Overhaulin'

Volvo V70 -- any good ? Please advise?

I 'm considering buying a used car for the family and I have had my eyes on Volvo's Estate V70, I am not going to buy NEW or even 'nearly new'. but something like a 6 year old V70. I know Volvo make excellent cars but I would like to hear from people willing to give me advise and who have first hand experience with the Volvo V70. Please tell me things like: * reliability * things you like about the V70 and things you do not like. * if you do your own repairs or even only servicing, how easy are they in a Volvo ? * What problems, if any, have yo had with your V70 Most of all, would you recommend the Volvo v70 to a friend ? I would be very thank full for ANY advice provided it is your first hand, direct experience. Thank you very much Bazza - Thanks but what is FSH ?

Public Comments

1. Buy a diesel with FSH and you will not regret it. Petrols are thirsty and last half as long.
2. I have owned several older Volvos, 164. 245. 740.. 850... I did not like the poor visability of the V70 personally, but I do recommend Volvos in general. Yes the parts and servic3e CAN be expensive, but that's true of most imported cars these days.
3. FSH = Full Service History - all the services stamped in the service record book and done at the correct times/miles..
4. as the others say get FSH. If you can get a one owner from new so much the better as they are always more looked after, and you will usually get a big sheaf of bills to show what has been done
5. Great cars. Volvos of this age are VERY prone to the following.... Warning lights on the dash. Things like the airbag and ABS brake lights. Check they come on with the ignition and go out when the car's running. Major issue with these is the electronic throttle module. Where old cars had a £20 throttle cable, these things have a £400 (from an independent, £1000 at a Volvo dealer) computerised gizmo that gives loads of grief. Make sure the engine runs perfectly, i.e. no 'hunting' of the revs. Try and hold the revs at 2000 then 3000 and if the owner will let you 4000rpm, and see how the engine loses the revs. If it holds onto the revs (bearing in mind it's a Volvo not a Ferrari) or drops in 'stages, or takes a while to stabilise the idle afterwards, that's what the problem is. It's not fatal, it's not even difficult to fit a new one, but it could be a useful tool to lever the price down. Only applies to petrols since 97, a Diesel isn't affected. Don't assume a Diesel will be the better bet either, they can be a lot more expensive to repair and the Volvo ones aren't as good as ones from BMW and Mercedes. If anything the petrol motors last longer so long as they've been looked after. If you don't do a big mileage, buy a T5.
6. Friend of mine has one with starship miles on it - 150k or so and its still going. Yes, has needed some repairs but overall been a good car.