2008 Volvo V70 1.8 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Good family cruiser. Jury is out on reliability
Faults:
Minor recall repairs while under warranty.
Power parking brake failed at 44,000 KM.
General Comments:
A good family car. Comfortable and quiet. Adequate if not exciting performance from the 1.8 engine with manual transmission. The flex-fuel system allows us to run on ethanol at a considerable cost savings.
The power parking brake system is a case study in diminishing returns from technology. While most cars have a simple and sane ratcheting lever and cable system, our V70 has two electric motor-driven gear drives on the rear brake calipers. They are controlled by an electronic module; ours failed without warning, leaving both rear brakes 100% locked and the car unmovable. Apparently, there is no release mechanism or procedure unless you have a specialized scanning tool. It's hard to imagine what the engineers were thinking when they designed this system.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 14th July, 2010