What's the View on the V60

[Seeker UK]

I've had some figures put together on a 63 plate D3 V60 SE and it's an attractive offer. Next step is a test drive to see what they're like to drive but before that, I'd be interested in opinions here.

My previous Volvo history has seen me own a couple of 440s, a 480 and D5 (163BHP) S60 and V70 and although I'd love another D5 (especially the new one), they're a bit out of my price bracket new so a 163D3 might be OK. Anyone have one? Real world MPG? What are they like to drive?

Thanks

[Burba]

Fairly well spec'd V60 D5 here - 205hp

Really like mine, it just does everything I ask of it. mpg is not strictly why I bought it as I do mainly town driving and it tells me my av speed is 23mph lovely pull with the twin turbo setup. Had a 163 i think when mine was in for service and that seemed to pull well enough but that was in a slightly heavier V70

[Axionknight]

The D3 is 136bhp these days, the D4 is 163hp, according to Volvos website.

[Seeker UK]

Axionknight said:

The D3 is 136bhp these days, the D4 is 163hp, according to Volvos website.

Yes, I noticed that.

I don't think I'd be content for too long with 136bhp.

[Axionknight]

Good engine, quite torquey being a 5cyl, but yeah 136bhp is pretty poor. Could always remap it? If not it'll have to be the D4, whcih is really powerful, drove a C30 with it in and it was great, for a diesel.

[Basil Hume]

Have a read of my thread and profile notes on my V60 D5 (215) - I like it.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=126...

[Seeker UK]

Basil Hume said:

Have a read of my thread and profile notes on my V60 D5 (215) - I like it.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=126...

Thanks for providing the link.

Have you heard a non-Dolby audio system? How does it compare?

[Axionknight]

Standard Volvo sound systems are excellent, I've had a C30 (2008) and a V40 (2013), both were stock systems and both were very good, I wouldn't be worried.

[AlpineWhite]

Had a ride in one the other week. Very different from my S60 - even allowing for it being a size down. Can't say I was taken by it, to be honest.

[ianrb]

Seeker UK said:

Thanks for providing the link.

Have you heard a non-Dolby audio system? How does it compare?

I have a V60 D5 R-Design in the same dark Metalic Blue. The stereo is the non Dolby one, at least it has no Dolby logos on it so a assume it's the basic one. The sound quality is good, the analogue radio pulls in stations very well, the DAB is a bit dull sounding (but that's DAB for you), and my iPod sounds good via the USB port (although the navigation for the iPod is a bit weird).

The highlight of the car is the seats! I have regular 4 hour drive and this Volvo is the first car in which I can complete that drive without getting any aches.

The other highlights are the performance, which is nice and brisk, and the gearbox, which is precise and light.

Downsides are the 18" wheels (part of the R-Design package), and no dipstick, instead it uses some electronic trickery.

[Redlake27]

Sorry for a thread resurrection, but I wondered if anyone has experience of the petrol t3 or t4? I don't do enough miles for a diesel, and the 150-180hp models should be adequate for a non-sporty estate. Any ideas on real world mpg?

There's plenty of 3 year old cars at around 13k.....starting to look good value.

[dry664]

+1 on the thread resurrection!

Looking at one of these as a main car for me and the Mrs. Just needs to be a good car for knocking round, touring but doesnt need to be fast. Cheap is good. D2 or D3?

[TheFinners]

Redlake27 said:

Sorry for a thread resurrection, but I wondered if anyone has experience of the petrol t3 or t4? I don't do enough miles for a diesel, and the 150-180hp models should be adequate for a non-sporty estate. Any ideas on real world mpg?

There's plenty of 3 year old cars at around 13k.....starting to look good value.

The old man leased a T3 R Design for 2 years from 2011-13. He had no problems with it. It was pretty torquey and brisk in the mid range and had a useful amount of grunt from 2k onwards. The main difference between the T3 and T4 is the latter is a little stronger at high revs and it also has an overboost with an extra 20 or so ft/lbs for a certain amount of time. The engine was also very refined for a small capacity engine and sounded quite nice too when revved. The only disappointment was it was a bit thirsty, averaging 30-32mpg although my old man is an enthusiastic driver, so I'd expect to see 35-37mpg driven more gently.