Used Volvo V70 Estate 1996 - 2000 review

What's the used Volvo V70 like?

When the Volvo V70 estate pitched up in 1996, it wasn't really a new car, but a face-lifted version of the old 850, with softer, rounder looks inside and out. Mind you, that's no bad thing, because the 850 was a well proven family wagon, even if it can't match the Mercedes E-Class Estate for outright load space.

All the latest deals, offers and much more from the What Car? team. Don't miss out.

Overview

The original Volvo V70 is a decent-driving, but firm-riding estate.

Pros

• Solid, comfortable interior
• Good choice of engines

Cons

• Rivals provide more seats-down cargo space

Used cars available now

In partnership with

Volvo V70

2.4 D5 SE Geartronic 5dr

£1,250

Volvo V70

2.4 SE 5dr

£1,490

Volvo V70

2.4D SE Geartronic 5dr

£1,595

Volvo V70

2.0D R-Design Euro 4 5dr

£1,800

Volvo V70

2.4 D5 SE Geartronic 5dr

£1,850

Volvo V70

2.4 SE 5dr

£1,895

Volvo V70

2.4 D5 SE 5dr

£1,950

Volvo V70

2.4D R-Design SE Geartronic Euro 4 5dr

£1,950

Volvo V70

2.4D SE Geartronic 5dr

£1,950

See all available cars

See our full privacy notice for more details.

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

The hard-wearing interior, which has great seats up front, has plenty of room for the family and comes with an integral rear child seat. Anti-lock brakes, a driver's airbag and side airbags were standard on launch models, but the passenger airbag was an option.

The V70's particular strength is as a settled and very stable car on the motorway. But, it also handles pretty well on twisty roads and there's a genuinely involving feel. The only disappointment is that the ride, especially for a family car, can feel firm around town.

Our recommendations

Which used Volvo V70 should I buy?

Trying to untangle the huge variety of engines, trims and option packs is trickier than unravelling last year's Christmas tree lights, so we'll cut to the chase: the 140bhp 2.5 TDI turbodiesel comes top of our wish list. Strong and punchy, it's perfect if the car is fully laden or towing.

Other engines include two 2.0-litre petrols (rated at 126bhp and 143bhp), two 2.4-litre petrols (rated at 140bhp and 170bhp) and a 195bhp 2.3-litre turbo with four-wheel drive. There's also a 2.3-litre, 225bhp T5, while fastest of all is the 250bhp 2.3 T5 R.

Cars with the optional Estate Pack are especially worth hunting down, because they have not only roof rails and a luggage net, but also self-levelling rear suspension. Choose an SE and you'll get alloy wheels, air-con and a sunroof, while CD specification gives you climate control and leather.

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