Used 2016 Volvo XC70 Consumer Reviews
Early Drive-E Engine Oil Issues
The Drive-E 2.0L 4 cyl is a great, award winning engine, but owners should be aware of oil consumption problems with the early engines, through a certain serial number produced in 2017. This is caused by a piston design issue and is not wear related, although aggravated by deposit build up if you don't change oil frequently and/or use the correct oil. Volvo tells us that 10,000 miles between oil changes is OK, but that's if you meet their oil spec. VIN scan will tell your oil change place to use "0W20" synthetic oil, but not many oils meet the Volvo specification for 10k durability. Castrol extended performance (gold bottle) and the Liquimoly product available online through FCP Euro are both up to Volvo's 10,000 mile oil change interval goal. Others are not. You can get the Castrol gold bottle product for a reasonable price at some, but not many, Walmart locations or FCP will ship you a 6 Liter (5.5L goes in) kit with proper filter and replacement drain plug washer. My fast change place will do the job with customer provided oil for around $35 in a few minutes. If you just take your car in to a US Oil change place, they will put in lower spec 0W20; so plan on 5k intervals, not Volvo's 10k interval. Strangely, Volvo started with a 5W30 spec for this engine, then switched to 0W20 after a couple years, so early owner manuals show the original 5W30 spec. Volvo redesigned what had been too tiny oil drain pinholes in the piston behind the lower oil ring and solved the oil consumption issue beginning with a certain serial number built and delivered to dealers sometime in 2017. Check online to find the switchover serial #. There's a good YouTube video showing the old and new piston designs, if you're inclined. Bottom line, for units produced before the serial # piston redesign breakpoint around mid 2017, check your oil regularly with their stupid no dipstick dash system and expect to see some oil consumption. Mine burns about a quart every 1,200 miles. But it's been flushed and maintained with 5K intervals, so clean inside without deposit buildup that come with age and miles (like my own arteries). Many use the LiquiMoly hydeolic lifter additive, which does a good job of keeping the tiny pinhole pistons clean. Available through FCP Euro- otherwise hard to find in local auto parts stores. My 2016 XC70 t5 is a good car with a great engine that gives 20% more HP for 20% better gas mileage with 2.0L 4 cyl versus the 2.5L 5 cyl in older Volvos.. But Volvo now makes you move up a more complicated model line to get features that used to be included in the base model. As a result, the base 2WD product seems cost reduced. It also has a somewhat confusing dash operating system. And no oil dipstick (go figure ?) We shall see if it proves as durable as my '07 XC70, which with my no holds barred upkeep still looks, runs, and drives pretty much like new at a quarter million miles + (still in the family).
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Like a truck, in a good way
This is literally the European truck. It’s used as a truck in Europe, the Russians abuse it & makes YouTube sensations. Family tow stuff with it, Scotland Yard police use it as police car, you name it. It’s just a beast. The ride is a bit like a boat, at low speed, but, at highway, it feels firm & goes over potholes with good isolation. Front & rear sensor helps a lot. Steering is not light but not heavy, it has a smooth, rubbery feel but definitely like like a F250 loose. In other words, long distance driving it’s not tiring. Acceleration is amazing at high way. Comfy seat no issues. Infotainment & voice control are reliable to use once you learn it. Mine has 29000 miles, there’s a bit of rear seat area squeaking but I’m yet to investigate why, could be just natural built quality. Note that my previous 2017 V60 CC feels tighter in built quality. Two gripes about Volvo Bluetooth, when using iPhones to make call, the voice vol of the other person is so low that it’s practically useless. Two, the two round front lower lights are “running lights”, unable to be controlled by any buttons. They don’t project much light & you just can’t tell if they are on or not. I’ve tried different XC70 all the same.
- T5 Classic Premier WagonMSRP: $9,99533 mi away
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- T5 Premier WagonMSRP: $13,78799 mi away
Bought the car out of the lease!
XC70 discontinued after 2016. Disaster. This is by far the most comfortable and satisfying car I have ever driven (I am 83). Bought the car out of my lease. No other car will fit my bill so far. Looking forward to the electrics.
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Couldn't resist
When I drove my sister's 2002 XC70 last year I couldn't believe how comfortable this car still was and how smooth the car handled and sounded. Had a chance to test drive the 2016 FWD XC70 and was seduced by this Viking beauty immediately. Didn't need the AWD and prefer the great gas mileage with the FWD. This car was superior to Highlander, Outback, V60, and a few other mid range SUV's that I had a chance to test drive. Seat comfort is equal to our 2013 Sienna Limited. Road noise in XC70 is minimal. This car is a refreshing alternative to cookie cutter Outbacks and SUV's. Audio controls are dated but sound system is excellent. I have to say that I feel much safer driving this very solid wagon. Both sons fit comfortably in the rear seats and they are 6'3" and 6'5". My back feels great after driving 3 to 3.5 hours per day!
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Great car with cargo capacity no longer available.
Some of these cars have a fold flat front passenger seat which greatly increases the cargo capacity of the car. I can put a 10 ft surfboard in mine without reducing visibility. This used to be a standard feature on many Volvos and then became optional. Unfortunately the newer models no longer have this feature and the car has lost a great practical feature. Very comfortable car for long trips.
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