1999 Volvo C70 LT Coupe 2.5L turbo

Faults:

While I like the styling, ride, and performance of my 1999 C70 I've been tormented with quality issues. As long time Honda owner these issues were really shocking. Here is a run down of my experience as the original owner. I've had to find a way to schedule over 12 repairs to the vehicle totaling more than 24 trips to and from the dealer. Each one of these requiring the coordination of transportation from a third party.

Window wind noise.

Wheel balance and alignment is really hard to get right. It pulls to the right and wears the tires unevenly at the factory caster settings. Despite having three different service centers work on it we went through three sets of tires.

Brake chatter and squeaking.

Cooling system sensor replaced.

Seats, intermittent electrical problems and too slow to get clients or kids in into the back seat in the rain.

Cracking leather at 12k miles despite using the best leather treatment every other month, asked the dealer to replace every visit to no avail, the next owner will have to get seat covers before it hits 75k miles.

Trim pieces falling off around each seat and in the header above the sun shades.

Tow hook cover fell out requiring a special order and hand painting at home.

Bolt fell out of the headliner and into my lap.

Electrical system system fried the headlights 2 times in the first 15k miles - resulted in a recall.

Stranded three times, battery twice and once when the entire dash mounted headlight switch fell out at night and had to be replaced by the dealer.

Power Steering resevoir had to be replaced when it started leaking.

Resale value is atrocious, at 46k it has lost at least 53% of its value.

General Comments:

Very nice looking car!

Positives.

- comfortable seats

- great styling

- high performance

- Awesome stereo

- Price with discounts.

However, we will never buy a new or used Volvo again. Our next cars will be a Honda, Acura, Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Mazda, or BMW.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd March, 2003

9th Mar 2003, 03:35

I have to agree with you. Although it's a very sexy car to look at and people head turn and think "That's No Volvo!?!?!" European cars, in particular The British and French cars, really do lack quality control. My previous car, a Honda, had no quarms what so ever! These guys really do test the car. I only wish they also made computer operating systems :-) any ways. Maybe there should be a collaboration one day. The West does the interior and exterior design, while the East does performance, handling, and reliability! If only!!

30th Jun 2003, 05:15

Volvo give loaner cars at service.

16th Dec 2007, 09:16

Yeah they do give loaners, but for the high price of repair, they ought to. And the all too often mentioning of the electric seat malfunction? Volvo should own up to it being a defective design, and offer to replace the defective piece for free, how they passed quality control anyway?

25th Jun 2010, 08:18

I am looking into purchasing a 1999 C70 with 50K miles on it. The problems you've stated seem to be a non issue since the Carfax is clean and it has been on schedule for the maintenance. Is there anything I should be worried about? The seat being stuck all the way to the front is fine, because I'm only 5 feet tall, so that's how I drive anyway.

And what's wrong with the cup holders??