1999 VOLVO V70 R AWD (PHASE 3)

This Volvo V70 R AWD Phase 3 is a great example of the performance-focused estate, which has recently been imported from Japan. It is powered by a turbocharged 265hp 2.5-litre 20-valve inline-five engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. The odometer indicates 119,670km (74,360 miles).

A 2000 model year car, first registered on 1 December 1999 and delivered new to its first private owner in Japan, this V70 R has been well maintained throughout its life, with an in-depth maintenance record below showing work carried out. It was imported from Japan and re-registered with the DVLA in February 2019. The vendor, who is the second private owner from new, acquired the car one month later.

Sitting atop the V70 range, the ‘R’ boasts a number of unique upgrades over the standard vehicles including a half leather and half Alcantara interior, a deeper front bumper, model-specific rear bumper, twin exhaust silencer, blue instrument dial backgrounds, unique alloy wheels, upgraded rear vented disc brakes, and model-specific colours – not to mention the new and significantly more powerful engine with variable valve timing and a larger turbocharger.

The R-model only Laser Blue Metallic paintwork presents in excellent condition, with only a couple of very minor marks in addition to barely visible small stone chips. There is a small area of colour-matched paintwork on the offside rear bumper, and there are also a few light scratches on the upper nearside of the bonnet, which the vendor has gently hand polished so they are barely visible. The rear arches have a protective film on the leading edge which is beginning to crack and deteriorate. The alloy wheels are in generally good order, with a few kerbing marks present.

Inside, the condition of the upholstery and trim is impressive, with only modest wear to high-contact areas. The driver’s seat is starting to show some particular wear to the outer bolster and Alcantara centre section, while there are also a few marks on the steering wheel and to the left of the wheel on the dashboard, though these are commensurate with the age and mileage. In addition to this, the correct ‘R’ floor mats are fitted. The standard stereo has been replaced by a double-DIN Pioneer unit, and all the electronics and dials work as they should, with no warning lights on the dashboard. The vendor notes that the retracting load bay cover does not work as it should, though it can be folded over the rear seats when loading.

This is a V70 R that appears to have been kept in superb order, as evidenced by the extensive service record. During its time in Japan, the car was always serviced by official Volvo dealers, while in the UK independent Volvo specialists have catered to the car’s needs. The transmission fluid was changed in April 2021 at 74,356 miles, ready for the next owner. The most recent service took place during January 2021 at 72,089 miles and was performed by Burton & Wilson Ltd. This work included a full oil and filter change using OEM parts, a new camshaft reset gasket, transmission oil condition check, coolant change, differential oil check and top up, heater core check, and a general inspection of all hoses on the vehicle.

Prior to the January 2021 service, the vehicle was serviced in September 2020 at 70,940 miles which included a new propeller shaft joint and offside engine mount, and during March 2020 at 70,142 miles. This latter service included a full oil and filter change with OEM parts used as above, along with the fitment of a new fuel filter, spark plug clean, suspension check and a full tracking setup. The cam belt was changed on 19 March 2019 at 62,917 miles (101,256km), using a genuine Volvo timing belt, poly belt and anti-freeze. A full service breakdown history from both Japan and the UK is available below.

The most recent MOT test was carried out on 18 February 2021, resulting in a clean pass with no advisories. The tyres were last replaced in 2019 and have good tread all round.

Present with the vehicle are the original dealer handbooks, auction sheet, Japanese registration records and auction check with English translation, Japanese service history with an English summary, UK service history, and the original Volvo tool kit including the torch and warning triangle. Prior to the vehicle being imported, the underside including the sills, arches, cavities and engine bay was coated in Corrosion X rust-proofing treatment.

This Volvo V70 R remains in very good order throughout and comes complete with an extensive history file and only two private owners from new. It would make excellent addition to any collection of modern classics, but also makes a strong case for use as a practical daily driver with great enthusiast appeal and impressive performance.

Maintenance history summary:

• 08/12/2002, 6,106 miles: Torque arm bush changed, pollen filter changed
• 09/12/2004 12,280 miles: Service
• 07/12/2005 12,504 miles: ABS fault diagnosed and repaired
• 18/06/2006 18,578 miles: Transmission service
• 18/12/2006 20,260 miles: Torque arm changed, transfer box oil seals, pollen filter change
• 14/06/2008 25,392 miles: Service
• 13/06/2009 26,653 miles: Timing belt, idler and tensioner change
• 07/12/2009 27,873 miles: Turbo control valve changed
• 19/11/2010 30,990 miles: Roller seal changed
• 21/05/2011 32,198 miles: Service
• 07/12/2011 34,300 miles: Front differential oil, seal and O-ring changed
• 23/06/2012 36,604 miles: Service
• 01/12/2012 38,900 miles: Pollen filter change
• 21/12/2013 43,727 miles: Front stabiliser link rods changed, EGR valves and seals changed, new front brakes and pads
• 26/11/2014 49,295 miles: Offside track rod changed, front differential leak repaired, new throttle modulator fitted
• 20/11/2015 54,051 miles: Service
• 10/12/2016 59,596 miles: Headlights replaced
• 16/03/2019 62,754 miles: Service, new ATF and coolant, expansion tank, coolant level sensor, three-way turbo check valve (all genuine Volvo parts), nearside track rod end
• 19/03/2019 62,917 miles: Timing belt change, water pump, poly belt antifreeze (all genuine Volvo)
• 21/05/2019 64,172 miles: Differential leak repaired, oil replaced
• 22/05/2019 64,238 miles: New camshaft reset valve
• 04/06/2019 64,283 miles: New front suspension struts, new top strut lower mountings
• 20/06/2019 64,672 miles: Service, brake fluid change, differential oil change, new rear brake discs and pads
• 29/06/2019 64,987 miles: New radiator, coolant, new gear selector switch
• 07/10/2019 66,781 miles: Replace ETM with Xemodex unit, replace PCV / crankcase breather parts with Genuine Volvo ( if available) or OEM Skandix parts, new OEM Bosch MAF sensor
• 07/02/2020 69,617 miles: New Mann OEM cabin filter, general check of hoses and pipes
• 20/03/2020 70,142 miles: Service, transmission oil change, fuel filter, spark plugs cleaned
• 31/07/2020 70,528 miles: Top engine mounting changed
• 24/09/2020 70,940 miles: New propeller shaft universal joint, new offside engine mounting
• 18/01/2021 72,089 miles: Service, new camshaft reset valve gasket, fresh coolant, fluid check
• 19/02/2021 73,111 miles: Three turbo vacuum hoses replaced
• 19/04/2021 74,356 miles: Transmission oil change, re-seal front differential, speed sensor clean

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.