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CMJ
Sunday 6th November 2005, 11:41
Guys have lurked for a day or two with the intention of reseaching the purchase of a T5, however I am utterly seduced by a V70R and if a I can do a deal this week on my existing cars I will be buying one.

I can just afford £25K. Looking at the Volvo site a couple to choose from. Flash Green - Any views ? I Like it because it makes the car stand out but do dealers ? Will I get slapped because of the colour when I trade in ? If not Flash Green what other colours look good ? (I will be putting plenty of miles on, so I suspect I am more likley to be selling to one of you lot than a dealer.)

Manual / Geartronic arguement - I drive in heavy traffic but like to go for Sunday morning blast. The driver in me says Manual but I know I will curse every day when I am queing around the M25. Again any views? Other than in a 0-60 drag race will I really be that bothered ? Also again, when I come to sell and its one of you lot buying it because of the miles will it matter ?

Thanks all
COLIN

fraz13
Sunday 6th November 2005, 11:46
Hi mate firstly :welcome:

Flash Green is my favourite colour on the new S60/V70R so ad say get it now!!!! Black seems to ber the next choice for most but Flash Green all day long for me or a dont want 1 lol

Manual seems to be best choice in box also as the geartronic saps a lot of the power, even auto has been said to be better

There will be loads of different views on here so sit back and enjoy the ride!!!

Andrew
Sunday 6th November 2005, 12:01
Welcome to the forum - don't worry about the colour so much - just keep whatever you get in good condition. Plenty of cleans and waxing to keep the paintwork fresh.

Manual if you can find one - geartronic with the software upgrade is better than it used to be though and as long as you don't tune it too much you should be alright.

TangoDeltaSierra3
Sunday 6th November 2005, 13:19
Manual all the way, and dont get that Orange interior it's awful.

Engineer
Sunday 6th November 2005, 13:59
If available go auto, learn how to left foot brake and you won't look back.

Mrsmopp
Sunday 6th November 2005, 14:43
Welcome to the forum!!

Go with flash green, its one of the nicest colours available for the R!! It definately wont affect resale, nor will the miles ;)

Keep us updated!!

x

Mrsmopp
Sunday 6th November 2005, 14:44
If available go auto, learn how to left foot brake and you won't look back.

Ask Wobbly Dave about left foot braking, thats how he blew up his auto box on his 850R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

x

BlackBeast
Sunday 6th November 2005, 15:03
Any pics of the flash green???

fraz13
Sunday 6th November 2005, 16:08
Heres a pic od daves Flash Green S60R

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v458/fraz13/HPIM1450a.jpg

Engineer
Sunday 6th November 2005, 16:19
Ask Wobbly Dave about left foot braking, thats how he blew up his auto box on his 850R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

x

Not true, he was using the brakes to hold before launching, not the same as left foot braking ask most racing or rally drivers.

fraz13
Sunday 6th November 2005, 19:00
Whats with the new name dave?

CMJ
Sunday 6th November 2005, 19:24
Will let you know how I get on. Finally are there any must have options which I should look out for or does the R spec cover most of the bases.

BlackBeast
Sunday 6th November 2005, 19:54
Manual gearbox!!!!!! ;)

Andrew
Sunday 6th November 2005, 19:57
The R pretty much comes with all of the toys.

ceefaz
Sunday 6th November 2005, 20:14
Manual / Geartronic arguement - I drive in heavy traffic but like to go for Sunday morning blast. The driver in me says Manual but I know I will curse every day when I am queing around the M25. Thanks all
COLIN

The manual box has more torque in the first model year cars, 400nm v 350nm as standard, as apparantly the original geartronic was not up to coping with the higher amount. Bhp same in both cars.

ceefaz
Sunday 6th November 2005, 20:28
I can just afford £25K. Looking at the Volvo site a couple to choose from. Flash Green - Any views ? I Like it because it makes the car stand out but do dealers ? Will I get slapped because of the colour when I trade in ? If not Flash Green what other colours look good ? (I will be putting plenty of miles on, so I suspect I am more likley to be selling to one of you lot than a dealer


Have you seen this one at Formula Cars

http://www.formulacars.co.uk/vehicles/411.html

Redbrick
Sunday 6th November 2005, 20:57
Bought mine from Formula Cars a few years ago. They've looked after me very well- I highly recommend them.

Don't even think about the flash green & orange atacama V70R from them- It's MINE or at least it will be in a year or two ;)

ceefaz
Sunday 6th November 2005, 21:02
Don't even think about the flash green & orange atacama V70R from them- It's MINE or at least it will be in a year or two ;)

I've had my eye on that since Sep 2004. :parhmph:

Redbrick
Monday 7th November 2005, 10:54
!!!

Well I saw Tims car a week after he got it, so its mine...

:troutslap

:)

S60D5
Monday 7th November 2005, 13:06
Guys have lurked for a day or two with the intention of reseaching the purchase of a T5, however I am utterly seduced by a V70R and if a I can do a deal this week on my existing cars I will be buying one.

I can just afford £25K. Looking at the Volvo site a couple to choose from. Flash Green - Any views ? I Like it because it makes the car stand out but do dealers ? Will I get slapped because of the colour when I trade in ? If not Flash Green what other colours look good ? (I will be putting plenty of miles on, so I suspect I am more likley to be selling to one of you lot than a dealer.)



Hi Collin,

I was myself giving some serious thought for purchasing an S60R, which tend to be circa £19-20k. Whilst I could just about stretch to this, I decided that once the initial rush of owning the car wore off I would probably be fed up with having so much capital tied up in a depreciating asset and the running costs that go with such a car. So, I'd think seriously about that!!

If you're set on a high-performance car which is reletively newish, you might want to check out the competition before placing that deposit on the R. All the road-test reviews I've read on it place it somewhat behind the Audi S4 in pretty much every catagory.

I've not tried geartronic, but my dealer told me it was "pants" (to use his word) and to go for the full manual.

Also, flash green is alright, I guess... but wouldn't be my first choice of colour! Each to their own and all that! :)

Murphy
Monday 7th November 2005, 13:43
I would go for an auto - it will be nicer to drive, and better for resale. My choice in colour would be black with the natural leather:

http://www.edmunds.com/media/roadtests/firstdrive/2004/volvo.s60r.v70r/volvo.s60.int.500.jpg

good luck

Andy

lance
Monday 7th November 2005, 13:55
The orange leather could be the one to avoid but it could also be a bargain because of it! ( local dealer has one stuck on forcourt )
Defo go manual though.

Murphy
Monday 7th November 2005, 14:37
Isn't it strange how people think - what is desirable, and what isn't etc...........

lance
Monday 7th November 2005, 15:16
It is mate but wouldnt the world be a boring place if were all the same.

I know what you mean about luxury cars and autos eg Manual mercs crap compared to an auto. and people expect an auto in a luxury car.
But I think long term ownership and resale in a few years on a High performance R version it wont make much difference but for me I would go for the manual as I dont fancy 50nm less and potential for massive bills.

I personally would pay a premium for a manual, over, colour, interior , options. Ie if was sh"tty brown colour and pink interior and manual I would buy it over a black one with cream leather walnut and every option box ticked even if the brown one was 1-2k more.

However if I was buying a merc or Jag I would propbably go for the Auto.

Once bitten by Geartronic (very scared of it)

I do like the auto tranmsision on the 850s and classic 70s but intill I see a geartronic with no faults in its life and 200k+ on the clock I wont be sold on the idea.

CMJ
Monday 7th November 2005, 20:57
Hi Collin,

I was myself giving some serious thought for purchasing an S60R, which tend to be circa £19-20k. Whilst I could just about stretch to this, I decided that once the initial rush of owning the car wore off I would probably be fed up with having so much capital tied up in a depreciating asset and the running costs that go with such a car. So, I'd think seriously about that!!

If you're set on a high-performance car which is reletively newish, you might want to check out the competition before placing that deposit on the R. All the road-test reviews I've read on it place it somewhat behind the Audi S4 in pretty much every catagory.

I've not tried geartronic, but my dealer told me it was "pants" (to use his word) and to go for the full manual.

Also, flash green is alright, I guess... but wouldn't be my first choice of colour! Each to their own and all that! :)


I Know I know. Valid point regarding depreciation but you are only here once and to be honest although you never actually get to own the car outright, if you structure things properley runnning a car for a year or two that is newer can be financially OK (kind of ?). Regarding the Audi a mate of mine has the RS6 so could never get anything from Audi less than this . Thanks for the comments and feedback and I will definately let you know how things turn out. COLIN

The Flying Banana
Monday 7th November 2005, 21:09
Ask Wobbly Dave about left foot braking, thats how he blew up his auto box on his 850R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

x


Ask Steve abiout left foot braking..he is into Escorts so should be good at it...I grew up with that stuff and it always gives you the edge if you can do it!

MATTAL
Friday 11th November 2005, 13:21
Hi Collin,
Much like Dave in Scots-land, I have a Flash Green R, but a V70 one - if you have a wife, friends, kids or dogs/pets, then take my advice and get the blue leather(i.e. dark colour) interior. If not, then unless you are always on your own in the car, it will get you down as the stuff is so soft, when marked, it stays 4 eva!

U can check my lil' green Kermit out in the gallery in estates section (I hope!) and if you want any more advice, call (pm for no.) or ask me or Big Dave and we'll sort you out - also ask if it's had the bushes upgraded (under warranty) to stop the side-step issue (a big thanks to Dave again for helping me out on this) as the 4C set-up makes it like a jelly mould Sierra in the comfort setting on A-roads if you hit a bump on a corner!

Good luck - u r only here once, I totally agree - and let us know when you join the "Kermit" gang!
MATT

P.S. I take it u r down Sowf?

CMJ
Friday 11th November 2005, 23:29
Mattel
Thanks for advice. Bought it today. Flash green and blue interior.
Re leather - feels very soft so much so the drivers bolster has worn with just 15,000 miles have you found the same with yours ?
Bump stops - Will have to ask dealer.

Pics will follow when I pick up next week.

One thing, could you tell me what colur your load cover is and did you get any luggage nets in the boot as standard ?
Thanks

PS - Working down south but from ooop north (Home is Lancashire)

KARL
Saturday 12th November 2005, 03:19
If available go auto, learn how to left foot brake and you won't look back.
LIKE IT LIKE IT

Hard to master but when you find it ,it works good good.

Ps/ I thought I was the only mad school bus driver second to the guy from

simpsons !

Engineer
Saturday 12th November 2005, 17:18
LIKE IT LIKE IT

Hard to master but when you find it ,it works good good.

Ps/ I thought I was the only mad school bus driver second to the guy from

simpsons !8 out of 10 quick drivers would agree with you.............................and I think you are........................

MATTAL
Sunday 13th November 2005, 18:57
Mattel
Thanks for advice. Bought it today. Flash green and blue interior.
welcome to the Kermit Klub!! :B_steerin

Re leather - feels very soft so much so the drivers bolster has worn with just 15,000 miles have you found the same with yours ?

Yep, wearing a bit now @ 12k plus miles, but as my dearly beloved is the main driver for her business needs, less wear than if it were me. Anyway, keep rubbing in the A'glym leather care cream and if it starts to go within the first 3 yrs/60k miles, will just claim on warranty!


Pics will follow when I pick up next week. - yeah, yeah! :bounce:

One thing, could you tell me what colur your load cover is and did you get any luggage nets in the boot as standard ?

Load cover is dark grey colour and retractable nets built in but I think I paid extra for them (got her new on a great deal). If you mean side luggage nets, then they are extras but can be retro fitted. As for boot liner, don't pay the price of the Volvo fitted one. I got mine from Tim Valentine at www.bootsuit.co.uk for £42.50 + p&p - in fact, as I had a problem with the original one (one of the poppers broke off and it didn't fit great), he sent me a second one FOC (which I still have in it's packaging and would be prepared to part with for £30 +p&p if you are interested). :wink:

PS - Working down south but from ooop north (Home is Lancashire)
Sooner u than me m8!

MATTAL
Wednesday 16th November 2005, 19:13
CMJ - what about an update and some piccys? Keen to see and hear your first impressions now you've had it over 3 days !!!!

CMJ
Saturday 19th November 2005, 20:26
Picked it up Friday !!!! First impressions - fantastic !! Will post some more tomorrow with Pics !!

MATTAL
Monday 21st November 2005, 09:39
Lookin' forward to seeing them, CMJ.

CMJ
Wednesday 23rd November 2005, 22:04
Guys
Working in the South again so no pics yet - sorry but happy to share first thoughts.

Fantastic all rounder. Quick but not as quick as I thought it would be - it seems to run out of legs towards the top end of the rev range but may be it just feels this way. Need to test between two fixed points to see how really quick it is. (Excuse me but I am a big Porsche & TVR nut so I have a perception of what 300bhp should feel like). Well built. Although now quite an established model love touches like how the dash lights up. Manual gearbox excellent. Leather seats are going to be a nightmare I suspect as they are so soft but front seats are some of the most comfortable I have experianced. Feels like it has road presence when driving it. Got the normal 'volvo' comments from work which is exactly what I wanted !!!. Couple of issues :
handbrake - when off should the hand brake be slack and wobble about a bit ? How many clicks before it will hold the car when you need to put it on ?
Xenon lights on all the time - Any news on how many hours these last and how much they cost to replace ? Does everyone keep the driving light setting to on ? Suspension - seems to scuttle and move about over bumps in comfort mode is this correct ? Steering - seem to feel slight resistance through wheel from time to time not relevant to speed. Is this a characteristic of progressive PS ? Tick over - Vibtation through the drivers seat is this normal ? Accessories - Whats the best accessory / how do I best stop things moving around in the boot ? Overall love it so far.
BTW - The biggest surprise is the exhaust note when accelerating - sweet !!

mikezero
Wednesday 23rd November 2005, 23:18
Quick but not as quick as I thought it would be
its the weight and 4wd that sorry it down

it seems to run out of legs towards the top end of the rev range but may be it just feels this way.
it has alot of low down torque, which means, the power doesn't build up like a non turbo engine, it's just flat all the way through rev range, which leads to less punch at top end

handbrake - when off should the hand brake be slack and wobble about a bit
mine wobbys about

How many clicks before it will hold the car when you need to put it on ? depends on how much the cables been stretched by

Any news on how many hours these last and how much they cost to replace ?
my local volvo garage told me, about 60,000+ miles approx and they cost about £70 each approx

Does everyone keep the driving light setting to on
i do, safety and all that

Suspension - seems to scuttle and move about over bumps in comfort mode is this correct ?
lol, the famous sidestep issue, mine does and all other R's do it, there is a fix at the garage, which helps, but doesn't completely solve the problem, if u keep your tyres at about 30/32psi , it helps reduce problem, any higher it will wiggle far more, change the tyres will help, ones with less of a hard side wall, the standard pzeros are very hard.

Steering - seem to feel slight resistance through wheel from time to time not relevant to speed. Is this a characteristic of progressive PS
not sure, make sure the tank for the power steering oil stuff isn't leaking, make sure there's enough oil in it, there is a marker for hot check or cold check

Tick over - Vibtation through the drivers seat is this normal
there is a slight vibtation, but not too bad.

Whats the best accessory / how do I best stop things moving around in the boot ? Overall love it so far.
there is flap thing in the boot u can pull up, to help that problem, or slow down on the corners!

The biggest surprise is the exhaust note when accelerating - sweet !! It does sound nice!, have u heard the pop, after u lift for a gear change, need to have window down to hear it well

Glad your enjoying so far

CMJ
Sunday 27th November 2005, 21:33
Sounds like mine is perfect then. Thanks for the feedback. Another observation, what amp setting do you use to listen to the radio ? The dolby seems to work then not but OK on CD so suspect this is a signal strength thing with the radio. ???

COLIN

mikezero
Sunday 27th November 2005, 22:57
i have the surround thing on all the time, not really noticed not working sometimes