S60 D5... owners
Discussion
Still looking and also looking at alternatives.
Can anyone comment as to how well a new shape S40 will hold up after, say, 100k miles? Pictures of interiors on higher mileage examples seem to show the bolsters/leather not wearing that well, which is surprising. Will it feel a bit tinny next to an S60?
Can anyone comment as to how well a new shape S40 will hold up after, say, 100k miles? Pictures of interiors on higher mileage examples seem to show the bolsters/leather not wearing that well, which is surprising. Will it feel a bit tinny next to an S60?
Sorry I got my mileages wrong.
Got car at 114 k just pipped 130k this week. So fair bit for 8-9 months.
I was about I buy a 530d sport (e39) but it seems buying cars is hard work these days. After a week faffing and not getting questions answered fully I have given up.
Unfortunately I don't have time to muck about fitting parts. But the clutch is holding so I'm going to get handbrake done this week see how it goes.
The car isn't worth much so dmf/clutch going would be difficult to call wether its worth it.
Hoping it will hold while I continue with my search for an e39 - however judging by sellers attitudes that won't be soon!
Worst case I repair it and keep it till it dies I guess - I do feel it's like a faithful dog that never lets you down so a bit torn.
Got car at 114 k just pipped 130k this week. So fair bit for 8-9 months.
I was about I buy a 530d sport (e39) but it seems buying cars is hard work these days. After a week faffing and not getting questions answered fully I have given up.
Unfortunately I don't have time to muck about fitting parts. But the clutch is holding so I'm going to get handbrake done this week see how it goes.
The car isn't worth much so dmf/clutch going would be difficult to call wether its worth it.
Hoping it will hold while I continue with my search for an e39 - however judging by sellers attitudes that won't be soon!
Worst case I repair it and keep it till it dies I guess - I do feel it's like a faithful dog that never lets you down so a bit torn.
Super Slo Mo said:
n fairness, the tracking was way out when I bought it, I didn't notice until I fitted a new set of tyres and the front shoulders were scrubbed off in under 3,000 miles.
. They were Bridgestone BT050's, which were soft, grippy and a bit noisy, but wore fairly quickly. I'm running a full set of Falkens now which seem better in wear and noise terms.
It does seem to eat tyres, but on the other hand, it seems to be able to corner at much higher speeds than previous cars without much fuss, so I suspect there's something of a contributory factor there
.
The odd thing regarding the fuel consumption is that the computer thinks it's averaging 55 mpg, but I reckon it's over reading by a good 14 mpg, according to my calculations. The odometer isn't out by anything significant (at least, I've done the old GPS check thing, over 200 miles, it was as close to the Tomtom as makes no difference). Interestingly, urban driving gets me about 36 mpg, so only 5 or so down on the slow motorway driving.
Can't really afford to replace it just yet, and anyway, I've also got no idea what to get instead. I've also no idea what it's worth though.
Ah OK, I was going to ask about how the tracking was, but you've already covered that. I think these cars are renowned for being heavy on tyres. Mine seem OK so far, having done about 6k on them - they don't look too much more worn than when I got the car - they are Pirelli P Zeros which I think are OEM for the car. Like you say they do go around high speed corners very nicely. . They were Bridgestone BT050's, which were soft, grippy and a bit noisy, but wore fairly quickly. I'm running a full set of Falkens now which seem better in wear and noise terms. It does seem to eat tyres, but on the other hand, it seems to be able to corner at much higher speeds than previous cars without much fuss, so I suspect there's something of a contributory factor there
.The odd thing regarding the fuel consumption is that the computer thinks it's averaging 55 mpg, but I reckon it's over reading by a good 14 mpg, according to my calculations. The odometer isn't out by anything significant (at least, I've done the old GPS check thing, over 200 miles, it was as close to the Tomtom as makes no difference). Interestingly, urban driving gets me about 36 mpg, so only 5 or so down on the slow motorway driving.
Can't really afford to replace it just yet, and anyway, I've also got no idea what to get instead. I've also no idea what it's worth though.
The trip computer in my car overestimates by about 20%, so I don't really bother relying on it any more, much easier to just calculate it myself. Volvo can adjust this for you if you really wanted it.
V70s are worth a lot more than S60s - you'd get at least £2.5k for it I would think; interestingly I think the values of all Volvo D5s has gone up recently.
ad551 said:
V70s are worth a lot more than S60s - you'd get at least £2.5k for it I would think; interestingly I think the values of all Volvo D5s has gone up recently.
That's interesting. Trouble is, replacing it is going to be difficult. Something new(er) and more efficient, but not as nice to drive? It's so darned useful too, that folding front passenger seat lets you put 3 metre lengths of wood in without needing to tie the back door open, and as I'm renovating a house at the moment, it's basically getting used as a builder's van.
I like the car, just wish it was a bit more cost effective for me, and reliable.
KaraK said:
Been reading this thread with interest today as I'm off to look at a 2003 S60 D5 SE this afternoon, apparantly the car has 145k on the clock but it sounds like they can take it?
Oh I think they can take it, so long as you're willing to keep on top of the maintenance, the indy I take mine to said Arriva have a few that he services and they're on around 350k miles!Garett said:
KaraK said:
Been reading this thread with interest today as I'm off to look at a 2003 S60 D5 SE this afternoon, apparantly the car has 145k on the clock but it sounds like they can take it?
Oh I think they can take it, so long as you're willing to keep on top of the maintenance, the indy I take mine to said Arriva have a few that he services and they're on around 350k miles!KaraK said:
Got no problems with staying on top of it - my indy is very reasonable on his labour and has been very competent with every car I've thrown his way over the years.
Just make sure it has a good history (even better if it is a full Volvo service history, and lots of them are). 
Edited by ad551 on Tuesday 1st November 14:18
ad551 said:
KaraK said:
Got no problems with staying on top of it - my indy is very reasonable on his labour and has been very competent with every car I've thrown his way over the years.
Just make sure it has a good history (even better if it is a full Volvo service history, and lots of them are). Edited by ad551 on Tuesday 1st November 14:18
) but Full Dealer S/H can mean sweet naff all. If i were you, i'd look at all the receipts thoroughly, and give the car a good look over. Look at how the work has been done. 
Stedman said:
ad551 said:
KaraK said:
Got no problems with staying on top of it - my indy is very reasonable on his labour and has been very competent with every car I've thrown his way over the years.
Just make sure it has a good history (even better if it is a full Volvo service history, and lots of them are). Edited by ad551 on Tuesday 1st November 14:18
) but Full Dealer S/H can mean sweet naff all. If i were you, i'd look at all the receipts thoroughly, and give the car a good look over. Look at how the work has been done. 
Well I have changed my mind and I am getting rid of the car. Turns out it wasnt clutch but suspected boost leak, symptoms are like a clutch because it cuts power when you need it (WOT) but a few hill starts showed this up.
I fancy a change anyway, despite it being a fairly easy fix so its going cheap. The E39 530d beckons for a while, but I do have in my mind if that doesnt work out I may come back to the Volvo fold.
Funny as its my 4th Volvo so its a departure from the known for a while!
I fancy a change anyway, despite it being a fairly easy fix so its going cheap. The E39 530d beckons for a while, but I do have in my mind if that doesnt work out I may come back to the Volvo fold.
Funny as its my 4th Volvo so its a departure from the known for a while!
To the post above (welcome by the way), yes, just two flip outs and a emergency spare, although I didn't get the spare.
I've left the fold as of last Wednesday - couldn't bring myself to say on here until now!
I loved the old workhorse which gave me 44,000 trouble free miles from 83,000 miles onward in a year. Still would not recommend any other car if your doing mileage or want a strong motor.
Having had my eye on a BMW E61 sport for quite some time, I ventured into BMW ownership last week. I still have a real soft spot for this car and can see myself getting one for novelty value when they ridiculously rare in 15-20 years - but for now I'm enjoying the stiff suspension and punchy engine of a BMW petrol straight 6.
I will be lurking on this thread but I wish you the best of luck with these awesome machines until next time.
I've left the fold as of last Wednesday - couldn't bring myself to say on here until now!
I loved the old workhorse which gave me 44,000 trouble free miles from 83,000 miles onward in a year. Still would not recommend any other car if your doing mileage or want a strong motor.
Having had my eye on a BMW E61 sport for quite some time, I ventured into BMW ownership last week. I still have a real soft spot for this car and can see myself getting one for novelty value when they ridiculously rare in 15-20 years - but for now I'm enjoying the stiff suspension and punchy engine of a BMW petrol straight 6.
I will be lurking on this thread but I wish you the best of luck with these awesome machines until next time.
thanks for the reply. My brother has had his bmw 330d sport from brand new and he's just gone through the 200k mark and it's still going strong. I was torn between a beemer & a volvo, but found the Volvo much better value for money second hand. Mines only done 49k, one owner and full Volvo history - so hopefully i'll get a good few miles out of it!
STILL thinking about one of these!
I now have a contract extension on my current job, which is 45-50 miles from home, so over the year I shall be putting about 25k with my casual useage as well.
I have a v cheap snotter at the mo, but it is not particularly economical and very uncomfortable, with poor lights an no a/c. It has been fine for a few months of thrashing around various construction sites, but now I'm going to be more office based a comfortable motorway mile muncher is in order.
I have posted on this thread before whilst considering an S60, then strayed off onto thinking about alternatives. However, I keep coming back to these - maybe I just need to scratch that S60 itch!
My budget now is £3.5k max. The thing is I've never bought a car with over 100k on the clock and an S60 D5 SE on my budget is likely to be. Given the annual mileage I'll be doing it rise a quite a rate. The depreciation on a car of this value doesn't worry me too much, but the list of things which may need doing/repalcing/etc (maintenance costs) does.
In my situation would you still recommend one of these cars, or would I be better in an old Golf/Passat 130 TDi?
I now have a contract extension on my current job, which is 45-50 miles from home, so over the year I shall be putting about 25k with my casual useage as well.
I have a v cheap snotter at the mo, but it is not particularly economical and very uncomfortable, with poor lights an no a/c. It has been fine for a few months of thrashing around various construction sites, but now I'm going to be more office based a comfortable motorway mile muncher is in order.
I have posted on this thread before whilst considering an S60, then strayed off onto thinking about alternatives. However, I keep coming back to these - maybe I just need to scratch that S60 itch!
My budget now is £3.5k max. The thing is I've never bought a car with over 100k on the clock and an S60 D5 SE on my budget is likely to be. Given the annual mileage I'll be doing it rise a quite a rate. The depreciation on a car of this value doesn't worry me too much, but the list of things which may need doing/repalcing/etc (maintenance costs) does.
In my situation would you still recommend one of these cars, or would I be better in an old Golf/Passat 130 TDi?
pstruck said:
STILL thinking about one of these!
I now have a contract extension on my current job, which is 45-50 miles from home, so over the year I shall be putting about 25k with my casual useage as well.
I have a v cheap snotter at the mo, but it is not particularly economical and very uncomfortable, with poor lights an no a/c. It has been fine for a few months of thrashing around various construction sites, but now I'm going to be more office based a comfortable motorway mile muncher is in order.
I have posted on this thread before whilst considering an S60, then strayed off onto thinking about alternatives. However, I keep coming back to these - maybe I just need to scratch that S60 itch!
My budget now is £3.5k max. The thing is I've never bought a car with over 100k on the clock and an S60 D5 SE on my budget is likely to be. Given the annual mileage I'll be doing it rise a quite a rate. The depreciation on a car of this value doesn't worry me too much, but the list of things which may need doing/repalcing/etc (maintenance costs) does.
In my situation would you still recommend one of these cars, or would I be better in an old Golf/Passat 130 TDi?
I'd say if you can find one that has had the clutch, Slave Cyl and DMF replaced (this goes for all the Volvos of this age) then yes go for it...if not keep that in mind as it is a common failure and costs between £1k and £1.5 depending who does the work.I now have a contract extension on my current job, which is 45-50 miles from home, so over the year I shall be putting about 25k with my casual useage as well.
I have a v cheap snotter at the mo, but it is not particularly economical and very uncomfortable, with poor lights an no a/c. It has been fine for a few months of thrashing around various construction sites, but now I'm going to be more office based a comfortable motorway mile muncher is in order.
I have posted on this thread before whilst considering an S60, then strayed off onto thinking about alternatives. However, I keep coming back to these - maybe I just need to scratch that S60 itch!
My budget now is £3.5k max. The thing is I've never bought a car with over 100k on the clock and an S60 D5 SE on my budget is likely to be. Given the annual mileage I'll be doing it rise a quite a rate. The depreciation on a car of this value doesn't worry me too much, but the list of things which may need doing/repalcing/etc (maintenance costs) does.
In my situation would you still recommend one of these cars, or would I be better in an old Golf/Passat 130 TDi?
maintenance costs are not high imho, it is all relative, I'd say you'll spend the same in maintenance on a VAG or BMW/Mercedes as you would on a Volvo.....if you want cheap buy a modern Ford or Vauxhall.
Would I buy another one Knowing what I know now? ......YES I would
y2blade said:
I'd say if you can find one that has had the clutch, Slave Cyl and DMF replaced (this goes for all the Volvos of this age) then yes go for it...if not keep that in mind as it is a common failure and costs between £1k and £1.5 depending who does the work.
maintenance costs are not high imho, it is all relative, I'd say you'll spend the same in maintenance on a VAG or BMW/Mercedes as you would on a Volvo.....if you want cheap buy a modern Ford or Vauxhall.
Would I buy another one Knowing what I know now? ......YES I would
Bang on I would say - the above is the killer blow to what is a very capable cruising car. What I love about it is that it just has a solid feel, it doesnt attract attention and feels hewn from granite.maintenance costs are not high imho, it is all relative, I'd say you'll spend the same in maintenance on a VAG or BMW/Mercedes as you would on a Volvo.....if you want cheap buy a modern Ford or Vauxhall.
Would I buy another one Knowing what I know now? ......YES I would
Ok the clutch/DMF is an issue and yes the bottom suspension arms do go. But show me another car these days that doesnt have some sort of point where investment is needed.
What to keep an eye on;
Clutch/DMF
Check for suspension arms past 80/90k
Check for handbrake shoes being replaced 80/90k or sooner/later
Those are the common issues/things that can crop up.
My current S60 is going to we buy any car this week as its terminally ill with alternator failure, hole in the intercooler and DMF rattle that makes you wince.
But I paid less than 2k for it and its covered 18k now and still runs fine - I suspect its got more on the clock than stated too.
I would have another but fancy a change so im off to BMW for a while, will be back into Volvo once the S60 new shape prices get realistic, they are on planet mars at moment.
I've become the latest person to join the S60 D5 club...
Sadly had to sell my s2k as my commute will shortly be going from 10 to 50 miles a day, so a diesel was the order of the day!
I really wanted a 330d or 530d as they are a nicer drive (from an involvement perspective anyway), but every one of the 6 examples I viewed had varyingly levels of rot (even an '04 one) and as this change was supposed to be an economy move, I decided I wasn't prepared to take the risk on a rusty car.
So I went to look at S60s and the condition I could get for my £5k budget was on another planet. Although I won't get the same driving satisfaction, from a financial perspective it makes much more sense - better economy, cheaper to insure, and from what I've seen from the web it is far less prone to expensive faults and I saw no stories of rust.
I did 350 miles last weekend looking at 6 different cars, and this was the last one that I saw and is the exact spec I had on my wish list (not that I would have turned down a lesser spec one). It's an '05 facelift with the EU3 engine and manual box, SE model with a whole load of options (Volvo was the first of its two owners for 6 months, so assuming it was a demo): Satnav, 6 CD in dash changer, 11 speaker stereo (is that the "premium" upgrade I keep hearing about? - 6 in front doors, 1 in dash, 2 in rear doors, 2 in rear shelf), auto wipers, sunroof, different alloys to the norm, folding mirrors, etc. It's very comfy, the stereo sounds great, and despite 72k on the clock it looks almost new inside and is in very good condition on the outside too. I had a bit of a shock when I stuck £90 in the tank just after collecting it, but I'm hoping it will go a fair way if it continues to get anywhere near the 53mpg I got on the 100 mile trip home.
Here's a couple of pictures of it after a good wash yesterday.
Sadly had to sell my s2k as my commute will shortly be going from 10 to 50 miles a day, so a diesel was the order of the day!
I really wanted a 330d or 530d as they are a nicer drive (from an involvement perspective anyway), but every one of the 6 examples I viewed had varyingly levels of rot (even an '04 one) and as this change was supposed to be an economy move, I decided I wasn't prepared to take the risk on a rusty car.
So I went to look at S60s and the condition I could get for my £5k budget was on another planet. Although I won't get the same driving satisfaction, from a financial perspective it makes much more sense - better economy, cheaper to insure, and from what I've seen from the web it is far less prone to expensive faults and I saw no stories of rust.
I did 350 miles last weekend looking at 6 different cars, and this was the last one that I saw and is the exact spec I had on my wish list (not that I would have turned down a lesser spec one). It's an '05 facelift with the EU3 engine and manual box, SE model with a whole load of options (Volvo was the first of its two owners for 6 months, so assuming it was a demo): Satnav, 6 CD in dash changer, 11 speaker stereo (is that the "premium" upgrade I keep hearing about? - 6 in front doors, 1 in dash, 2 in rear doors, 2 in rear shelf), auto wipers, sunroof, different alloys to the norm, folding mirrors, etc. It's very comfy, the stereo sounds great, and despite 72k on the clock it looks almost new inside and is in very good condition on the outside too. I had a bit of a shock when I stuck £90 in the tank just after collecting it, but I'm hoping it will go a fair way if it continues to get anywhere near the 53mpg I got on the 100 mile trip home.
Here's a couple of pictures of it after a good wash yesterday.
I would expect you to get 600 plus miles out of that 90 quid. Mine does 500-550 on £80 or so (average 41 mpg), as you may have read earlier in the thread, the computer is a bit of an optimist, although my car seems to be heavier on fuel than most other people report (suppose it depends how you drive, I'm gentle on the motorway, doing 70 or so on cruise, but heavy footed around town, and on the single carriageways, although 90% of my motoring is motorway).
Looks a nice car though, think I may try an S60 next. I don't think you'll be upset with the 11 speaker stereo, unless you're a sound engineer/audiophile, even then, it's an impressive system.
I think also you may be satisfied with how it handles, they seem to like being grabbed by the scruff of the neck and thrown down the road, whereas a gentle approach seems to result in them being a bit ponderous. Ok it's not a Beemer, but it's not half bad for a big, heavy front wheel drive car. I find myself running out of 'brave' before the car runs out of limit.
Looks a nice car though, think I may try an S60 next. I don't think you'll be upset with the 11 speaker stereo, unless you're a sound engineer/audiophile, even then, it's an impressive system.
I think also you may be satisfied with how it handles, they seem to like being grabbed by the scruff of the neck and thrown down the road, whereas a gentle approach seems to result in them being a bit ponderous. Ok it's not a Beemer, but it's not half bad for a big, heavy front wheel drive car. I find myself running out of 'brave' before the car runs out of limit.
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