Volvo v70 2000-2007 rear leg room for children.
Discussion
Hello all,
Just wondering if anyone out there has experience with growing children, having long legs so needing the driver's seat a long way back, and the v70, 2000-2007?
I usually carry a 3 year old and an 8 year old. Of the current fleet, the fabia vrs is becoming unusable and the Volvo v50 is getting complaints from said 8 year old due to growing taller by the day.
The main issue with cars is not the knee room that would be associated with an adult, because their feet touch the floor and their feet can slot under the driver's seat, but the fact that, with booster cushions, children's feet reach half way to the floor and stick straight into the gap between their squab and the back of the driver's seat. This can be quite small. The bigger the feet, the bigger the problem, and she has to turn them sideways to fit them in.
I've tried making the back of my chair more upright but I just get backache after 5 mins- I've always needed a laid-back position to be comfortable.
So, it seems the v70 might be a good idea. However, I've heard the rear leg room is not great so are there any lanky people like myself - 6'2", so not excessively tall - who have experience of this? It would be great to know as it's sometimes difficult to judge these things when looking at cars.
Many thanks,
Sam
Just wondering if anyone out there has experience with growing children, having long legs so needing the driver's seat a long way back, and the v70, 2000-2007?
I usually carry a 3 year old and an 8 year old. Of the current fleet, the fabia vrs is becoming unusable and the Volvo v50 is getting complaints from said 8 year old due to growing taller by the day.
The main issue with cars is not the knee room that would be associated with an adult, because their feet touch the floor and their feet can slot under the driver's seat, but the fact that, with booster cushions, children's feet reach half way to the floor and stick straight into the gap between their squab and the back of the driver's seat. This can be quite small. The bigger the feet, the bigger the problem, and she has to turn them sideways to fit them in.
I've tried making the back of my chair more upright but I just get backache after 5 mins- I've always needed a laid-back position to be comfortable.
So, it seems the v70 might be a good idea. However, I've heard the rear leg room is not great so are there any lanky people like myself - 6'2", so not excessively tall - who have experience of this? It would be great to know as it's sometimes difficult to judge these things when looking at cars.
Many thanks,
Sam
V70 is a big car, but a lot of it is boot
I'm a household of two, so never had much use for the back seats yet, it has happily swallowed four large adults without any complaints from the back seat passengers
Not 100% sure but the S80 might benefit from a bit more space in the rear seats, however it's only available as a saloon...
I'm a household of two, so never had much use for the back seats yet, it has happily swallowed four large adults without any complaints from the back seat passengers
Not 100% sure but the S80 might benefit from a bit more space in the rear seats, however it's only available as a saloon...
Thanks for the replies.
Like I said, adults have it easy with their feet under the seat, but kids, oxymoronically, have a tougher time with dangling legs.
Interesting about the rear seat squab positions. I'll have a look for that, but is that just with the family pack? Quite rare I think. Manuals are rare as it is, but trying to narrow it down further is hard. Looking for manual d5 se minimum.
The 2008 xc70 might be based in the newer v70? I suspect Volvo addressed the rear seat issue with that model.
I've seen the superb from that era - almost limousine room in the back! If only they came as an estate back then, or even a hatchback, I might consider it. There's no way I can stretch to a new model estate though. The v70s from 10 years back just seem to offer so much car for such a reasonable price.
Like I said, adults have it easy with their feet under the seat, but kids, oxymoronically, have a tougher time with dangling legs.
Interesting about the rear seat squab positions. I'll have a look for that, but is that just with the family pack? Quite rare I think. Manuals are rare as it is, but trying to narrow it down further is hard. Looking for manual d5 se minimum.
The 2008 xc70 might be based in the newer v70? I suspect Volvo addressed the rear seat issue with that model.
I've seen the superb from that era - almost limousine room in the back! If only they came as an estate back then, or even a hatchback, I might consider it. There's no way I can stretch to a new model estate though. The v70s from 10 years back just seem to offer so much car for such a reasonable price.
Edited by sthodgson on Monday 1st April 10:47
sthodgson said:
Hello all,
Just wondering if anyone out there has experience with growing children, having long legs so needing the driver's seat a long way back, and the v70, 2000-2007?
I usually carry a 3 year old and an 8 year old. Of the current fleet, the fabia vrs is becoming unusable and the Volvo v50 is getting complaints from said 8 year old due to growing taller by the day.
The main issue with cars is not the knee room that would be associated with an adult, because their feet touch the floor and their feet can slot under the driver's seat, but the fact that, with booster cushions, children's feet reach half way to the floor and stick straight into the gap between their squab and the back of the driver's seat. This can be quite small. The bigger the feet, the bigger the problem, and she has to turn them sideways to fit them in.
I've tried making the back of my chair more upright but I just get backache after 5 mins- I've always needed a laid-back position to be comfortable.
So, it seems the v70 might be a good idea. However, I've heard the rear leg room is not great so are there any lanky people like myself - 6'2", so not excessively tall - who have experience of this? It would be great to know as it's sometimes difficult to judge these things when looking at cars.
Many thanks,
Sam
No personal experience of the V70 - but have noticed that from the usual taking a peek on a dealer forecourt - that for something of that size - rear leg room is indeed poor - a bit of a let down for something that is otherwise a car with awesome potential as a family car.Just wondering if anyone out there has experience with growing children, having long legs so needing the driver's seat a long way back, and the v70, 2000-2007?
I usually carry a 3 year old and an 8 year old. Of the current fleet, the fabia vrs is becoming unusable and the Volvo v50 is getting complaints from said 8 year old due to growing taller by the day.
The main issue with cars is not the knee room that would be associated with an adult, because their feet touch the floor and their feet can slot under the driver's seat, but the fact that, with booster cushions, children's feet reach half way to the floor and stick straight into the gap between their squab and the back of the driver's seat. This can be quite small. The bigger the feet, the bigger the problem, and she has to turn them sideways to fit them in.
I've tried making the back of my chair more upright but I just get backache after 5 mins- I've always needed a laid-back position to be comfortable.
So, it seems the v70 might be a good idea. However, I've heard the rear leg room is not great so are there any lanky people like myself - 6'2", so not excessively tall - who have experience of this? It would be great to know as it's sometimes difficult to judge these things when looking at cars.
Many thanks,
Sam
Mk 3 or 4 Mondeo Estate would merit consideration imo - they are particularly good in the area in of rear leg room. Not as nice an interior as the Volvo admittedly - but a Ghia X with all the toys should still be very nice inside.
The Mk 3 TDCIs do have a repution for been on the troublesome side - but a 2.0 petrol of the Mk 3 should be a very good car. And it may be possible to find a TDCI that a previous owner has already sorted - injectors are a particularly common TDCI issue as is the DMF.
Would also be worth looking at a Honda Accord Estate (Gen 7 2003 to 2008 model) - again the diesels do have issues -inlet manifolds and the vehicle stability control give issues. However cars for sale now may well have these issues sorted.
Petrol Accords though are very good from what i can see - and surprising as it may seem - it appears the petrol Accords use a different vehicle stability control unit to the diesels - so the Vehicle stability control unit issues don't arise on the petrols as far as i know.
Sir Fergie
If it's lots of legroom you're after go for a Skoda Superb (see my thread - shows you how much room they have to offer!)
We had a 2000-2007 V70 previously and I was about the age of your eldest when we got it. For me there was plenty of space for a number of years in the back, but did find that it feel a bit tight from age 14/16 onwards (sitting behind a 6ft or so driver in a 'relaxed' driving position). My Brother, however, struggled for legroom (but then again he is 6ft5!).
But all in all the Volvo is a lovely car no doubt - it had enough legroom to see me through for a few years - a large boot, and very comfortable on long journeys. But as I said first off, if you want lots of rear legroom look at a Superb
We had a 2000-2007 V70 previously and I was about the age of your eldest when we got it. For me there was plenty of space for a number of years in the back, but did find that it feel a bit tight from age 14/16 onwards (sitting behind a 6ft or so driver in a 'relaxed' driving position). My Brother, however, struggled for legroom (but then again he is 6ft5!).
But all in all the Volvo is a lovely car no doubt - it had enough legroom to see me through for a few years - a large boot, and very comfortable on long journeys. But as I said first off, if you want lots of rear legroom look at a Superb
Sir Fergie said:
sthodgson said:
Hello all,
Just wondering if anyone out there has experience with growing children, having long legs so needing the driver's seat a long way back, and the v70, 2000-2007?
I usually carry a 3 year old and an 8 year old. Of the current fleet, the fabia vrs is becoming unusable and the Volvo v50 is getting complaints from said 8 year old due to growing taller by the day.
The main issue with cars is not the knee room that would be associated with an adult, because their feet touch the floor and their feet can slot under the driver's seat, but the fact that, with booster cushions, children's feet reach half way to the floor and stick straight into the gap between their squab and the back of the driver's seat. This can be quite small. The bigger the feet, the bigger the problem, and she has to turn them sideways to fit them in.
I've tried making the back of my chair more upright but I just get backache after 5 mins- I've always needed a laid-back position to be comfortable.
So, it seems the v70 might be a good idea. However, I've heard the rear leg room is not great so are there any lanky people like myself - 6'2", so not excessively tall - who have experience of this? It would be great to know as it's sometimes difficult to judge these things when looking at cars.
Many thanks,
Sam
No personal experience of the V70 - but have noticed that from the usual taking a peek on a dealer forecourt - that for something of that size - rear leg room is indeed poor - a bit of a let down for something that is otherwise a car with awesome potential as a family car.Just wondering if anyone out there has experience with growing children, having long legs so needing the driver's seat a long way back, and the v70, 2000-2007?
I usually carry a 3 year old and an 8 year old. Of the current fleet, the fabia vrs is becoming unusable and the Volvo v50 is getting complaints from said 8 year old due to growing taller by the day.
The main issue with cars is not the knee room that would be associated with an adult, because their feet touch the floor and their feet can slot under the driver's seat, but the fact that, with booster cushions, children's feet reach half way to the floor and stick straight into the gap between their squab and the back of the driver's seat. This can be quite small. The bigger the feet, the bigger the problem, and she has to turn them sideways to fit them in.
I've tried making the back of my chair more upright but I just get backache after 5 mins- I've always needed a laid-back position to be comfortable.
So, it seems the v70 might be a good idea. However, I've heard the rear leg room is not great so are there any lanky people like myself - 6'2", so not excessively tall - who have experience of this? It would be great to know as it's sometimes difficult to judge these things when looking at cars.
Many thanks,
Sam
Mk 3 or 4 Mondeo Estate would merit consideration imo - they are particularly good in the area in of rear leg room. Not as nice an interior as the Volvo admittedly - but a Ghia X with all the toys should still be very nice inside.
The Mk 3 TDCIs do have a repution for been on the troublesome side - but a 2.0 petrol of the Mk 3 should be a very good car. And it may be possible to find a TDCI that a previous owner has already sorted - injectors are a particularly common TDCI issue as is the DMF.
Would also be worth looking at a Honda Accord Estate (Gen 7 2003 to 2008 model) - again the diesels do have issues -inlet manifolds and the vehicle stability control give issues. However cars for sale now may well have these issues sorted.
Petrol Accords though are very good from what i can see - and surprising as it may seem - it appears the petrol Accords use a different vehicle stability control unit to the diesels - so the Vehicle stability control unit issues don't arise on the petrols as far as i know.
Sir Fergie
Mondeo is still very good though from experience of sitting in the back of Mondeo Mk 3 taxis etc.
Sir Fergie
Sounds like they might be just about ok. I will take her along to view a potential car to check room.
Thanks for the other suggestions. I'm terrible ar deciding in cars and seem to go round and round in circles. No car is perfect but the v70 seems the best package for me. It gives a fair bit away on driver appeal, which is a kick in the teeth for me, but makes up for it in comfort. Mondeo's might be worth a look so I will investigate.
Just had a thought that the mk2 octavia might be quite good. Anyone know how they compare for rear leg room?
Thanks for the other suggestions. I'm terrible ar deciding in cars and seem to go round and round in circles. No car is perfect but the v70 seems the best package for me. It gives a fair bit away on driver appeal, which is a kick in the teeth for me, but makes up for it in comfort. Mondeo's might be worth a look so I will investigate.
Just had a thought that the mk2 octavia might be quite good. Anyone know how they compare for rear leg room?
sthodgson said:
Sounds like they might be just about ok. I will take her along to view a potential car to check room.
Thanks for the other suggestions. I'm terrible ar deciding in cars and seem to go round and round in circles. No car is perfect but the v70 seems the best package for me. It gives a fair bit away on driver appeal, which is a kick in the teeth for me, but makes up for it in comfort. Mondeo's might be worth a look so I will investigate.
Just had a thought that the mk2 octavia might be quite good. Anyone know how they compare for rear leg room?
They aren't anywhere near as good to drive as an E39, and aren't as good on fuel. But they're very slightly more practical, have much better seats and stereo, and are (IMO) very slightly better-built. Certainly they're much more resistant to rust.Thanks for the other suggestions. I'm terrible ar deciding in cars and seem to go round and round in circles. No car is perfect but the v70 seems the best package for me. It gives a fair bit away on driver appeal, which is a kick in the teeth for me, but makes up for it in comfort. Mondeo's might be worth a look so I will investigate.
Just had a thought that the mk2 octavia might be quite good. Anyone know how they compare for rear leg room?
The E39 has a good bit more rear seat legroom though.
bern said:
Been looking at these, and i was quite surprised at the lack of rear leg room given the size of the car.
I've BiB tell me the same when trying to get people into the back of them.
the V&)/ XC70 is suprisingly small , sadly i no longer have the pictures of a mk 3 Astra estate parked next to a 2000-2007 XC70 showing it up as not quite as large as you think it might be ... I've BiB tell me the same when trying to get people into the back of them.
the V70 isn't really the 'big' ovlov estate; that died with the 940/960 unless you count the S80 based coachbuilt hearses and ambis - the S60 / V70 are 'large family cars' i.e. mondeo ( pre bloat) / Vectra sized not 'large cars' ( i.e. the traditional Granada / Volvo 740 position)
We have a 2005 V70 and I'm 6'3" and the OH 6'2" - just been for a trip with friends and OH driving and me in back - very very comfy, no bother at all.
Not as big as you'd think looking at the outside of the car but still plenty of room.
Great cars - if I only had one car to last me the rest of my life it would be a V70. Very versatile and a very pleasant place to be.
Not as big as you'd think looking at the outside of the car but still plenty of room.
Great cars - if I only had one car to last me the rest of my life it would be a V70. Very versatile and a very pleasant place to be.
Sir Fergie said:
My apologies - but ive been looking at Accords for sale (for someone else) just now and seen a tourer (Honda speak for estate) Accord and the rear legroom isn't as good as i thought it was.
really? just got rid of a 2003 saloon and never had any problems. Ditto for the 2009 accord tourer it replaced. Kids are 8 (135cm) and 6 (125)Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff