Volvo XC70 (2000 - 2007) 2.4 D5 SE (185bhp) 5d (2005/55) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

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

Would you buy this car again and why?

When this one goes I'd happily have another one. Its a great car to drive and surprisingly economical for its size. Driving quickly on none motorway/dual carriage ways I average low 40s mpg. Most of all it makes me feels safe even when the roads are a mess.

What are you likely to buy next?

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£6,650

When did you buy the car?

September 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

I bought a high mileage vehicle with a year's Volvo warranty. This meant that prior to purchase the car was carefully prepared to meet the warranty requirements and that those problems which did occur during the Warranty period would pose no financial problems.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I live in a remote area with winding single track roads shared with Forestry Transport Vehicles. The roads are therefore often potholed and the margins can be damaged and rutted. I wanted something that would deal with these conditions in all weathers and still be satisfying and comfortasble to drive on average roads.

What was the dealer like?

Very helpful - especially when I had to make calls during the warranty period.

What's it like to drive?

Its quiet and refined. I drive on a mixture of roads the generous torque of the D5 unit makes overtaking safe and easy - for such a big car it does accelerate surprisingly quickly. The car handles well at all speeds and feels safe and well planted whatever you are doing so its relaxing to drive.

What's it like to park?

Buy one with rear sensors if you can as this is the only aspect of the car which causes me any concerns - on a wet night with rain on the mirrors sensors would make life easier - having said that it slots into the average parking space without too much fuss.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Several small niggles with messages from the on board computer - traced to a small seal on the inlet manifold leaking a bit of air in - this was fixed under warranty as was the inter-cooler.

What's most practical about your car?

The car deals with all surfaces and conditions as if it is on dry tarmac - even when I had to get out of the way of a laden forestry truck and had to start off with two wheels in deep packed snow and the others on ice the car just pulled out as if everything was normal. Although not a full off roader I have been across fields and tackled steep muddy ascents without problems. At the same time the car is very comfortable, quiet and quick even with 5 adults and luggage.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The heated seats and mirrors.