trailer I can sort the second - fishing gear!

Now all I need to sort out is the Mrs........!

Jack

[billynoband]

How about the Skoda Superb, taxi drivers choice but a V6, 1.8 turbo or maybe the 2.0. Do they do a 2 litre like in the Passat?

[classicswede]

Pleanty of C70's on ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-Volvo-C7 ... 3a7bc2d79b

No need for a trailor for the fishing gear just roof down and away you go. Wind noise with the roof up is not much differnt to a normal car.

Not sure if you are now looking for the young blonde to go with the convertible or just need to talk the MRS around on the idea

[capt jack]

Yes, C70s are in plentiful supply. Maybe I should try one for size! 30-odd years ago I had a Triumph Spitfire and that wasn't enough to put the Mrs off, although she absolutely hated that car! I thought I looked really cool in it, but in truth I think I spent as much time under it as in it!

30 years, two kids and many cars later the Mrs and I are still together! However if a C70 comes with the guarantee of a slinky young blonde then perhaps, perhaps, perhaps......!

Jack

[Gilbertd]

However if a C70 comes with the guarantee of a slinky young blonde then perhaps, perhaps, perhaps......! :wink:

Not a guarantee but a marginally better chance than the V70 you've currently got.......

[tom-madbiker]

or go with an amazon with a straight 6 like mine very nice although at 17 to the gallon not as economical but then again no tax and only 270 a year insurance

[classicswede]

To be fair a 4speed=OD 164 does better MPG than that. That engine with the electroics on in a 960 does aroun 25+ on LPG

Is the ignition timing any better now?

[tom-madbiker]

tbh i think the way i drive it does not help and the 4.6 -1 axle is not great either i have been looking for a 240 axle with about a 3.5-1 ratio but they are like rocking horse poo also i am gonna try a blos carb thing and see if that makes a difference all the write ups i have seen say they are wonderful im slightly sceptical but its gotta be worth a go

[classicswede]

Have you considered bike carbs? That combined with a log manifold and mixer on the end should work well. The 960 already has rubber rings joing the manifold so it should be simple enough to do.

[tom-madbiker]

to be honest i was thinking of making it lpg only as i think in a year of having lpg fitted i probably have done less than 20 miles on petrol i was just gonna stick the blos on an elbow and straight into the manifold

[classicswede]

I bonnet clearance is an issue so would the original 960 manifold fit flipped up side down?