C70 What to look for

[Skertonman]

Hi all, newbie here.

Am thinking of buying a C70 Soft top, and was hoping for some advice of what to look for, and what to avoid.

Any advice gratefully received.

Thanks

Phil

[Cookeh]

Buyers guide for all P80s:

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=68649

Common faults for P80s:

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=263883

[Austin160]

Hello Phil,
Almost certain to gain an adverse reaction, but I’d continue to think about, but don’t pander to your thoughts.
It’s a beautiful model to look at, and no doubt it will attract admiring attention, but living with it??
Was I unlucky with buying a 58k, full service history example, of the 2ltr LPT manual?
Possibly, but my experiences were :- turning circle of a Volvo bus, ponderous, alcoholic on fuel - around 24mpg with careful driving, unless on long runs, and it just generally felt like a well worn high mileage car. Try getting in and out of it in a supermarket car park due to the wide doors (but that’s a common problem with convertibles of this size). Seems the hood frays in isolated areas despite infrequent use - mine hadn’t worn through. There were other disappointing design issues such as the brake master cylinder getting toasty hot due to its proximity to the exhaust manifold?
Sorry Phil, but I’ve been driving for 60 years, and I have no doubts that the one I had ranked as the worse car I had owned in that time.
Plus point:- the seating is like being in our front room as we say, but apart from that?...
Someone did comment that I was lucky I didn’t buy a 2 litr. automatic, so perhaps things could have been worse.
Kind regards,
Austin.

[ITSv40]

I have owned Volvo's for the last 47 years and my C70 is the best built and most enjoyable one of them all. Go for a 2.4 manual in GT spec if you can find one - 2003 - 2005. Make sure everything is working and check that the rear window is not detaching from the hood material. It is no different from buying any other secondhand car and the buyers guide covers most things.

[Skertonman]

Thanks for the help folks, given me a lot to think about, including real life experiences.

[Turboted928]

Hi Phil,

I am new to the Volvo scene having recently purchased a 2005 C70 Vert with 90K for £1500. I like a bit of Power , so I went for the 245HP 2.3 T5 version.

As far as I know, there are no model specific issues to look out for on this model. There a few things that are not ideal however.

True the turning Circle is pance, as is the view when reversing. I will be adding a reversing camera B4 I hit something. Fuel consumption not too good. Recently did a trip to Cornwall. Motorway and urban was 29 MPG, and just urban was about 23MPG. Could be improved, but I like to use the power occasionally.

The car is heavy, so suspension has a lot of work to do. Pay close attention to uneven wear on the tyres, especially on the inside, where it is difficult to see.

Again as already mentioned the brake fluid takes a hammering from the heat as does the ATF. Regular changes is recommended.

Despite the minuses the growl and power from the Straight 5 more than makes up for it, and what a car for £1500!!

Good luck

[CNGBiFuel]

Auto? Flush that box now. Now.


https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=263883

[SteveSarre]

Yes look carefully at the condition of the convertible roof.
Convertible top operation can be difficult to DIY fix if it goes wrong.
Front window and the motor/mechanisms are much more tricky than the V70s
Front seats tend to get a bit tatty especially if people have been climbing in and out to get to the back seats.
Rear visibility is poor.

Front seats should tip forward but the release cables tend to snap. Cheap but tricky DIY fix.

Mechanically almost identical to the V70s

HTH
Steve