CD Article: 2007 Volvo C70 hardtop convertible

[CD_Editor]

Today's Test Drive:

Hardtop convertible: Lovely styling, good performance and a marvelously-engineered roof all come together in the Volvo C70, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh. Handling is sharp and it's fun to drive, but it's expensive, she says.
   
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Read the article | View the photos | All The Test Drives

[Mitlov]

Good looking car.  Thing is, I don't see a single advantage of the C70 over the Eos, which is about 2/3s the price ($37,100 base price versus $56,500 base price).

[2hondas]

I think I have seen like 3 of these models on the road. I am assuming its very rare because of the price tag. 

[Mitlov]

I think I have seen like 3 of these models on the road. I am assuming its very rare because of the price tag. 

I've seen a few Eos's, but no C70s.  In the States, the price gap is narrower (the Eos is 80% of the price of the C70, not 66%).  The C70 is just plain overpriced for what it offers.

[Eric Green]

For 65-large, it better have RWD. This is one overpriced hairdresser's car (think Solara and Sebring and G6 convertibles).

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I think it's a gorgeous vehicle, much better proportioned than the Eos. And they have great option selection, think even the Dynaudio. Can actually seat 4 fairly comfortably too.

But I can't ignore the Eos's value, or it's built-in glass sunroof which is brilliant. The usable front seat space is better in Eos as well.

Neither should go thru an automated car wash.

[Demosthenes X]

Good looking car.  Thing is, I don't see a single advantage of the C70 over the Eos, which is about 2/3s the price ($37,100 base price versus $56,500 base price).

I agree.  Lovely car, but there's much better out there for nearly $60 000.

[sailor723]

Good looking car.  Thing is, I don't see a single advantage of the C70 over the Eos, which is about 2/3s the price ($37,100 base price versus $56,500 base price).

I agree.  Lovely car, but there's much better out there for nearly $60 000.

I guess I'm with the majority on this one. It's a beautiful car but when the price is factored in there are better options

[Schmengie]

 With Volvo's dismal reliability ratings lately, who in their right mind would spend (Gasp!! ) almost $60,000 on one of these things, as nice as they are? I can just see a C70 at a traffic light with the roof stuck half-way. 

[airbalancer]

I really can't say I have seen one on the road, but I have seen alot of new 328cic.
Have not seen many Eos either.
It is a nice looking car

[mmret]

Good looking car.  Thing is, I don't see a single advantage of the C70 over the Eos, which is about 2/3s the price ($37,100 base price versus $56,500 base price).

Agreed, Eos is quite nice.

[tortoise]

I'll take a Miata and an S40 for the same price please Alex.

[Snowman]

With Volvo's dismal reliability ratings lately, who in their right mind would spend (Gasp!! ) almost $60,000 on one of these things, as nice as they are? I can just see a C70 at a traffic light with the roof stuck half-way. 

  Volvo has a higher reliability rating than Nissan.

[Mitlov]

Volvo has a higher reliability rating than Nissan.

It all depends on which model you're talking about.  The S60 is the most reliable European car out there, according to CR, but the S40 has been plagued with problems.  The second-generation C70 is based on the S40, despite the name.

Likewise, Nissan has some very reliable vehicles (Frontier), some very unreliable vehicles (Titan), and plenty in between.  Nissan doesn't offer something comparable to the C70, so we can't talk about a specific model.

[Schmengie]

Volvo has a higher reliability rating than Nissan.

It all depends on which model you're talking about.  The S60 is the most reliable European car out there, according to CR, but the S40 has been plagued with problems.  The second-generation C70 is based on the S40, despite the name.

Likewise, Nissan has some very reliable vehicles (Frontier), some very unreliable vehicles (Titan), and plenty in between.  Nissan doesn't offer something comparable to the C70, so we can't talk about a specific model.

  Not only that, but doesn't spending $60,000 on a Volvo C70 entitle you to expect more reliability (or anything for that matter) than spending, say, $18,000 on a Nissan Versa? I dunno, I just thought I'd ask....

[airbalancer]

no, you have the same reliability at any cost

[Snowman]

no, you have the same reliability at any cost

Exactly, reliability is not a function of MSRP.

[Mitlov]

Not only that, but doesn't spending $60,000 on a Volvo C70 entitle you to expect more reliability (or anything for that matter) than spending, say, $18,000 on a Nissan Versa? I dunno, I just thought I'd ask....

No.  Reliability never increases as prices do.  A four-banger Accord is more reliable than an Acura RL, if I recall correctly.  Greater prices mean more mechanical complexity and greater drivetrain stresses, which in turn mean less reliability.  The really reliable cars out there are very often econoboxes.  Corollas, Yarises, those sorts of things.  Your example of the Versais a great example.  Does a Versa have a folding hardtop that could break?  Is it turbocharged?  Does it have heated power seats?  All of these extras that make the C70 a nicer driving experience than a Versa are also potential reliability trouble spots.

[airbalancer]

If you take out the little problems I have had with the folding roof 323CIC, the car has almost been prefect

[Schmengie]

Not only that, but doesn't spending $60,000 on a Volvo C70 entitle you to expect more reliability (or anything for that matter) than spending, say, $18,000 on a Nissan Versa? I dunno, I just thought I'd ask....

No.  Reliability never increases as prices do.  A four-banger Accord is more reliable than an Acura RL, if I recall correctly.  Greater prices mean more mechanical complexity and greater drivetrain stresses, which in turn mean less reliability.  The really reliable cars out there are very often econoboxes.  Corollas, Yarises, those sorts of things.  Your example of the Versais a great example.  Does a Versa have a folding hardtop that could break?  Is it turbocharged?  Does it have heated power seats?  All of these extras that make the C70 a nicer driving experience than a Versa are also potential reliability trouble spots.

Well, maybe so, but if I had that kind of money to spend on a car   , I would be inclined to go for a Japanese brand like Lexus or Infinity for the very reason that I would expect better-than-average reliability for my money. Last time I checked, equivalent models from these manufacturers have the same if not more features than the C70.

PS - Years ago, my brother-in-law had a turbocharged Chrysler (I don't remember the model, but it was expensive) with power heated seats and all the options including a power sunroof, and had very few problems with it. Around the same time his Dad had a Horizon with no options at all and it broke so often I was afraid to drive it. Go figure.