Looking to buy a T5

[Pinchcliff]

Good morning everyone (total newbie), I currently looking to buy a 850 T5 estate, I'll have around £2000 to spend (after I've sold my current car) and I was hoping for a bit of advice / info. There seems to be loads of cars for sale, what could I hope for in terms a mileage and condition for my budget? What is a typical MPG for every day use (there seems to be lots of conflicting info about this)? If well looked after what kind of mileage is possible before major surgery might be required? Any particular problem areas to look for? Sorry about the long rambling post, my last Volvo was a '66 Amazon so my knowledge is a bit out of date.
Jeff.

[cameron]

:welcome:

Hi Jeff £2k is a good budget for an 850 T5, you should get a nice low mileage example for that, maybe even one thats been " tweaked " as well :B_thumb:.

Like you have said there are loads of T5's for sale at the minute, here is a good place to start your quest on finding the right car, also try www.pistonheads.com there are a few nice ones on there as well.

Mileage wise they will run forever if looked after properly, regular oil changes are a must.

MPG is a sore subject i have a tuned 855 T5 auto and around town its only 17 - 18 mpg on a long run cruising at 70 - 75 i get back about 35 mpg.

Things too look out for id say are worn suspension parts, like wishbones, droplinks, shocks, and the top mounts on the suspension have a bad habit of going, they rattle like mad, it happened on my last one. Check theres no smoke coming from the dipstick this could prove to be a blocked PCV, its not an expensive job just a pig to do!

No doubt some of the other guys will be along soon to help you out :D

All the best Jeff, keep us posted mate

Lee

[Pinchcliff]

Thanks for the advice Lee, much appreciated.

[Al115]

Hi Jeff - have a search on the Forum, there should be a buyer's guide on here that will point you to potential problem areas. As Lee has said you should be looking for a superb car for £2k in this climate!

[cameron]

Hi Jeff this is a nice looking 854R for £2200 but he might take less if you show him ready's.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/821472.htm

Its been tweaked as well with an authentic off the shelf Rica, just had the cambelt done as well. 170k but fsh.

Alternatively heres a 2001 Y reg P2 V70 T5. £1995.

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLVO+V70/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-13-240-4294966472-4294966791/advert.action?R=200850325343895&distance=152&postcode=ol9+8hy&channel=CARS&make=VOLVO&model=V70&min_pr=&max_pr=2000&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=2001&vehicleRegLetter=Y

Just a couple of examples of the sort of thing you could get.

Cheers

Lee

[Okete]

Hi Jeff - have a search on the Forum, there should be a buyer's guide on here that will point you to potential problem areas. As Lee has said you should be looking for a superb car for £2k in this climate!

I searched high and low for it the other day - it seems to have disappeared!

Does anyone know where the 'T5 Buyers Guide' has gone?

I know that there was some dispute about it's authorship but it was extremely useful for newcomers!

Cheers,
John

[cameron]

Think it got wiped out in the crash :(

I remember reading it as well, very informative stuff.

Anybody fancy doing another ?

Cheers

Lee

[Alan M]

Pinchcliff where are you from? Someone in your area may be able to look a few cars over for you if you ask nicely.

[Pinchcliff]

I live in Whitley Bay, however I have to sell my own car ('96 Audi A4 1.9TDI Estate), before I can buy a T5, I definately don't want to end up with two cars. At the moment I'm researching the model, thanks for the thought but I woudn't view a car unless I was in a position to buy.

[zoomungus]

I just got a 850 t5 20 valve for 900 squid and the wife likes it so it MUST be good!