1999 Volvo V70 TDi XT 2.5 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland
Summary:
A fine working car with good refinement
Faults:
The tailgate interior light switch and door open warning sensor were replaced under warranty.
The front brake discs were replaced under warranty at about 25,000 miles.
Dealer servicing quite expensive, but thorough. Very good warranty from new, or nearly new (in the UK).
General Comments:
The car was bought because I drive a lot of miles annually and I needed economy, safety and comfort. It has lived up to all my expectations.
I have always had diesel engined cars, for the economy and torque, and this is the best I've ever had. The only competitors would be:
Audi A6 2.5 TDi Avant, but I found the handling less taught than the Volvo.
BMW 530d Touring, but very expensive and I haven't brought myself to test drive one.
The interior is excellent, very comfortable (more comfortable than a colleagues Mercedes S500 for a passenger). I would prefer more storage spaces, as we have 2 little boys and the car is an able family car.
I get between 45 and 55 miles per gallon and can cruise along the motorways all day with no fatigue for car or driver. Being able to drive from London to Frankfurt on one tank also helps.
The leather interior cleans up beautifully and resists the wear and tear that small boys can cause. I also routinely transport computer equipment and can load the car up like a van with very little effect on handling.
I love it!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th October, 2001
5th Sep 2002, 03:42
I've just got rid in June 2002 of 1999 V70 2.5 20V XLT Automatic, it was a lovely looking car, but the seats were the most uncomfortable I've ever had. In the end that was the deciding factor to return the car at the end of the three year lease. 40,000 trouble free miles, but my backside just couldn't take anymore of the drivers seat. Other owners and magazoines have given the car good comfort write-up, however in each case the car has had the expensive (optional) leather seats. So the moral seems to be only get with the leather seats and you should have an excellent car. Even the petrol models return good miles per gallon, on good motorway run you should see 37 mpg.
7th Mar 2009, 03:53
I have the older petrol 850, and it's also a very good car, boot space is a little small, but plenty of leg room. N reg and still rust free!
26th Jun 2002, 18:02
I thank Steven for what appears to be a balanced view. I am shortly picking up an XLT Tdi 99T. I hope it lives up to these standards. As a high miler, when did you have the belt changed? Also could thicknick@retard.co.uk please comment on how fast his gets to 60 on average? Are there show rallies for V70 owners only?
(Ps Hope to submit comments on mine after my week long trip down to Devon & Cornwall,from London)