Here's a nice R-design on marketplace (93,000 miles) being sold by "Gatwick Motor World".
https://www.gatwickmotorworld.com/us...sussex-2350671
Regarding my own black 08 S40 T5 (same year as this V50), I bought it over the telephone without viewing it in person (something I'd never do if spending £3,000 on a car). Car was some 200 miles away, so I had the dealer to deliver it to me. I knew I would struggle to find another black manual facelift R-design T5 so I had that "crazy" moment and went all in and just bought it. I was NOT wrong about the rarity. They are getting very hard to find now.
The interior condition was very nice but the car did need a lot of mechanical TLC which was apparent when I finally drove it for the first time but I got those issues sorted out and now the car drives very very nicely. I dont reget the blind purchase because the core drivetrain in these cars will last a long time.
Issues were:
Timing belt was overdue by 20,000 miles.
Wheel alignment was out.
Wheel bearing was grinding and car was vibrating badly at 70mph+.
Wrong coolant tank had been fitted (from 4 cylinder S40).
Car was down on power.
