Discussion
What about a VW passat. Should be ideal for motorway driving.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
TheAngryDog said:
I think they're kind of an older car, but I quite fancy one. The s60 having a letter box opening for the boot is a little annoying.
What I'd do in your situation since you're in Bucks is to give Graham at Horton Cars (mentioned above) a call or arrange to drop in. He's a good bloke and free with advice* - I spent a lot of time exchanging emails regarding pros and cons with him prior to asking him to find us an XC70 auto Euro 3 to act as the family wagon. I paid a small premium for this (nothing like a main dealer), but he found a decent one with 100k and a bit on the clock. A complete service incl ATF change (proper 3309 required) and a return to 4wd operation via the replacement of the splined coupler as part of his own warranty and 2 years on it's still just fine. In fact I was driving it yesterday and thinking how good the shifts were (at 130K miles)
I now run an S60 Euro 3 manual too. They are great cars and the engine if just fine - I return c49-50 measured.
- on balance he'll probably try to steer you away from the AW 5 speed, I bet, but persist if necessary
No it's not. Test drive until thoroughly warm. Check for clunking. Look at condition of ATF (buried at front RHS of engine). It should be cherry red, but if not, legislate/negotiate for a complete change (check current price with Graham). In some ways I'd be reassured if it was changing fine and the ATF was obviously well past its best.
Also check intercooler for leaks - they are made of cheese and blow (bowing) quite readily leaking oil onto the undertray.
The engine itself is absolutely the least of your worries. They are heavy on suspension components, so check for the usual clunks.
Also check intercooler for leaks - they are made of cheese and blow (bowing) quite readily leaking oil onto the undertray.
The engine itself is absolutely the least of your worries. They are heavy on suspension components, so check for the usual clunks.
The above is good advice.
Just test drive it for 30 minutes or so and if it is OK after that you can be pretty sure the gearbox is fine. Look out for rough changes when coming to a stop and find a bit of empty road and accelerate hard through the gears to check for no slipping.
Generally, the 2004/05 5-speed gearboxes are OK. It is actually the early 6-speed ones you really need to check carefully (late 2005 models on) as they had loads of valve body issues between 2006 & 2008.
Just test drive it for 30 minutes or so and if it is OK after that you can be pretty sure the gearbox is fine. Look out for rough changes when coming to a stop and find a bit of empty road and accelerate hard through the gears to check for no slipping.
Generally, the 2004/05 5-speed gearboxes are OK. It is actually the early 6-speed ones you really need to check carefully (late 2005 models on) as they had loads of valve body issues between 2006 & 2008.
confused_buyer said:
TheAngryDog said:
I'm starting to think I should just go for a manual and worry less about my knees lol.
Honestly, if you're looking at a late 5-speed it'll probably be OK. Just test drive it.confused_buyer said:
TheAngryDog said:
I'm starting to think I should just go for a manual and worry less about my knees lol.
Honestly, if you're looking at a late 5-speed it'll probably be OK. Just test drive it.1. Drive it for at least 30mins - this should show up any gearbox gremlins.
2. Check everything on it works.
3. Give it a WOT run up to 70mph+ a couple of times - may go into limp mode if any of the intake pipework or intercooler are dodgy.
Be reassured that there is a very knowledgeable group online that can pretty much advise on anything regrading volvo and how to fix stuff.
When I got my v70 it failed on point 3 above. It was the turbo inlet pipe that had gone all squashy over time, ten minute fix. They all also wear through the top engine mount which gives you a nasty shake when turning the engine off. The lower gbox mount can go too, easy to replace both. Mine also suffered a failed injector which was about £200 all on for diagnosis and diy replacement. If it starts, stops and runs fine though don't panic.
Buying cars at this level is a lottery, it doesn't matter what you get, the same caveats apply. On that basis you might as well get yourself a very comfortable and generally brilliant volvo. I really liked mine.
Edited by dave_s13 on Sunday 8th May 09:48
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