Hello from Worcestershire

Post 467065 by john656 on 2012-02-26 16:31:50

Hi all, In the middle of trying to decide what to get for my next daily driver I think I've finally come down on a V70 T5 2004 shape. I've currently got a 300 TDi Discovery that I use off road, now I've got the itch for something underrated and quick and what better than your "granddads estate". I'm a mechanic by trade so fixing/scanning and parts isn't a problem BUT I don't want to be fixing it on my weekends and holidays off like my current one. There seems to be an abundance of ex-police ones. Are these ones good to look at? Despite the odd shoeing I Imagine (and would like to think) that every service schedule had been met etc or am I deluded and jumping the gun. Any how I'm off to utilize the search function. Regards John

Post 467067 by Santa on 2012-02-26 16:39:47

Welcome :-) (Someone will hopefully be along shortly to answer your question :-) )

Post 467070 by Pinup_gal on 2012-02-26 16:42:21

Welcome Aboard Can't help with the car question, unless of course its about colour ;) :)

Post 467081 by john656 on 2012-02-26 16:50:27

[quote=Pinup_gal;467070]Welcome Aboard Can't help with the car question, unless of course its about colour ;) :)[/quote] I want a black or a nice deep blue... unless you have any other suggestions of colours that they look good in?

Post 467083 by T5frankie on 2012-02-26 16:52:43

if i were you i'd get a slightly newer one, as they facelifted them in 05 and look alot nice imo

Post 467094 by john656 on 2012-02-26 16:58:32

[quote=t5frankie;467083]if i were you i'd get a slightly newer one, as they facelifted them in 05 and look alot nice imo[/quote] One I have seen on autotrader that I like is a 56 but ex police with 114K on the clock, but looking around that just seems to be about run in. Does look nice but may be a wee bit high ;-). What were the differences, Lights bumpers etc?

Post 467097 by john656 on 2012-02-26 16:59:23

[quote=t5frankie;467083]if i were you i'd get a slightly newer one, as they facelifted them in 05 and look alot nice imo[/quote] One I have seen on autotrader that I like is a 56 but ex police with 114K on the clock, hense the question above, but, looking around that just seems to be about run in. Does look nice but may be a wee bit high ;-). What were the differences, Lights bumpers etc?

Post 467117 by Santa on 2012-02-26 17:24:35

[quote=john656;467097]One I have seen on autotrader that I like is a 56 but ex police with 114K on the clock, hense the question above, but, looking around that just seems to be about run in. Does look nice but may be a wee bit high ;-). What were the differences, Lights bumpers etc?[/quote] I believe the wiring looms are different which can be problematic for the fitment of Volvo stereos? Also might be worth making sure it wasn't used as a battering ram and that the car is all the same shade of what ever colour it is :-)

Post 467181 by Pinup_gal on 2012-02-26 18:44:18

[quote=john656;467081]I want a black or a nice deep blue... unless you have any other suggestions of colours that they look good in?[/quote] Black, Sonic Blue or my personal fave Gunmetal Grey!!! ;)

Post 467198 by M-R-P on 2012-02-26 19:07:23

[quote=Santa;467117]I believe the wiring looms are different which can be problematic for the fitment of Volvo stereos? Also might be worth making sure it wasn't used as a battering ram and that the car is all the same shade of what ever colour it is :-)[/quote] Haha, you read my threads then Rich!;) Ok, anything ex plod, go for post 2004 as earlier ones had problems (expensive ones) if you want anything other than white, go for driver training cars. My ex plod is now on 186k, the engine is spot on but I have spent about 800 quid on suspension and brakes recently (it did 180k on the same shocks, wishbones and top mounts). Ex plods are usually basic and have aftermarrket stereos but the standard speakers are superb. For all the hassle I've had with mine, she's worth every penny and scraped knuckle. if you're handy with a spanner, the first month or so will be spent getting it up to scratch, after that, enjoy.:) If i can give you any more info, feel free to pm me.

Post 467259 by t5 stealth on 2012-02-26 20:49:41

welcome :)

Post 467263 by s_cowen on 2012-02-26 20:53:29

:welcome: good luck on finding the rite car! :smile:

Post 467312 by Wobbly Dave on 2012-02-26 21:50:03

as your first forray into T5 ownership I would be wary of buying ex-plod. Spec is basic They are worked hard but well serviced Holes in the roof holes in the dash Just be aware that they are IMHO cheap for a reason. :welcome: I agree that you should look to get the 2.4 litre T5 (MY2005 onwards).