High miles T5 reliability
 

Hi all,

Currently got a D5 but do so little mileage these days (company van) that I've been thinking of treating myself to something nice to drive, unfortunately I'm not too rich either...

Seen a nice spec (facelift P2 v70) T5 needing some work, not an issue and whilst I've got the other car is ideal for me. But it's high mileage 200k+, I know this isn't an issue on the oil burner, but what's the life expectancy of a petrol engine?

Not needing to know about consumables such as clutch, suspension etc.

Hi, the T5 engines are usually quite strong but it all depends on how they have been treated and after a few miles the turbo can get a little warn and could need replacing. As being a Volvo they're strong cars and the engine will last for god knows how long, but with the P2 the biggest problem is the electronic throttle body and 5 speed auto gearbox. Last year I did a charity rally to Benidorm in a 2.4t and in France the gearbox gave way, and they're known as the 'chocolate gearbox', and you can't service them, unless you have specialist equipment. So when if it's an auto look out for that. The other problem is the throttle body and this ran on carbon tracks and when they wear out the throttle is everywhere. Mine revved all over the place and revs up and down constantly, and goes can be around £150-200.
Overall the cars are strong and dependable but has the problems I've previously mentioned, and if you do the research it's a common thing and that's why most of the P2's are manual.
To be honest I'd prefer the p1 T5 as these have old fashioned mechanical parts and can be easily maintained, but the P2 isn't a bad car, just look out for any electrical problems as the throttle body talks to the gearbox.
Hope this help and hope it's the right car for you and you enjoy it.
Not to put you off the car.

facelifted V70 T5 will have the 2.4 T5 lump, the stronger of any variants. Well serviced would do in excess of 250k without incident.

IMHO though, all p2 cars are money pits, seemingly chasing next job after next job

racks burst frequently, clusters fail, lower arms wear out rather quick, noisy VVT hubs, awds strip angle gear splines etc etc. All cars have their achilles heels it must be said, but this is why i stick to the older ones: less to break and far cheaper and easier to fix.

Thanks guys, my head has over ruled my heart and decided to stay with my current oilburner rather than opening up a new heap of expense. Now remap anyone.....