Used 2012 Volvo XC70 Consumer Reviews
Why I just purchased a second 2011 XC70 T6
Overall this is a pretty good car. Having had only Volvo wagons since 1980, I have to say that this 2011 seems more solid and heavy (in a good way) than any of my previous models or later models I have driven as loaners. Generally reliability has been good--with a few exceptions: At 85,000 miles, the engine started to use a lot of oil. Volvo examined it and replaced the entire engine. They told me that it was a bad batch of piston rings that was responsible, so this wasn't really a "bad" feature of the car. Volvo has never been able to properly balance the wheels, so I have learned to live with a slight steering wheel vibration at around 60 mph. They said the rims were distorted and sent them for repair; but that didn't help. Tire Rack replaced all 4 tires TWICE, with no improvement. The design of the rims is such that mud stays put and makes the balance problem markedly worse. I have never been totally happy with the brakes, but a recent full brake replacement has fixed this problem. There is a really stupid feature of the software: when the fog lights are on, they go out when high beams are selected, but don't come back on when you return to low beams. Interestingly, the second identical model I just purchased doesn't do this! Finally, I am singularly unimpressed with the headlights, specially the high beams. I've replaced the low-beam bulbs with high intensity "silver tip" bulbs, but see hardly any difference. There are no high intensity replacements for the high-beam bulbs, so when I drive at night plplllI envy the bright headlights of much cheaper cars. LlLL2nd Review 9/1/16: L having now owned my 2nd 2011 XC70 T6 for about 6 months, I can add a little to this review. The 2nd XC70 seems just as well built as my first one. I do, however, miss the folding rear-view mirrors and the front seats don'r seem to be quite as comfortable; but since the car has less than 30,000 miles, it could just be a break-in phenomenon. The headlights are markedly superior to those on the first car (see above review), even with standard bulbs, and there are no problems with wheel balance or braking (see above review). The silly fog-light phenomenon I described for the first car is also absent. In summary, the 2nd car is just as good as the first, and just as robust and "heavy" in a good way. I'd like to replace the first car with another 2011 (it has 130,000 miles); but I don't think I could find a low-mileage 2011 again. Since the first review (see above), the first car has had the following major repairs (all covered by an extended warranty policy): New A/C compressor, new motor for driver's side mirror (motor failed).
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Consider the T6 if you're looking for an XC70
I traded a 2009 XC70 3.2 AWD for a 2011 XC70 T6. The turbo engine significantly improves this vehicle: quieter, smoother, more than adequate acceleration and no noticeable reduction in mpg. The 3.2 is slow, buzzy/noisy and it gets lousy mpg (worst of all worlds). You're always aware of the engine working at the limits of its capacity to move this heavy vehicle. And, while the T6's base price is $6k higher, it comes standard with AWD and premium/leather package which are nearly always added to the 3.2, so the "base" sticker price of the T6 and 3.2 are essentially the same before other options. Why not get the bigger engine?
Best made cars and at 70 I've owned a lot
PURE QUALITY AND TO TOP IT THEY'RE DESIGNED FOR THE DIY GUYS, EVERYTHING IS SO EASY TO GET TO
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I like this car
It has 70,000 miles on it. Otherwise it is great. It is perfect for sports (kayaking, hiking, skiing, biking). And for family and carrying stuff and it is very peppy. Good in even deep snow.
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The Real Swagger Wagon
I can't say enough good things about this car. Its fun to drive and has the most comfortable seats I've ever been in. I wasn't in love with the idea of getting a wagon/crossover but with an expanding family it was necessary. However, once I drove the car with the T6 engine all my apprehension went away. It really makes the car fun to drive as there is power on demand at all rev ranges! I test drove the 3.2 twice and the difference in performance was significant. Also like all Volvos, the XC70 is loaded with safety, convenience, and technology. I've driven about 1000 miles so far, close to 50/50 local and highway, and I'm averaging a touch over 22 MPG on 91 Octane.
Really impressed! Have owned for 6 years.
First, I come from a long line of Toyota 4-Runners so this was a big change. This car is very comfortable (lots of adjustment options). The front cabin is roomy. Mine is red with ivory interior. The paint still looks brand new when washed. As some have mentioned, acceleration can be sluggish but when I punch the gas level to pass, I am able to. This car is 11 years old and I have only had 1 problem. The battery went dead bc the computer was constantly searching for something it never found. Although I would say this is definitely a defect, the Volvo dealership charged me $400 for a software update which took care of the problem. I should not have had to pay for that which is why I took a star off. (I think they should have also replaced the battery for a discount as well.) Things I love about this car: my big moonroof (never leaks), auto seats on both sides, auto trunk release, interior and exterior styling, loads of airbags that I have never had to deploy because of the great ABS system, has a keyless start, great error info. The system shows me exactly what's wrong, still get 24 MPG, side mirrors fold in when the ignition is turned off, and it has heated seats that warm up quickly. The body style is timeless. Also, it has excellent cargo space. Things I tolerate: the HVAC system is only fair bc it takes a little longer to get cool or warm, lackluster acceleration, and system menus are not straightforward but I have them all memorized after owning it this long. I would both buy this again and recommend this year and model to anyone who wants a reliable vehicle.
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Mountain Performance Vehicle
High Performance Turbo enhances MPG and Smiles Per Mile. Volvo's 2011 T6 engine makes it fun, fast and efficient.
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Test Drove the 2012 XC70 t6
XC70 t6 is a great looking solid vehicle... I test drove a 2012 t6 with 70K miles for about 40 minutes in city and highway... The MPG are not great but the power is smooth and it is a 4100 pound solid vehicle that you will hopefully be safe in. The seats and interior and features are fantastic better than a BMW, Audi, or MB. At this point it is either a MB wagon, XC70 t6, Subaru Out Back... I wont get a BMW wagon because of the RFT. I just don't see a utility vehicle or people mover not having a spare tire... The MB no off road... So its going to be an t6 or an Out Back. I would recommend a XC70 t6 it a very solid machine...
Solid, Smooth and very powerful
This is my second xc70 after trading up from a 2006 model. The new T6 model is so much better than the previous model. The engine is terrific and the comfort and ride quality are much improved. Gas mileage is about the same as the old turbo 5 cyl. (avg. 19.6 so far on reg. fuel; but car only has 500 miles on it and is not broken in yet). The premium stereo is terrific and the streaming bluetooth works great. The overall feeling of the car is very refined and is a great car for someone with young kids. Cargo space is obviously excellent as well. Very happy with my new car and looking forward to the first road trip!
The best driving and comfortable
Fabulous vehicle decided to stay with Volvo rather than a 7 series BMW. More reliable, economical and all around better car in my opinion.