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Volvo V70 D5 (2002): Millionaire status for Frans
Frans still remembers the day he, a young adventurer with an indomitable urge for the horizon, took delivery of his Volvo V70 D5. It was 2010, and the youngtimer had “only” 170.000 kilometers on the counter – a rare milestone for a diesel. From that moment on, an unforgettable story began on the roads of Europe.
In the years that followed, the Volvo V70 D5 became Frans' faithful companion. Together they covered no less than 760.000 kilometres. They drove from the icy, untouched landscapes of the North Cape to sun-drenched Gibraltar and from rugged Ireland to the vast roads of Ukraine. Long holiday routes, endless motorway journeys and intensive business kilometres in international transport formed the backdrop to their joint adventures.
The Volvo proved to be a robust partner in every respect. Whether it was moving moving goods, transporting motorcycles and cars or braving the bitter winter cold of -30°C in Ukraine, the V70 D5 did it all with unprecedented reliability.
Unprecedented reliability
“Good and preventive maintenance extends the lifespan of this Swede, which makes the costs manageable. Only the Minister of Finance benefits from the high rate for diesel. For me, the interior must be impeccable, after all, it is my second home. The only adjustment I made is a Scheel seat for maximum comfort on long distances. They say that Volvo drivers are people who find quality and safety the most important, and for me reliability is added to that,” says Frans, who thinks back with warm nostalgia to the many kilometers together.
The Volvo V70 D5
As Frans mapped out his route for new adventures – including Turkey, the Caucasus and South America – the history of the Volvo V70 D5 continued to fascinate him. First introduced in 1996 as a spacious and safe estate car, the car underwent a true transformation. In 2002, the powerful D5 version was introduced, featuring a five-cylinder turbodiesel engine that not only delivered impressive power, but was also known for its economy and durability.
Volvo’s rich history, with its dedication to safety and quality, lives on in the V70 D5. It not only has a stylish and functional appearance, but also a heart of steel that will stand the test of time for generations. The Scandinavian design, with an interior that is both comfortable and practical, reflects the essence of Volvo: a harmonious combination of elegance, reliability and innovation.
A lifetime of Volvo
For Frans, the Volvo is more than a means of transport; it is an extension of his life. Every kilometre tells a story of adventure, perseverance and the deep bond between man and machine. Even the subscription to Auto Motor Klassiek – with its monthly issues and free advertising opportunities – helps keep the passion for these special vehicles alive. It reminds him that the world of youngtimers, classics and oldtimers is a treasure trove of stories and memories.
The Volvo V70 D5 remains a paragon
The Volvo V70 D5 thus remains not only a paragon of economic efficiency and comfort, but also a living testament to the durability and legendary reliability that have characterised Volvo for decades. For Frans, and for many others, owning this car is a lasting promise: a promise of adventure, quality and a lifetime of driving pleasure.
(The story continues below with the photos.)


We are almost hitting 500k, of course also a v70 D3 with all the comfort that a volvo can offer. R-design, nice rims, wonderfully warm seats in the winter. Whether you drive 20km or 1750km, you never get out stiff. It is the best car we have ever had, we have also driven 350k in those six years. I never want another car than a Volvo! So nice that there are many more enthusiasts… ❤️
Nice car and nice story.
But it is true that most cars with proper maintenance and gentle use
can get very far.
Especially with many long journeys.
Approximately €20 MRB has been paid in 35.000 years (including soot surcharge)…
Also this Volvo (2005) driven in petrol version and I drove less km's. Full of praise about quality and reliability, safety. But my Subaru Forrester (1999) which I drove before the Volvo and the Toyota's RAV4 afterwards could easily stand next to it ...
In 2002 I bought my first V70 D5 automatic. Almost all options were checked. Great car! At an unfortunate moment it let me down... with wife and children on the way back from Italy a turbo hose gave out. No power and a lot of black smoke behind the car. Put on a stronger hose and enjoyed it for a long time. After that I had an S60 D5. Especially the fuel consumption of that first series D5 was incredibly favorable!! Average 1 in 18 for a long time and many kilometers.
I also saw the North Cape and Gibraltar, in a Fiat 500, you don't need a Volvo for that
Now that's sustainability! And that little bit of extra soot doesn't weigh up against building eight yoghurt cups with their environmental engines that are snotty after a good 100.000 km. Volvo for life!
That's a 'bit' of nonsense, Anonymous. There is already a Tesla driving towards 1.000.000 km. I drive classic cars in my spare time, but now I am very satisfied with an electric MINI. For daily transport. Just as much fun I can tell you. And power from our own source. We need to broaden our horizons a bit. The world is changing.