Volvo spent decades establishing a reputation for producing some of the safest cars on the planet. Besides its legendary P1800 range, it hadn’t offered many genuinely sporting vehicles until the 240 Turbo hit showrooms for the 1981 model year. However, it made up for lost time, with cars like the 850 R and T-5 R providing impressive performance. It released the C70 Convertible in North America in 1998, with our feature car rolling off the line in 2004. Its engine bay houses a sweet turbocharged five-cylinder engine generating a surprising amount of power. It needs some work, but the seller’s decision to offer possible solutions and to list it with No Reserve may make it irresistible to potential buyers if an affordable European Convertible is on their radar.
The seller is this Volvo’s second owner, having purchased the car from its elderly first owner around two years ago. It has led a sheltered life, and its overall presentation reflects that. The Pure Silver paint holds a pleasant shine, with no evidence of significant issues or deterioration. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and since it has spent the past two decades in a favorable climate, the rust-free status is unsurprising. The plastic is in good order, and the beautiful alloy wheels are spotless. The Black power top looks good at first glance, but there are a couple of faults requiring attention. The glass rear window is coming loose and needs to be reattached. The top also doesn’t fully retract, with the seller identifying a sensor fault as the culprit. However, the car features a transferrable Lifetime Warranty which costs $100 per month to maintain. It doesn’t cover consumable items but would allow the buyer to address most of the identified faults without putting their hand in their pocket.
Volvo’s five-cylinder engine is one of the best to find a home in a European car, offering smooth power delivery and a distinctive “bark” when pushed hard. The 2.4-liter motor occupying this engine bay is the turbocharged B5244T7 version, which sends 197hp and 210 ft/lbs of torque to the front wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission. The company didn’t offer a manual option on these cars, reserving that for the high-output model. Power steering was a standard feature, as were four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. The seller states that this C70 has a genuine 80,000 miles on the clock, and given its history, the claim is plausible. It has seen very limited recent use, motivating them to suggest it receive a thorough inspection before returning to active duty. However, the car runs well, suggesting it needs little beyond the inspection and a service.
Volvo managed to provide the best of both worlds to C70 Convertible buyers. The drivetrain generated enough power for effortless acceleration and open-road cruising, while the interior cradled occupants in the lap of luxury. Standard fare included a range of airbags, ice-cold air conditioning, power windows, two-stage power locks, power seats, power mirrors, cruise control, and a premium stereo that features an AM/FM radio/cassette player, and a CD player with an in-dash three-disc stacker. The overall presentation is consistent with a car that has been treated respectfully. The beautiful Gray leather looks supple and inviting, sporting only the typical wrinkles that develop with age. The carpet is free from significant stains, the woodgrain shines richly, and there are no signs of broken or damaged plastic. The new owner faces a couple of functional issues, including remotes that only work intermittently, and a door actuator that doesn’t function. However, replacement remotes are cheap, and the seller includes a replacement actuator. Otherwise, it is worth delving into the fine print of the warranty to determine whether it would cover these faults.
The seller listed this 2004 Volvo C70 Convertible here on eBay in Cape Coral, Florida. Bidding sits at $2,025, and with No Reserve to hinder proceedings, it is destined for a new home this time next week. It needs work, but its presentation and odometer reading make it worth a close look. Recent sales results suggest the price won’t climb much higher, leaving it in affordable territory for potential buyers. The Lifetime Warranty adds to its appeal, making this Volvo worth a closer look.
I always liked these sexy Swedes, these and the Mercedes CLK convertibles too. Too bad it’s so far away, although I could fly in and drive home the condition seems to be that good. That warranty is a scam though. One hundred dollars a month ? You’d be better off putting the money in a savings account of your own.
Well, I just have to comment. I own 2 of these: a cobalt blue 2000, and a beige 2004. The 2000 had 160K when I bought it from the widow of its owner for $800. Rust free, good top, driver’s seat a little worn, and leaking oil. The oil leak was due to the cam seals. I also discovered upon replacing them that there was an o-ring on the inside of the cam pulley that was not mentioned anywhere in the cam seal process, but is essential to ensuring no oil leaks. Had the head resurfaced as a prophalactic action, replaced the water pump, belt tensioner, and belt, along with the PCV system. Rebuilt the turbo (for $30 in parts). Replaced the struts and lower control arms and the bottom engine mount. New tires. Repaired the power window cable system, and am now reglueing the rear window. It’s a great driving car, having taken multiple long trips in it. Front seat is like a living room chair. Tons of power and excellent gas mileage. Great sound system. Love this car.
The 2004 has 140K on it and I paid $500. Haven’t worked on it yet…oil leak and interior is a bit tattered. Might need a new top. I’ll likely sell it when I’ve got it remediated.
BTW I think that the engine is a 2.5 litre, not 2.4.
I like it, but man, it needs to be a manual trans car for me …..sigh
If the lifetime warranty has been in place since new, someone has paid $24,000 to maintain it. This is why warranty companies blow up our phones.
hey they gotta pay Ice-T and Vivica A Fox somehow, lol
My Mopar warranty was $2700 for lifetime and is transferable to the next owner, if there is one. Eight years and it has more than paid for itself, although the truck has been very reliable.
I own a ’09 with the metal collapsible roof, it has plenty of power and rides nice with the top up and down. I wish it was a 6-speed.
I have an 06 with a 6 speed. You’re right to want one. I searched high and low for a manual. Auto is a known weak spot. I don’t think this version has that transmission but not positive. That Mopar warranty seems pretty good.
“However, the car features a transferrable Lifetime Warranty which costs $100 per month to maintain. It doesn’t cover consumable items but would allow the buyer to address most of the identified faults without putting their hand in their pocket.”
How come the current owner has not used the warranty to get stuff fixed?
That is what I think too. Something is not right about this whole thing. So I’m walking away.