Models · Volvo
Volvo V70 / XC70 (2007–2016) buying guide
The third V70 estate and its raised, rugged XC70 sister, sold from 2007 to 2016 with facelifts in 2009 and 2013. Most are diesels, with the five-cylinder D5 the smoothest, and four-wheel drive was offered for towing and poor weather.
The versions
- Diesel: 2.4 five-cylinder in 2.4D and D5 forms, 2.0 diesels from late 2007, 1.6 DRIVe from 2009 and 1.6 D2 from 2014
- Petrol: 2.5T, 3.0T and 3.2 at launch; 2.0 petrol from late 2007; 1.6 T4 and 2.0 T5 from 2011
- Front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive; the XC70 has a raised ride height
- Optional Four-C adjustable chassis on SE and SE Lux; lowered R-Design suspension
What to check on a V70 / XC70
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Cambelt and auxiliary belt
What to look for: On a diesel or a 2.5T petrol, look in the history for the last cambelt change, with the date and mileage, and check the auxiliary belt was changed at the same time.
Why it matters: The diesels and the 2.5T use a cambelt, due every 10 years or 108,000 to 150,000 miles depending on engine; most other petrols are chain-driven. On the four-wheel-drive D5, the timing and auxiliary belts can snap and wreck the engine, so a belt change done on time is the most important item in the history.
Blue smoke and turbo health
What to look for: Watch the exhaust as the engine starts, ideally from cold, for blue smoke. On the drive, accelerate firmly through the gears and feel for strong, steady power once the turbo comes in.
Why it matters: Turbochargers are known to fail on this generation, and blue smoke on start-up and low engine power are the warning signs. A strong, clean-running engine is what you want.
Coolant leaks on warm-up
What to look for: Check the coolant level in the expansion tank before starting. Let the engine warm up with the bonnet open and look for drips, steam or a sweet smell, and look underneath afterwards.
Why it matters: Some cars built from May 2010 to April 2015 may leak coolant during warm-up, which in extreme cases could cause a fire, and they were recalled. Check the recall status with the registration.
Also in the full guide
- Power steering and parking brake recalls
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the V70 / XC70
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Volvo.