advice 850 t5 estate

[wanaT5]

:B_steerin :i want to buy a 95 850 t5 estate what things should i look out for please ?

[Goof]

This thread - http://www.volvot5.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=2152 - has some of the probs the forum users have had. But don't let it get you down!
These are NOT cheap cars to run, but if you keep on top of things you shouldn't see too many big bills!
VolvoTuning are a god-sent gift! (see their link at the top of this page "Chip Tuning"). They diagnose & fix most problems quick and at a very reasonable cost. Hamish and Adam both run T5/D5 Volvos, and do a lot of "development" work on their cars.

Buying tips - view as many examples as you can (bad as well as good), and don't buy the first one you see!
A full service history is a must - there's a lot to go wrong if the cars been ignored.
Some folks here advise to avoid ex-plod cars, others have ex-plod cars with no complaints!
Look for all the usual bits - smoke, noises, leaks, etc, and walk away if you're not completely satisfied - that little oil leak could mean a new turbo or major engine work.
We all make mistakes and miss bits, even a "perfect" car may well have hidden gremlins.

Good hunting - let us know how you get on!

[wanaT5]

what sort of mpg do u get from 1

thanks for your help

[Mrsmopp]

Depends how you drice tbh but for a saloon you can expect somewhere around 25mpg and for the estate a little less.

x

[Goof]

My average speed is 26mph (commuting), and when roads are clear it gets a "run" ~ av mpg currently 21.5mpg.
That sounds bad, but bear in mind the stop/start daily journey - on a run high 20's / low 30's is more likely.

[BagR]

in my first few weeks of ownership, i've found driving carefully results in 29mpg, and pushing on in about 21mpg. Both averages. Although interestingly i used the cruise control along the motorway this morning and got 32mpg!

[Viffer]

If you are going to cane it you will see around the 18mpg mark....but with careful but assertive driving 24-25 should be the norm....on long cruises I have had up to 36 mpg reported. The aircon I find loses you a few mpg so your choice to run it all the time or run it when needed and a couple of times a week to keep the seals ok.

What else to look out for...the thread about 850 common problems is very good, but I would also make sure you check what you will have to pay for insurance. This may sound patronising but when I first got a T5 I was quoted £1800....needless to say I did not pay that but it was a shock.

Dont forget to test the aircon fully, the seats ask what oil it has been running with and something that has not been noted I would check the ECU codes for any "hidden" problems.

Good luck and its looking like I am out shopping for another one now so any hints tips that I remember I shall post them.

[Goof]

Lol - I must cane it then! ;)

[Dad Racer]

:B_steerin :i want to buy a 95 850 t5 estate what things should i look out for please ?
I have a 96N manual 850 T5 CD Estate with all the extras that I am thinking of selling. It is dark metallic grey, 115k miles, full volvo service history.

It is in great condition, drives like a dream and goes like stink, but I am now looking for a V70 R AWD.

If you are interested, drop me a line on gavin@whitehead.com and I can send you some photos.

[BlackBeast]

check the ECU codes for any "hidden" problems.



So how would i check the ecu codes? would i have to take it to a garage with a volvo code reader or is it something i could do myself with no tools?

[Wobbly Dave]

You need a code reader and plug it into the OBDII port. There are readers on ebay or you can take the car to a Volvo dealer or Independant.

[BlackBeast]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=30921&item=7977111980&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

So would that reader work with a late 850 t5 and a phase 1 v70 t5?

[Wobbly Dave]

Couldnt say. I am blessed as VT is only around the corner. I would not wish to advice you to buy it to only find it is not compatible