Used 2012 Volvo C70 Convertible Consumer Reviews
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Much more than I expected
We had originally wanted to get a VW EOS but when we discovered the C70 everything changed. A few days ago we took delivery at the factory in Sweden and put 800+ miles on the car in two days. We commented that at the end of each day we were not tired or stiff like in our previous cars. Yes the controls for the Nav, phone and temp take a little to get used to, but after the first day they were intuitive. We like the smooth power and shifting this car has. Back roads or Autobahn were equally smooth and enjoyable. We bought the U.S. model and will take it back to the states when we go. The navigation system is great. It notified us of trouble and detoured us well before the slow down.
120k mile review
Too often, people write reviews when the car is (a) brand new, or (b) when they're having problems with it. Let this review serve as neither of those on an 8-year old, daily-driven Volvo C70 with 120k miles on it and in need of a $2k maintenance visit, which we'll be doing. First off, this car is a joy to own and drive once you get used to it. The controls are different, but no more different than any of the other hard top convertible controls (Lexus' are unintuitive, BMW's are complicated--you'll get used to either once you drive it a while). The sound system is great and Bluetooth works well. The backseats are usable even when (a younger) grandma needs to install child seats twice a year and refuses to give up her convertible. Styling looks great 8 years later, it is still comfortable and reliable, does exactly what it is supposed to do. Kudos for Volvo for offering unique color combinations. The seats are beautiful and more comfortable than any other brand hands down! We didn't opt for the model with navi due to the cost of maintaining navigation subscriptions long term, them becoming obsolete, additional complexity, and unnecessarily complicated to use. This car is not cutting edge, not especially sporty/ performance-minded (more of a Lexus competitor than BMW, Infiniti), but it is a very reliable, comfortable highway cruiser and does that job very well. For the cons, it's nuts that Volvo doesn't have bi-xenon headlights or any safety equipment standard. The good news, the car is cheaper to fix (bulbs are $25ish) and repair bills at the body shop are lower too. Volvos need maintenance--all cars do. There's only 2 dealers (both are sub-par IMO) and 2 Swedish specialists in my city, so you pay a little more. Since out of warranty, we've replaced a battery, air conditioning switch, drive axle, a handful of bulbs (both headlights, tail light, rear turn signal), remote battery, emblem, fuses, a driver power seat regulator, tires, brakes, and fluids. It's been a great car. Repairs have cost slightly more than average but the frequency has been lower than average in my opinion. It is sometimes difficult to find parts and more than one time the wrong part has come in. The only outstanding repair that the car needs is about a third of one of the rear tail light LEDs is out (sometimes) and the part is not available. It doesn't affect safety or drivability and has been that way for 3years and hasn't worsened. Whether the car is dealer, mechanic, or personally serviced, if it's well taken care of, these are great cruisers! Parts, bulbs, filters, etc. are available online for very reasonable prices and a lot of the easier repairs are so easy a caveman can do it. Some repairs are extra complicated (cabin air filter), but most are fine. The 120k service is expensive--it requires a timing belt, tensioners, water pumps, belts, both filters, few different fluid changes and runs about $2k, but it's a once (or twice if you LOVE your Volvo) in a lifetime of the car service. Build and paint quality, fit and finish, etc. are all excellent as we don't care/ detail our cars physically like we should and they hold up quite well. Tires are reasonable. The C70 is a dying breed, but a car I would absolutely recommend, buy again, consider second hand, etc. Crazy how cheap they are on the used market!
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- T5 ConvertibleMSRP: $7,99559 mi away
- T5 ConvertibleMSRP: $11,49591 mi away
- T5 ConvertibleMSRP: $7,49092 mi away
Underappreicated!
I spent long time comparing hard top convertibles, and I remain struck the the lack of awareness/appreciation for the C70 - as it ended up being a no-brainer choice from my standpoint. Priced up to $10K less than German competitors, while offering equal/better interior space, trunk space, safety features, comfort, build quality, reliability and styling. The C70 does give up a bit to its competitors in terms of performance - but with the Polestar upgrade it is more powerful than a 328i, and hardly underpowered. It doesn't have the handling of a BMW or Audi, but still fun to run through twisty roads and rides more comfortably. Overall the C70 has more going for it and is a great value.
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Just OK
Bought this car brand new. Upgraded the turbo 5 with the dealer-installed Polestar software. HP jumped to 272. Really helped on the torque and acceleration on the Interstate. This car I thought I'd fall in love with; unfortunately not the case. The biggest issue was driver ergonomics. With the cruise control engaged, and time to spread out/relax....there was no where to go. Right leg hits the handbrake in the center console. Left leg hits hard aluminum on the interior door pull. Left forearm rests on hard plastic. Even had some cushions custom made which helped bit. But in the end just plain poor design. Another thing, pulling out in traffic. Front wheel drive, you had to pull out, turn, THEN accelerate. If you turned and accelerated, the car would chatter across the pavement. A bit disconcerting. Couple plusses. The front seats are GREAT. So are the brakes, This is NOT a sports car. The cornering is poor, noticeable rollover. No nav system. Stereo surprisingly good. Car spent more time at the dealership for little mess. Expected more for 44K.
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Best Car I Have Ever Owned!
This was always my dream car, but they were expensive ten years ago. I got a fully loaded 2012 with 48,000 miles. I have driven it about 20,000 miles in the past year. Mostly highest driving. I actually bought it in San Diego, and drove it back June of 2020. This car just ate up the miles top up, or down, although it's mostly down. It's very smooth on the highway, and the transmission works just fine. it's smooth. the seats, and upgraded sound system are awesome!! 15 speakers, subwoofers, the whole nine yards. Nav works well, if outdated, but I live in a city and nothing much has changed so all the roads, traffic, etc show up. I have only had to do oil changes, and new tires. might need brakes soon, but they still work well I absolutely love this car, and hope to keep it as long as possible. This is a luxury cruiser, not a sports car! I get compliments daily in this car, no joke. Caspian blue metallic with the calcite interior looks fantastic. even today in 2021 some ask if it's a new car!! Also I had a 06 c70, also very reliable.
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