C70: New member looking for C70 soft top

[GraemeP]

Hello Volvo enthusiasts

I am looking for a C70 soft top, ideally 2.4 auto, budget up to ~£2500.
Any buying tips gratefully received, anyone selling, please let me know!

I live in the Bristol area but will travel for the right car.

Cheers

Graeme

[Luxobarge]

Have a gander at the buyer's guide in the Sales section - it's pretty good, most of the points made will apply to the car you want. Best of luck with the hunt!

[GraemeP]

Thanks Luxobarge. This forum has a lot of useful information squirrelled away in a lot of obscure places !
Cheers

[ITSv40]

I was recently looking for one: I wanted a good one that could be cherished and was prepared to travel for the right car. Condition, mileage and colour scheme were the most important things on the shopping list, price within reason was secondary. The first thing that struck me was how rough the majority of cars are, I viewed about a dozen cars before I found the right one.

So be prepared to view a lot of dogs before you feel you are in a position to put your hand in your pocket. For reference I paid £2500 for mine in April, three owners, full service history -Volvo and independent specialist - 52,000mls and as near perfect as one could hope for with a second hand car . Private sale and I paid the asking price without any haggling as I would have happily paid £3000 for it.

Good luck with your hunting, it will be worth the pain as they are superb. Go for a 2003 onwards as they appear to be better cars than the earlier ones.

[GraemeP]

Thanks for the useful info - I've already looked at a 2.0 and T3, both described as immaculate, both decidedly not.
I think it has to be either T5 or 2.4, GT spec and preferrably black interior.

Have you got used to the blancmange type chassis yet ?

[christheancient]

One thing I would add... Make darned sure that the rag top is in very good condition - otherwise, open your wallet and repeat after me... "help yourself".

I have to admit that the first time I drove mine, the "blancmange type chassis" scared the bejaysus out of me! I soon got used to it, though.

[Austin160]

Probably of not much help, but might be worth considering before dipping your toes in the water. Off puts:-
Turning circle of a Volvo bus. As with most large convertibles, you need plenty of parking space width to be able to get out of the car due to the wide doors. Combination of both points!? Don't go to Tescos.
A lovely car for others to admire, and being cynical would suggest best they do, and you can admire theirs rather than driving it. Re. hoods, most will have wear patches - often almost through- at the usual points.
That appreciated, you should enjoy it, and putting fuel in it.

[ITSv40]

Originally Posted by GraemeP

Thanks for the useful info - I've already looked at a 2.0 and T3, both described as immaculate, both decidedly not.
I think it has to be either T5 or 2.4, GT spec and preferrably black interior.

Have you got used to the blancmange type chassis yet ?

I don't find the scuttle shake any problem at all. My son has an '87 Mk4 XR3i Convertible and a friend has a '80s Corniche Drophead. Comparing the C70 to both of those cars it is solid. There is shake, but I see that as the car's character and makes it feel different to drive and more enjoyable. I just drive it accordingly.

[Paulsc70tgt]

Originally Posted by GraemeP

Hello Volvo enthusiasts

I am looking for a C70 soft top, ideally 2.4 auto, budget up to ~£2500.
Any buying tips gratefully received, anyone selling, please let me know!

I live in the Bristol area but will travel for the right car.

Cheers

Graeme

Hi not sure if you have found a car yet, I am selling a 2004 C70 2.4t GT its sky blue pearl metallic with navy hood, the interior is light cream leather, all electrics work as they should cruise control, heated seats etc. car is in generally tidy condition, car has refurbed set of comets fitted although there is a very small curbing mark on one wheel, its cover just short of 104k miles and has mainly all Volvo main dealer, although last service was done by garage I bought it from, MOT till April 2017 and has front strut brace fitted however it is manual.

Paul

[GraemeP]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the info - I am rather looking for an auto.

Cheers

Graeme