S40? 2.4i?

[Horse Pop]

I'm looking at autotrader and seeing a few of these popping up next to the Mazda 3s I was looking at.

How are they as cars?

They seem to get good write ups. How's the reliability?

How is the real world MPG of the 2.4i with a manual box?

[martinrpeachey]

It'll be pretty much as you'd expect from a 1500Kg car with a 2.4 engine really, although the T5 variant will have the same fuel economy but with more power (quite a lot more power infact).

[Horse Pop]

So.. mid 30s on't motorway @ 77, 20s around town?

[martinrpeachey]

Horse Pop said:

So.. mid 30s on't motorway @ 77, 20s around town?

I would expect that to be about right, yes.

[Horse Pop]

and the T5 will also manage mid 30s on "a run"?

[morgrp]

Yep, Definitely. Even my old 2.3 T5 in my C70 can manage 33mpg on a run at 70mph - will drop to high 20's at 10 above that.

The 2.4 is essentially bullet proof. Its such a well proven engine you're unlikely to have any major issues with it unless you are very unlucky

[norchi]

All the smaller, now discontinued Volvos and that Mazda were built on the very same Focus platform, same suspension etc. As has been said Volvo offered their 5 pot petrol T5 and diesel D5 in their cars with their M66 gearbox and AW autos if you really must.

Good software available for them for greater engine outputs plus all sorts of other performance stuff if that is your bag....

Regards, Don.

[Horse Pop]

Is 70k a major service for the T5 engine?

Cam belt or anything like that?

[morgrp]

Horse Pop said:

Is 70k a major service for the T5 engine?

Cam belt or anything like that?

I recommend cambelts at 40k or 5 years on 5cylinder Volvos although Volvo will say 60-70k -I've had some seriously degraded belts with less than 50k on them before. Cambelt is a simple job on a T5 thanks to good access and well thought out design. ON a cambelt service I also recommend doing the tensioners, Auxiliary drive belt and the water pump - I'd also suggest that you use either a genuine volvo belt kit or one from Gates.