Item: Used Volvo C70 Convertible 1997 - 2006
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

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Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

VOLVO

The Volvo C70 Convertible is a desirable, high-quality reliable car, but it's let down by poor handling

Used Volvo C70 Convertible 1997 - 2006

The Volvo badge might have a certain amount of prestige, but that doesn't mean the C70 Convertible is expensive to maintain. All cars are getting on a bit now, so use an independent garage to carry out the maintenance every 10,000 miles.

On the other hand, daily running costs look pretty dear. Fuel economy on the big turbocharged T5 goes as low as 28mpg, but it's no different on the 2.4, and the 2.0-litre is only a little better at 29mpg. An automatic gearbox reduces all figures by 3-4mpg.

Insurance is likely to upset you, too - all models carry a large premium. The least-powerful engines hit group 31, while the 2.4 is in group 35 and the T5 is in group 37. GT trim can also add another group to further increase the cost.

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The Volvo C70 Convertible is a desirable, high-quality reliable car, but it's let down by poor handling

First, we'll start with two engines to avoid. The entry-level 2.0 might be turbocharged, but its 163bhp isn't enough in the C70's heavy body (especially with the automatic gearbox), while the 240bhp 2.3 T5 exposes the limitations of the chassis, and the front wheels often struggle to find enough grip.

The best bet is the 193bhp (later 200bhp) 2.4T, and preferably with the four-speed automatic gearbox option, which is slightly easier to live with than the manual gearbox, which doesn't like being rushed.

Whichever you go for, you won't be short of kit. The Cabriolet comes with a comprehensive specification, including smart alloy wheels, climate and cruise control and full leather trim. A GT option was also available, which added an upgraded stereo, heated front seats, traction and stability control and a sports steering wheel.

Because of the age of the C70, a private sale is your best bet for a bargain.

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What we're looking for:<ul><li>Wind-in-the-hair excitement</li> <li>Roof that’s quick and easy to raise and lower</li> <li>Comfortable seating for four adults</li> <li>Sufficient practicality for everyday use</li> <li>Little wind buffeting</li> <li>Quietness, whether the roof is up or down</li> <li>Minimal shaking and shimmying over bumps</li></ul>

Despite the British weather, UK car buyers are among the biggest enthusiasts for wind-in-your-hair motoring, so convertibles have always been surprisingly popular here. It’s best to be able to react to the fickle climate, though, so we’re after a roof that opens (and closes) slickly and quickly and good top-down cruising refinement.

There are precious few bespoke drop-tops these days, so your choice of models is generally limited to soft-top versions of existing models. Mini will sell you a drop-top version of its style-focused hatchback, if you’re after a bit of flair.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/sports/review/n17253">Audi A5 Cabriolet</a>, meanwhile, brings all of the benefits of the regular <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/hatchback/review/n170">A5</a> – refined engines and a beautifully finished interior. Alternatively, the much more expensive <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bentley/continental-gt/sports/review/n24424">Bentley Continental GT Convertible</a> is one of the most luxurious convertibles on sale.

Convertible

The C70 is pretty reliable, mainly because it uses lots of tried and tested components from the old S70 saloon.

It'll be hard with cars of this age, but try to find one with full service history, which should show that a car has had some TLC. The turbo engines are quite highly stressed, but will perform well if serviced regularly. However, if you get suspicious-looking blue or black smoke when revving a hot engine, the turbo is probably finished, so look for another car.

Also, check the hood for wear and tear and ensure it folds without any problems - replacements and parts are expensive. Check the footwell carpets, too; but, if they're wet, it might not be the roof - the C70 has a real problem with leaking door mirrors, which can very difficult to fix.

Also check how even the tyre wear is. If it's not even or there are signs of kerbing damage on the wheels, there could be a suspension problem - or even worse, driveshaft damage.

Finally, check that recall work on the airbags has been done - a Volvo dealer should be able to do this for you.

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The Volvo C70 Cabriolet retains the same chiselled looks as the C70 coupe, but lets buyers enjoy the best of the weather at the flick of a switch, with a roof that folds away in 30 seconds.

To compensate for the lack of a fixed roof and keep the body stiff, the cabriolet needed weighty reinforcing, and that harmed the performance.

To make matters worse, bumpy roads soon expose the limitations of the C70's ride and the whole car can shudder over larger bumps. Its handling is clumsy, too, and the car feels like it's fighting back when driven hard on twisty roads.

That said, if you stick to smooth roads and sedate speeds, the C70 can cover ground effortlessly and smoothly. You're well protected from outside noise, although there's a fair amount of wind noise with the fabric roof in place. With it down, wind buffeting is surprisingly light.

Also impressive is the generous space for occupants up front, but the storage space for the hood robs the rear passengers of room compared with the coupe. The boot is also noticeably smaller.

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Used Volvo C70 Convertible 1997 - 2006 review

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