Used Volvo C70 2006-2013 review

What's the used Volvo C70 like?

The Volvo C70 is a convertible but a grown-up one at that. It has a folding metal roof and a focus on long-distance cruising.

This generation of C70 ran from 2006-2013, but there is a previous version – the 1997-2006 Volvo C70.

Overview

The Volvo C70 is a relaxed and sophisticated cabriolet, with a good kit list as standard from new.

Pros

• Classy interior
• Fancy folding metal roof

Cons

• Not the best to drive
• Steering is short of feel
• Running costs can be high

Used cars available now

In partnership with

Volvo C70

2.0T GT 2dr

£899

Volvo C70

2.5 T5 SE 2dr

£1,600

Volvo C70

2.0T 2dr

£2,470

Volvo C70

2.0D SE Lux 2dr

£2,495

Volvo C70

2.4 D5 SE Lux Geartronic 2dr

£2,499

Volvo C70

2.0 D3 SE Lux Geartronic Euro 5 2dr

£2,499

Volvo C70

2.4 D5 Sport 2dr

RRP £27,710

£2,695

Volvo C70

2.4i SE 2dr

£3,490

Volvo C70

2.0 D3 SE Lux Geartronic Euro 5 2dr

£3,750

See all available cars

Engines & Performance: The 2.4-litre petrol engine with 170bhp feels strong enough, but the 217bhp 2.5-litre version, with 217bhp, is noticeably faster. The 2.4-litre D5 diesel with 178bhp (available with an automatic gearbox and only until '08) has plenty of low-down pull. In 2007, a 134bhp 2.0-litre diesel was introduced, but it's a relatively lacklustre unit.

Ride & Handling: In order to accommodate the folding roof design, the C70 has piled on the pounds - it's one of the heaviest cars in its class. While this extra weight doesn't make it cumbersome or hard to drive, it's not as agile as used rivals such as the Volkswagen Eos, and the steering is short of feel. Think of it as a comfortable high-speed cruiser than a sharp, sporty number.

Interior & Practicality: To call the C70 a four-seater is stretching the imagination because the back seats are big enough for children only, or small adults at a pinch. The boot is one of the biggest in this class when the roof is up, but, as soon as it's stowed, you get a small space that's tricky to load.

Trims & Equipment: Sport editions come with alloys, electronic stability control, climate control and a CD multichanger. SE trim cars come with electrically adjustable leather seats while the SE Lux adds a few more goodies.

Interested in buying a used Volvo C70? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

Ownership cost

What used Volvo C70 will I get for my budget?

Used Volvo C30 prices start at around £3000 and rise to £10,000.

Check the value of a used C70 with What Car? Valuations

Find used Volvo cars for sale

Our recommendations

Which used Volvo C70 should I buy?

The petrol models are generally cheaper, because many buyers look for a diesel C70 in the belief that they'll save money. This isn't necessarily the case: you'll need to do enough miles a year to justify the extra cost of diesel fuel and the increased purchase price.

The 2.4-litre petrol engine with 170bhp works well, but the 217bhp 2.5-litre version, with 217bhp, feels noticeably faster. The 2.4-litre D5 diesel with 178bhp (available as an auto only until '08) has plenty of low-down pull. In 2007 a 134bhp 2.0-litre diesel was introduced, but it feels a little weedy.

Sport editions come with alloys, electronic stability control, climate control and a CD multichanger. SE trim cars come with electrically adjustable leather seats while the SE Lux adds a few more goodies.

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Volvo C70?

The BMW 3 Series Convertible and Volkswagen Eos are among the C70 rivals that are worth considering.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here