2003 Volvo V70R AWD Manual

Highlights

• Arguably the benchmark fast estate car
• Six-speed manual gearbox
• Extensive service history
• Four-wheel drive
• Original Dolby premium sound system

Overview

The V70R wasn’t the first fast Volvo. It wasn’t even the first fast estate. But it’s the one we all remember. It brought the idea of a high-performance load-lugger to the forefront of our imaginations, and made Volvo cool again — in a way which hadn’t really been achieved since Rover Moore drove a P1800 in The Saint. And that was way back in the sixties.

The example on sale here is finished in a stealthy shade of grey with a luxurious tan leather interior. And it features Volvo’s famously comfortable seats — you won’t understand until your first long journey in them.

Other interior goodies include the snazzy blue instrument faces, a superb Dolby audio system with a subwoofer under the boot floor, and a set of three buttons on the dashboard which electronically control the recently - and expensively - replaced adjustable dampers.

Under the bonnet, the five-cylinder engine produces nearly 300 bhp, which is sent through the desirable manual gearbox to all four wheels. This Haldex all-wheel drive system allows superb traction, even when the going gets tough.

While this twenty-year-old example is no longer showroom-fresh, it does offer an opportunity to buy a V70R for the pure driving enjoyment. You’ll be able to take it out whenever you want, and not worry about it getting scratched or dirty. It’s a properly fast car, which also makes so much sense.

History and documentation

• Registered 29 Dec 2003
• Stamped service book with services as follows: May 2004 @ 2,703 miles, Jan 2005 @ 9,634 miles, Jan 2006 @ 18,537 miles, Dec 2006 @ 27,547 miles, Dec 2007 @ 36,630 miles, Dec 2008 @ 46,273 miles, Dec 2009 @ 56,460 miles, Dec 2010 @ 64,459 miles, Dec 2011 @ 73,725 miles, Dec 2012 @ 82,284 miles, Dec 2013 @ 90,705 miles, Dec 2014 @ 99,380 miles, Dec 2015 @ 106,682 miles, Dec 2016 @ 113,706 miles, Dec 2017 @ 121,387 miles, Dec 2018 @ 130,510 miles, Dec 2019 @ 135,089 miles, Dec 2020 @ 135,089 miles, Dec 2021 @ 138,901 miles
• Additional servicing invoice: Dec 2022 @ 140,340 miles
• The seller informs us that a full service to manufacturer check list has been carried out yearly
• Service reminder on dashboard
• Original owner’s manuals in leather wallet
• Original sales brochure
• Thick folder of invoices and old MOT certificates
• Two keys and two remote controls for the infotainment system
• Current MOT expires 5 Mar 2025
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Light tan leather interior with matching carpets
• Famously comfortable seats
• The upholstery is in generally good condition
• Some creasing and signs of use showing in the leather
• There is a little wear to the driver’s seat bolster and headrest
• Electronic seat adjusters with memory function
• Heated front seats
• Carpets retain a good pile, with a few small marks
• Door cards in good condition
• Multi-function steering wheel
• Cruise control
• Dual-zone climate control
• Well stocked dashboard
• Distinctive metallic blue instrument faces
• Dolby premium sound system
• Four-disc CD player
• Mobile phone connectivity
• Active chassis settings buttons on the dashboard
• Rear seats in good condition
• Integrated rear child seat
• Headlining clean and tidy
• Enormous boot
• Rear seats fold flat
• Subwoofer and additional storage net under the boot floor

Exterior

• Traditional Volvo shape, with the addition of ‘R’ badging, wheels, and rear spoiler
• Finished in an understated shade of grey
• The paint remains in generally good condition for its age
• There are some scuffs, chips, and scratches
• Notably, there is a scratch on the nearside rear door and wheel arch
• Generally the body panels look good, with no significant dents or damage that we could see
• 18-inch, five-spoke, R-branded alloy wheels
• The wheels are shod in Continental Premium Contact 6 tyres
• The seller tells us that the tyres retain 4.5-5.5 mm of tread
• There is some significant kerb damage to the wheel rims
• Chrome badges front and rear
• A little light clouding to the headlights
• The plastic trim pieces have faded to a grey similar in colour to the paint
• There is some corrosion on the front lower grille and oil cooler
• Windscreen and window glass looks clear
• Windscreen wipers replaced in Dec 2022
• Roof rails
• The central brake light is noted as not working on the most recent MOT
• The underside of the car is in good condition, with some surface corrosion and a couple of spots of oil

Mechanical

• 2,521 cc, five-cylinder petrol engine
• Produces 296 bhp and 295 lb ft
• Top speed limited to 155 mph, 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds
• Six-speed manual transmission
• Haldex four-wheel drive
• The engine bay looks tidy
• The electronically adjustable front shock absorbers have been replaced, along with the coil springs and top mounts
• The car comes with an enormous file of paperwork, recording its service history
• In Dec 2022, the power steering reservoir and fluid were replaced, along with a coolant change
• The most recent MOT notes some corrosion to the rear suspension springs and arms, as well as an oil leak
• There is some corrosion visible on the exhaust system
• No mechanical problems or warning lights reported
• The seller notes that the car starts first time, every time, stops well, and sounds fantastic

Summary

We’ve managed to get through the whole description of this V70R without mentioning wardrobes, antique dealers, frustrated petrol-headed parents, or family holidays. Surely that deserves a medal. In short: it goes fast, and you should buy it.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Stockport, Greater Manchester.