2000 Volvo C70(R) - An unexpected pleasure

[C70R]

Ok, so the username might be a bit of a misnomer. The car is not in fact some sort of super-rare Volvo supercoupe, but actually a more common-or-garden (albeit fairly uncommon, in its own right) 2000-model C70.

How did I end up with a Volvo C70? Good question, and to tell the truth I’m not entirely sure that I know the answer. It was 2013, and I was looking for a comfortable, reliable motor with a bit of poke and good motorway manners, with a budget of a shade over a grand. The car needed to deal with infrequent use (not being moved for weeks on end), long journeys (two trips to Le Mans) and numerous ferrying runs in-between. Having been a bit of a VW fan in a former life, I had my heart set on something VAG-ish, but couldn’t really find a marque/model combination that quite hit the sweet spot at the price point. As it was, I stumbled across the C70 T5, and quickly had my head turned by its budget and remappable potential (£1,500 should see you with a car and remap good for ~200bhp/tonne). The design is somewhat unresolved, but I think it has some very good angles - particularly the rear quarter view.

However, as always, I was a little impulsive when I bought, and ended up going for the slightly lesser 2.4T model automatic (30bhp lesser, to be exact) with 120k on the clock. The reason was fairly simple – a lot of the T5s I had seen advertised were neglected/thrashed/high-milers, and this 2.4T had been with its previous owner for 12 years, who was selling due to giving up driving. A quick trip to Newbury confirmed that it was as good as the photos suggested, and that the GT pack extras (BBS split rims, 11-speaker Dolby stereo, heated leather) were present and correct. As an added bonus, it had full service history including brand new brakes all round 500 miles previously. Who could possibly turn down an opportunity like that?

So my reasons for writing this are a sort of end-of-term review. The car has been absolutely fantastic, and almost entirely faultless in 18 months of ownership.
In actual fact, my only expense over the course of 10,000 miles has been:
- MOT: Replacement headlight and matching Pirelli P6000. £130
- Stereo: Aux and USB input installed. £50
- Aircon: Regas. £40
- Gearbox: ATF flush. £60
- Washer bottle: Pattern replacement. £14
- PAS: New reservoir cap. £11 (although it still hasn't quite cured a tiny, annoying leak - chief suspect, a perished pipe)

It’s booked for an MOT next week, and I’m quietly confident that it should pass with minimal effort. After that, the time has come to wave farewell, as I put it up for sale in favour of something a bit more sporty and fun.

The photos...







Next instalment (if you can wait that long): Le Mans (x2), and the origin of “C70R”.

[sthodgson]

I really do quite like these and this particular one looks good. I think the coupe is more complete than the convertible.

So, are they really as dull to drive as people make out?

On a different note where are you putting it up for sale as I have an interest?

Cheers.

[C70R]

To be perfectly honest, as long as you get into the car remembering that it weighs 1400kg+ and is based on the 850 chassis, your expectations should be surpassed. It's not a cross-country hack with taut chassis and communicative steering, but it's got a load of torque 2500-5000rpm, and can be forced to hustle into sweeping corners pretty reasonably. The suspension is a bit stiffer/sportier than the saloon/estate variants, and the larger wheels definitely help with grip, but you would probably get more out of a 3-series if you wanted a 'fun' drive.

It is, however, an unbelievable cruiser. On the trips to Le Mans we've managed 4hr+ stints, including a fair few cruising in the 110-120mph region (at which is it very happy), and I've jumped out the other side feeling as fresh as a daisy - the seats are really something quite special where comfort is concerned. Having things like cruise control, a sunroof and a very decent stereo also help the time pass more easily.

Edited by C70R on Thursday 27th August 13:32

[Pillskii]

I had one of these a few years back. As you say fantastic cruisers and have great mid range poke. Mine was pretty reliable, although when things do go wrong they are expensive. The looks have lasted pretty well considering the car is nearly 20 years old! Was a b***h to sell, sadly.

[C70R]

On the selling front, I'd like to think I'm pretty realistic about what it's worth. At this end of the market, having a car standing around for a month for the sake of a couple of hundred pounds is a bit of a fallacy. In terms of its contribution to the next car, it's only making up a few % anyway, so not really worth holding up the process for.

On the subject of expensive repairs, I'm not really seeing it. Apart from the electronic throttle position sensor, most parts (obviously excluding things like the engine and box) are readily available as pattern bits. Even bits like a radiator or water pump aren't particularly expensive if you look in the right places. After all, the majority of the kit comes straight from the 850/V70.

I must get around to writing that chapter 2, given the furious excitement.

[C70R]

Well, for those waiting with baited breath... the C70 passed its MOT yesterday, without the merest hint of an advisory. It goes to show that choosing wisely and maintaining proactively are prerequisites for a happy life in the realms of shed budget.

In truth, I'm actually struggling to bring myself to sell the old girl. She covered 6k miles between MOTs (compared with 5k in the previous 9 months), and has not given me a single headache.
It's just that I crave something a bit more exciting/involving...

[chasdad]

Op I may be interested when you want to sell

[C70R]

With the new MOT in place, I'm probably going to get this thing up for sale this coming week.

This might not be popular with Pistonheads, given the revenue-generation focus of the site, but does anyone have any suggestions for good places that I might advertise for free (aside from Gumtree)? I'm probably going to end up going down the road of an Autotrader/Ebay advert, but wanted to test the water before wasting money, given that I'm in no hurry.

[chasdad]

What sort of money you looking for it

[chasdad]

What sort of money you looking for it

[C70R]

Onto Autotrader and Gumtree it goes, at 'Shed' money. Will be interesting to see what response I get.

[C70R]

Well, it's gone. The end of a very enjoyable era.

A lovely chap called Geoff was the first person to come and see the Volvo, and he'd driven it away for a shade under 'Shed' budget in less than an hour.
I hope it brings him as much pleasure as it did me.

[Hooli]

sthodgson said:

So, are they really as dull to drive as people make out?

Yes, except for the T5. Back when they were new I ragged them about when working in a dealer, the estates are more fun. These look good though.

[C70R]

Hooli said:

sthodgson said:

So, are they really as dull to drive as people make out?

Yes, except for the T5. Back when they were new I ragged them about when working in a dealer, the estates are more fun. These look good though.

Absolutely, and even the T5 (in any body configuration) wasn't a particularly involving steer. The turbo models go reasonably well in a straight line, but aren't hugely encouraging to brake or corner.