Should You Buy One? - 2001-2007 Volvo XC70 Review (2nd Generation V70) 

coolest car ever build and the last non china volvo. mine is 17 years now 300000 km and still runs like a swiss clockwork

Thanks for a comprehensive review. I used to own two of these cars, a MY2004 163hp D5 AWD and a MY2006 210hp 2.5T AWD Ocean Race. I now drive a MY2012 XC70 D5 AWD, but both my old cars are still owned by people I know. The MY2006 2.5T did not require much extra maintenance in addition to the regular maintenance specified by Volvo (1 year / 30 000 km service interval, whichever comes first). IIRC the only extra maintenance I had to do was replacing the front fog lights when the car was 8 years old, as the lenses had been leaking and there was some corrosion, and fixing the ABS sensor in one of the front wheels. I sold the car after it had been driven for some 240 000 km and it has been driven less than 300 000 km in total for now. The MY2004 D5 had some more problems. It had bi-xenon front lights and the automatic front light leveling mechanism failed after some 260 000 km and had to be replaced. In addition, the diesel-operated engine heater (Webasto) failed after some 270 000 km and had to be replaced. After some 290 000 km, the Haldex pump for the four-wheel drive system failed and had to be replaced, which was the most expensive repair I had to do. I sold the car three years ago, after driving 320 000 km. The next owner has had the following problems after buying the car: a leak in the turbocharger, an electrical problem with the brake light above the rear window, a leak in the fuel tank and another failure of the diesel-powered engine heater. If you consider buying one of these cars, you should make sure that the timing belt has been replaced according to the specified service interval (it was 5 years / 180 000 km in Finland, but I have heard it is 10 years / 180 000 km in some other countries), as the failure of the timing belt can cause engine damage which is very expensive to fix. In addition, if the car has automatic transmission, the transmission oil should be changed at 80 000 km intervals. This is *NOT* included in the service program for privately owned cars (at least in Finland), but only for cars used as taxicabs, so you must request for the transmission oil change yourself. The same applies for the oil used in the Haldex AWD system. In addition, if you live in the cold north, make sure that the car is equipped with the DSTC option and the (gasoline/diesel powered) engine heater works properly. The optional Four-C chassis, available in MY2006-2007, is very expensive to fix and should be avoided. Some of these cars (such as my D5 AWD) had the RTI navigation system with pop-up screen at the top of the dashboard with an optional TV tuner. The navigation system has not received map updates for several years, so it is pretty much useless now, depending on where you live. The optional TV tuner was only able to receive analog broadcasts, so if you want to view digital TV, you need to upgrade the tuner (I have seen a DVB-T tuner for this car on sale at eBay). The screen can also be used for the optional parking camera system. The optional integrated phone does not have Bluetooth connectivity, but uses its own SIM card, which is inserted in a slot below the phone keypad. It only supports GSM (2G) networks and therefore does not work in some countries anymore. There were three stereo systems available: Performance (HU-403 pre-facelift / HU-450 facelift), High Performance (HU-603 pre-facelift / HU-650 facelift) and Premium Sound System (HU-803 pre-facelift / HU-850 facelift). I highly recommend buying a car with the Premium Sound System for anyone interested in nice Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound. For MP3 playback and USB/AUX/SD card connectivity, get a Yatour YT-M06, which is connected to the CD changer connector behind the head unit. Only the very last produced cars, manufactured after week 48/2006, have the integrated AUX connector in the center console box. If you are considering buying a diesel-powered XC70, look for a MY2006 or MY2007 car with a D5244T4 engine, as it also has the newer six-speed TF-80SC transmission (also used in the newer generation cars from 2008 to 2015), while all the gasoline-powered cars and the 163hp D5244T diesels have the older 5-speed AW55-50. For hauling heavy loads in the trunk, the optional Nivomat automatic leveling system is highly recommended. With proper maintenance (remember the timing belt and transmission oil changes!), the Volvo cars of this generation can last almost forever. I have seen a used XC70 which had been driven for more than 1 000 000 km (the odometer display had frozen at 999 999 km, it does not turn around) and still had its original engine and transmission. The same cannot be said for the newer Volvo cars with 4-cylinder engines.

I bought an 05 XC70 with the 2.5T petrol engine. 125k and like new, no rattles or squeaks. A great highway cruiser, just set the cruise control and sit back. Eats up the miles and the super comfy seats for long interstate trips. Vast load space and I’ve carried 500kgs building and garden supplies no problem. I call it the Bunnings truck (Bunnings is a popular large Australian hardware store). That engine is so good Ford knicked the tuned up version for the Ford Focus RS.

1:44 my 2005 XC70 with the T5 oversized tires 235/60/16 literally cross country flat road no wind loaded family luggage and a luggage rack on the back in the form of a receiver hitch,I got 28 MPG at 68 mph.

I just bought the 2004 XC 70, with 205,001 miles. Spent 2000 dollars on timing belt, ac check, air filters, wipers, and tune up. I need the ac compressor at about 1000 dollars. I expect to spend 3000 dollars on any used car. 18 years is the longest an ac compressor will last. Very happy with it. Great body condition. Love it.

I have literally just bought a 2006 XC70 with 217000 miles on it. pick it up tomorrow

i own a 2001 version of this car, like any car things need to be maintained and repaired AWD is one of them. it appears most people treat cars as disposable items. this car is made to last, and provide reliable motoring to people who enjoy their cars.

These V70's are really solid and reliable vehicles.

i miss my cross country, he said everything 100% right, this car is long last very solid, durability and safety and multi purpose

I have a 2004 xc70 2.5t petrol, bought it with 139k miles on the clock. I lifted it and put some at3 tyres on it. at 175k I had to deal with the inevitable burnt exhaust valves in cylinder no.4, this caused a misfiring. But repaired it with new valves and new gasket, timing belt and water pump. My mechanic thought I was crazy in repairing it but I love this car! 🤙🏼

I just bought i XC70 d5 with 260.000 km from 2006. I never had a Volvo. I like it very very much!!!!❤

Amazing review! I love my xc 70, over 155,000 miles on it and still works great

Great review Josh - I first drove one of these great cars when I had one as a loan car getting my Saab serviced - I wanted one ever since - I finally got my own 2006 xc70 and I totally love it - best ride ever - better than anything I’ve ever owned - great highway cruiser - will never well this baby :-)

Very nice review, he did a great job. I have a 2005 XC70 it has only 90,000 miles on it. It was a car not heavily used by a family member. A few things that should be mentioned. First of all the timing belt needs to be replaced at about 70,000 miles It's rubber. Very important! Also I have replaced the alternator at 80,000 miles. Keep an eye on the hoses and the connections of the hoses. The mileage is not great. I have tweaked this car as best as I could..... replaced the plugs with NGK iridiums, using synthetic oil, replaced air filter, and making sure the tire inflation is right and I get 17 in the city and 29.5 on the highway. The highway number is going at 65 MPH (or below). When the turbo engages it's bad. The ride is great, the AC is great, the space is very large to haul stuff. It isn't great on winding mountain roads. It can tow stuff if you need to do that. It's quiet and comfortable for a long drive. The sound system is excellent. I am lucky to have it.

that problem with transmission was up to 2002 after that the problem was solved...2002 was critical, I owned one but didn't have a problem, now I have XC70 D5 and I love it...

Simple and straightforward, information. 🥂🥂🤙

These cars are sweet! 3900 lbs but still fast. Handles great. But being able to work on it yourself is a must! Love my 02 2.4l turbo.

Great video 👍

got me one of those. A great car.

I have a 2007 with the 2.5t. It really is a tank. It has 204,000 miles and I have not had any major engine or transmission problems. I have replaced fuel injectors, the PCV trap (that was awkward), MAF sensor a couple of times, and done some front-end work. And Volvo parts are pricey. But I really do love the car, and even at this age you can just feel the build quality. Recently, on weekly basis I have had to be doing a lot of traveling for my job due to a move, so I hope she keeps on trucking!

I have a 2004 V70 XC with 305,000 KMs. Mine had all 4 shocks replaced several years back. It handles well. I am thinking the Volvo you demonstrated needed new shocks. Only issue with mine was ignition coils going on two occasions. Best car I have had and it's 17 years old. I still love it.

I have an S60 D5 2005. Outstanding car, lovely to drive. Shes on 194k now and still doing strong. Oh and i get 60 mpg on motorways at 70mph.

just subed keep doing reviewsssssssss

thanks for this video

Have a 2007 D 5 (2.generation) and decided not to change ! Only problem in those: last summer the servo-steering said good bye and the car had to shipped a long distance .

I want one for my next car! It’s gonna be perfect for ski trips.

i have a 2003 titanium Volvo V 70 .. i will never ever sell it , / i bought for 2000 euro/this car like a spaceship still flying without any problem , with 350000 km and much more safe than the paper cars!

I bought a 2001 V70 XC Volvo. It has 142,000 miles. It just needs the front control arms changed. It purrs at a idle of 700rpm. I just love it.

i have a 2001 volvo v70 d5 with the volkjswagen 5 cylinder and i love it. my best friend has a 2000 s80 d5 with the same engine as mine and its the original engine driven over 700 000km. good cars i would say and they look good

Awesome review! Thanks 🙏. I’m going to look at one tomorrow. Had this one got its original auto after 400k? If it does I’m sold!!

On my 4th last one racked up 365,000 miles before tranny gave up but ran GREAT to that point zero rust too

I own 3 Volvos 97 855 w 320K, 06S60R w 80K, and a 05XC70. I was looking for a V70 as I don’t need AWD. Came across the XC70 w 135K miles for $6K about 6 years ago. It was clean and had the transmission replaced. Wasn’t what I wanted but I have been very satisfied with it. I’ve replaced the pvc, cam seals, timing belt water pump idlers. The VCT hubs are a PIA to set! Struts front axles and few other things. I need to change the clock spring. I consider it all common Volvo maintenance. It’s been a great car, very reliable and I enjoy it more than I imagined at 188K. Like the other 2 I’m going to run the wheels off of them no plans to sell.

I bought a 2004 almost a year ago. one thing I will advise people is the fuel pumps like to leak so if you smell gas outside the vehicle this is likely your problem. There was a recall for this issue but not everybody got it taken care of. I replaced the fuel pump myself. Kind of a big job, you have to remove the rear seat, and the plastic locking rings for the fuel pump and fuel pipe/level sensor were fused to my tank, so I had to destroy them to get them out. Always order new rings. The fuel pickup tube is hard to thread through the saddle tank, so before you remove the old one, tie a pice of rope to the end to pull the new one through. Also, you will get an airbag code if you test the pump before plugging the seat wiring harnesses back in. Other than that the car runs amazing for the mileage (almost 300k)

I have recently bought a 2005 Volvo 2.4d AWD XC70. in great condition, I think, (130-000 miles.)the comfort is amazing, in the past, I've owned good condition Bmw 5. 3.5 pet and a 2.5 pet. both cars were great in my view but I think this Volvo has the edge. Up to Now.

My 2004 V70 2.4 non-turbo has 281K miles (452K km) and is still a daily driver getting 60 (96km) to 130 (209km) miles per day. The radio was replaced with a 10 inch (25cm) touch screen with hands-free bluetooth calling, navigation, streaming music services, and backup camera. After replacing the shocks and struts, the body lean and roll is much less and the suspension overall feels much better.

Just purchased a right hand drive version (2005) in New Zealand. Its nearly mint with 183xxx kilometers. Mine doesn't roll nearly as much as you say that one does but maybe because its only been used in city streets as a business car. AC blows arctic temps.

You have save up money for the transmission... It sounds so good!!

My comment before even seeing the video. Yes you should!

one of my close friends has an 05 with just 135 k on it, Glad i convinced him to stop using it as a shed

Mine's a 2003 and it's just a little pointier shaped. Runs great now that I am getting her up to date with a few new parts; throttle body needed replaced and some hoses. This spring I will replace the shocks and struts.

I have a 2004 XC70, 230K miles, still going strong & smooth. Some minor repairs needed were the MAF, 15 minutes, headlamp bulb, Oil change, replaced missing splash shield, ezee-peezee. PCV is in good shape, lot of miles left in this one.

This guy is a natural for car reviews. I’d like to see him lay interlocking brick sometime, Chinese guys are usually good at both of those. Awesome job.

The diesel is 2.4L (a little correction because in the video it was said 2.5L). Until about middle of 2005 the euro 3 emission 2.4 D5 diesel had 163hp, after that the euro 4 emission 2.4 D5 diesel had 185hp. Both variants were available with automatic and manual transmissions. However, diesels were not available in North America. My dad has the 2005 163hp diesel manual and I have 2006 185hp diesel automatic. Those are very solid cars if you take good care of them.

I have 225k miles on my 2005. It runs great, uses little to no oil between 4000 mile oil changes. I do have to replace the bevel gear sleeve as mine has failed too. I have good snow tires on it so I will get to the sleeve when I have time.

Don’t forget about them CRAZYYYYYYY speakers

The engine was designed by Porsche. Having had the D5 diesel version with high mileages I can confirm the engine and turbo are reliable. I haven't experienced any rattles, so I wonder if this one on test has been through something else. The bushings, links steering can cause rattles when mileages. Some of the gearboxes are Aisin from Japan, but I haven't experienced any problems.

I love that it had just hit a deer before this. Feel sorry for the deer but it still looks good

Maybe you could compare this with 'other' 4 wheel drive estates... oh, there's only one! ( Suabaru Outback! ) and thats it! Both cars are bombproof! Great review thanks ! XC70' s are rare here in UK (£ 4-7 K for a good one)

If Dave says it's good, then it's good! ...I'm getting one :)

Thanks for the review, searching for 2005 xc70 with manual trany, 120kw engine. Very rare model.

2003 272,000 miles 2.5t engine (not diesel )27mpg & 450-500 miles from a tank expect to get 400,000 miles out of it, comfort second to none!

My 06 has that many miles. I love it. Only problem no one can get the service engine off.

Yer good review. I like em for the money

I have an 05 XC70 with the D5 diesel and the auto. I agree, it's not fast, it doesn't corner too great, and yes, I have a few rattles too. However, mine has 240K miles, starts first time, every time. We use it for towing a twin axle touring caravan, which it does with no fuss at all, probably the best tow car I've had. There's also three children and two dogs when we go, so a heavy load - caravan is ~1800KG I get 50MPG on my daily (26 mile) daily commute, and ~30MPG when towing the caravan. It also managed to drag the caravan out of a very muddy field once, so thankful for AWD. Had this nearly two years, and now looking at a newer model, that's how good it is. A good video, honest review and opinion.

I just bought a 04' XC70 with 220k, paid 1250$L or 1500 USD. It has the 5 cyl. turbo gas engine that is tight and had it's first timing belt replaced at 183k. The car was well maintained and the transmission seems ok for the couple of weeks that I have it. All and everything electronic works. I had to replace the plastic gear in the rear wiper and it works like a gem. I was going nuts because the rear doors and back lid wouldn't lock. Found a fuse was blown in back fuse box. Thanks to Swedish design, there is no rust anywhere seeing that it spent most of it's life in New England. I do think that it will need a 2nd gen Haldex oil pump ($160 part) .for the rear drive. The back tires are brand new and the front are down to the wear bars. Tells me that pump isn't working. The next step is to bring it to a volvo dealer and plug in to the diagnosis and update the car's computer program which I'm sure hasn't been done in 16 years. Thanks to this V70 with 400+k miles review, I can expect an extra 100k trouble free miles (with the usual maintenance of course)..

Our 05 xc70 2.5t has 200,000 miles and runs like it just rolled off the lot. We take great care of it, it takes better care of us.

I have a 2007 xc70 213000 runs great

thx for good vid! Would like to know if the rolling-like soft ride might partly from old struts/shocks??? makes huuuuge differece if those r orig.!!

Best volvo ever especially with the D5 engine.

Wish we had the Diesel option available down here! The 850s (not AWD) that preceded these cars could actually be had with a manual that were quite relibable. And if you think these are slow you haven't driven a 240 lately LOL.

have 2,5T (gas) same problem with haldex- about USD1000 fix as parts are scarce. now have about 347 km on ours - car likes to cruise at 150 kmh/ 90 mph. AWD also is good if you have good snow tires on it ......I was able to change the shocks to better Bilstein ones but it is a heavy car so best not to expect a miata.

In sweden all Volvos have mileage like that basically xD

I'd like to get a car by the end of summer, if possible, there's one of these Volvos about 3 or so hours from me but there's also a Dodge Ramcharger (with very little rust) about 3 or 4 hours from me. The Volvo is $3,000 and the Ramcharger is $4,000, but Ramchargers are just going to get rarer and rarer, especially ones that aren't rusted to hell, and I've always wanted one. My biggest concern about it would be fuel economy, I mean it's a V8 from the 80s, so it'd probably get around 8 or 9 mpg, while the Volvo would likely get around 20 mpg like you said. But the Ramcharger would be easier to work on and I think it would be a better learning experience. Fuel economy might not be too big of a deal breaker because I'd also like to get a motorcycle next spring or summer. I don't even know if either is still available, or if they will be by the time I have enough money. I think the Volvo might be the smarter option but I've always wanted a Ramcharger (If I got one I would maybe Cummins swap it a couple years down the road, idk)

The interior is from another dimension. I've had a Volvo 940, P80 V70 (gen 1) , a BMW E90 330i, a BMW 435i GC F36, BMW F82 M4 and a Saab 9-5 2,0t. I stil have the M4 and the Saab but the XC70 or V70N is much nicer but lesser habfling and feel car than the Saab. The Saab is an '05 but feels much newer than the Saab.

The PCV valve is nonexistent in this car, as well as the rest of the P2 chassis Volvo vehicles. It's a PCV breather box system, which is a nightmare to replace. Look it up. Other common issues include premature wear on front end suspension (most notably strut mounts and lower control arm bushings). I would highly doubt that this vehicle is carrying many, if any original suspension components at it's mileage, and DIM (instrument cluster) failure due to solder breakdown on the circuit board, and brake pedal position sensors.

There is actually a lot of sensors and electronic problems that can come up, especially in the ABS/traction control area. Just bought a used 2006 one with 220000 km with such issues. And if it has the four-c suspension, it'll hurt your wallet to replace, even yourself.

I had 2 of these- both had major transmission issues- asian trans in both

I'm Running a 2002 & 2005 XC .. As Pretty / Performance as the Day I Purchased ... "Slightly" looking at a V90XC .. More than once I have had Private & Volvo Personnel walk up to be Asking if I'm Selling.

how long do the CV joints last? How often on the front and rear struts.........This seems to be the roll problem and maybe some of the noise. Asking because we are thinking of buying the same.

Actually, 2nd generation XC70/V70XCs were from 2001 to 2007. It was largely the 2001 and some very early 2002s that had significant transmission issues, the later models suffered much less. The PCV leak was related to a specific VIN range, a new plastic breather pipe was used, and failed. The replacement was back to the rubber type. Most PCV issues other than the pipe were largely due to poor maintenance, lack of oil changes. The biggest issues were problems with the Haldex pump and DEMs in the rear differential and issues with leaking angle gears and stripped angle gear sleeves.

I have this model 2.4 turbo petrol engine.Nice car end very, very great condition and good quality.Volvo older models ar built end last forever,ar much better than new new models end don't have many electronic parts.

I have a 2002. It has been a money pit but I still like it a lot. I get about 24 mpg. The transmission hesitates and has a bunch of little annoying electronic problems. My antilock went out, required lots of front end work. I have a good Volvo specialist. I think the review is overly positive.

The V70 mkll are probably the best Volvo ever made. Be careful of the gearbox with automatics and the clutch on the manuals. Bad turning radius. That's it, one of the best cars ever built.

My 2001 V70 Cross-Country purchased @130k miles and traded in @280k miles Never let me down.

I'm getting ready to buy a '07 XC70 2.5T 173k miles...like new!

Funny how you think it rolls so much. I just got one after owning a RAV4 and it feels very planted to me. Perspective is everything, eh?

Got an 2007 XC90 D5 185HP / 400Nm, 140.000 - acually 190.000 km. Things in my mind: - Transmission oil changed? 500.-€ - Brakes are to check: wear off heavy car... - air intake moving parts in plastic - about 500-800.-€ to change - Wheel suspension; rear axle: niveau lift expensive, maybe no normal standarf dampers => specialists have adapting kits to use normal dampers (way cheaper) - noises inside are annoying - parts vibrating at different locations - wheel connection: rods etc.=> may worn off due to high weight. check before,buying. - long distance: perfect car - lots of space, low engine/ air noises, no problems with "no sports" mentality here => good car for transportation and travelling, not very handy in cities. Not cheap in fuel consume, maintenance and repairs. Normally a bit higher pre owned prices. But: own indivual style, lots of free market parts and pre owned parts cheaper than going to a volvo dealer. Last generation XC70/90 of long life volvos...

2004 2.5t and the cem overheat in summer and problems with abs module, 175k kilometers

The diesel is actually a 2.4l inline 5 not 2.5l . As for petrol u have a lot of different sizes from 2l to 2.5l all 5cyl. On s80 u also got a 2.8l and 3l inline 6cyl. And s80 and xc90 also got the 4.4l v8. Some rare s80 also got the v12

If anyone have problems with dash shutting off while driving and limp mode just put a computer fan on the module .

I've just bought a 2003 XC70 with 308,000 miles. 😃

Google says a Volvo typically will last for 20 years, which is much better compared to 15 years of Passat. What I am wondering is how safe could they be after 10/15 years on the road? Airbags, let's say, are guaranteed for ten years to work properly, after that they need to be changed. And there is this 'metal fatigue' issue. A 2005 Volvo xc70 has 16% more metal, which is to assure safety, I guess, compared to a 2008 Forester. Can we say a 2011 Civic is safer than a 2005 XC70? As you see I need ideas here. Thanks.

8.0L / 100km highway, Diesel. Twice that in city if you have a heavy foot.

I'm getting this car soon & I'm gonna tell people it punts deer 😂

Nice r8 at 9:03

I was given a 2004 Volvo xc70 but it keep turning off while driving. Could you please tell me what going on? I would like to sale it.

Enjoyed the review but the comments about the access to the PCV box is untrue. The intake manifold, fuel rail with fuel injectors and many lines have to be removed just to get to it.

It's weird that yours is so noisy cuz my 2003 with 180k miles is silent as the grave while driving and half the soundproof material in the engine compartment got eaten by mice. When I was a learning to drive with the car at 17 I forgot to start the car when I went out on a test drive once. I live on a hill so I just turned it on, didn't crank, put it into gear and rolled down the driveway and down the road. I got to a point where it went uphill and I was confused when I was hitting the gas and it wasn't accelerating. The car is so quiet when running that I didn't realize it wasn't running. I can whisper and the person in the back seat can hear me perfectly. I've never driven a car this quiet in my life.

You need to to know if timing belt was changed. Super Important; Any doubt, change right away.

My family gets less than 15 mpg each, not worried

So far i bought the same car at 227k from my former girlfriend's aunt... for 1200$ so far not bad... the gas door doesn't lock or the phone chargers work

My 2005 xc90 has 409k miles and still going

The engine problems you are talking about is only for the vw's 2.5t wich is the crappiest engine in these. The 2.4l D5 is the way to go!

Mine has 160k miles, rear wheels stop driving, no voltage out of the fuse box, ABS light was on it's now off and no ABS. Otherwise works donut.

Gona sound bit more with roof open.

That is nothing in mileage for a Volvo in Sweden. Legit. Ive owned a bunch of Volvos, no one have died, its built tanks for the working class and the families. Its heavy, robust and will take you everywhere. 25 is barely driven in Sweden

My 2007 sucks, it has 170 000km on it, in the last 20 000km we put like $6000 into it, everything has been broken, remember this is a car that have been very carefull driven mostly on high way, all dampers gone, breaks, vvt broke, broken gearhouse ventalation, leeking gear box, side mirrors get loose, the lights get "foggy" cost like $1200-1500 to change radio sucks, weak although 170hk 2,4L (non turbo), feel like 140hk at best. And everything is super expensive at volvo, 1 hour in the shop not under $220, of cource it will hold for 45-500 000km but you would have spent a fortune in service cost, i spent more on this car in 3 month than i did on my mazda 6 in 16!!! years. Do you like to spend $900 or so for service per 20000 km this is the car for you. So i'm going back to japanese quality, not volvo crap (and yes i'm a swede)...

Hilton tune cai downpipe she will fly

Seems to be bad springs on this one, doing 0 to 60 mph under 8 sec , No problem whit that engine, 2003 xc70.

9:52 That's a XC90 tho, not a XC70. The XC70 is based on the very safe V70.