This 2007 Volvo XC70 D5 Proves *ALMOST* Nobody Needs an SUV: Review & Drive

[@sponge850bobette7]

- 2020 October: My old Volvo (2007) saved my life 3 weeks ago. The accident was spectacular and the roof had to cut off to get me out. The car was obviously a total loss after barrelling into a ravine. I came out of this with a bit of whiplash. A friend went to the wreckers yard to clame my stuff and found that all the doors where still open and closing normally. Incredible.

[@rossmichael9644]

wow. Truly a volvo.

[@MarcelloTheBandit]

I'm thankful you're still with us!!

[@pedclarkemobile]

@Pollywog well at least he didn't claim gods or fairies saved him. It is an unfalsifiable statement. I would prefer to have a Volvo over any other 2007 car if I was to "barrel down a ravine". What got you so flustered?

[@jonathanmillmore7756]

Why would cut off the roof if all the doors opened ok?

[@MarcelloTheBandit]

@@jonathanmillmore7756 there could be internal injuries that will be made worse if the occupants simply opened the doors and tried to move.

[@dontmindme5163]

This car has a timeless design, when you see one on the street you won’t think its from 2007!

[@detonator2112]

Yes because the 2016 model looks almost exactly the same.

[@SteYoung]

Absolutely agree. Still great looking today.

[@marc7983]

bender@@detonator2112

[@MrD3000]

The 2nd generation of the V70 still looks great today, too.

[@AaaaandAction]

@@MrD3000 had one of those before the gen 3. It’s too low and you can’t see past the vehicle in front.

[@benjamincook9661]

Excellent review. Couldn't agree more! I would like to consider myself a petrolhead but to the disbelief of some of my friends, I own a 2012 model year XC70 and I think there is no other car you could ever need. Its massively comfortable. Can fit anything you want in it and all systems just make sense. And the best bit, it's reliable. Looking forward to many years with my blue Swedish tank

[@detonator2112]

These V70 / XC70 Volvos are among the most durable cars ever made. A lot of old taxis here in Scandinavia with over 700.000 kilometers on the clock. Boring? Yes maybe... but safe, solid and high quality, damn well built Swedish tanks. Last proper Volvos.

[@alc.8415]

And this was even after Ford started to f**k with Volvo. I have a P2 XC70, the last platform developed before the buyout...even it has a few cheap components I'm sure were due to Ford's mettling. I'm so glad Geely is giving the Swedes free reign and Ford didn't finish killing Volvo like GM killed Saab.

[@tntfreddan3138]

@@alc.8415 I have a -01 V70 2.4 automatic (170hp version with factory sat nav, bluetooth and touch screen stereo originally built for the police and military). Volvo was owned by Ford, even back then, but Ford hadn't put their noses where they didn't belong yet. It's very comfortable (even though driver side seat heater doesn't work anymore after 350 000km and the AC only has two modes now, icy cold or bloody hot), spacious (even though there's so much trash and garbage in it that it might be confused with a garbage truck), very good sound (I also have a 12" subwoofer in the trunk), very durable (Previous owner got hit by a KIA Ceed on the left side just in front of the tail light at 35km/h and it only got a dent and some paint came loose. The KIA was scrapped because it had no insurance and repairing the entire front, changing the radiator and fan and left driving axle would have cost too much) and handles quite well for a car that's a year older than me.

[@andrasfulop3219]

3rd row seats are terrific for children.

[@Ed-ye1mf]

I have a 2007 C70 which is like driving an armchair and great fun with the roof down in cooler weather because of the super heated seats.

[@evokki0075]

Isnt the awd system in these Volvos pretty poor and prone to broke? But otherwise pretty good cars.

[@mrdosser7410]

Honestly the seats in Volvo's are amazing, you don't realise until you go back to a regular hatchback, I miss mine :(

[@julianevans9548]

Why don't other car manufacturers just copy Volvo's seats?

[@RadioactiveSaddam]

Yes. I drive my Volvos 5h+ some times and seats are fantastic.

[@jaunteraudi817]

@@RadioactiveSaddam For me the same, i love volvos full leather seats, so comfortable and soft, even in a back seat. Used to try out some BMWs Audis, VW, but no, no no no ....i cant sit in those wooden benches after hard days work, only volvo.

[@ckm-mkc]

I actually really dislike the seats, they are not comfortable for me - have to stop every hour or my backside goes to sleep....

[@darelcullen7452]

They are designed with orthopedic surgeons involved

[@OmgItsLeaa]

I’m a petrol head and I absolutely adore Volvos. Might have something to do with my dad loving Volvos and I remember him driving me around in our old Volvos back when I was a little girl. I’ve owned 3 cars, every single one being a Volvo.

[@SteYoung]

My wife had one of these in 2009 and it was one the best cars weve owned between us. Uber comfortable to drive and simply a joy to live with. We always felt it was like driving a big safety blanket. Big love for the XC70. 😁

[@mthorn572]

Lovely to see some older cheap, attainable and interesting stuff, Jay, a great video!!

[@chappy2121]

Older cars were just better, not built by number men like now. I think 2006 was the last time good cars were made

[@dubwiser3283]

Agreed

[@ChrisNole_]

Definitely affordable. These older volvos didn't feel cheap

[@patrickanthony3632]

@@ChrisNole_ So much was sacrificed to make them so good! It was a kind of art! However, in the long run, I guess it ended up costing the manufacturers quite a lot!

[@MrD3000]

@@chappy2121 when computer simulations started to get advanced, that was the end of over-engineering that these types of cars are so beloved for. It started to creep in in the mid 2000s, so you’re right. Today they build them as strong as they need to be, and stop there. Before that, it was a guessing game to a degree, and the good brands like Volvo err’d way on the safe side. We will never see cars like this again, and that makes me sad. And don’t even get me started on digital dashboards and touchscreens in cars. Absolutely awful.

[@malcolmmccombs3320]

Love my XC70 7 seat estate. Prefer it over my old Mercedes estate. Moved house with it, tows the caravan effortlessly. And most importantly it's as safe as anything else out there. Nice video, so glad you covered the XC70 as most people don't give it a second look.

[@pedclarkemobile]

@@needadrinknow did you buy a Merc? Avoid DPF fitted diesels unless you do long journeys regularly (applies to all diesels not just Merc/ volvo- in Europe they became mandatory in 2008 but some earlier cars have them too). In older cars a DPF failure can be more than the value of the car. Also be suspicious of low mileage older diesels, they may have spent long periods in workshops instead of driving!

[@pedclarkemobile]

@@needadrinknow I've worked in the trade and owned a few lemons in my time!

[@peterdepuydt]

Driving the standard V70D5 from 2007 (bought new) .. Still a comfortable and quiet car .. So far it’s done 620K km on the odo 😁 Still not thinking about replacing it .. 😍

[@ckm-mkc]

I have one of theses, it's significantly larger than a lot of SUVs... With 8+ inches of ground clearance (more than most CUVs and a lot of SUVs) it's also really good off-road with the right tires - I put full skid plates on mine to avoid any issues. The only real problem with these is that they are the Rodney Dangerfield of cars - don't get any respect, everyone just cuts you off....

[@angus3963]

These cars are also incredibly comfy to drive in, I've got an 07 XC90 and a 04 V70 T5 and have done numerous full tank to empty tank road trips and have felt great. Had several friends who owned Audis, BMWs and Cadillac and commented on how comfortable the seats where.

[@ericrawson2909]

I had a Volvo 740 about 30 years ago. The seats were the most comfortable ever.

[@DannyMcmonagle94]

What real world mpg are you getting with the D5?

[@AaaaandAction]

@@DannyMcmonagle94 My ‘11 V70 D5 SE on motorway cruise controlled 70mph gets 50mpg . Country lanes gives 34mpg. Long term average high 30s

[@nl3712]

Great review - you understand the point of this vehicle: it does everything it needs to and nothing it doesn’t.

[@user-fo9jy7sg9t]

i truly want to keep my XC70 D4 AWD 2016 my whole life

[@oliverdance8642]

Absolutely love these. My dad had an 05 2.5T xc70 and it was brilliant, effortlessly handled day to day and drove so much better than mums Q5

[@TheViking2008]

Your actually driving the same car even the colour that I have,and I absolutely love it,had it 8yrs no problem except rear bushes,in the wet or snow its solid.I was driving to my boat which was moored in Norfolk and it was a 5hr drive most times I didn't even stop as the XC is so comfy it was a joy,I do make sure it gets its proper service every year and Castrol Edge Volvo spec oil which is expensive but I have never topped the oil up in 8yrs enough said,good honest review well done.

[@classicambo9781]

Reassuring to hear - looking at one tonight.

[@TheMadTatter]

Not gonna lie, I really like these. They're great inside and if you need something to load up with passengers and gear and go touring then there's not much to really touch them, plus you have the AWD which has its uses as well. It's not going to set your trousers on fire performance wise like an 850R or a T5/T6, but in terms of everything you could need from "a car", the XC70 is definitely going to tick a lot of boxes. Great impartial review and video as ever 👍

[@CaptainHoratioPugwash]

I really like them too. Every time I see one, particularly an XC70, I can't help but think the person behind the wheel is a respectable member of society for some reason. I can't imagine a bad person driving an XC70.

[@angela1984a]

A V70 or V60 has better handling.

[@Zec3]

@@angela1984a Of course they have. Altough the XC70 handles much better than the V90cc.

[@angela1984a]

@@Zec3 Compare the XC70 to the V70 and the V90cc to the V90.

[@stuartsmellie4966]

Most people don't actually have cars that fit their lifestyle and needs, while SUVs have a role to play, most current owners don't even scratch the tip of their offroad capabilities so they really don't need one. Fully agreed with the crossover comment, I fail to see the point.

[@chrisrea7347]

I currently own a 2008 XC70 and its a very good car. Great tourer, very comfortable, strong, safe and plenty of room. In fact when I upgrade I will probably just get a later used model. Well done Volvo ( from and ex LR enthusiast).

[@Playstationguy1999]

Volvo has made some pretty exciting cars... just not this one lol. For example the 850 T-5R, 850R, S60R, V70R, and Polestar models. I have a 2000 V70R AWD and I love it! Fast station wagons have always been my favorite.

[@zensmylie5393]

Exactly, personally I’ve always said Volvo is one of the few brands that has never truly made a bad car, just my opinion. Also I love the V70R AWD, have you shimmed the block, I hear that’s necessary for reliability.

[@Playstationguy1999]

@@zensmylie5393 I haven't shimmed it, but that's because my model is the 1990s first generation R with the thicker cylinder walls... so it doesn't need it until you really start pushing the engine. 1995-1999 models used 2.3L engines, model year 2000 used a 2.4L. The 2004-2007 2nd generation R had a 2.5L engine with thin walls, which were prone to cracking when adding too much boost (without shimming).

[@zensmylie5393]

Ahh right, I’ll bear that in mind as I would love a Volvo probably as my second car realistically and I’d really like something awd so the V70R awd seemed like a good idea but I was concerned about reliability. Now that you’ve told me that though I’ll keep a look out for an earlier model, they look better imo anyway. Cheers 👍🏼

[@ckm-mkc]

My wife describes it as 'driving with Greta' ...

[@ollilehtonen6764]

The D5 is a great engine though. Easy 200+ hp with a remap and the torque is insane. I have a 2003 S60 D5 and it's a blast to drive. I just wish it was RWD like my 940

[@CheshireRing]

Had two of these, the last for 6 years from new. Never any trouble, always comfortable, great ride and never short on power, loved the cooled seats in summer. My first one also had a phone which, with a subscription, connected to a Volvo concierge. Carried loads of gear when needed. In fact that could be my first XC70.

[@TheWolfiet]

got a friend in the US that daily drives an 04 XC 70. The only thing he seems to wish, is that it was a diesel. Truly it is a car that is great as being a large car. It works well, is easy to repair, and handles the crud of the midwestern US.

[@DrSX]

I have the previous model of the XC70, or more specifically a V70XC, and he's absolutely right in that it's all the car you could ever NEED. You may WANT something more exciting, or faster, or more stylish, or whatever, but for all the things you could ever need to do with a car, the V70XC/XC70 may just be the best car ever made.

[@bulleidboy1]

As has already been said, and excellent video. I had my Volvo 960 (1991 model) for twenty four years, and then swapped it for a 2010 XC70 (205bhp) - does everything you need and has never done less than 30mpg and has never let me down.

[@pclayton5063]

I'm on my 7th Volvo and 5th wagon (2010 V70 R-Design). The V70 goes around corners like it's on rails and is fun to drive, and works for my dogs, but I also have a 2007 Volvo S80 V8 which really catches people by surprise especially with it's stainless quad sport exhaust. Really good cars but can be expensive to maintain.

[@xMaxyODx]

Those V8 S80’s are insanely rare in the UK! You are very lucky to have such a beast

[@cadmcspeed1418]

Love my D5 V 70, I get 45mpg and it’s v comfortable, not quick but who cares, ultra reliable (175k now) and has never broken down. I wouldn’t bother with the 4x4 unless you’re going off road, I hear they can go wrong

[@Devilacme]

I have a mk2 V70 D5 AWD. It has 575k km now and still completely working. My next car will probably be just a newer V70 or S80.

[@richardpickering2452]

In 6 years with my series 3 V70 i have never needed the added weight, complexity or repair costs of the 4 wheel drive, Let alone the grip.

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

Volvo's are great cars, had them 35 years.

[@midgrave]

before production moved to china

[@GG-ml3vr]

@@midgravenot all volvos are built in china,anyway they are proven to have some of the most efficient production lines on the planet.Whats your problem with china?

[@risingphoenix1187]

I have always been a Volvo fan and I think they are brilliant cars in regards to comfort and practicality!! Great to see you include them on the channel. Good work and God bless🙏🏿🙌🏿👍🏿

[@martinwhitaker5332]

Had our 2006 xc 70 d5 manual from 2 years old, it has the up- rated engine as the one in your review 186 bhp. only ever let us down once due to a split intercooler hose, interior still very good and seats still very comfortable, endless torque which is why we chose it for towing a caravan. Lots of continental caravan holidays under its belt now with 104,000 miles and still going strong, original exhaust system and clutch, running on Michelin cross climate tyres much better all round than original Pirellis. The body work still looks very good for its age. Very good on fuel as well, middle 40s at m way limits, massive cargo area, great in snow and roads with standing water. When the time comes to let it go we have no idea what can replace it with.

[@mattevans4377]

The E class has proved you can make a 7 seat estate, so it's a shame we don't have more of them :(

[@bossman6496]

Fine if you like the rear passenger facing out the back of the motor...doesn't strike me as safe if you get rear ended

[@mattevans4377]

@@bossman6496 Except we have safety standards. You can't sell a car if it isn't safe.

[@DigitalMentorGroup]

Been a Volvo fan since 1967, when my geography teacher, Mr. Richardson, bought a 123 GT, in BRG.

[@iandavidson99]

Volvo V60 Polestar (350BHP) and Renault Twizy here in Ipswich for you to test when you're ready :-)

[@Anonymouseys]

Email him. We need to see these.

[@tomcardale5596]

Yes!

[@sk4tec]

I didn’t get the point of a wagon until I had a family. I wanted a car with a bigger boot. I drive a 320d, 180 BHP drives much like the saloon. I had a Ford Edge loaner. Also 180 BHP, it was slower, less economical and had a lot of body roll. I’d love to swap my BMW wagon for a Focus ST Wagon!

[@sebastiaanvanwessem3161]

Before my 2012 XC70 D5 I had a 2012 320D 180hp. I loved the BMW performance. It was fast after I chipped it to 215hp. But I needed a car that would perform well in the mud - and still look great if it got dirty.

[@HP-fx4ug]

I never got the point of not having a wagon. Why dragging that extra empty space above the boot up with a sedan, the car is just as long, just has less storage space, just a waste.

[@popuptoaster]

@DS H BMW are not great at estate cars, Volvo and Mercedes estates both have a lot more practicality built in, little touches and the overall shape of the inside tend to be more usable in my experience.

[@MC-nb6jx]

Had one of these a few years ago, awesome car never missed a beat.. Changed it for an XC90 which also never missed a beat..

[@pikethree]

Nearly broke my phone hitting the play and like button. So my Audi TT commutes for its fuel consumption, but my XC70 is my dream car. Snow? Yea I'm still going to work, in fact the rest of them are burning their clutches and I'm drifting sideways rally car style laughing at their hand gestures. Towing my boat - no prob. Comfy and warm and safe.

[@lachlancooper371]

Our family car is a 08 3.2 XC7 and I love it. Its safe, roomy, comfy and our car of choice for long trips. Just wish it was a little easier to work on myself.

[@magnusterminus4728]

Please demonise the xc70 more often, it will keep the prices low for people that do like them. Like me. The p2 and p3 models both drive fantastic!

[@danehrencrona4847]

No no they drive terribly and feel horrendous! Let's drop the prices on them!

[@alanmacmillan6957]

Agree with everything in this video. I got the Volvo xc70 on a 2008 plate as a muck about spare car for using in Scotland when visiting, but ended up driving it all the time. The 5 series m sport touring hardly gets used ; my back problems can't stick it anymore. Love all the extra little features in the Volvo.

[@viewfromear]

I was lucky enough to own an XC 70 D5 for 5 years. Mine was the earlier version from 2006. The London ULEZ meant I had to dispose of it with great sadness. The ultimate Swiss Army knife of cars; astonishingly comfortable, spacious, fantastic towing vehicle, great in the winter and also with light off-road driving. Its finest virtue was eliminating the impact of most speed humps, in outer London this is essential. I miss this car mightily - I sold it to a guy from Estonia where he was going to drive it as his winter car. Lucky fella.

[@foxbox2879]

I have one of these ( 3.2 XC70 ). Having the Wagon, and the XJ Jeep Cherokee for fun is a good balance. I can sleep in, and work out of the wagon.

[@farawayporch]

The only reason I did not buy one of these was the amount of exterior plastic parts.

[@herculesplayinguitar]

I got one of these earlier this year, expensive for a young guy like me but it was a good buy none the less. Love my xc70.

[@classicambo9781]

Great to know - looking at a 2009 version of this tonight.

[@martinboulden3540]

I had a V70 2.4 Diesel as my company car 2005/6 to mile munch and i loved it ! The seats were so comfortable. And if you have big dogs its much, much better for their legs and hips.

[@liquidgroove]

Love the cream/brown interior - so luxurious. Shame something like this isn’t viable in Greater London with the impending doom of the extended ULEZ zone.

[@boarema6199]

just got a t6 2014 with only 49.000 km very nice car

[@antonioercolino6087]

Volvo made the P1800 one of the most beautiful cars ever made. I own a 1969 Volvo Amazon 2dr B20. I absolutely love it and it's bullet proof. 👍

[@keirbourne5323]

Jay in terms of presentation and editing, this is one of your best videos yet. Great work :-) keep it up.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JR-qb7qt]

Recently was gifted a 2005 XC70 Volvo and it's now 2023 and I have never owned a car as good as this one in my life! Had a 2021 Kia Niro and sold it back because of a faulty engine and it honestly was a great car and size, but the Volvo is just a solid car and runs great! Easy to put my bike in the back for the room and IF I need to go off road, better to have a vehicle that can do it rather than not.

[@edwardkarran4963]

Brilliant review, I currently drive a 2007 330D Manual estate and after owning countless BMW including a 130i, I've found it to be the ultimate all rounder. Space, pace and grace. It has had a remap so makes 280bhp and 714nm, yet takes the baby seat and the pram in the boot with absolute ease

[@TrulyUniqueOne]

Wait till things start going wrong, very expensive

[@karinadunbar3222]

Love mine!♡ passed down to me from my Grandma who always loved and trusted volvo cars. I feel her presence when I drive it and feel safe! Especially with it being a safe and durable vehicle!

[@julianevans9548]

SUVs take up more space on the road (and car parks), block others' vision of the road, blind you with their lights when coming from behind, cost more to maintain, and top all that off by being worse for the environment. And they're worse to drive because they're higher. "But I'm sitting so high up! I feel so big and important."

[@kirbyswarp]

Or crossovers, which have all those downsides without the off-road prowess

[@mkkoper]

I disagree. My wife has a CRV. I had an S80 (V8) which is similar in size to this XC70 interior wise. Yet XC70 is far bigger outside and as not as easy to manouvre.

[@sparky4878]

@Julian Evans I agree. I hate SUVs with a passion. People say “I need an SUV to feel safe”. Yes only to protect you from another SUV, becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. I never feel safe in an SUV, sitting that high up.

[@NH00531]

Sparky always think the “I feel safe” line is a great one, easy answer, drive better. The irony is that 9 times out of 10 if there is somebody driving badly they will be in a Qashqai or a Juke!

[@julianevans9548]

@@kirbyswarp Yup, I'd include crossovers. Pointless.

[@bobmarshall6688]

I had one and loved it. It was my favorite car. We now have a Volvo XC40 and Volvo XC90 plug-in. Both great cars!

[@phil955i]

Had the same engine in a 2008 C70 convertible, they're pretty bulletproof & even make a nice noise for a diesel

[@nikose34]

a colleague of mine has the same model with over 400.000 km travelling road trips in Europe. he still goes to work every day, the typical maintenance and still goes. no problems at all. they are indestructible

[@nickysalvadori7913]

I love Volvos after having the 360 GLT and my dad had the 122 Amazon and Big bumper 240. They lasted forever!!

[@samr5043]

We have a family XC60 D5 and having driven it many times I totally agree with your sentiment. There are many cars which are more exciting to drive, more powerful, or more flashy but for an understated, extremely comfortable and surprisingly economical tool for life, I don't see what else can match them. Having also just moved to Scotland, I get to enjoy the torque and sound of that 5 cylinder diesel on country roads too.

[@MrCarGuy]

Have a P2 V70 and it's just as useful for transporting anything as any crossover or SUV. And they're a joy to work on.

[@palethorpe01]

Not gonna lie, as soon as you mentioned Emily Shields, I searched for her and started to watch one of her videos instead. But do not fear as I will finish this one later.

[@sebastiaanvanwessem3161]

I certainly love my 2012 XC70 D5 AWD with the newer 215hp engine. Great, reliable car.

[@markt2831]

I recently bought exactly the same (auto). First impressions - it's so much better than our previous car (an SUV) in every area. Rides and handles MUCH better, quieter, faster and more economical. More usable interior space due to long load area. SUVs are a auto-maker marketing con in my view. We have a Nissan Leaf EV for the short urban trips.

[@CT7845]

Wow! Your friend’s Volvo is so beautiful! It doesn’t even look like it’s as old as it actually is.

[@TheJVCMan]

funny how you find things on youtube. I am giving back my A4 lease car in Feb and I am looking at buying a volvo either the v70 or xc90 and then I find this video. Its sooo true that these cars give you everything you need and they dont cost the earth. In these strange times, affordable cars make the most sense to me. Thanks Jay, you've confirmed that I am nit going crazy when I thought Volvo was a good choice.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Not going crazy at all David

[@davidtrice8307]

I've got a 2.0 S60 auto on 13reg absolutely love it comfortable realaxing reliable good on fuel onley cost 7k with 45k on clock

[@a_grnd]

keep dreaming lol s60 auto for 7k... more like 10k

[@davidtrice8307]

Sorry ime not dreaming about price of my car I live in North of UK

[@g0fvt]

Weirdly it has taken me a while to realise that I want one of these, living in a rural area there are odd times when 2wd can be an affliction. I don't need massive ground clearance and the Haldex AWD is fine for anything I need. Now relatively inexpensive these are a very attractive proposition. Perfect for shopping trips or camping holidays but adequate to tow a trailer with a small race car. Edit: I now have an XC70, absolutely love it. I know I am anti-social but I am praying for snow...

[@blackhavoc6104]

My neighbor just bought one of these but a 2013 model with the 215hp D5 engine in it, It is now stage 1 tuned with 270hp and it's quite fun to drive actually!!!

[@ollilehtonen6764]

The D5 is the best volvo engine. Great fuel economy and lasts easily 500k+ miles. And very funbto drive too

[@dimitristryfonos9680]

Best EVER "reasonable" wagon in my opinion is the Volvo V60 3.0 T6, unfortunately the cross road "only" came with the 2.5 T5 (still legendary engine). 300 hp stock sleeper!! If you could review it that would be awsome!

[@ckm-mkc]

Yes, but new it is $60k.... A similar size Subaru or Mazda CX-5 is 1/2 the price....

[@dallysinghson5569]

Myeah but those cars seldom last 20 odd years...

[@dallysinghson5569]

Myeah but those cars seldom last 20 odd years...

[@S1eeperServ1ce]

It's reletive 😁. My S60 D5 used to gobble up Saxos, fiesta ST on winding b roads and on straighter A roads would beat Bmws and Audis on a local uphill section. It got pasted by a M5 and beaten not so convincingly by a Impreza over three miles 😁 The sound system was fantastic for stock. And the torque was good fun. I preferred it to my Accord R.

[@drd6416]

Nearly bought one of these but the road tax killed it for me.... Great cars, comfy as hell and very practical. That 5 cylinder diesel is a great mill, and if you whack a k&n filter and a heico exhaust it'll warble better....! I did buy a 2014 v40 d3 cc with a 5 pot and that does make nice noises, 30 quid a year road tax and a mild polestar tune (hence the badge) ... And that's after 30 odd years of more Honda than anything! Anyone who needs a safe, and reliable car should defo look at volvo. If it has a polestar badge it may have been tweaked at the dealers (usually just a remap) Great vid... Keep em coming my man.

[@60secondmediauk]

the D5 XC is a brilliant car! IF you can find a good one, they have a serious amount of expensive problems. I bought one a few months ago and it was a disaster, faulty Haldex, and loads of failed sensors. ended up giving it back to the dealer. the D5 sounds amazing!!

[@85priesty]

3.2 Petrol, I love mine. Music gear, and kids, the seats, sound system, inline six...more ground clearance than most "SUV''s... I love it...think the front CV is going on it...which will be mildly expensive.

[@themanipulator1]

So glad to see you reviewing one of these. I very very nearly bought one. They just do so much for so little

[@treebeardisengard4317]

I have a 74' and 81' corvette, a S60 and a xc70. My favorite car is the 04' XC70, that I just love! Comfy seats and ride and I use it as a carry all and cruiser. The XC70 has 225,000miles, solid, no rust and is still undercoated like a well built Swedish tank. I bring it to the Volvo dealership for work and a technician that works there for 30 years has three XC70's, 5 cylinder gas. He states that when maintained will last for ever! My first 84" 245 Turbo wagon had 289k but, floor boards rotted out due to New England winters..Volvo for Life..

[@victoriacometh5168]

I have exact same car - year & model -and its the best car ever - runs like a tank, yet smoothly, it wonderful!

[@kisilvan]

Yep had one similar year with same spec but in black. Swapped it for an A6 All road 3.0. Very good practical cars tbh with a reasonable turn of speed. Can have a sports car as a second car for fun on good weather days.

[@OriginalgEd]

I've got a 2003 V70 T5 with 173K on it (owned since 2006 and 60K) and love it. decent poke, amazing seats, decent stereo, 9 airbags and huge boot (the dog guard means you can load the boot to the roof). Will do 28mpg on a run at most unless you are really light on the gas. There have been a couple of occasions when I would have wished for the 4WD for sure.

[@SLINGSHOTWORLDTV]

I own the Unicorn son of 850R. A T6 XC70 2.9 petrol. It is all that the car here is, and 329bhp, 480Nm, after Polestar. The badge is the least of it. Rare is not clever when it goes wrong, but it is like a Viking that has flappy paddles and Beserker mode. I love it with a passion.

[@jeffreyjourdonais298]

Ive owned two 240's , a 940 turbo and a s60 t5. absolutely love them all.

[@Luton-Mick]

The D5 is a fantastic engine woefully equipped with the achilles heel that is the auxiliary belt and tensioner, once either fails there's a high chance it will hug the timing belt and leave you with the safest garage ornament not on the road.

[@AdrianScoffham]

I've had this happen... turns out you need to change every 100,000km or 10 years whatever comes first - I am super cautious with this now... but yeah, wish it was a chain drive like my 320D was

[@Pjh495]

I would conisder myself a bit of a petrol head, as own everything from a C63 to a Range Rover, through to a Jeep and Subaru. I owned exactly the same car as in the video recently and used it as a run about for year. It, like the video says was very capable, comfortable and pretty good to drive. In fact I would often choose this over the bone shaker of a c63 and regularly did 500 mile journeys in in in one go (south of England up to Scotland) without feeling tired or stiff at the end of the trip. It was remapped, to goodness knows what power, but guessing 220 to 240hp, so although not quick, it didnt hang around. I used it for dogs, minor offroading, in the snow and for hauling stuff in the boot and it did everything admirably. I sold it because someone offered me pretty much what I paid for it and had a driveway full of cars. Wish I hadnt sometimes

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

My neighbour along the road has had his 05 example since new, I think. It still looks new. Blooming impressive vehicle.

[@NH00531]

First grown up car I bought was an S60 2.4T, scoured the country for months trying to find one in green. Loved that car. Would have swapped for a V70 but the newer ones had the horrid centre console that I really didn’t like. 👍

[@johannessilver8653]

Hi...this is really amazing car and not boring at all !!! Maybe the best one I know. You can do everything with this...drive nice and safely on the motorway - long distance is fun not boring, do corners in country roads, go into forest of mud and snow and climb up to a tree. You can pull a trailer or mobile home easily. Only problem is the very tiny city centers and tight parking slots. D5 is one of the best diesels there is. I wonder can I ever find better car than this. Maybe I do not need, because this lasts 30 years and 1 000 000 km.

[@iztokvatovec]

I am a petrolhead. And I have recently bought a 2011 XC70 T6. It is a great family car. Sure more thirsty than the diesel but so much more fun.

[@lucombo]

I love this car......In fact I own one!! And took it with me to Italy last August when I left UK!! And lovely video as usual!! Thanks.

[@martinperry1]

Couldnt agree more, but I guess I'm spot on what you are describing. Own a F355, a Testarossa and a Mondial Cab, and one of these (previous generation) Solid, reliable Swiss army knife of a car, and handles 2 trips to the Alps each year with rooffbox full of skis and boot full of food (including fridge using the 12V socket!) with aplomb. Also does 40 MPG on a run. Great cars.

[@prometheus160]

i own a 1998 honda prelude bb8 2.2 and 200 bhp and with 4ws and a 2013 volvo xc70 but with the twin turbo d5. i love them both to the bits. most of the time i drive the volvo and its an amaizing beast

[@Alexander_l322]

I have a P3 V70 and it is so good! I got mine very cheap. The R design is the best looking but they don’t do r design XC70 as far as I’m aware.

[@jasperraes1049]

Cannot agree more with this video as a petrolhead and owner of a 2006 XC70 D5 6 speed manual. These cars will eat miles like nothing. They're also pretty reliable my XC70 has 240 000 miles and is still going strong. Volvo is really underrated and make/made some excellent cars. Next to my XC70 I have a vw jetta mk2 project car for the weekends and having fun on backroads.

[@autobahnproven]

How ironic! Bought one of very few UK 2010 registered V70 SE Lux AWD D5s a few weeks ago. All the cargo capacity and traction of the XC70 but actually handles quite well... With just over 200bhp, just over 300 lbs/ft, it's no rocket ship yet still quite quick for a big old bus. A logical choice for a specific set of needs but I really like it!

[@doublehh666]

I hit a deer square on last night w my 2009 Xc70 Battlewagon driving about 35 mph in the complete dark. The only thing that was broken or dented on the car was the front left headlight assembly. And the turn lights and running lights and low beam were unbroken despite the housing glass broken completely. The high beam bulb also was kaput. The deer, however, was DOA.

[@AdrianScoffham]

James' monologue about modern cars being uncomfortable is absolutely correct, when I worked as National Sales Director and did 50,000 miles a year I chose a Volvo V50 because it was in budget for my company and was the most comfortable car I could find; was able to drive from Scotland to Hertfordshire in one go and feel just fine. My next Volvo was a 2003 XC70 D5, the predecessor of the model he's reviewing here... It had easily the most comfortable seats and suspension set up I'd hitherto experienced - I would do stints into Germany of 600 miles a day and get out fresh as a daisy. Fast forward to today; I have an XC60 D5 and drove 5000km to the UK in 7 days this summer... it's really comfortable but not as good as the XC70... If you value comfort and safety there really is no other choice than Volvo, be that XC70, V70, XC60, XC90 or V90... they all have the same DNA... plus they are made from Swedish boron steel which is the hardest available... so you know you will be safe...

[@titanoboa7165]

Nice review. Thank you.

[@MrDougiew1]

I’ve just bought a 2008 xc70, best car I have owned...I’ve had it re mapped and it’s just short of 250 BHP and with greater torgue, 0 to 60 is believe it or not 7 seconds.

[@RMDavis87]

I've got a 2011 Audi A6 'C6' Avant 3.0tdi and it's without a doubt the best daily I've ever owned. Does everything I need it to, and it's a really nice place to be! It's got just over a 100k on the clock and I don't intend on letting it go anytime soon!

[@paulmcgee1867]

I had a V70 also 5 cylinders, extremely comfortable, smooth and well made.

[@markwalton8644]

I bought an S max in the last 6 months and have found it to be a very capable family wagon. 7 seats, if I want to take all the family for a walk somewhere, 5 seats, I can take the family camping. Plenty of legroom for everyone. A decent spec of luxuries, obviously spec. dependant. All the back seats and I can take a ton of rubbish to the tip or a sofa. But what's really nice is that it doesn't drive like a big car. I guess it drives like a mondeo. Nice gearbox, nice steering,not a lot of roll and can be hussled down a country road. At 8/10's you are moving pretty briskly. Can't say the engine is the smoothest but what diesel 4 cylinder is. A 2.5t Volvo engine is available but rare. Perhaps Jay you should give it a go! You might be surprised!!

[@oscartaylor8834]

My parents have had their XC60 since new (2009), they’re not car people, but they love it! They had a late model E39 5 series, which despite its reputation was less than stellar especially with reliability. For my parents, they now won’t go any other brand apart from Volvo, although considering ours is still very strong at 100k miles and costs barely anything in repairs and maintenance, it doesn’t look like we are getting another any time soon!

[@jimmyb269]

I've got a XC90 7 seater d5 safe comfy 2 tonne school run bus :) meant to be one of the safest cars on the road aswell

[@SportsCarAdvisors]

I have a 2008 Volvo XC 70 3.2 here in the States and I really like the car. As others have said, durable, the seats are amazing...it has a wonderfully tight turning radius allowing you to get in an out of tight spots easily, the cabin is SOOO quiet and the sound systems is premium, really great for it's era. These cars are extremely practical they hit a sweet spot for thoughtful motorists who have a need for a true wagon. Soon to be a classic, thanks for reviewing this. I will be doing an overview of my car shortly on my channel. Thanks for sharing, and visiting!

[@DJWerkz]

I had a non turbo, 5 cylinder petrol Volvo V70 for several years when I was in the UK, did everything from family hauler, picking up building materials, taking masses amount of rubbish to the dump during a large home renovation and just general motorway cruiser. Was an absolute gem of a car, all my friends who drove interesting vehicles were so impressed they have looked at buying a used V70 as a second car for similar duties I used it for. I am now in the US and have to say , buying a used car of any type is a huge challenge. American drivers just do not seem to look after their vehicles like us Europeans so there is a lot of trash in the used market…and at higher prices!

[@daniel.forgiven3892]

D5: fantastic engines, good for 500k kms, but remember to change the vbelt tensioner, they tend to throw off the belt which then wrap itself around the crank pulley, breaking the cambelt, causing catastrophic cylinder head damage.