The Definitive Guide To The Volvo SI6 Engine

If Volvo has been committed to anything throughout its history, it’s safety. From pioneering modern airbag and restraint systems to the first to include three-point seat belts as standard, they’re as committed as anyone out there. However, their drive for safety has presented their engineers with...

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I enjoy thrashing my T6 in my S60. If you want Toyota reliability though, buy a Toyota. The READ was just a smart way to get the big motor to fit in the car. It can wear, but not something I'd worry about personally unless looking at something with very high miles. The later T6 motors didn't have the piston ring issues I don't believe, but I would avoid the 5 cylinders towards the end of production. The old P2 five cylinders were pretty good and didn't have the oil consumption problem, but to your point, that's getting to be an older car (I daily one of mine).

The older 3.2 motors are fine... but a bit boring especially if you've also got to drive one of the T6 cars.

One other comment, they often sell for well above book value, at least around here. It's a car the books just never get right. We pay more to trade them in or buy at auction, and they sell for more too. High used car demand for them, but IMO better to spend a little more on a nice one that take too big of a risk on a bargain.

 

I enjoy thrashing my T6 in my S60. If you want Toyota reliability though, buy a Toyota. The READ was just a smart way to get the big motor to fit in the car. It can wear, but not something I'd worry about personally unless looking at something with very high miles. The later T6 motors didn't have the piston ring issues I don't believe, but I would avoid the 5 cylinders towards the end of production. The old P2 five cylinders were pretty good and didn't have the oil consumption problem, but to your point, that's getting to be an older car (I daily one of mine).

The older 3.2 motors are fine... but a bit boring especially if you've also got to drive one of the T6 cars.

One other comment, they often sell for well above book value, at least around here. It's a car the books just never get right. We pay more to trade them in or buy at auction, and they sell for more too. High used car demand for them, but IMO better to spend a little more on a nice one that take too big of a risk on a bargain.

Thank you. I was thinking about the Toyota Venza, though both Volvo and Toyota seem to have high resale value so I would have to save up a lot more.

I will definitely avoid the 5 cylinders! I wish there was a definitive guide out there to which years of the T6 are bad and good. I will have to research. Who knows, maybe I can ask knowledgeable people like FCP to put together the guide.

 

Do you guys think it's a good car? Should I only buy ones that I can confirm have replaced piston rings for the oil burning issue? How would I confirm that the rings are replaced or the car won't burn oil?

I voted "good car". I loved mine. I don't know that there would be a way to tell if the rings have been replaced aside from the service records. If you get a newer one you can pretty much avoid that issue. As to whether it would be a good car for you depends on your expectations and ability to address some of the easier mechanical things as they arise.

 

READ is only an issue on the early 3.2s (mostly from lack of oil changes), never seen it fail on a T6.

Ring issues only affected the early T5s and the 4cyl VEA engines.

Leaky windshields...well that seems to be completely random. Wouldnt be a Volvo if it didnt leak water smh. If you get a well cared for T6 XC70 youll be golden. Most of the 3.2 V70s at this point are pretty ragged out, but great if you can get one cheap in the colors you want. Spares for them are dime a dozen in junkyards. I dont think they even offered an engine with ring issues on the XC70 until its final year of production.

I sold my almost new Alfa Romeo Giulia to go back to a P3 (V70). It doesnt get much more bullet proof than a well cared for 3.2. There is a reason me and my buddy drive them, becuase the last thing you want to do after working on Volvos all day is work on your own too.

 

READ is only an issue on the early 3.2s (mostly from lack of oil changes), never seen it fail on a T6.

Ring issues only affected the early T5s and the 4cyl VEA engines.

Leaky windshields...well that seems to be completely random. Wouldnt be a Volvo if it didnt leak water smh. If you get a well cared for T6 XC70 youll be golden. Most of the 3.2 V70s at this point are pretty ragged out, but great if you can get one cheap in the colors you want. Spares for them are dime a dozen in junkyards. I dont think they even offered an engine with ring issues on the XC70 until its final year of production.

I sold my almost new Alfa Romeo Giulia to go back to a P3 (V70). It doesnt get much more bullet proof than a well cared for 3.2. There is a reason me and my buddy drive them, becuase the last thing you want to do after working on Volvos all day is work on your own too.

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Ah thank you! I hope that the 3.2 and 3.0 engines are good ones. Your cars look super cool. I love wagons.

Hm, but I do see here that some random people had issues with the 3.0 or 3.2 engine. Excessive Oil Consumption | SwedeSpeed - Volvo Performance Forum

 

I think the early 3.2 and T6 motors had ring issues too didn't they? I think 2012 was the new parts year. I don't think it was as bad as the T5 cars though.

 

I mean the pre-2011 T6s are pretty rare, but no they do not have ring issues. I have not heard once or have seen a T6 or 3.2 die of "natural causes". The only 3.2 we ever replaced at my shop was when my boss forgot to put oil in one before a test drive. We had multiple customers with 3.2 S80s sneaking up on 300k, 99% of the time the car died of some other reason before the engine.

 

I've driven Volvos all my life, starting with 140s all the way up to 2014 models. 99% of the time, I have repaired them shadetree style.

Volvos have always been durable cars but not necessarily the most reliable.

You want reliable? Get a Honda.

That being said, the late model XC70s are IMO some of the best cars Volvo ever built -- good performing, luxurious, and safe. Also surprisingly easy to work on if that is your thing. And they hold their value well.

Are they reliable? No. Stuff breaks. I have always called Volvo reliability average. They break and I fix them. That much has been true from when I bought my first Volvo in 1986 through now. But exhausts last a lot longer now, and the bodies don't rust nearly as easily. Engines can go 120k on a timing belt instead of 50k.

Are they durable? Yes. We have 108k on our 2013 XC70 3.2 and there is no reason to think it won't easily double that. My dad has 170k on his 2012 XC70 T6 and it still looks brand new.

 

I've driven Volvos all my life, starting with 140s all the way up to 2014 models. 99% of the time, I have repaired them shadetree style.

Volvos have always been durable cars but not necessarily the most reliable.

You want reliable? Get a Honda.

That being said, the late model XC70s are IMO some of the best cars Volvo ever built -- good performing, luxurious, and safe. Also surprisingly easy to work on if that is your thing. And they hold their value well.

Are they reliable? No. Stuff breaks. I have always called Volvo reliability average. They break and I fix them. That much has been true from when I bought my first Volvo in 1986 through now. But exhausts last a lot longer now, and the bodies don't rust nearly as easily. Engines can go 120k on a timing belt instead of 50k.

Are they durable? Yes. We have 108k on our 2013 XC70 3.2 and there is no reason to think it won't easily double that. My dad has 170k on his 2012 XC70 T6 and it still looks brand new.

I appreciate your input. I was thinking of getting Volvo because station wagons are awesome and they usually sell for less or are nicer than a Toyota/Honda, but I'll have to keep in mind the maintenance costs. I would definitely choose a Volvo for safety in the early 2000's, but by this era of car I think that other brands are decent choices for safety.
I was considering a Hyundai Elantra Touring, but I've heard so many stories of Hyundai airbags not going off when they should've which is the opposite of safe, and they are built a bit cheaply.

 

How do they compare to the Subaru Outback?

 

Volvos have a much higher level of fit and finish than a Subie.

 

With over 216K on my '08 with the 3.2, I voted "YES." That said, I didn't get here completely trouble free. Original water pump blew as I approached 200K. Totally fine with that. I've had to replace the coil packs and spark plugs. SUPER easy on this car. A shifter assembly. Did a full brake job. Oh, and my radio still doesn't work. My original windshield DID leak but I had it replaced due to a rock cracking it, and voila. Never been a problem since. A couple fuses here and there, but all in all? Wonderful car. Like DFrantz said above, this engine is boring, but it IS a reliable workhorse. I've been religious about fluid changes. Transmission is recommended every 40-60K I believe (forget the supposed "lifetime" nonsense). Oil mostly w/ Motul every 5K. This engine still runs silky smooth and doesn't really seem to consume much oil (if any) between changes.

THAT SAID, these cars are getting up there in years, so don't expect it to be Corolla reliable, ya know? Parts can get relatively expensive and if you have to go to a specialized shop (and ESPECIALLY the dealer) prepare to pay up for the service. I'd still recommend one though. AWD only. They're magical in the snow/ice/rain. SO sure-footed. And quite the lumber hauler too!!!

 

Volvo still does quite a bit of obsession with safety. Yes other brands have gotten better, but there is still a void. When I used to sell Fords, I thought (and said) Ford was able to get safer because they bought Volvo. When I switched to Volvo, I was genuinely impressed with the additional considerations they take as a brand. Everyone studies and designs for the official tests... Volvos are ready for the essay exam.

 

Oh, yeah. True, true. And whereas most other brands focus more on safety through electronic safety aids, Volvo leads the way on the physical side of things, down to the way they build the very seats themselves. From the WHIPS system to the steel structure itself. When people complain about how "They don't build cars like they used to!" they obviously haven't seen how a Volvo is built. These cars are pretty darn HEAVY, and that's in no small part due to the sheer amount of steel and framing structure they have throughout. It's on another level. Curb weight on my XC70's no joke. This thing's a pig. A safe pig, though!

 

As far as I'm concerned, it's a superbly comfortable station. I think you may have been reading my thread on the damned READ unit. I'm not totally impressed with the engine design but not much fails and the service intervals are pretty long. The aux belt job is long, yes but it's only due every 240,000km (or whatever it is) so really not a big deal. I'm not sure I'd get this vehicle again if what I was doing was mostly city driving. However, if you are mostly doing highway / open roads - this is where this car really excels. If you are in the snowbelt, get the AWD as the FWD is not super impressive in the snow. Also, I have the n/a version which while sufficiently powered is not great when you need to make any sudden accelerations. Look for a T6 if you can.

 

I'm not sure I'd get this vehicle again if what I was doing was mostly city driving. However, if you are mostly doing highway / open roads - this is where this car really excels. If you are in the snowbelt, get the AWD as the FWD is not super impressive in the snow. Also, I have the n/a version which while sufficiently powered is not great when you need to make any sudden accelerations. Look for a T6 if you can.

This is exactly my take, as well. Not the best city sled, but an outstanding highway cruiser. That's why I ended up with a C30 as I definitely prefer it for running around the city, but still take my XC70 on road trips.

 

I just had a customer in yesterday who wasn't able to stop his XC40 on ice going downhill into a pair of tractor trailers that had hit one another... the front of his car look like it exploded. He said when the truck drivers got up to the car he heard them shout "he's still alive!"... in truth, he had a cut on his hand and that was it. I know a bit of luck goes into these things, but some of the stories I've heard from customers with Volvos are jaw dropping.

 

I voted good, and wish I could vote great car. I was able to get my hands on a relatively low mile T6 2015.5 model last year and haven't looked back. This is coming from a former Focus ST owner and while an ST has the fun factor for miles, it just really can't beat the overall package that my XC70. It's smooth and deceptively quick, roomy, practical and frankly the perfect car for road trips with my growing family. Everyone I know who has ever been in it so far has told me how much they love how comfy it is. For me this is the quintessential family car with a solid fun engine and definitely could fit the bill as a sleeper wagon.

I plan on adding modifications here and there over the years but for now it hasn't let me down yet. I think there's so much more to like about this that it outweighs it's few flaws. Is is flawless? No but the answer to that question comes from how well it meets your needs in a car. And if you need a practical, smooth, spacious and powerful family car then this is a great option not available anymore. I'm so glad I got one when I did!

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My wife loves her 2010 xc70 It rides very nice and has heated seats. However being the guy that does most of the work on it, I would say this is the WORST Volvo we have ever owned. Like Cdsteams we have been life long Volvo owners statring with a 84 240DL-,00 S40 -05 S40 (still have with 326k) 05 XC70 and the current 2010 XC 70. Like most vehicles each year gets progressively worst to service. I guess I have that random car everyone here talks about. Problems started around 75k when the rear Haldex bearings went out. (sounds like you are running 32 mud bog tires) Found a local shop that rebuilt it for $2100 Next came the poorly sealed leaky windshield problems. Pulled passenger and rear seats and all the carpet out and inspecting and dried all electrical connectors The carpet with its foam backing drys rather quickly. Then a few hundred for a replacement windshield. And then you have the sunroof leaks (they all leak) If you keep the drain tubes clear it wont flood your interior. Now we can get to the WORST (IMO) engine layout that could ever be placed under your hood. Put the drive belt in the middle of the of the things that you driving. Who came up with design???? guess we are lucky you dont have to disconnect the AC lines to move the compressor out of the way. Gosh I cant wait to go back in there to replace the water pump. Even removing the oil filter is a pain. But hey the spark plugs are easy to replace. Didn't have the bad piston ring problem but did have an oil consumption issue that was caused by a bad PVC cover (twice) So from your mechanics point of view it is a PITA to work on under the hood which means longer service hours which also means more $$$$$$ So unless you find a P3 lkie mine that has had all of those defects fixed I would avoid the P3. I personally think best Volvo was our 2005 XC P2 However if you find one of those they will probably be high mileage and coming up on the big repair items

 

Oh


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I really like my 2016 T5 AWD XC70. 100k miles. 5-cylinder engine. Oil consumption is about 1 quart per 4000-5000 miles, which isn't too bad. I' happy with the T5 (5-cylinder) engine - good fuel economy and good power.

 

I'd skip Subaru - they are not reliable cars whatsoever, and the quality is not there. One of my buddies recently scrapped his Impreza after it threw a rod on its fifth (!) NA 2.5L. A family friend has had nothing but issues with their Outback too.

As for Toyota, it's not a sure-fire way to get a reliable car. My mom bought a 4Runner brand new in 2015 and it had significant rust at only 3 years old, the upholstery was falling apart, and the radio would constantly glitch out. She got rid of it and was happier with a 2005 XC90 with 110k on it, which also happened to be far more reliable. They are also mind-numbingly soulless to drive.

For P3 wagons, if you want reliability, a later 3.2 or T6 car will treat you really well. The 3.2 won't light your hair on fire but it's a smooth engine that gets the job done without much to break. The T6 is a much more enjoyable engine. If you just want smooth reliable transportation, a later 3.2 car is hard to beat. If you want that with plenty of power, get a T6 - you won't be disappointed.

 

I was thinking of buying an XC70 in the future. It's my dream car! But I've heard mixed experiences about them. Some people love them but others get oil burning. Or their windshield leaks. Those are definitely not what I would want in a used car. I would want one that is reliable and not overly expensive when it breaks.

Also I've been reading a forum thread where somebody had to completely disassemble the timing chain system to fix a failure in the READ system. (powering the rear accessories) FCP euro says the READ system is fairly reliable for being such a unique design. https://blog.fcpeuro.com/the-definitive-guide-to-the-volvo-si6-engine?hs_amp=trueBut my worry from this is that Volvo over engineers this car such that it's too complicated for it's own good.

Do you guys think it's a good car? Should I only buy ones that I can confirm have replaced piston rings for the oil burning issue? How would I confirm that the rings are replaced or the car won't burn oil?

I was also thinking of an earlier gen V70/XC70 though I would appreciate having standard stability control on the new models and better side impact crash scores.

Thank you

Still repairing my 3.2 xc70 get a five cylinder v70 the I-6 is garbage smooth but has no sort of get-up and I’ve found myself in bad situations cause of it. Also fuel pump is a big issue cause it can take out the direct injection system with it. 250 a piece minus labor. Fuel pump is 1100 on FCP Euro for an OE one.

 

The 3.2 is DEFINITELY slow, but I've never found it dangerously slow. I mean, heck, some of us have braved getting a 240D onto the highway. Now THAT is nerve racking. Haha.
Do you think perhaps your troublesome fuel pump/DI system made the already unimpressive acceleration even worse than it should have been? Personally, I've always run 93 octane in mine. I wonder if that's helped keep acceleration at least where it should be, and my fuel system reliable. ¯\(ツ)/¯

This all said, as bulletproof as my 3.2's been for me personally, I think I would have to go T6 if I were to do it all over again. If the 3.2 isn't enough power, the 2.5T isn't all that much better. Slightly more power in a still very heavy vehicle. The T6 is what steps it up to actually have some giddyup.

 

I was thinking of buying an XC70 in the future. It's my dream car! But I've heard mixed experiences about them. Some people love them but others get oil burning. Or their windshield leaks. Those are definitely not what I would want in a used car. I would want one that is reliable and not overly expensive when it breaks.

Also I've been reading a forum thread where somebody had to completely disassemble the timing chain system to fix a failure in the READ system. (powering the rear accessories) FCP euro says the READ system is fairly reliable for being such a unique design. https://blog.fcpeuro.com/the-definitive-guide-to-the-volvo-si6-engine?hs_amp=trueBut my worry from this is that Volvo over engineers this car such that it's too complicated for it's own good.

Do you guys think it's a good car? Should I only buy ones that I can confirm have replaced piston rings for the oil burning issue? How would I confirm that the rings are replaced or the car won't burn oil?

I was also thinking of an earlier gen V70/XC70 though I would appreciate having standard stability control on the new models and better side impact crash scores.

Thank you

Still repairing my 3.2 xc70 get a five cylinder v70 the I-6 is garbage smooth but has no sort of get-up and I’ve found myself in bad situations cause of it. Also fuel pump is a big issue cause it can take out the direct injection system with it. 250 a piece minus labor. Fuel pump is 1100 on FCP Euro for an OE one.

 

I love love mine! Nothing rides like it, and the power is addicting. I've found quality and ergonomics to be really high as well! I can't quite speak on durability or reliability, but from what I understand the T6 is above average in robustness. I wouldn't worry about it, anything can break on everything you know?

 

I second the vote on power and ergonomics! It was a great car for its time. I did find the poor mileage a bit off putting. But, as other posters have noted, fit, finish and seat comfort are right on! If I had the space I’d buy a cream puff XC70 and keep it garaged for occasional use! I have been thinking about a V70 lately for that very use but I am short on garage space

 

My MPG is about 21 according to my car haha I'm not always on it! I had Polestar installed on it recently too

 

I voted yes. With only 69k miles, mine has been completely trouble-free. It doesn't burn or leak a speck of oil, not a none. I do make sure to maintain it thoroughly though. Having said this, I don't have many mechanical skills so it does cost more for service. Great forum, too. Lots of helpful advice.

 

I have a 2008 XC70 3.2 with original engine and transmission. It has 285K miles, I've driven 260K of the miles in 11 years, it came from a 3-year lease with about 25K miles. I don't do my own repairs or maintenance, and this is my everyday car / only car.

I don't have any horror stories about problematic repair jobs, or lapses of reliability.
I've replaced the water pump, the alternator, a few battery replacements. I replaced the original starter this year.
All normal / fine. The higher-ticket jobs I can recall are replacements for the radiator, the AC condenser, and AC compressor . . . here in Miami the AC system is a year-round / everyday thing.

Durability is FANTASTIC. Interior and exterior, the car looks great. No leaks, very few rattles, no body rust. I've replaced a sagging headliner and loose upholstery on the doors (I think the intense heat here impacts the adhesives).

As others have commented, this car doesn't really offer a sporty / performance driving experience. But it's tough and will last as long as you care for it. I have worked it like a pickup truck and it handles everything I throw at it. I'm less interested now in a new Volvo, because it seems the newer models are more focused on luxury and less on the durability and value I see in the XC70s.

 

I am a lifetime volvo owner. My first car was an 83 242T m46 with 200k miles. More recently, I've owned a V70R m66, a P3 XC70 3.2 and a XC90 T6 with polestar. The 2010 XC70 was by far the worst Volvo I've owned. Due to excess oil consumption, Volvo replaced the engine at 72k. It had windshield sealing issues and the final nail was when the rear end went at 128k. I love the brand and am loyal, but I cannot recommend the XC70. Go with a P2 car, or something newer. Skip the P3.

 

You have to shop smartly to avoid buying a P3 XC70 with recurring problems. I own2 P3 wagons, and they are both good cars....having served us well for 4 years each, and going strong.

Don't become negative-news-biased by "nightmare reports"....the owners of XC70s that are running dependably don't publish the good news. Look up objective service histories for the M-Y. Or survey how few of these XC70s are sitting in junk yards.

Best advice....buy from a Volvo dealer. Their used cars go through a very thorough vetting process -- the ones with any questions go to auction. Focus on the ones with complete record of ownership and maintenance (Carfax), and reject any that have been bounced around via auction, or sat unsold for more than a week. Ask for a copy of the inspection report. Try to evaluate: "How the car was driven....was it elderly couple, or a hyped-up salesperson?" How thoroughly was the car maintained" "Like and airplane, or a disposable convenience?"

You have to be committed to the market chase, as the goodies will sell within a few days. Expand your search radius, and plan to drive it home, not in an hour, but in a day or two (see my write upon buying out of state:

Buying my Seashell XC70 T6 a continent away

Last year, we replaced my wife's P2 S60 with a Flamenco Red 2013 T6 XC70 -- the preceding thread regales flying from CA to Salt Lake City to make the buy, and the 12 hour drive home. The "T6" turned out to be the dream luxury wagon, a ride others have described as "riding on a cloud", a...

www.volvoxc.com

These are rare cars...only 7500/year sold in North America. Get clear about exactly what you want, and give yourself 3-6 months to scour the market. Set up notifications in the used car search engines so you can respond quickly.

 

I deleted some posts because I know you guys are better than that. This isn't Facebook or Twitter, and I created the Off-Topic subForum for politics, opinions, and other non-car subjects - go have at it in there. Having been at this for 22 years, these arguments go both ways, some need to show more respect and others need thicker skins. With readers from different countries and cultures from around the world, opinions may be expressed differently or translated in a very direct manner that might catch you off guard. Keep that in mind, and in the end, the community is about our shared enjoyment, and at times frustration, with Volvo vehicles.

Thanks.