Volvo C70 Coupe (1997 - 2002) 2.3 T5 2d (2000/X) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Individual but pretty, shows you are a bit different but still like style. Seems to be admired more by people who aren't into cars but genuinely seems to impress many people

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Most like the look of it. My wife loves the engine but less keen on the handling and the fact she can't car her dogs very well in it!

Would you buy this car again and why?

It's getting a bit old now, but good value for money and generally very happy with it. Fuel cost mean I will probably get a diesel next but will miss the utterly superb T5 engine and coupe good looks

What are you likely to buy next?

A Diesel due to fuel costs I suspect. Not sure it will be another Volvo as fancy something more sporty with better handling and also could do with a hatch/estate for the dogs. Rather like the new VW Golf/Audi A3/Seat Leon

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

December 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

Less than 5 years old and paid £5,600 - was about £30k new so very good value for money.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

What was the dealer like?

Average, have a good relationship with them but not as helpful as the local Honda dealer

What's it like to drive?

Smooth power delivery to suit even the most delicate passenger but still very fast and few things can touch you at the lights if you try. Definitely worth buying a manual box for making the best use of power and cheaper fuel. Biggest letdown is less than sporty handling although far from terrible. Wallows a bit around corners and not too stable at speed, perhaps the old S70 chassis is a bit too long in the tooth? My wife's diesel V70 is better!! Very comfortbale on motorways and engine excels, even get 33 mpg if careful. Ride is very good. Steering a bit vague.

What's it like to park?

Although the back is hard to judge it turns easily and is surprisingly easy to manoeuvre. Takes a while to work out just how long it is though (ie very!) Managed to scuff the fron spoiler on a high curb a few times.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Door mechanism on the drivers side failed because a plastic runner failed. Tried to repair but difficult to source parts and dealer only sells £400 frame and motor. Turned to Ebay instead! The Stereo started by rejecting some CDs (especially copies) and now won't play anything. Bought a casette adapter and use an MP3 player now! AC failed, had it recharged at Volvo but failed again, may have a leak.

What's most practical about your car?

Comfortably seats 4 people and the boot is huge (although not good for odd shaped items as the seats don't fold). Been down to Le Mans with 4 grown men and a boot full of camping equipment and very capable

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Non GT model so nothing very clever by way of gadgets. Glad I didn't get electric seats though, tried one before I bought and it took forever to move them!