Volvo C70 car check
Find out if a Volvo C70 has outstanding finance, has been written off or stolen, how many owners it’s had, and which known problems apply to the generation you’re looking at.
Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. Results in under a minute.
- Typical price
- £5,5776 at dealers
- MOT failure rate
- 26.5%79k tests
- Known problems
- 5across C70-I to C70-II
- Full report
- £7.49one-off, no subscription
Which C70 are you looking at?
Each C70 generation has its own weak spots. Pick the one you’re viewing to see what to check.
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Suspension component excessive wear
Wear item C70-I, C70-IIMOT data shows C70 models fail at 14.9x the fleet average for excessive wear in suspension pins, bushings, and joints. The convertible body lacks the structural rigidity of a fixed roof, transferring more stress to suspension components. This accelerated wear affects control arm bushings, anti-roll bar links, and suspension joints across both generations. Early wear can appear from just 20,000 miles on some variants.
What to check: Rock the car gently and listen for clunking or rattling from the suspension - indicates worn bushings or loose components. Visually inspect control arm bushings for cracking, splitting, or excessive deflection when weight is applied. Check anti-roll bar drop links for play by attempting to move t...
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Power steering system malfunction
Wear item C70-I, C70-IIC70 petrol models show MOT failure rates of 16.0x the fleet average for power steering fluid leaks and system malfunctions. The hydraulic power steering system develops leaks from the pump, high-pressure lines, and rack seals. The convertible's additional weight compared to equivalent saloons places higher loads on the steering system, accelerating component wear. Failure typically manifests as fluid leaks, pump noise, or complete loss of power assistance.
What to check: Check power steering fluid reservoir level and condition - low level or dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates problems. Inspect around the power steering pump, lines, and steering rack for fluid leaks or wet patches. Look for power steering fluid stains on the ground where the car is usually parke...
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Brake hose deterioration
Safety and MOT risk C70-I, C70-IIMOT data shows C70 models fail at 12.1x the fleet average for flexible brake hose damage and deterioration. The convertible structure and longer wheelbase place different stresses on brake hoses compared to standard Volvo saloons. Rubber brake hoses deteriorate internally and externally, with age-related cracking and internal delamination causing brake performance issues or complete failure. This affects all generations and is a safety-critical item.
What to check: Visually inspect all flexible brake hoses at each wheel for external cracking, bulging, or chafing against suspension components. Check brake hoses where they connect to brake calipers and rigid lines for leaks or corrosion. Look for brake fluid stains on wheels or ground around each wheel positi...
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Diesel particulate filter blockage
Wear item C70-IISecond generation C70 diesel models suffer from DPF blockage issues, with MOT data showing The DPF system requires regular high-speed driving to burn off accumulated soot. Convertibles are often used for shorter urban journeys which prevent proper DPF regeneration. Blocked DPF causes excessive exhaust smoke, reduced power, and MOT emissions failures. The problem is particularly acute on D3 and D5 engines from 2006-2013.
What to check: Check for DPF warning lights on the dashboard - triangle with dots or specific DPF symbol indicates regeneration needed. Ask about recent driving patterns - frequent short journeys increase DPF blockage risk. Check exhaust tailpipe for excessive black soot deposits. Review service history for any...
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Suspension joint dust cover deterioration
Wear item C70-I, C70-IIThe C70 suffers from premature deterioration of rubber dust covers protecting suspension joints and steering components. MOT data shows failure rates up to 20.7x the national average, particularly affecting ball joint covers and suspension arm bushings. The convertible body structure places different loads on suspension components compared to saloon variants, accelerating wear of protective covers. Once covers fail, dirt and moisture enter the joints causing accelerated wear and potential safety issues.
What to check: Inspect all visible suspension joints for split, cracked, or missing rubber boots around ball joints, drop links, and steering rack gaiters. Look for grease leakage around suspension components - this indicates failed dust covers allowing lubricant to escape. Check steering rack gaiters (rubber b...
We haven’t flagged any common problems for this generation in our data yet. A history check still tells you about finance, write-offs and theft, and the MOT history shows how this particular car has been looked after.
What C70s cost at dealers now
From 6 used C70s we track on UK dealer websites.
- Typical asking price
- £5,577
- Typical mileage
- 77,856 miles
- Price change vs last month
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C70 MOT results
of C70 MOT tests end in a fail, from 78,525 tests.
Most common reasons for failing
- Coil springs brokenBrakes
- Steering rack wearSteering
- Tyre fouling a part of the vehicleTyres
Check the C70 you’re buying
One report covers outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and previous owners from Experian, plus MOT history, mileage and the known problems for its generation.
Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian.
What the check includes
- Outstanding finance Experian
- Write-off status Experian
- Stolen vehicle check Experian
- Previous owners and keeper history Experian
- MOT history and advisories DVSA
- Mileage check DVSA
- Known problems for its generation GetCarWise
- How many are left on the road DVLA
C70 questions
Is the Volvo C70 reliable?
26.5% of C70 models fail their MOT based on 78,525 tests analysed. That’s below average for the class. There are 5 known problems to watch for, the most serious being suspension component excessive wear. A full history check shows whether a specific car has had related write-offs or insurance claims.
What are the main problems with a Volvo C70?
The most serious known issues are suspension component excessive wear, power steering system malfunction, brake hose deterioration. Problems vary by generation, so check which apply to the year you’re looking at. Our car check flags whether a specific C70 has been written off or had insurance claims linked to these faults.
How do I check if a Volvo C70 has outstanding finance?
Enter the registration on this page. We query Experian’s finance database and return any outstanding agreements within a minute. If finance is still owed, the finance company can legally repossess the car even after you’ve paid the seller. At £7.49 it’s the cheapest way to avoid a car that isn’t legally for sale.
How do I check if a Volvo C70 has been written off?
Our check queries Experian’s insurance write-off database for Cat A, B, S and N markers. A Cat S or N C70 has been structurally or non-structurally damaged and repaired. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but it affects resale value and some insurers won’t cover it. The check costs £7.49.
Can I check a Volvo C70 for free?
You can check MOT history free on GOV.UK, which shows past test results and advisories. What it won’t show is outstanding finance, write-offs or theft markers, which are the things that actually cost you money after you’ve bought. Our full check adds all of that for £7.49, using Experian data.
Is a Volvo C70 HPI check worth it?
HPI is one brand of car check. Our check uses the same Experian data covering finance, stolen, write-off and keeper history, plus MOT analysis and known C70 faults that HPI doesn’t include. At £7.49 it’s typically less than half the price of an HPI check.
What does a Volvo C70 fail its MOT on?
The most common MOT failure on the C70 is coil springs broken. 26.5% of C70 models fail overall, based on 78,525 tests. Checking a car’s full MOT history before buying shows you recurring problems the seller might not mention.
More on the C70
Other Volvo car checks
Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. MOT data from DVSA. Known problems from GetCarWise analysis. Updated October 2026.