Potentially Looking for my first shed
Discussion
I have always had a soft spot for sheds and bargain barges, recently though my partner suggested getting "something like a freelander commercial" to take the dogs out in. Yesterday I also hit a pot hole that blew my tyre and left me car-less.
Laying in bed last night then I had a quick glance through ebay and stumbled across estate cars, an E55 AMG in fact. This got me thinking what kind of estate cars are out there for around £800?
My Obvious thought were volvo's. So I started looking on ebay at ended auctions etc and I am surprised the amount of car you can get for not a lot of cash e.g. this 850 T5.
The Ideal car would be a MY2000+ V70 in an unoffensive colour as I like the look & the anonymity of them, I cant help but think some older lunacy would be more fun but potentially more hassle. This is the current one I fancy.
Can anyone give me any advice on buying Volvo Estates, which are best, what engine I want/Dont want reliability wise, potential big bills, auto or manual etc. Petrol & Insurance not an issue, more worried about it landing me with a big bill. These are the ones that Interest me:
Laying in bed last night then I had a quick glance through ebay and stumbled across estate cars, an E55 AMG in fact. This got me thinking what kind of estate cars are out there for around £800?
My Obvious thought were volvo's. So I started looking on ebay at ended auctions etc and I am surprised the amount of car you can get for not a lot of cash e.g. this 850 T5.
The Ideal car would be a MY2000+ V70 in an unoffensive colour as I like the look & the anonymity of them, I cant help but think some older lunacy would be more fun but potentially more hassle. This is the current one I fancy.
Can anyone give me any advice on buying Volvo Estates, which are best, what engine I want/Dont want reliability wise, potential big bills, auto or manual etc. Petrol & Insurance not an issue, more worried about it landing me with a big bill. These are the ones that Interest me:
- 850 (T5 only)
- V40 any
- V50 any
- V70 any
Wouldn't bother with a non-T5 myself.... fuel economy is equally poor on the 2.3t5 as the 2.4 NA engine, insurance similar, so why bother.
I know the 850s suffered from leaks to the RMS, most reckoned that it was caused by blocked PCV systems, so evidence of that having been done is good as PCV can be changed fairly cheaply but if the rear main seal goes it is a big job to fix it.
ABS/TRACs warnings can come on and off like christmas tree lights although don't affect the drive at all. This is usually caused by dodgy connections in the ABS ECU, can be fixed for £150 or so. Also squeeky brakes are common, I never had an 850 that didn't have squeeky brakes, very annoying but not a issue really. Obviously smokey turbos should be avoided, otherwise the engines / boxes are very bulletproof.
Could also consider something like an MV6 Omega?
I know the 850s suffered from leaks to the RMS, most reckoned that it was caused by blocked PCV systems, so evidence of that having been done is good as PCV can be changed fairly cheaply but if the rear main seal goes it is a big job to fix it.
ABS/TRACs warnings can come on and off like christmas tree lights although don't affect the drive at all. This is usually caused by dodgy connections in the ABS ECU, can be fixed for £150 or so. Also squeeky brakes are common, I never had an 850 that didn't have squeeky brakes, very annoying but not a issue really. Obviously smokey turbos should be avoided, otherwise the engines / boxes are very bulletproof.
Could also consider something like an MV6 Omega?
I've had my fair share of Volvo's and love them.
850 T5's are great, very entertaining for a large estate.
Things to look for: Smoke from the exhaust can indicate a knackered turbo, condition of breather system (if smoke blows from the oil dipstick when removed with the engine running it needs renewing) easy enough DIY job (if time consuming) and about £90 parts. The rest is all pretty reliable apart from the potential issues mentioned by VolvoT5 above.
V40's - avoid the 1.6 (too slow) and the 1.8GDI (problematic) we've had a 1999 T4 previously and i bought my dad a 2001 2.0T for a grand which is still running nicely 3 years later. I would say the 2.0T is the better one to have (165bhp) as the power suits the car better, IMHO the 200bhp of the T4 is a bit too much for the car to cope with, unless you start upgrading suspension stuff. The N/A 2.0 Volvo unit is decent too, pretty bombproof and makes for relaxed cruising and good economy. Get a facelift car if you can (2001 on), much nicer interior and generally a nicer feel to it.
V70's are decent enough, i think personally the trim looks a bit cheap on some of the 97-00 ones and does not wear well compared to the 850. The 2000 onwards model can have issues with the auto gearbox. Get a T5 if you can. Other issues include the breather system same as the 850 and suspension knocks. They can do mega mileage if looked after properly but will have issues if not looked after right so a good history is essential.
As for V50's I don't have a clue. They arn't really into 'shed' territory yet!
Saab 9-5 estates may be something to consider also, espcially in Aero form. Just make sure you get a good one!
HTH
850 T5's are great, very entertaining for a large estate.
Things to look for: Smoke from the exhaust can indicate a knackered turbo, condition of breather system (if smoke blows from the oil dipstick when removed with the engine running it needs renewing) easy enough DIY job (if time consuming) and about £90 parts. The rest is all pretty reliable apart from the potential issues mentioned by VolvoT5 above.
V40's - avoid the 1.6 (too slow) and the 1.8GDI (problematic) we've had a 1999 T4 previously and i bought my dad a 2001 2.0T for a grand which is still running nicely 3 years later. I would say the 2.0T is the better one to have (165bhp) as the power suits the car better, IMHO the 200bhp of the T4 is a bit too much for the car to cope with, unless you start upgrading suspension stuff. The N/A 2.0 Volvo unit is decent too, pretty bombproof and makes for relaxed cruising and good economy. Get a facelift car if you can (2001 on), much nicer interior and generally a nicer feel to it.
V70's are decent enough, i think personally the trim looks a bit cheap on some of the 97-00 ones and does not wear well compared to the 850. The 2000 onwards model can have issues with the auto gearbox. Get a T5 if you can. Other issues include the breather system same as the 850 and suspension knocks. They can do mega mileage if looked after properly but will have issues if not looked after right so a good history is essential.
As for V50's I don't have a clue. They arn't really into 'shed' territory yet!
Saab 9-5 estates may be something to consider also, espcially in Aero form. Just make sure you get a good one!
HTH
Edited by RP1 on Wednesday 29th February 11:43
Had an 850t5 as a stopgap recently and its all been said really, check the breather isnt blocked as although its a cheap fix it can cause big problems if left unfixed, keep an eye on the abs light and the exhausts are rather expensive. Manual box is really good. T5 is the one to go for if youre looking for maximum shed, loses maybe 2mpg but really shifts, but is way cheaper than the r or t5r.
The spec is a seperate thing to the engine, but most have a fair amount of stuff if you look for at least an se, probably glt or cd for the most toys. Probably have to suffer a wood dash with that though. Leather is overrated, the cloth seats in these are the comfiest thing ever
Dont worry about the mileage on it, they go on forever when cared for, worry about the service history. Cambelt changes, fresh shocks and wear and tear stuff etc
The spec is a seperate thing to the engine, but most have a fair amount of stuff if you look for at least an se, probably glt or cd for the most toys. Probably have to suffer a wood dash with that though. Leather is overrated, the cloth seats in these are the comfiest thing ever
Dont worry about the mileage on it, they go on forever when cared for, worry about the service history. Cambelt changes, fresh shocks and wear and tear stuff etc
I had my V70 2.5 8v XLT from 125k to 160k and the only problem was the front suspension. They are heavy cars so some replacement parts were needed + the usual tyres and pads.
I lived in sheffield at the time and there was an excellent Indie who I used.
The 2.5 5 cyclinder engine is very unstressed and will last forever if looked after.
As above cloth seats very hard wearing and very comfortable.
Only car I really regretted selling.
I lived in sheffield at the time and there was an excellent Indie who I used.
The 2.5 5 cyclinder engine is very unstressed and will last forever if looked after.
As above cloth seats very hard wearing and very comfortable.
Only car I really regretted selling.
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