After a couple of high cost repairs on my 530d (and some prompting from the missus who hates it's 'old man' image) i've been looking round for a replacement motor.
I do 24k a year so obviously diesel is my best option in the current climate, and i've had my eye out for all the usual suspects inc a D5 without much luck in my price range.
So yesterday, very sensibly me thinks, I drive 70 miles to look at an 05-plate S60 T5...and now i'm in a right head vs heart quandry.
Its a dark coloured ex-plod motor so poverty spec, but in excellent condition inside-out and only 73k. 6-speed/260 version. Lower max boost point etc etc.
Took it for a short test drive and its a bit of a monster. Felt as tight as a drum and not at all tired nor baggy. Handles, stops and steers on a different planet to my old 01 S60 T5 due to the upgrades. Performance wise - the dealer did the usual 'its a 300bhp version' patter and I know this has been debated ad nauseum on here previously, but subjectively it feels at least on a par with my previous rica'd 01-plate S60, so i'm inclined to believe its not standard.
Problems to mull over...
Economy - assuming 33mpg on my motorway commute, its going to put £1k on my annual fuel bill (but the car is quite cheap to start with)
ICE - I'd be taking a gamble that the wiring etc is present behind the police facia plate. Anyone got any experience here?
Zero history - the dealer said that as it was an undercover car, the history would be nearly impossible to get out of the West Mids force who owned it previously (perhaps he's already tried and failed?)
Selling it on - i'll probably sell it after a year and this might be tricky due to spec and history.
Any thoughts?
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