Volvo V70 Review (2000 to 2003)

Quick Summary

How do you combine the ruggedness of a Volvo with some serious urban warrior chic? Easy. Buy a well looked after used Volvo V70 Cross Country and just chuckle as owners of leviathan 4x4s wrestle their Routemaster sized steering wheels trying to keep pace. The rugged bodywork shrugs off the worst that the kids, the city and a spot of light off roading can throw at it and as an all weather tool it has few peers. Get capable. Get one of these.

Overall:

Models Covered:(5dr estate, 2.4 petrol [base S, SE,])

JOINING THE COUNTRY SET

With its savvy lifestyle marketing, bodywork composed of swoops, curves and arcing hiplines and aggressive jacked-up stance, who'd have thought the V70 Cross Country could have come from those staid Swedes, Volvo? Those of you attuned to what's been happening in contemporary car design will know that Volvo is no longer the purveyor of bland but reliable boxes. The V70 Cross Country was at the forefront of Volvo's rebranding exercise and it has played a key part in turning Volvo into a covetable prospect. If you like the tough go-anywhere image but don't want to pay through the nose or suffer a ride that resembles a bulk freighter in a Biscay Force 10, a used Volvo V70 Cross Country is a good bet.
Used Volvo V70 for sale

History of the V70

Based on the 'cooking' V70 estate, the Cross Country was launched to critical acclaim in March 2000. Based on the same modular P2X platform as the S80 saloon, it's some 110mm shorter and 30mm narrower overall on a wheelbase shrunk by 30mm. Not a lot of difference then, but enough to drop their biggest estate one class size by Volvo's measurements.The 2.4-litre unit was carried over from the previous generation V70, but was well up to the task, fettled in the Cross Country guise to a punchy 200bhp. Trim levels started out as base and SE, although in September 2000, the base model was redesignated the S, a policy that was replicated across the V70 range.
Used Volvo V70 for sale

Volvo V70 Road Test

On paper, the performance figures are impressive - sixty taking just 8.5s on the way to a maximum of 130mph - though the car's substantial weight begins to show when it comes to mid-range overtaking acceleration and fuel consumption (20.6mpg around town). Suspension tuned to awkward off-road conditions also means a slight handling compromise, though to be honest, not one that many typical Volvo drivers will notice. Unlike most of its competitors, this V70 doesn't confuse its owner with low and high range gear patterns, lockable differentials and freewheeling hubs. Instead, as with Porsche's 911, the whole process has been completely automated; Volvo calls it 'intelligent' four-wheel drive. In actual fact, most of the time, this estate won't be a four-wheel drive car at all. Under normal road conditions, a viscous coupling in the propshaft distributes 95% of the power to the front wheels and 5% to those at the rear. Only when the front wheels lose traction does the liquid silicon in the viscous coupling expand, sending as much as 95% of power to the rear wheels. Not that the front wheels are likely to spin very often. Included as standard is Volvo's electronic anti-spin TRACS system for the front wheels.
Used Volvo V70 for sale

Buying a Volvo V70

The Volvo V70 Cross Country is a tough beast and has yet to report any significant faults although as with any estate car, check the rear load bay for signs of damage. The interior trim is hardy and the fittings are well made, so the interiors tend to bear up pretty well. You may well want to check for correct wheel alignment and inspect the suspension and exhaust if you suspect it may have been subjected to something more arduous than a grassy car park. The ramp and departure angles of the car aren't great so take a look at the underside for scuffing or other damage.
Used Volvo V70 for sale

Volvo V70 Typical Pricing

Don't expect Volvo Cross Country ownership to come cheap. Owners display smugly satisfied smiles when asked how they rate their wheels and as such, there aren't huge volumes changing hands. This in turn plumps up the residual value of those in circulation, making the opening point for negotiations on a 2000 W-plated base model £11,600. The more desirable automatic version commands an additional £500. If it's the more luxurious SE version you hanker for, an equivalent vintage example will set you back £12,200 with a £700 premium for auto. These costs are partially offset by reasonable insurance ratings. If you can think of another 200bhp car that warrants Group 16 insurance, you're a smart cookie.
Used Volvo V70 for sale

Volvo V70 Parts

(approx based on a 2000 V70 Cross Country) Volvo consumables aren't going to break the bank. A new air filter for the V70 is around £12, whilst a fuel filter will be £20. Spark plugs retail at £15 whilst a cam belt is £40, and an oil filter £8.
Used Volvo V70 for sale