WITH JAMES RUPPERT
What to buy, where to buy it and how much to pay
USED CARS
BANGERNOMICS BEST BUYS XC70 was basically an SUV-inspired version of the V70 family estate
KICKING TYRES
VOLVO XC70 pparently, the only way for Volvo to tempt back the middle-class countrydwelling Labrador owner was to up the V70’s game, ride height and matt black plastic quotient. The XC70 arrived in 2000 and proved estates were still relevant – especially if they had more off-road ability, hence the sophisticated Haldex differential that will get you out of serious trouble. You could have a 2.4-litre petrol or diesel, the latter delivering 10mpg extra. The rear seats are versatile and can be folded right down for tricky loads. They split 40/20/40, too, and there’s even a luggage restraint that folds out of the roof. Just beware that these cars get through suspension bushes and suffer broken throttle bodies.
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The new iteration arrived in 2007, and essentially it was more of the same, because the original was so successful. There was a big spec and gadgets like Load Compensating Suspension and Active Bending Lights, the downside being the complexity can cause trouble. ES cars from 2011 had Volvo’s Active City Safety technology, including AEB.
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It proved estates were still relevant, especially if they had more off-road ability a
SE cars featured 17in alloys, climate control, Bluetooth and automatic lights and wipers. Sport cars gained 18in alloys, while Lux cars got electrically adjustable heated front seats, bi-xenon headlights and a powered tailgate. For those who didn’t need four-wheel drive, there was the frugal DRIVe model. For 2009, there was a mild restyling and engine realignment. The big 3.0 and 3.2 petrols are as rare as they weren’t popular. Most went for the 2.4 diesel and from 2014 the 2.0 diesel. Overall, the second-generation XC70 isn’t the most reliable, incurring plenty of recalls for airbags, power steering, the fuel system and the 2.0-litre diesel engine, so a dealer history always helps. Watch out for electrical failures, ECU issues and iffy window controls, too. Better still, buy a simpler earlier one.
Y O R TR TH I S
2006 Volvo XC70 2.5T SE Lux 134,000 miles, £5989
2013 Volvo XC70 2.4 D5 SE Nav 86,000 miles, £12,995
2010 Subaru Outback 3.0 R 80,000 miles, £6990
This late first-generation model has a manual, which is rare, and proper petrol power that lets it into the London ULEZ. It has a top spec, too, and just the two previous owners.
This reasonable-mileage diesel has three ex-owners and a decent spec, including cruise control, descent control, parking sensors, a powered tailgate and all the infotainment. Good dealer warranty.
This should be fun: a quite rare 3.0litre car with a full-size panoramic roof. Fancy beige full leather, too, but also a towbar, so it’s not afraid of hard work. Full service history.
