Volvo C70 Review (1999 to 2006)

Quick Summary

A Volvo C70 convertible is a good choice for those who might otherwise look at soft-top Mercedes CLK, Audi Cabriolet or Saab 9-3 Convertible. The 2.4T cars are the most impressive, combining a fair amount of power with a sweet, tractable and reasonably fuel-efficient engine. Don't think the T5 models will keep up with BMW M3s or Audi S4s on twisty roads, but instead buy one if you want to over big distances quickly. As long as you can live with the image of the C70 Convertible as a car driven by ladies of a certain age, there's no reason why you shouldn't find one an enjoyable and reliable choice.

Overall:

Models Covered:(2dr convertible, 2.0, 2.3, 2.4 petrol [GT, Collection])

THE SWEDISH OPEN

The Volvo C70 Convertible is a car that has virtually slipped from the popular radar. Part of the reason is that it's been with us for so long, launched as it was way back in 1999. Even then, it was a development of the C70 Coupe, a car that had been in circulation for a good while longer. Despite this, it has sold steadily and been a quiet success story for the Swedish company. Instrumental in reminding customers that a Volvo could have curves and look glamorous, the C70 Convertible makes a sensible used buy as long as you keep your eyes open.
Used Volvo C70 for sale

History of the C70

Although spy shots of the C70 were circulating way back in 1994, the C70 coupe was officially launched in the UK in June 1997. This proved popular and it was surprising that it took another couple of years for its soft top sibling to materialise. Volvo perhaps missed the boat a little in this respect, as the initial hue and cry had died down and pre-launch buzz for the E46 BMW 3 Series Convertible managed to depress the market for C70 Convertibles still further. Volvo were patient enough to play the long game with the C70 Convertible and alongside the 240bhp T5 version and 193bhp 2.4T models, Volvo subsequently slotted in a budget 2.0-litre 163bhp entry-level Convertible model in December 1999. GT versions arrived in 2000 and a plush Collection limited edition was launched in May 2004 with exclusive alloy wheels and a leather trimmed interior. Just 300 examples made these shores. The first generation C70 Convertible was always scheduled to be replaced by an all-new C70 with a folding hard top in the second half of 2006.
Used Volvo C70 for sale

Volvo C70 Road Test

This car actually benefits from considerable British influence - and not only from the design team. The original project was master-minded by Tom Walkinshaw Racing and if they'd had similar success with his Arrows F1 team, they may now have been challenging for a podium position. TWR, you may remember, were also the team that took the boxy Volvo 850 and turned it into a race-winning force in the British Touring Car Championship.The Kidlington-based operation specialises in chassis engineering; drive the C70 and it shows. The enthusiastic driver will find plenty to entertain, without any of the temperament that's exciting on your favourite twisty country lane but irritating just about everywhere else. Turn-in is crisp; only the ride quality could be slightly better.To be fair, since the C70 Coupe is more a Grand Tourer than a sportscar, it would be unreasonable to expect anything different from its soft-top stablemate. Lazy steering and a manual gearbox that doesn't like to be hurried discourage really over-enthusiastic use - though there's very little body-shake over uneven surfaces. No, this car is at its best in cruising mode. The 2.4-litre model with automatic transmission would probably be an ideal choice.
Used Volvo C70 for sale

Buying a Volvo C70

Whilst the C70 shares its mechanicals with that old workhorse of the nineties Volvo range, the 850, it's unlikely that you'll need to check them for towing stress or load bay damage caused by antique Ottoman chests. The C70 will have led a far more pampered life, although the front tyres and shock absorbers on all models, but especially the T5, are worth inspecting. Also check that the hoods are in good operating condition as they employ a large number of electric motors which are easily damaged by anybody attempting to lower the hood manually. Sounds idiotic but it happens, especially if the car has been used by a number of drivers. The basic mechanicals of the car are sound, but try to get one with a decent main dealer service record. The only other prime area of concern regards residuals, affected by news of the replacement model.
Used Volvo C70 for sale

Volvo C70 Typical Pricing

C70 Convertibles are still in reasonable demand with the 2.0T opening at £9,400 for a 99V plate car. A later 52-plated example with the Ceres alloy wheels is worth £16,000. Auto boxes are always desirable on the C70 Convertible and these add around £500 to the price. The 2.0T GT model starts at £11,250 on a 2000 X plate. The T5 models open at similar values as the 2.0T cars but they're going back to the 99T plate and are far more commonplace. The pick of the bunch is probably the compromise model, the 2.4T, but it's also the rarest. Expect to pick up an early automatic for £9,300 on a 99T plate with the desirable GT versions starting at just under £12,000 on a 2000X plate.
Used Volvo C70 for sale

Volvo C70 Parts

(approx based on a 1999 2.3 T5 Convertible) Spares for the C70 are on the whole fairly reasonably priced. A clutch assembly is £150, whilst a new exhaust system is around £260. Front brake pads won't see much change from £70 for a pair, whilst rears weigh in at a more lightweight £38. You'll be looking at £140 for a radiator and the best part of £150 for a starter motor. A headlamp unit is £160 for the complete kit or around £40 for a replacement lens.
Used Volvo C70 for sale