Well, as much as it saddens me to say goodbye to my wonderful 1997 V70, I decided the time had come to upgrade. I wanted something a bit smaller, with a bit more power, a bit more drive wheels, a bit more modern and comfort features, and just overall, an upgrade. The right car came up at Berry Motor Group and for $12,000 drive away, I couldn't argue, better yet when I got a good finance deal and extended 5 year warranty on it. This now makes it a car I can keep using for the long term.

It is a 2006 model with 164000 on it (now, Ive put about 1,500 on it already). Its much quieter than the V70 was, certainly has sharper handling and picks up beautifully, it has a lot of power. The compromise is harsher suspension, and quite surprisingly, heavier on the juice.

I've had it for about a month now and even after the honeymoon period has settled, I admit I no longer care for it as much as I did when I got it. Ive just washed it for the second time since owning it. I no longer put a seat cover when driving home from Berry. Although I did reduce the amount of keys I had on one chain as to not wear out the dash mounted key slot.

Its exactly what I was after. It does everything I want without any fuss, I like it but I wouldnt die if it got written off (which I would if the XC70 got written off!) so all round, good solid car. Now lets just hope it can be as reliable as the V70 was....

Photos time!







sucksqueezebangblow;70321 wroteLooks great with the spoiler
Yeah pretty much I was sold on colour + spoiler + wheels + interior trim. Everything else was bonus.
Haha, yeah. Look for a daily its probably not a bad idea. At least its smooth and trouble free, especially by AW55 standards. If it calls it quits Ill have to hunt down another M66AWD won't I?
I've got a set of 18" wheels that'd look great on it! ;)
You should update the Center console to the 2007+ version
Much nicer looking and more practical
Goes well with 4 big ugly mugs in it too!
I saw it in the dark so missed that blue but that interior is Jays favourite , i hate it....
At least cover the drivers seat with a seat cover Jay , it will soon look very shit with oil and grease on it.
or why not wear overalls at werk? I loved my boiler suit , wear nothing under it in summer , its like wearing a kilt!
+1 on overalls, means the mess is on the things you leave at work
Vee_Que;70375 wrote+1 on overalls, means the mess is on the things you leave at work
And wash them at laundromat so ye don't foul the home one and get grit in yer jocks ....
Not worth covering your nice new seats in car grime... overalls or a change of cloths, simple as that
Lookin good otherwise!!
Philia_Bear;70354 wroteYou should update the Center console to the 2007+ version
Much nicer looking and more practical
Yes I intend to, just need to find one with matching woodgrain trim :)

Haha well I prefer the light interior. Practicality wise its not a great idea for a mechanic, but eventually Ill get organised and get overalls / change of clothes but right now I just clean the seat every so often, its holding up very well to it actually. Either that or I actually don't get as dirty as I think I do....
Welcome to the V50 T5 club :)
*reaches for his wallet to fill-up the car AGAIN*

Love the colour!

When you are ready to upgrade from the plastic wood, I have some aluminium I can do for cheap!






Yeah but why bother getting a car with a nice interior in a colour that you actually like, to then just cover it up? Ill figure something out.
Tzantushka;70446 wroteWelcome to the V50 T5 club :)
*reaches for his wallet to fill-up the car AGAIN*

Love the colour!

When you are ready to upgrade from the plastic wood, I have some aluminium I can do for cheap!
Thanks mate! Ive not seen your one yet though!

LMAO true. The fuel consumption is not great. Ah well, its not /too/ much worse than the V70 was so I can live with that when you have so many other benefits.

I believe its actually the Ocean Race blue? I do like it. I still like the XC70s "Polarctic" more but this comes a close second.

I actually really like the wood though! It goes nicely with the light trim IMO. Also the boys at Berry tell me the aluminium trim reflects the sunlight like a motherfucker.
I've got no issues with reflection on mine
I do want to swap to the raw blond woodgrain at some point though

Fuel wise
My s40 is sitting at sub 9l average
Crap compared to the bmw considering its slower than the bmw
But still not that bad
I nearly had an 855R with the light birch/pine! trim...
Nordic oak. Anything else is a poor imitation. It's like driving a yacht.

I don't get why it's so unpopular here?