Should I buy a high mileage Volvo V70?

Should I buy a 2002 Volvo V70 D5 163 SE with 174,000 miles on the clock?

Nessa Phipps

May 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Nessa,

Yes, no reason why you shouldn't. Obviously make sure the condition, mileage and history are all in order, but beyond that there are very few things to specifically look for as V70s tend to be built like the proverbial tanks and can easily shrug off high mileage if they're looked after. In fact, according to Volvo's official line on these things, a car with that mileage is only half way through its life...

Things to watch for? Listen out for any unpleasant noises from the front suspension - it's an acknowledged weak point and excess wear and tear is not unusual. Keep an eye on the front tyres too, as they burn through 'em. The engine's only major weak point is its injector system, but you'll know straight away whether yours has problems or not - if it's reluctant to start or belches out great clouds of black smoke when it does start, walk away.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe