Used 2016 Volvo XC70 T5 Drive-E Platinum Wagon Review
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Read what other owners think about the 2016 Volvo XC70 T5 Drive-E Platinum Wagon.
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Early Drive-E Engine Oil Issues
DBS, Acworth, GA, 01/20/2021
2016 Volvo XC70 T5 Drive-E Platinum 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
The Drive-E 2.0L 4 cyl is a great, award winning engine, but owners should be aware of oil consumption problems with the early engines, through a certain serial number produced in 2017. This is caused by a piston design issue and is not wear related, although aggravated by deposit build up if you don't change oil frequently and/or use the correct oil.
Volvo tells us that 10,000 miles … between oil changes is OK, but that's if you meet their oil spec. VIN scan will tell your oil change place to use "0W20" synthetic oil, but not many oils meet the Volvo specification for 10k durability. Castrol extended performance (gold bottle) and the Liquimoly product available online through FCP Euro are both up to Volvo's 10,000 mile oil change interval goal. Others are not. You can get the Castrol gold bottle product for a reasonable price at some, but not many, Walmart locations or FCP will ship you a 6 Liter (5.5L goes in) kit with proper filter and replacement drain plug washer. My fast change place will do the job with customer provided oil for around $35 in a few minutes. If you just take your car in to a US Oil change place, they will put in lower spec 0W20; so plan on 5k intervals, not Volvo's 10k interval.
Strangely, Volvo started with a 5W30 spec for this engine, then switched to 0W20 after a couple years, so early owner manuals show the original 5W30 spec. Volvo redesigned what had been too tiny oil drain pinholes in the piston behind the lower oil ring and solved the oil consumption issue beginning with a certain serial number built and delivered to dealers sometime in 2017. Check online to find the switchover serial #.
There's a good YouTube video showing the old and new piston designs, if you're inclined. Bottom line, for units produced before the serial # piston redesign breakpoint around mid 2017, check your oil regularly with their stupid no dipstick dash system and expect to see some oil consumption. Mine burns about a quart every 1,200 miles. But it's been flushed and maintained with 5K intervals, so clean inside without deposit buildup that come with age and miles (like my own arteries). Many use the LiquiMoly hydeolic lifter additive, which does a good job of keeping the tiny pinhole pistons clean. Available through FCP Euro- otherwise hard to find in local auto parts stores.
My 2016 XC70 t5 is a good car with a great engine that gives 20% more HP for 20% better gas mileage with 2.0L 4 cyl versus the 2.5L 5 cyl in older Volvos.. But Volvo now makes you move up a more complicated model line to get features that used to be included in the base model. As a result, the base 2WD product seems cost reduced. It also has a somewhat confusing dash operating system. And no oil dipstick (go figure ?) We shall see if it proves as durable as my '07 XC70, which with my no holds barred upkeep still looks, runs, and drives pretty much like new at a quarter million miles + (still in the family).
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2016 Volvo XC70 T5 Drive-E Platinum Wagon
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Light-duty off-road ability
- Pro:supportive front seats
- Pro:fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine
- Pro:numerous safety features
- Pro:ample cargo capacity.
- Con:Subpar handling
- Con:mediocre rear seat room.
Full Edmunds Review: 2016 Volvo XC70 Wagon
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2016 Volvo XC70 in Ohio is:
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