Volvo S60 T5 - What's it worth?
Discussion
Looking to get a Volvo S60 T5, and have been offered one by a friend. Had a look at prices Auto Trader, but there aren't many about so wondered what everyone else thinks?
It's the T5 model in dark blue w/ black leather. 72,000 miles on an 03-plate. Nothing particularly special in terms of spec but has the usual T5 bits. Needs a service, cam belt, fog light, and the wheels refurb'ing, and has a fault code relating to the alarm. None of the usual S60 problems but a slight front side suspension rattle which has been checked out and dismissed by a mechanic. Overall condition is good, but the odd minor ding which can be expected an 8 year old car. Unsure of service history, and length of tax and ticket at the moment.
Thanks in advance.
It's the T5 model in dark blue w/ black leather. 72,000 miles on an 03-plate. Nothing particularly special in terms of spec but has the usual T5 bits. Needs a service, cam belt, fog light, and the wheels refurb'ing, and has a fault code relating to the alarm. None of the usual S60 problems but a slight front side suspension rattle which has been checked out and dismissed by a mechanic. Overall condition is good, but the odd minor ding which can be expected an 8 year old car. Unsure of service history, and length of tax and ticket at the moment.
Thanks in advance.
Synchromesh said:
Anyone?
My brother in law has a D5, but don't know anyone with the T5 version. The D5 is very nice car, nice place to be in the cabin too. I was impressed with it when he lent it to me. It's a 53 plate with about 170k on the clock. Still drives like a dream. I don't think you can go wrong with a Volvo personally. I think he paid about £2.5k for his D5 about 18 months ago. A lot of car for the money really.
Baryonyx said:
See if the electronic throttle module has been replaced. They are the major weak spot of these cars. I'm told it's about a £350 job or thereabouts (I had mine replaced for free on my S60 2.0 T). Otherwise, they are superb. A hugely overlooked and seriously fast saloon.
Hasn't been replaced as far as I know, but it does not need to be atm.Just found this actually, so around £2-2.5k sounds about right.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
Synchromesh said:
Just found this actually, so around £2-2.5k sounds about right.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
From the photos that looks like a really nice example. I'd check it out. That line at the end of the ad makes me laugh though. 'starts and drives superb'. I should hope it starts http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
Edit - just realised you're looking at them as a price guide. I'll be looking for a D5 come spring. Lets hope I can find something in the same sort of condition as that.
Edited by corvus on Saturday 10th December 12:31
Synchromesh said:
Hasn't been replaced as far as I know, but it does not need to be atm.
Be ready to budget it in then, at any time. The unit on my car failed three days after I had bought it, despite the car showing no appreciable signs that it was about to go until the journey where it broke. Which wasn't fun. Luckily, it was the dealer's problem, not mine and he replaced it free of charge. But for the part and the involved task of stripping the engine down to replace the throttle module, it's something worth bearing in mind. I'd still go for an S60 T5 though, they are superb cars. I've often thought that if I had bought a T5 rather than my 2.0 T model I'd still have it, as it was a lust for something faster and more involved that got me looking at MR2 Turbos!
Slightly O/T from my original question, but this quandary keeps playing on my mind. The S60 T5 (c.2003 MY) has a quoted 0-60 time of 7.0 sec, whereas other cars of a similar power and weight seem to have acceleration figures in the low 6's (or even less in some cases). These cars tend to be RWD / AWD, so does this figure belie their actual (as in real world) performance, or is there something else holding the T5 back?
Synchromesh said:
Slightly O/T from my original question, but this quandary keeps playing on my mind. The S60 T5 (c.2003 MY) has a quoted 0-60 time of 7.0 sec, whereas other cars of a similar power and weight seem to have acceleration figures in the low 6's (or even less in some cases). These cars tend to be RWD / AWD, so does this figure belie their actual (as in real world) performance, or is there something else holding the T5 back?
My c70 T5 does it in 6.5.You have to think the front wheels are doing alot.
Plus where does the weight go when your accelerating, = toward the back, giving an advantage to a rwd car.
Or in the case of 4wd, like a jag x type 3.0, 4 points of contact dealing with the power.
Go and try a T5 mate, see how you get on.
They are brill for the money but not quick of the line and a bit detached with the handling, and the ones with 18inch wheels are supposed to have harder suspension so I find it a bit bumpy.
But they do look nice with the bigger wheels and also not all have heated seats.
Here is my one (rubbish pic from phone).
But they do look nice with the bigger wheels and also not all have heated seats.
Here is my one (rubbish pic from phone).
I've had two, both a 2.3 like the one you're interested in, and the post-04 2.4.
The ETM is a major weak spot as mentioned, there is a way of telling whether its been replaced by whether it has a yellow or white sticker on it (I forget which is which but google it!).
In addition, clutch and dual mass flywheels are mega money to replace due to labour costs so check both of those are okay. You can test the DMFW by driving uphill in 5th slowly and trying to accelerate from low revs. If it vibrates through the clutch pedal that can be a sign of wear. That said, I drove mine with this problem for a year and it got no worse. But clutch and DMFW are about £500 in parts alone and its an 8hr dealer job...
Lik the C70s they eat through suspension components and you may find the ride deteriorates quickly over time.
Handling-wise they have grip but zero steering feel. They are a straight line bruiser and a bit out of their depth on B-roads.
Regarding acceleration - peak torque is around 4k rpm and is quite high on the rev range for a turbo and this indicates they are more of mid-range power car rather than sprinter. However, they are legendary for being receptive to remaps and are utterly transformed by them. Google RICA, Autotech and MTE for information. I had a RICA put on my 2.3 and the results were shocking. Pre-map it never felt like a 250bhp car, post map (advertised at 310bhp but this is debatable) it absolutely flew.
The 2.4 shares a lot of components with the S60R and from stock is a different beast altogether from the 2.3. But that is largely irrelevent at your budget unless you go for an ex-plod. Handling, ride etc are all massively improved but still not as good as most of its competition.
Overall, I think i've scratched the S60 itch now and wouldnt have another. Fantastically comfy and quick, but they were both succeptible to minor faults galore even though my experience didnt seem to be typical of the model. I must admit I grew tired of the lack of dynamic polish but I do retain a soft spot for them.
Good luck!
The ETM is a major weak spot as mentioned, there is a way of telling whether its been replaced by whether it has a yellow or white sticker on it (I forget which is which but google it!).
In addition, clutch and dual mass flywheels are mega money to replace due to labour costs so check both of those are okay. You can test the DMFW by driving uphill in 5th slowly and trying to accelerate from low revs. If it vibrates through the clutch pedal that can be a sign of wear. That said, I drove mine with this problem for a year and it got no worse. But clutch and DMFW are about £500 in parts alone and its an 8hr dealer job...
Lik the C70s they eat through suspension components and you may find the ride deteriorates quickly over time.
Handling-wise they have grip but zero steering feel. They are a straight line bruiser and a bit out of their depth on B-roads.
Regarding acceleration - peak torque is around 4k rpm and is quite high on the rev range for a turbo and this indicates they are more of mid-range power car rather than sprinter. However, they are legendary for being receptive to remaps and are utterly transformed by them. Google RICA, Autotech and MTE for information. I had a RICA put on my 2.3 and the results were shocking. Pre-map it never felt like a 250bhp car, post map (advertised at 310bhp but this is debatable) it absolutely flew.
The 2.4 shares a lot of components with the S60R and from stock is a different beast altogether from the 2.3. But that is largely irrelevent at your budget unless you go for an ex-plod. Handling, ride etc are all massively improved but still not as good as most of its competition.
Overall, I think i've scratched the S60 itch now and wouldnt have another. Fantastically comfy and quick, but they were both succeptible to minor faults galore even though my experience didnt seem to be typical of the model. I must admit I grew tired of the lack of dynamic polish but I do retain a soft spot for them.
Good luck!
Synchromesh said:
Thanks for the responses. Those who've just replied, my question is does the 2.3 T5 feel as quick (or quicker) than the numbers suggest, or in fact slower?
It feels quicker than the numbers suggest, and in the mid range is quicker than the obvious premium competition (BMW 330i, Audi A4 3.2 etc).FWD, poor traction from standstill and long gearing stop it from being close to 6 sec 0-60. Pre '03 model year do lack in steering feel, but as long as the suspension bushes are fresh they handle reasonably well.
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