1998 Volvo V70 T5 from UK and Ireland - Comments

Steering wheel replaced due to peeling plastic. Garage fixed it instantly under warranty; no fuss.

Numerous front light bulbs; learned to change them myself in seconds.

Brake discs replaced at great expense; should be cheaper.

Front tyres wear too fast.

Severe rattles, particularly of rear door, plus squeaky dashboard.

After 3 Audis, I had a bad one; build quality was slipping, so I got a Volvo V70 estate.

The car arrived; brand new and we loved it. Fast, quiet and comfortable. Low servicing costs, moderate fuel consumption, but mediocre roadholding (it's the old model). Ferocious acceleration; you can fishtail if you overdo it. No cup holder, gasp.

In its middle years, still a good car, but starting to squeak and rattle. Still comfortable and fast. Passengers love it; especially the sound system.

Now as it approaches 100,000 miles, a few paint chips, still very quick indeed, seat starting to sag a bit, servicing costs getting too steep; often £750, and the back door rattles badly enough to drive you crazy. Oh dear; it's not going to last as long as an Audi. The car goes well, but how can you concentrate; rattle, rattle, squeak and rattle...

Wish I had found this web site before buying my V70 GLT...

Great performance from the Turbo and transmission... but the squeaks drive me nuts... poor quality plastics, the dash and rattles from the rear are totally unacceptable from a car that probably cost about $40K new...

Hello, I have just browsed this site and enjoyed reading the comments. I am also the owner of a V70 XLT 10valve auto. Having had it for two years following one excellent Discovery and one which never left the dealers, I wish I had bought the Volvo earlier. A great car, no problems and I am 6ft 6 tall and find it the most comfortable driving position. I was also annoyed by the dashboard squeaks and have tried all remedies until two weeks ago.

I removed the top of the dashboard from inside, a simple job; from the outside removed the wiper mechanism which gave access to three bolts holding the dashboard lower section to the body. They were all loose, after several turns they tightened. Replaced the dash top. Hey presto. No rattles or squeaks on even the roughest of roads.