Volvo S60 Vs Mazda 6

[lewis991]

Hi Guys,

I currently have a 2008 Mazda 6 2.0d which I hate!! Looking too replace it with something more reliable!

Looking at 2005 (05) Volvo S60 D5, are these much more reliable than the mazda?? I cover 1,500+ miles a month for work all motorway so need a comfy, powerful cruiser that will return 40 + mpg and won't cost me in surprise bills like the mazda is!

Look forward to the replies.

Cheers.

[browny1993]

HI,

We had an S60 D5 and they are great, Volvos are typically reliable and the D5 motor is probably the most reliable of the bunch. A friend of mine has a 55 plate s60 D5 with 350,000 + on the clock and its still solid. Out of the diesel Volvos the the D5 in my opinion is the best, if im right from 06 on wards they went upto 185 hp, which pulls like a train, with the torque they have. And as always with Volvos the build quality is superb.

Overall Good choice in my opinion

[johnny fotze]

I'd agree with that (re d5). There are a few weak spots to look out for; firstly, injector chuff- not catastrophic, but be aware. Secondly, the power steering system is prone to leaking, particularly the steering rack. Again, not catastrophic, but expect a £500 repair within a year or two. Thirdly, belts AND tensioners MUST be replaced on or ahead of schedule. This failure is catastrophic. What usually happens is the bearings in the aux belt idle pulley or tensioner fail, throw the belt off and into the timing belt. Easily prevented by following the maintenance schedule. They can also be a bit particular about fluids, so always use those recommended by Volvo.
Overall I'd say they're one of the few remaining underappreciated bargains. Looked after properly they can reach the half million mile mark. Neglect it and it will be beyond economical repair in no time.

Edited by johnny fotze on Thursday 4th September 12:02

[458bhp]

johnny fotze said:

I'd agree with that (re d5). There are a few weak spots to look out for; firstly, injector chuff- not catastrophic, but be aware. Secondly, the power steering system is prone to leaking, particularly the steering rack. Again, not catastrophic, but expect a £500 repair within a year or two. Thirdly, belts AND tensioners MUST be replaced on or ahead of schedule. This failure is catastrophic. What usually happens is the bearings in the aux belt idle pulley or tensioner fail, throw the belt off and into the timing belt. Easily prevented by following the maintenance schedule. They can also be a bit particular about fluids, so always use those recommended by Volvo.
Overall I'd say they're one of the few remaining underappreciated bargains. Looked after properly they can reach the half million mile mark. Neglect it and it will be beyond economical repair in no time.

Edited by johnny fotze on Thursday 4th September 12:02

Depends if its the euro 3 163bhp or euro 4 185bhp, both could be had as far as im aware during the facelift years of 04/05.

If its a euro 3 163 with a black engine cover then things to look out for are blown intercoolers and knackered vacuum engine mounts.

An euro 4 185 with a silver engine cover has the swirl flaps and DPF issues.

If the car will be used mainly for long journeys then the 185 with DPF shouldn't be a problem.

To throw a spanner in the works, at the same time the 185 was introduced, Volvo released the 2.4D with 163bhp, but was euro 4 and apparently just a detuned version of the 185. Engine cover is the same silver as D5 version.

Edit - Wouldn't dream of buying a phase 2 without connecting Dice/Vida to it to run through all of the codes, and there will be many.

Edited by 458bhp on Thursday 4th September 12:38

[johnny fotze]

458bhp said:

johnny fotze said:

I'd agree with that (re d5). There are a few weak spots to look out for; firstly, injector chuff- not catastrophic, but be aware. Secondly, the power steering system is prone to leaking, particularly the steering rack. Again, not catastrophic, but expect a £500 repair within a year or two. Thirdly, belts AND tensioners MUST be replaced on or ahead of schedule. This failure is catastrophic. What usually happens is the bearings in the aux belt idle pulley or tensioner fail, throw the belt off and into the timing belt. Easily prevented by following the maintenance schedule. They can also be a bit particular about fluids, so always use those recommended by Volvo.
Overall I'd say they're one of the few remaining underappreciated bargains. Looked after properly they can reach the half million mile mark. Neglect it and it will be beyond economical repair in no time.

Edited by johnny fotze on Thursday 4th September 12:02

Depends if its the euro 3 163bhp or euro 4 185bhp, both could be had as far as im aware during the facelift years of 04/05.

If its a euro 3 163 with a black engine cover then things to look out for are blown intercoolers and knackered vacuum engine mounts.
An euro 4 185 with a silver engine cover has the swirl flaps and DPF issues.

If the car will be used mainly for long journeys then the 185 with DPF shouldn't be a problem.

To throw a spanner in the works, at the same time the 185 was introduced, Volvo released the 2.4D with 163bhp, but was euro 4 and apparently just a detuned version of the 185. Engine cover is the same silver as D5 version.

Edit - Wouldn't dream of buying a phase 2 without connecting Dice/Vida to it to run through all of the codes, and there will be many.

Edited by 458bhp on Thursday 4th September 12:38

I'd forgotten about the intercooler (it's probably the only common problem I didn't get on mine). The mounts aren't a massive problem as long as you block off the pipes until you get them replaced. The top mount (non vacuum) on the 163 hp was also prone to perishing, but most have been replaced by the later design which is much better.

The dice/vida advice is probably the single best piece of advice you'll get.

Edited by johnny fotze on Thursday 4th September 13:01

[lewis991]

Cor I remember the days when cars used to simple, no fancy electronics etc. thank you for the replies. The D5 sounds like a pretty good/safe bet.

When do the belts need changing?

It will be well cared for with me, always like to follow the servicing etc.