Volvo XC70 (2000 - 2007) 2.4 D5 SE Lux (185bhp) 5d Geartronic (2007/07) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I know exactly what I need, and have now owned three of these with confidence and contentment.

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

My son likes it so much he has bought one too.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, but sadly this model was discontinued in 2007 for the much less well-designed new model. It has irritating design flaws not present on my existing car: eg Sat Nav CD changer under boot floor so you have to take the luggage out to change discs on continental drives; the speedo is only in MPH so you have to engage a digital readout for kph on European drives instead of being able to make an instant visual comparison, the current model has better headroom, a proper handbrake instead of the silly electronic one, and a proper key, which makes locking the car without the alarm, eg on rough ferry crossings, much easier.,.

What are you likely to buy next?

Another XC70 - of I can't find another first rate low-mileage pre2007 model I will have to settle for the new one, despite its flaws.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£13,000

When did you buy the car?

January 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

It was expensive, but a relatively low mileage example 60,000, and extremely clan and tidy.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

It is my 3rd XC70, ideal for my job as double bass player and capable of all terrain in most weather.

What was the dealer like?

Effusive, but did not notice handbrake was binding on, and rear discs were worn. The swirl chamber linkage in the engine was broken. When these faults were pointed out, they were fixed immediately and a loan car supplied.

What's it like to drive?

Excellent performance and plenty of power even when fully loaded. Just brought contents of my daughter's flat from Scotland to Oxfordshire at motorway speeds and returning 39mpg. Never doubt its roadholding as long as tyres at right pressure. 4WD engages in wet and icy conditions and it is extremely surefooted.

What's it like to park?

Parallel parking is OK fo such a long car. The lock is better than some V70s I have owned, but it can still be a squeeze going frontward into supermarket parking spaces, or narrow multi-storey spaces. Easier to reverse in, and big mirrors and good all round visibility make this quite easy even without parking sensors.

Have you had any problems with the car?

No major faults.

What's most practical about your car?

Huge load capacity. Able to tackle unmade roads, and a limited amount of off-road for dog walking and country walks. Extremely good motorway cruiser, quiet, comfortable and efficient on long runs. Can contain double bass, drum kit, overnight bags and three musicians in comfort.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Factory sunroof is excellent; built in sat nav extremely good. It would be even better if the original spec had included bi-xenon headlamps, active four-C suspension, and integral phone as one of my previous models had. Cruise control is excellent and simple to use.