Should i? Volvo S60 T5
Discussion
Axionknight said:
Good, spacious, comfy cars with a decent turn of speed, they are generally reliable (auto boxes are a weak point), providing it has been looked after, drives well and the paperwork is legit then I'd say go for it, after all the usual pre purchase checks of course.
Watch the rear legroom - its not spacious in the rear so if you need to carry adults in the back often then its worth looking at.The seats are sublime but the turning circle is like that of an oil tanker.
But fine cruiser, great seats, fab stereo (pro logic one), boot not as big or as good a shape as you'd imagine. Rear tight on leg and headroom. Nice place to sit too. Depends on your priorities. The handling is completely numb and it gives very little driver feedback. On the plus side it's extremely comfortable and the engine is smooth, charismatic and responds very well to a remap.
If you can find a good one I'd certainly go for it. Make sure you read up on the common issues - if the ETM hasn't been replaced it will need doing soon at that mileage but that's not the big cost it once was. They also hide the miles very, very well so if there's any doubt over the history haggle accordingly.
If you can find a good one I'd certainly go for it. Make sure you read up on the common issues - if the ETM hasn't been replaced it will need doing soon at that mileage but that's not the big cost it once was. They also hide the miles very, very well so if there's any doubt over the history haggle accordingly.
Hehe, I was thinking of one of this as an alternative to the other rapid barge of choice, the 95 Aero. I was trying to figure out the catch(presumably big engine petrol?) as they seem like total bargains at the mo.
From reading it sounds like there are pretty solid, but the auto boxes tend to die catastrophically. Is that correct? I want speedy, smooth and quiet, as a polar opposite to my current 172 cup that our tiny human hates!
It appears MPG is in the apologetic region, but meh.
From reading it sounds like there are pretty solid, but the auto boxes tend to die catastrophically. Is that correct? I want speedy, smooth and quiet, as a polar opposite to my current 172 cup that our tiny human hates!
It appears MPG is in the apologetic region, but meh.
I say go for it. The engine will do as many miles again easily if you keep on top of servicing.
Suspension bushes, balljoints, etc can and do fail frequently but that's easy/cheap repairs.
Also make sure you change rear brake shoes if the pads are to be done. You might as well - it's also cheap and gives less risk of the shoes falling apart and locking up a rear wheel. (Also a common problem). As said, rear legroom isn't that good, but otherwise comfy cars.
Suspension bushes, balljoints, etc can and do fail frequently but that's easy/cheap repairs.
Also make sure you change rear brake shoes if the pads are to be done. You might as well - it's also cheap and gives less risk of the shoes falling apart and locking up a rear wheel. (Also a common problem). As said, rear legroom isn't that good, but otherwise comfy cars.
Thanks, some helpful stuff there. Im not too fussed handling wise ive got an M3 for sunny days.. its main role will be carting me to work and up and down the motorway for the btcc season thats coming,ive an A4 1.6 at the moment and its not the best motorway vehicle(4k rpm at 80)
Im off to have a look at it this weekend.
Im off to have a look at it this weekend.
I had a 2.0T, so a smaller T5 but relatable all the same.
Bought one cheap (£500) last summer to take round Europe. sank another £1000 into it to make sure it got round the continent, did a new clutch, release bearing and flywheel, 4 new (decent) tires, and the cambelt and waterpump. After all that it performed faultlessly. I'll echo everything above, make sure the history is there and that the cambelt has been documented; they have long intervals but most will have needed one by now. The release bearing is weak, listen for it because its an (expensive) clutch out job.
In the interior, try turning the key in the ignition repeatedly, taking it out and replacing it. The keys wear and thus only turn after a few patient attempts. The HVAC can be quite weak, try turning the fan speed up full; it should blast. If not, might be a resistor issue. Heated rear window should be tested if you've chance as well. The seats are great, but Volvo leather suffers from lack of care, so unless its an ex-patrol car you'll probably need cleaner and conditioner to keep on top of it. The battery is in the boot, if it goes flat there is a keyhole next to the plate lamps. Whilst in the boot, check the gas struts that hold the lip, they rust at the ends but are cheap to replace.
Of course after that preventative maintenance, the car managed 3099 miles across 6 countries faultlessly, at an average of 35mpg (with some alps mixed in). Does 75mph at 2700rpm, but it was only a 5 speed.
It was probably the most comfortable way to do the trip, and we had nothing but confidence in the car the whole time.
I'd definitely have another. Good luck!
Bought one cheap (£500) last summer to take round Europe. sank another £1000 into it to make sure it got round the continent, did a new clutch, release bearing and flywheel, 4 new (decent) tires, and the cambelt and waterpump. After all that it performed faultlessly. I'll echo everything above, make sure the history is there and that the cambelt has been documented; they have long intervals but most will have needed one by now. The release bearing is weak, listen for it because its an (expensive) clutch out job.
In the interior, try turning the key in the ignition repeatedly, taking it out and replacing it. The keys wear and thus only turn after a few patient attempts. The HVAC can be quite weak, try turning the fan speed up full; it should blast. If not, might be a resistor issue. Heated rear window should be tested if you've chance as well. The seats are great, but Volvo leather suffers from lack of care, so unless its an ex-patrol car you'll probably need cleaner and conditioner to keep on top of it. The battery is in the boot, if it goes flat there is a keyhole next to the plate lamps. Whilst in the boot, check the gas struts that hold the lip, they rust at the ends but are cheap to replace.
Of course after that preventative maintenance, the car managed 3099 miles across 6 countries faultlessly, at an average of 35mpg (with some alps mixed in). Does 75mph at 2700rpm, but it was only a 5 speed.
It was probably the most comfortable way to do the trip, and we had nothing but confidence in the car the whole time.
I'd definitely have another. Good luck!
Edited by Gatefold on Tuesday 31st March 19:22
BL Fanboy said:
Watch the rear legroom - its not spacious in the rear so if you need to carry adults in the back often then its worth looking at.
The seats are sublime but the turning circle is like that of an oil tanker.
The seats are sublime but the turning circle is like that of an oil tanker.
Took me a couple of weeks to get it right when reversing into parking spaces.Hoofy said:
BL Fanboy said:
Watch the rear legroom - its not spacious in the rear so if you need to carry adults in the back often then its worth looking at.
The seats are sublime but the turning circle is like that of an oil tanker.
The seats are sublime but the turning circle is like that of an oil tanker.
Took me a couple of weeks to get it right when reversing into parking spaces.Hoofy said:
Is it at all possible to improve the turning circle?
Fartgalen said:
Yes. There are interchangeable lock stops on the lower A-arm. I'm currently running 215 winter tyres and the tyres rub the inner arch on full lock due to the lock stops being installed for 195s. I've heard people complain quite a bit about the big turning circle but it's not something I've ever had a problem with.
I've come from a Golf and it was really noticeable!Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff