1997 Volvo V70 TDi SE review from UK and Ireland

Air Conditioning gradually became less efficient and is now not working.

Rear washer inoperative.

Air flow meter has a fault which shows up as an engine management fault on the dashboard display. This shuts the engine down to "Get you home" mode, i.e. about 60 horse power. My local dealer was unable to fix it and suggested that the only course of action was a new air flow meter. I decided to investigate, stripped it out of the air cleaner and cleaned the sensor with petrol and a camel hair brush. This was entirely successful and has to be repeated about every 20,000 miles. I can do it now in about 20 minutes!

Interior tailgate trim now getting loose and needs some new clips.

In the hands of the previous owner the cambelt snapped at 73,000 miles and did £2500 worth of damage to the engine. Volvo say it will do 80,000 miles before a change is due, but the same engine in an Audi, the belt is changed at 60,000 miles. I do mine at 60K!

Bottom crankshaft pulley oil seal now weeping oil slightly.

Having owned the old 940 SE diesel estate which did 215000 miles with no trouble I decided to keep with Volvo and get the V70 for increased performance and handling.

This car is driven seriously quickly and always returns 42-43 mpg.

The mid range overtaking performance is fantastic and high speed cruising comfortable and quiet. You really can have your cake and eat it with this car.

Seats are heated and beautifully comfortable, I never get backache in driving even 400 miles per day.