ETM disaster area!
ETM failed at 82,000 miles - We have only done 200 miles in it.... shame.
The car looks good, but stalls very easily when pulling away.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 23rd January, 2009
Very Good, mony well spent
Wishbones replaced
Anti roll bar links required replaced.
One of the comfiest cars I have ever driven. Good interior space, although the 140 bhp version is maybe a bit underpowered, but this engine is easily chipped to 180bhp.
Economy is good for such a large car.
Handles superbly, I'm a traffic cop and we use these at work.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th June, 2006
Probably go back to Ford
On delivery, car had undetected coolant leak from badly tightened hose - could have seized the engine.
Within first year, electric rear window jammed due to loose guide.
Car had problems with starting with a low fuel level, seems to have gone away after extensive tinkering by dealer.
Just out of warranty, on first MOT inspection, nearly failed on rear anti-roll bar link wear. Volvo agreed 50% rebate on cost of renewing. Mileage only approx 25k! Not spotted by dealer on recent big service when still in warranty.
Again just out of warranty, noticed discolouration of paint on the external plastic infill trims which run full length of cabin between top of doors and the roof rails. Apparently known fault and Volvo only again agreeing to 50%, still having to fork-out £110.
This car is very comfortable and pleasant to drive.
Am very disappointed that so many things have gone wrong with it and that Volvo are only partially accepting liability for things which they knew were defective.
It is very thirsty (about 24-25 mpg average) but accelerates and cruises well on 200 bhp.
Dealer service no better than Ford.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 13th June, 2005
The V70 is a great car, but there are other cars out there that are even greater at a lower cost. Volvo really has to make a record profit on these cars. Expensive car, spare parts are expensive and all work needed done is expensive. Warranty is not good either. Dealers charge a fortune just to look at your car. Although these cars are basically solid, there are many known weaknesses.
Sorry, I can't really see the point. Guess it's an image thing because you are paying top price for something that's mediocre. This is even more apparent with the cars that share platform with Ford. I mean, Volvo is now just an overpriced Ford. I really can't understand why people are willing to pay the price difference.
Comfortable and Very Practical
The only minor problem so far has been the one-touch facility on the driver's electric window failing.
This was a software fault, rectified by performing a reset of the software.
This procedure I was able to do myself for free with instructions from the Internet.
It has since been fine.
No other issues to report.
The V70 is the estate car to have. There may be estates with larger load bays (Vauxhall Vectra Estate for instance), better NCAP results (Renault Laguna Estate) or more upmarket image (Audi A4 Avant). However, none have the all round package the V70 offers.
Safety is excellent, reassuring with 6 airbags and whiplash protection. Performance is reasonable even with this base 140 spec 2.4, offering a characterful 5 cylinder thrum too.
As this engine is really just the 170 bhp engine de-tuned, after market tuners can happily re-tune the unit to 180bhp without straining the engine at all. Useful if, like me, you couldn't find a higher spec engine at the right price, condition and trim level.
The V70 also offers a big boot with a nice flat load floor. The usage of space is clever too. The seat base splits folds as well as the seat back, enabled a 60 or 40 flat area with rear passengers and the front passenger seat folds flat too.
For load safety, there's a pull out load net built into the seat backs. This splits too and can be used with the seats up or folded down.
The seats are truly impressive. Many seats offer the same range of adjustments that Volvo does, but none can match the incredible comfort. Back pain is a thing of the past in a Volvo.
The ride is also comfortable, without suffering too much body roll. This Volvo couldn't be described as sporty, but it is certainly a pleasure to drive, especially on long Motorway runs.
My car is what's laughably called a base spec model, including leather seats, CD player, dual-zone climate control, electric windows, mirrors and sunroof, etc. The SE models offer little extra that most people will find important.
As is traditional for Volvo's, this car has daytime running lights - i.e. headlights that you can't switch off! Hence, since owning this car, I've also noticed a curious phenomenon whereby on-coming motorists keep flicking their lights on as they see me approach - I see this noticeably more often than in my wife's Astra. This usually happens during evenings and poor weather conditions. I guess the Volvo's lights act as a reminder to other drivers that headlights might come in handy. What they think about me on bright, sunny days I have no idea!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th April, 2005
Where can I get the software reset instructions as I have a similar problem with my V70?
If I am very lucky someone will respond to this comment (sending it along to the original author perhaps) and a follow up will indicate where the reset instructions the review refers to are on the Internet. Looked hard so far with no luck. Thanks so much, mks (at) zoo (dot) ufl (dot) edu.
10th Sep 2007, 03:08
My v70 T has been on its perfect behaviour. Total luxuxy, with heated leather seats... and a pick up that makes me blush... do I love my Volvo.?