V70 wanted: '99 or 2000
 

I'm after a V70 in any colour except light red (dark red is perfectly fine).

I would prefer a manual with at least 170bhp; mileage under 150,000; decent service history; '99 or 2000; leather trim; good bodywork, though good mechanics is more important.

I used to own a silver 140bhp petrol model and loved it - loved the fact that no one bullies you on the road.

This is a genuine enquiry. Thanks.

They're not hard to find. What you ask for is not rare, and you've not asking for something with 50K on it, or wanting an R or T5 or a Bifuel.

Can be had for well under a £1000 if you're not in a rush. More like £500 if you're careful. They'll almost always rot-free too. I can find you a dozen in 20 minutes, what's the difficulty?

They're not easy to find at all. The majority of stock are held by dealers who would advertise their flat-chested 90-year-old grandmothers as 21-year-old Brazilian swimwear models who've just bagged 1st prize in the 'World's Greatest Knockers' contest.

I've looked at plenty of cars and the majority are old dogs. The half decent ones are massively overpriced and being advertised as 'classic cars'!

I know that, if I stay patient, I will eventually find a MK1 V70 for sale on this forum that has been cherished by a proper Volvo nut.

How dare you. I married one.

Just looked, I have to say, wanting a manual excludes you from the wider market. These cars in my mind cry for an auto, and provided you flush are great boxes, but you're paying, not me.

If your fear is the stories read my thread:

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showth...40#post2197940

But leave anything 2001-2003, but then I htink you are anyway.

I shall read thread later; thanks for info.

I may have to choose an auto as the manual market is rather small.

My friend, who is Volvo mad, has already warned about the 2001-2003 period for V70's. I prefer the MK1's, anyhow, as they look massive and most drivers keep their cars well clear of them!

Any opinion on this car is much appreciated.

This is a 140, but I'm sure that can be 'sorted'?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...01611189894894

They're both decent cars. I would go for the cheaper car, because in real terms, you'll not notice the difference, and the £1000 odd in price gives you a lot of room. Unless you're feeding your vanity, you don't need to spend much on these cars, that's really the whole point. Near impossible to buy a dog - if you've done your homework. You can afford to buy the cheaper car twice, and i'm sure the dearer car is not twice as good. If at all. The real difference is in dealer margin.

The 140bhp is a bit underpowered, but unless you drive to lose your licence, you'll not notice in every day use. Mine's a 140, (factory Bifuels are) and I cope. Promise.
As long as you do your homework on PCV, flush the box (if auto), cambelt, heater core etc etc, to catch all the things that kill these cars, you'll not go far wrong. You'll have a car for another 250,000 miles on what they already have. Google all this and/or watch Robert DIY vids on YouTube.

I paid £300 for mine. No history, 224k, tatty bodywork & tired interior. But...it's such a good car. Have replaced a few bits & pieces but will be on the lookout for a smarter one if he doesn't pass the MoT in March.

As the man says 224K. Fact is, it's the same 5-6 points that kill them, with these core-killer points done, these cars do the miles. 224k and something is due to go very soon, but catch these and it'll do another 100K. The only question is, can we all be bothered when £300 odd gets you another.

'tis cheap motoring either way.

Thanks for all the information.

I've seen a few V70s, but nothing that grabs me. I saw a nice one at a dealers, but they're trying to get me to pay for a new MOT, service and warranty - to boost their profit.

I'll now wait until I can find a decent 170bhp or 200bhp model. I'll happily pay more for a decent one as I've fallen back in love with the old barges.