Newbie buying T5
Posts
Post 14846 by MikeMitch on 2005-04-12 23:58:52
Hi All
I am in the prosses of searching out a T5 and have found one I like, M reg one owner 50k miles. Its an import from Hong Kong. Seems like a nice car but it has a problem which the guy says he will fix but he does not know what it is.
I took for a test drive and after about five mins the power died. Put my foot down and nothing had to crawl back at 20mph down a duel carridgeway. Its an auto, does this sound like a gearbox problem or could it be the fuel pump or coil. When I moved it down to 3rd and back up to D the light on the dash stayed flashing and there was no change in power.
The car has been standing for a long time maybe 6 months.
Any sugestions would help me know what I am talking about when he calls me back.
I am looking forward to owning the T5 when I get the right one.
Used to have a 760 Turbo a couple of years back and it never let me down.
Thanks
Mike
Post 14848 by Wobbly Dave on 2005-04-13 00:02:50
Did the revs rise when you put your foot down and nothing happen speed wise? If so the box is dead and you should not buy the car. If the Orange arrow is flashing then you have an AT problem. It could be as simple as low ATF (automatic transmission fluid). AT repairs can be costly - so be sure you either adjust the sale price accordingly or walk away.
There are loads of examples without issues like this. Depends what your budget is and what you are looking for. Remember the T5 is just the power plant. There is a whole loada car around that.
:welcome: and let us know how you get on.
Post 14856 by MikeMitch on 2005-04-13 00:14:49
Hi Dave
Thanks for the advice, I did check the AT fluid after struggling to get the stick out, it was fairly red and not burnt with a good smell. The car is on offer at just over 3K so its a good price for the milage already.
If the guy cant find the problem he wants to take it to a volvo dealer and get it diagnosed. Any idea what that might cost?
Thanks
Mike
Post 14857 by k999ste on 2005-04-13 00:16:37
i have got a spanking ex plod for sale shortly its a stunner and it will go for decent money i have loads of details if you are interested its a manual too :lovestory :saint: :banana:
chers
ste
Post 14863 by MikeMitch on 2005-04-13 00:24:23
Hi K999ste
Thanks but I have a dodgy left leg not too bad but it don't like changing gear up and down in the London traffic all day. So it has to be an auto.
Thanks
Mike
Post 14864 by Andy on 2005-04-13 00:25:49
I've got an S70 for sale also click me AHHHH the choices ;) hehe
Post 14867 by Wobbly Dave on 2005-04-13 00:30:04
AT repairs start from 1000 quid onwards. I kinda abused mine to death and paid 1200 for a rebuild/recon (146K miles), which included striping the box, new torque converter and new clutch packs. Good news is I have heavy duty clutch packs now but I am defo lighter in the wallet. If the deal is he fixes the car first then I say go for it. If he expects you to pay then be careful what you agree to. Volvo main dealer will rape him if he has a new box installed - I kid you not.
The autos are great cars, but they are not as cheap as manuals to fix which is why many are put off. They are an optional extra.
It depends what you want. Personally I cant be bothered to change gear anymore. The MT is more direct and more effecient in MPG & some may say more tunable. You cannot choose what gear you are in when you boot it, which is annoying sometimes but kinder to the engine. AT is smoother, less hassle in traffic (and less stressful) and launches better. It comes down to what you want. I have driven and love both. Some days I wish I had an MT and others feel blessed by my aisin-warner box.
Right I am hoping that no-one will need to tell me about the MT vs AT debate (I live in hope). Make sure the electrical systems and AC are up to the job. Ensure that the boost gauge (in top gear) gets a good way into the white on the stock boost gauge (if this is an 850). Check the rear hangers on the exhaust - coz they can rust (its a bargaining chip, but not difficult to fix)
Ensure that there are no warning lights on the dash. Engine should idle solidly at very nearly 1000K.
Good hunting!
Post 14892 by Mrsmopp on 2005-04-13 08:46:50
Look for something else!! 3k is good for the milage but not for the fault!! It sounds like a dog and you could end up shelling out hand over fist for it!
Just my opinion (from experience!)
x
Post 14955 by MikeMitch on 2005-04-13 12:41:52
Hi
I think I will stay clear as the guy does not know what he is doing. It is the car advertised in the exchange and mart on line.
I went and saw a 2.5 glt today realy nice with loads of SH its not quite the T5 but has just had everything done. Last service cost over 1K. Any opinions on the 2.5 20V?
Thanks
Mike
Post 14957 by MattV70 on 2005-04-13 12:50:45
A friends got the 2.5. I'd say from what i've heard it's just as solid as the T5, just slower! The spec may be slightly different but they're all practically the same aside from the engine.
I wouldn't class myself as an expert on them though. Someone else on here may know of specific things to look out for.
Post 14959 by Mrsmopp on 2005-04-13 12:52:21
Yeah - buy a T5 instead!! LOL
They are good cars by rights but I think that if you are after something with drivability then you will always be disappointed that you didn't hold out for a T5.
Are you after a saloon or an estate? i'm sure we could find you a couple of good ones :B_thumb:
x
Post 14967 by MikeMitch on 2005-04-13 13:18:24
Hi Mrsmopp
It has it be an estate auto wife 2 kids etc, I drive a 4 door 98 Scorpio at the moment and even though the boot is huge it still wont all fit in when we go away. Unfortunatly my insurance runs out on Tuesday and I don't want to renew it with all the penalties you pay and I only discovered this site a few days ago, so I have to find something by Sunday.
There was a nice T5 at a dealers in North London but when I rang the imobiliser had cut in and they could not get it started, it is away to be fixed but will try them tomorrow, 95 gle 122k with fsh £2500.00
Mike
Post 14968 by Mrsmopp on 2005-04-13 13:20:39
I take it you are around the London area then?
I'll have a scoot around for you :wink:
x
Post 14970 by MikeMitch on 2005-04-13 13:26:01
Hi
Yes north London islington.
Thanks
Mike
Post 14972 by nikgallagher on 2005-04-13 13:26:29
I wouldn't recommend buying one in a hurry Mike. I paid over the odds for my 854 by doing that and saw maybe 3 near identicle examples to mine for much less money advertised during the following weeks. Most of the cheap one's seem to be oop north, so choice is even more limited. I am in Sutton, and had to drive to deepest Kent and darkest Essex to view just four T5's.
Post 14981 by Martinr on 2005-04-13 14:14:50
When I purchased my T5 I transferred the insurance over from my previous vehicle.
I was suprised to find that the insurance company, (Liverpool and Victoria), were prepared to cover the previous vehicle on the same policy and at the same level of cover, for no extra charge for a month. This gave me a chance to sell it.
Have you asked your company if they offer a similar scheme?
If they do you can renew, carry on driving the existing vehicle, look for a good T5 at your leisure.
Never rush to buy a car. They are a big investment and should be a considered purchase.
Post 15149 by MikeMitch on 2005-04-14 00:33:51
Thanks for all the advice. I have been looking for some time now and have this week off work so have been dedicating my time to looking. Seen a few that have not been quite right. Been looking at autotrader, ebay and exchange and mart on line. but not prepared to pay over the odds from a dealer.
My insurance is hire and reward which I cant now renew as the car has not got its new licence so will be starting a new policy from scratch as well as starting a new job. Got a quote for a t5 at £310.00, unfortunatly my post code is in the top 10 for car crime.
Have seen a good one on autotrader tonight that I will call about tomorrow in kent so who knows.
Thanks
Mike
Post 15172 by Mrsmopp on 2005-04-14 08:45:20
Good luck and keep us updated matey! :B_thumb:
x
Post 15464 by MikeMitch on 2005-04-15 13:21:43
Hi All
I have found it, beautiflluy clean 855 T5 GLT, FVSH. The guy who had it before had a private plate on it and had it serviced by Lancaster Volvo in Kent bang on time with no expence spared. Took me 20 mins to ready the bills. Seems like he has loved the car, the inside is superb everything works with Volvo mats etc. No oil leaks underneath, goes like a rocket turbo boost goes just over the middle of the whiteline. Iddles bang on 1000 and engine sound smooth. Auto trans fluid nice and clean not burnt. Only trouble is it is metalic light purple, not my first choise of colour but can live with it as the car is great.
The dealer is putting an MOT on it today and it is due a service in 1000 miles but I will get one done next week. Its done 119k, with the tax, insurance and a service should hit my 4k budget nicley. So by saturday I should have the car, cant wait.
Will be picking all your brains no doubt as minor problems arrise but this seems like a great site with a lot of friendly helpful people on it.
Thanks
Mike
Post 15466 by lance on 2005-04-15 13:39:40
Sounds like you have found a good un !
More Smiles per hour on its way :B_steerin
Post 15472 by Mrsmopp on 2005-04-15 14:04:18
Excellent news!! I'm glad you managed to find a good one!! let us know how you get on...Although we wont expecty to hear from you on Saturday as you'll be spending time getting to know her LOL !!!
x
Post 15487 by mas on 2005-04-15 15:12:18
In my humble opinion just the sort of car to buy whatever the make. spend a thousand more get a car that will save you thousands in the end :)
I'm sure that you will let us know how you get on with 'her'
She is a she of course right :troutslap
Post 15490 by Wobbly Dave on 2005-04-15 15:17:25
If it is the purple I think it is - I think it'll grow on you for sure. Great find. Enjoy the day, picking her up. Use a whole tank - you know you wanna!!
yay!! :thewave:
Post 15555 by MikeMitch on 2005-04-15 22:30:58
I am looking forward to trying the car out. I have a nice 40 mile drive back to my house will take in a few country lanes on the way to see how she handles. have added the dealers pic for now .
look forward to many happy miles of fun.
Mike
Post 16420 by MikeMitch on 2005-04-20 23:13:43
Hi All
Finally picked up my T5 on Monday and had to rush back to London so didn't get much chance to try her out.
The car is due for a service 120k and I thought I would give it a helping hand and put a bottle of Redex fuel cleaner into it. 20 miles down the road the lamda light on the dash came on, just wondering if this is conected, only had half a tank of fuel to slightly more than 1 shots worth worth of redex.
The exhaust system is the orignal one its never been changed, I have a VFSH with the car, and seems never to have been touched, had a good look at it and its mountings and hangers are a bit rusty but seems sound. How long can the cat last?
Any info or opinions would be helpful.
Thanks
Mike
Post 16423 by Wobbly Dave on 2005-04-20 23:24:02
The warning light and the use of the additive may be unrelated. You can lift crud of the base of the tank with it but it should be captured by the fuel filter. I say let the service be done and wait and see. You may have a fueling issue caused by a knackered elbow or a vac leak.
Rear most hangers are the only bits on the exhaust that usually go. A little bit of surface rust is to be expected but it is only on the surface.
Post 16444 by MikeMitch on 2005-04-21 00:51:13
Thanks for that Dave. the car has a 3 month warenty with it so will get it to someone who can read the code and find out whats wrong and get the service done.
Mike
Post 16468 by Mrsmopp on 2005-04-21 09:17:03
I'm sure one of the us should be able to point you in the direction of a good specialist!
Let us know how you get on tho!! Fingers crossed its something silly!
x
Post 16637 by MikeMitch on 2005-04-21 23:30:33
Got the code read today Braydon did it for a £10.00, its the oxyegen sensor working slowly, replacement not covered by the warenty, its a common problem I beleive. They cancled the fault, have to wait and see if it comes back on. Then a service next week and see how it goes.
Mike
Post 16644 by Wobbly Dave on 2005-04-22 00:37:30
That is good news, if you know what I mean (not wishing faults on you)