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

What does this car say about you?

I don't really go in for all of this badge image thing, but if the car says anything, it says this, that you are apart from the crowd, and you aren't afraid to show it.

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

One of my friends has an Audi TT and says that the Volvo is more comfortable and feels faster, my neighbours are always eyeing up my Volvo in a desirable way, not bad for a 10 year old car!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes I would, the 5 Cylinder warble is a magnificent sound, and the build quality is the best I've ever experienced.

What are you likely to buy next?

When prices get down to something more affordable maybe a BMW 335d Coupe or an Audi RS4, but thats a good few years away, and I'm happy to hang onto my Volvo until then!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,350

When did you buy the car?

July 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted a comfortable, rapid, good looking coupe and I felt and still feel that the C70 T5 covers this brief perfectly.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Being a turbocharged car, it has bags of torque and power (Volvo quote 240BHP but I have heard that it's actually around 251BHP!), but it doesn't make itself felt immediately, its a car of two halfs, it can be as docile as any ordinary car, press the accelerator and make things more spirited and the 5 Cylinder engine comes to life, turbo spools up and you just feel that tidal wave of torque pick you up and hurl the car down the road, you get an extra burst at around 4500 RPM when the VVT kicks in (Post 1999 cars only!), I'd say the car drives just as well and as fast as anything from Germany in it's league.

What's it like to park?

Parking is not one of the C70's strong points, the steering lock is one of the poorest I've ever came across, and the high rear end makes parking around bollards a job for judgement rather than sight, I'd recommend fitting parking sensors. Other than that though I wouldn't say it's particularly easy or tough to park, just need to watch what you are doing as it is no supermini!

Have you had any problems with the car?

Touch wood, not so far.

What's most practical about your car?

It's a 2 door Sports Coupe, not really built for out and out practicality, if you want that, buy a V70! That said, the bootlid swings up on cantilevered hinges which allows it to open well out of the way.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The standard fit SC901 stereo system is probably the best car audio system I've ever heard, and that includes top end custom ICE installations!