Used Volvo XC70 4x4 2000 - 2007 review

Compared with a standard Volvo V70 estate, the XC70 is considerably more expensive. However, it strikes the middle ground between its two most obvious rivals – cheaper than the Audi Allroad but dearer than the Subaru Legacy Outback.

The diesel XC70 is by far the most fuel-efficient version, but both petrol and diesel models are more frugal than the equivalent Audi. Overall, in fact, the XC70 is cheaper to own than the Allroad: the Volvo has lower insurance groups and lower maintenance costs.

The differences aren't so clear cut next to the Subaru, but the Volvo is certainly not significantly worse (especially when you consider that the Outback has only petrol engines).

Labour rates and average repair bills are less at Volvo dealers than at Audi garages, and Warranty Direct tells us that Subaru repairs are, on average, more than those on Volvos.

As for insurance, the diesels are in groups 34 or 39 and the petrols are in 36 or 40.