Hello, I am currently testing an '07 V70 2.5T FWD. I live in eastern Ontario where winter driving is a part of life. I am wondering if I should be looking at the XC70 instead. Any advice is appeciated. This is my first potential Volvo and I must say I love it.

 

I have an '04 V70 2.4, I live in Alberta near the mountains where we have winter 50% of the year. A good set of snow tires and the car is perfect in any condition. Also if you use the winter mode it makes accelerating from those slippery starts easier. I love my V70, also looks way better than the XC70 in my opinion.

 

Thanks Magoo. It seems like great car and its only got 36000km on it with a full load so I hate to let it go. Hopefully it will shuttle me back & forth to the ski hill for many years!

 

I have an 06 V70 with just FWD in Maine. I bought a set of steelies with snow tires to switch out for winter (MIchelin X-Ice). I think this is a must, and as such he car is great in snow. That's not to say that AWD might be better, but I have never needed it. In my humble opinion you are better off without the weight and potential repairs. The only think I don't like about my car in winter are the windshield wipers which ice over pretty easily. Since they are fitted wipers I can't buy winter blades. It's a small nuisance. Great car.

 

Sorry for the late reply, but here is my experience.

Two cars used in winter: 06 V70 2.5t with Conti DWS tires. 06 Mercury Mariner AWD with nothing special in the way of tires on it. General something or others. We had lots of snow this past winter, and some icy days, too.

Hands down, AWD is easier in deeper snow and on ice. Greater ground clearance plus torque to all wheels = problem free starting and running. FWD V70, even with these tires, obviously has less ground clearance and will "spin" its tires far more easily. The "W" setting (starts in 2nd gear I think) helps a lot. The Volvo isn't bad, mind you, but when the snow got deep, guess which car my wife would take. Most wives are smart like that, you know, and leave potential automotive-related problems to their husbands.

I noticed Volvo doesn't import a V70 any more, but still imports XC 70 despite various SUV's available in its line.

 

Just bought am '07 V70 2.4 with 45k on it. Replaced a Saab 9.5 wagon that got too costly to fix. Had driven that one for 7 years and it is 4WD (Saab never offered a 4WD). Snow tires were almost a no-brainer and we will be getting a set for the V70. Can't compare to the XC, but can say that our experience with FWD with snows with these cars provide a pretty stable ride (it;s what I put my kids in...)....AND, one other reason we went with a more basic V70--better value and fewer systems (turbo, etc, to break down and empty our walets). Of, course I expect we will be shelling out $$$ for the V70 repairs, but I would also ecpect it to be an overall better value, while maintainig the safety and preformance we desired. AND--there are fewer used models on the market, so if you see one with decent miles and history, consider strongly. The V70 Vs the XC???---Go with the snows in either event.

 

Oh, and one more thing--live in New England, so plenty of winter driving experience......