Excellent condition example of this iconic load-lugging estate car, with new MoT, fully valeted and serviced. Huge specification with almost every available option including satellite navigation, heated electrically adjusted front seats, front fog lamps, dual zone climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors, powered tailgate, 17” Canicula alloy wheels and much more!
In the details below, you’ll find full details of the specification, vehicle history, and a thoroughly detailed condition report.
Twenty-one large-format photos also below!
The Back Story
Some time ago, one of my regular customers – Brenda – asked me to source a petrol-engined full-size estate to replace the Mercedes E-Class diesel estate which I sold her back in 2022, as she was driving more frequently into ULEZ zones and was fed up of paying the additional charges for a diesel vehicle. Unable to find her a petrol E350, I instead sourced this rare petrol V70 through the trade. However, circumstances conspired against us and the Volvo ended up taking much longer to prepare for sale than would usually be the case (see below!) – by which time, Brenda’s circumstances had changed again; instead she is moving house and so is going to hang on to her much-loved Mercedes estate. Hence, the V70 is now unexpectedly available for sale.
Volvo V70 ownership in General
I’m a huge fan of the big Volvo estates – I have had several myself. As a car dealer, I can pretty much have any car that I want, so it says something that my own “daily driver” is a V70. I like the comfort, space, reliability and the sheer usefulness of the cars. You can throw pretty much anything at it, and it just laps it up and gets on with it. Trips to the tip, moving furniture, walking the dog, drive to the South of France etc etc – there’s never any drama or fuss – and at the end of it, you give the car a wash and vacuum it out, and it comes up looking great again. My own V70 has now covered over 190k miles, but you wouldn’t know it – it drives like a car with a fraction of that mileage – and that’s my experience of my other Volvo Estates too – all of which have gone well past that sort of mileage before I’ve finally parted company with them.
Volvos generally have an enviable reputation in the trade for their solid build construction combined with excellent driving manners, interior refinement and outstanding comfort levels – particularly for the seats which are reckoned to be the best available at any price. The V70 is no exception – it handles well, has good performance, and is one of the largest estate cars on the market.
The large Volvo estate car has been around in various forms since the late 1960s, becoming the reference standard for such cars. They have often been known as the “antique dealers’ car of choice” – as you can fit large pieces of furniture in them much more easily than most cars! As mentioned above, I have personally had several – my current is my fourth – and they have all just been fabulous workhorses, coping brilliantly with everything that family life can throw at them. The whole raison d’etre of a V70 is its cavernous boot – with more than 800-litres of space with the rear seats up and around double that with the rear seats folded. There’s also plenty of room in the car for five adults – and all the seats are comfortable and supportive.
This generation of V70 was introduced in 2007 and ran through to 2016. This example was first registered in September 2008, from the period when Ford owned Volvo. That business relationship resulted in this model being introduced – as the 2.5-litre turbocharged engine is the same base engine fitted to the Focus ST; that’s no bad thing, as the engine delivers huge gobs of turbine smooth power right through the rev range, powering it to 60mph in only just over 8 secs and on to a maximum of 137mph (where legal of course!). But this model was only available for around 20 months – between September 2007 and May 2009 – which makes this low-mileage example extremely rare now.
Specification of this example
This example is the range-topping SE Lux version, which brings smart styling coupled with high levels of standard equipment – and on this car, the first owner has ticked pretty-much every available extra in the book too. I’ve ended up putting a few hundred miles onto the clock of this one, and it has behaved just as I would expect – the 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine is silky-smooth, quiet and powerful, and the road manners are as good as they all are.
That 2.5-litre 5-cylinder 20-valve turbocharged petrol engine delivers a highly impressive 197bhp and 300NM torque – a torque figure you might normally associate with a high performing diesel engine! It transmits this to the road via a 6-speed “Geartronic” automatic gearbox to the front wheels; the gearbox also has a manual override function for those times when you want to play. According to the official fuel economy tests, it is good for 27.7mpg on the combined cycle and is Petrol Euro-4 standard which makes it ULEZ compliant too! The car tax is pretty horrible at £735 per year (about £61 per month) – but at least you can console yourself that this is in line with the other high performance petrol cars from this period, and can be offset by all those savings in ULEZ charges!!
This car is the top-spec SE Lux trim, which brings you pretty much all the equipment that you could expect – not least because the first owner ticked almost every option box (except the one for a DVD player!).
The equipment roster goes on and on – but includes pop-up colour-screen satellite navigation (powered by a boot-mounted DVD reader), full leather interior with electrically adjustable heated front seats (with 3-position memory function for the driver’s seat), power operated tailgate, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry system, CD-player, front and rear foglamps, headlamp washers, electric windows all round, electrically adjustable, heated and powerfolding mirrors, rear parking sensors, 5-spoke 17” alloy wheels etc
There’s also a whole host of safety and security features, including driver’s, passenger’s, side and curtain air bags, dynamic spin traction control, ISOFIX seat mounts to the outer two rear seats, seat belt pre-tensioners, ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), immobilizer, locking wheel nuts etc.
This car’s condition and history
This V70 is now in excellent condition throughout – ready to give excellent service to its new owner. But it has taken quite a bit of work to get it to that position.
After its initial registration in September 2008, the first owner kept the car through to October 2011, when it changed hands with just under 30,000 miles recorded. The next owner kept the car for the next ten years – until November 2021 – when it passed to the third and latest owner (a private individual based in Stoke on Trent), with around 70,000 miles recorded. It was at that point when it seems that the service book got mixed up with another Volvo at the sales dealership – because the one that came to me with the car was originally issued to a different Volvo back in 2003. To try and understand the service history of the car, I obtained firstly a printout from Volvo of its main agent history (two services with the first owner), and then phoned and spoke to the independent dealer who had stamped up that erroneous book during the ownership of the third owner. That dealer verified that those service details did indeed relate to this car (they also match the MoT mileages), and they also confirmed that the cambelt and water pump was replaced in October 2023, at 77,587 miles.
I then asked my mechanics to complete a thorough service and checkover, picking up and resolving all the points raised at the previous MoTs. This was a substantial and costly exercise:- they replaced the starter motor (which was occasionally a bit sluggish), replaced brake pads all round, replaced rear suspension bushes, cleaned up and rustproofed all the rear suspension and subframe, and replaced two lazy door locks, in addition to changing the oil and all filters. The bill for that came to over £1500 at trade rates.
They also tried to resolve an error with the rear parking sensors. They initially diagnosed it as a faulty sensor, which we replaced. The error remained. Swapping the sensors found that the fault continued in the same location – so we then replaced the wiring loom to the back bumper – the problem remained. We then replaced the parktronic (parking sensors) ECU with a secondhand part – the problem remained. So we took the Volvo to the local Volvo independent specialist who found that they could not reprogramme the parktronic ECU. A phone call to Volvo, and they quoted a different ECU part number – so we obtained one of those and fitted it – the problem remained and again the local specialist could not reprogramme it. So finally, we took the car to a nearby Volvo technical specialist, who advised that we had to fit a brand new Volvo ECU, and then reprogramme it from scratch. This finally resolved the fault – but by this time we had spent a further £750 and delayed getting the car ready by several months – by which time Brenda’s circumstances had changed and she no longer wanted the car….
So now the car is offered for sale, and we can be confident that its mechanical condition is all good, and reflecting its low mileage of 81,000. I’ve also now consolidated the servicing history information (where we have been able to verify it) into a substitute service book, for ease of reference.
In addition to the servicing records, there is an MoT printout showing that the mileage has increased consistently throughout its ownership period. A new MoT was completed in October, and so is valid until October 2026. Since this was completed, the car has only covered a few miles.
The body condition is easier to summarise – there are no dents, scuffs or rusty bits to be found. There are inevitably a few stone chips and light scratches commensurate with the age and mileage, but all in all the car presents very smartly indeed as can be seen from the photos. Its metallic Sapphire Black paintwork is smooth and glossy to the touch, and is well complemented by the stylish five-spoke 17” alloy wheels. Equally, the interior is smart, clean and well-presented, with the grey leather contrasting with the black paintwork.
As you would expect given all this refurbishment work, the Volvo now goes, performs, steers, stops etc, just as you would want and expect it to do. It has also been fully valeted and Experian Data Checked (like HPI) and is clear, whilst noting that the car has previously been held on private registration plates twice. An owner’s handbook is present, and like all our cars, the Volvo also comes with a 100-pt mechanical and functional inspection report.
The Motoring Press view
Giving it an excellent rating of four stars out of five, Parker’s Car Guide references its strong build quality, stylish and modern interior, supremely comfortable seats and impressive refinement as its top aspects, and comments:-
“Volvo is best known for large and practical estates and the V70 remains the core model for the manufacturer – a modern version of its archetypal load carrier. On the road it’s comfortable and quiet, if not especially exciting to drive. The seats – a traditional Volvo strength – are regarded by many as the most comfortable around, making it an ideal long distance car. The V70 dashboard has a more subtle, curvier design than before and also features the ‘floating’ centre console between the dashboard and centre console, a feature that has become a trademark of Volvo interiors. The finish and quality of the materials used is excellent while the classy design is typically Swedish with a minimalist, understated look. The V70 is roomier than before with almost an extra inch of leg room for those in the back. The exceptionally smooth and refined ride makes this a great long distance car, helped by minimal road and wind noise.
Volvo has long held a reputation for producing very safe cars and the V70 was awarded the maximum five star rating for adult occupant safety in Euro NCAP crash tests, along with four stars for child safety. Safety technology also includes head restraints better able to reduce the risk of whiplash injury in rear impacts, better energy absorbing properties at the front of the car to reduce the extent of injuries to pedestrians and cyclists, pre-tensioners on all five seatbelts and use of ultra-high-strength steel in the door beams.”
Equipment and Features
> Finished in Sapphire Black metallic paintwork, with grey full leather seats
> 2,521cc 5-cylinder 20-valve turbocharged fuel-injection petrol engine, producing 197bhp and 300Nm torque
> 6-speed “Geartronic” automatic gearbox, with manual override function
> Power Assisted Steering (PAS)
> Dual Zone Climate Control air conditioning
> Volvo “Premium Sound” radio, with single in-dash CD player, Bluetooth phone, roof-mounted shark-fin aerial, steering-wheel mounted radio controls, and integrated anti-theft protection
> 5-spoke 17” Canicula alloy wheels, with ultra-low-profile 50-section tyres
> Pop-up colour display satellite navigation system with remote control
> Electric windows front and rear with one-touch operation to all windows
> Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, with automatic powerfolding function
> Cruise Control
> Power operated tailgate
> Rear Parking sensors
> Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
> Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
> Dynamic Spin Traction Control
> Remote control central locking, with two full remote keys
> Keyless entry system
> Tinted windows
> Electrically operated and heated front seats, with three-position memory function for driver’s seat and lumbar adjustment to both front seats
> Three rear seats, each fitted with 3-point seat belts and head restraints, and ISOFIX seat mountings to the outer two seats, and foldable in 40/20/40 format
> Height and reach adjustable steering wheel
> Driver’s, Front Passenger’s, side and curtain airbags
> Front and rear fog lamps
> Projector-style front headlamps with integrated high-pressure headlamp washer system
> Multifunction trip computer including current speed in kmh, average speed, instant mpg, average mpg and distance to empty
> Heated rear window
> Rear wash/wipe system
> Retractable rear luggage cover
> Integrated and foldable parcel net/dog guard
> 12v charger socket
> Tailored front and rear floormats
> Map pockets to rear of front seats
> Twin cupholders
History and Documentation
> The current mileage is showing as 81,284 miles which is warranted as correct.
> The Volvo comes with its V5 registration document. It was first registered 2nd September 2008 and transferred to its second keeper on the 16th October 2011. That owner then kept it until 4th November 2021 when it passed to its latest owner – so in total it has had three owners.
> The current MoT expires 25th October 2026. It was issued 11th October 2025 at 81,283 miles, with no advisory items.
> An MoT history printout shows the following MoTs:-
29,539 miles; 15/10/2011 – no advisory items
37,717 miles; 12/10/2012 – no advisory items
41,347 miles; 11/10/2013 – no advisory items
44,425 miles; 02/10/2014 – no advisory items
47,167 miles; 12/10/2015 – advisory items for tyres
50,076 miles; 19/10/2016 – no advisory items
53,108 miles; 23/10/2017 – advisory for a side marker lamp not working
56,353 miles; 13/10/2018 – advisory item for one tyre
60,857 miles; 12/10/2019 – multiple advisory items
65,628 miles; 26/10/2020 – multiple advisory items
69,742 miles; 13/10/2021 – multiple advisory items
74,078 miles; 18/10/2022 – multiple advisory items
77,590 miles; 16/10/2023 – multiple advisory items
79,616 miles; 03/10/2024 – multiple advisory items
81,283 miles; 11/10/2025 – no advisory items
> The car has been Experian Data Checked (similar to HPI), and the buyer will receive a copy of the report – which shows no problems whilst advising that the car has been on a private registration plate on two occasions
> The car has been serviced at least five times – see details above. These are documented in a printout from the Volvo Main Agent system, from two stamps in the erroneous service book, and a stamp from my mechanics in the new substitute service book, as follows:-
10,665 miles; 01/09/2009 – Volvo Main Agent – system printout
21,656 miles; 01/09/2010 – Volvo Main Agent – system printout
77,587 miles; 16/10/2023 – Independent garage, service book stamp verified by phone call. Service included cambelt and water pump replacement
81,128 miles; 10/06/2025 – Independent garage (my mechanics), service book stamp
> An owners handbook is present, together with the erroneous Volvo service book and a substitute service book
Bodywork and Interior Condition
> As you can see from the photos, the bodywork is in excellent condition. The Sapphire Black metallic paintwork is smooth and glossy to the touch, and there are no nasty scuffs, dents or rusty patches. There are just a few touched-in stone chips and some light scratches to evidence the mileage. The whole car presents very smartly.
> There is some minor deterioration to the roof rails and to the silver trim around the windows where the trim has tarnished
> The interior is in excellent condition, with no damage or wear to the seats
> Good condition floormats are fitted throughout
Mechanical Condition and Wheels/Tyres
> The car has covered just over 81,000 miles. It goes very well indeed – and runs, steers, stops and goes round corners just as you would expect
> All the interior warning lights come on and go off as they should.
> The road wheels are five-spoke 17” alloys. Two have very minor kerbing marks to the rims
> The road tyres are mostly budget brand tyres, in 225/50 x 17 size. One front tyre is an Altimax and the other is a Goodyear Efficient Grip – each have 6mm-7mm of tread. One rear tyre is a Delinte and the other is a Mazzini – each have 4mm-5mm of tread. The spare wheel is a space saver wheel, fitted with an unused Continental 125/80×17 tyre, with 4mm of tread
> The locking wheel nut key is present
Summary
As it says above, as a car dealer, I really rate the Volvo V70 – and this is a terrific example in great condition. The colour scheme, contrasting the metallic black with the grey leather interior and shiny alloy wheels, really works well. The 2.5-litre turbocharged engine is smooth and refined and sounds great – and the performance is as good as you would expect! This example has a fabulous equipment specification, including all those options – and then to cap it all off, the car has recorded only a very low 81,000 miles. When you add on its recent MoT and service, and the thorough recommissioning, then it all adds up to make a very compelling case for itself
If you have any questions, please mail me or call me on 07917-234897. Any inspection or accompanied test drive is welcomed by appointment.
A note about Warranties
We go to exceptional lengths to assure the mechanical condition of any car that we sell. Cars are generally much more reliable than was the case in the past – but they are ever increasing in complexity and should the unthinkable happen, repair costs can be high.
Many buyers prefer us to keep the price of our cars low, so we do not include a mechanical breakdown warranty as standard. However, we are agents for aftermarket warranty provider Handler Protect.
If you wish to do so, you can optionally purchase a comprehensive Handler Protect Gold Warranty for this Volvo V70, covering 100% of the parts and labour cost on all major components, and labour rates up to £60ph, at a cost of £275 for 7-months (6-months plus a bonus extra month) or £379 for 18-months (12-months plus a bonus additional 6-months). This will cover repair costs up to the value of the vehicle. Lower or higher levels of warranty cover are available for different premiums if preferred.
Please click on “our services” tab for more details.
