What Volvo Diesel would you buy?

[740 In France]

Hello,
We are happy with our new Toyota Corolla diesel, but today someone decided to scrape our 3 month old car and did a runner and We are now thinking of getting another used volvo but this time a diesel one, for running around in as a workhorse and one that we wont be so worried about if it gets the odd scrape etc. We would have about 5 grand to spend and my grandparents would like a diesel for more economy and not really that worried if it was a saloon or estate. The newer the better would be good ie less than 4 years old. Is there a volvo diesel for that kind of money?
What would you suggest that is reliable ie put fuel in it, service it and that wont give us bills to repair of thousands?

Many thanks James

[Viper_7]

anything with the D5 engine. It's sweet as, and will last forever.

vipes

[740 In France]

Hi Viper 7,
Thanks for your post regarding the D5 engine. What D5 horsepowered engine would you go for as the optimum for towing etc? Is the D5 a VW engine? What sort of Mpg can you expect? Many thanks James.

[Viper_7]

The D5 is Volvo's own.

It's not a matter of horsies for towing but torque.
The D5's currently come in the guise of 163 and 185 BHP, something like like 300nm of Torque ( can't be bothered to check right now) but it's much much higher then petrol. Generally, ANY diesel you go for will tow without breaking a sweat.
The D5 can be found in the S60's and XC90's. Looking at 43 ish and 38 ish MPG for both.
I'd recommend the VW passat 1.9TDI as well.

Vipes

[GMcL]

Just be aware James if you do find a D5 within your price range between 2001 and 2005 to check the output as there was also a D5 available in Europe with 126 hp/4,000 rpm and 340 Nm/1,750-2,750 rpm engine code D5244T7.
Torque is fine for towing but these are big heavy cars and 126hp with a trailer will be painfully slow.
You may also need to check the 750kg tow weight as it maybe (will probably) be reduced for these 126hp cars.

[LittleGreyCat]

Couple of things:

(1) the 750 Kg limit (AFAIK) is only for unbraked trailers.

(2) my 740 non-intercooler turbo diesel with a truly awesome 80 bhp (AFAIK) will tow fine up to UK speed limits - currently towing a 2000 Kg dual axle braked trailer (but not fully loaded as that would be above the maximum towing weight).

I suspect that any D5 would be fine for towing - as long as you are not in a desperate hurry (which is never a good idea when towing, anyway).

Vovlo Estates are generally good tow cars because of the long wheelbase which prevents the tail wagging the dog.

Cheers

Dave R

[mandarin]

Definitely the D5. Excellent engine especially with the tiptronic gearbox.

Fully laden V70 to Scotland and back, average speed showed at 56mph and over 1700 miles avge mpg showed as 44mph.



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[pigapumbu]

Originally Posted by mandarin

Definitely the D5. Excellent engine especially with the tiptronic gearbox.

Fully laden V70 to Scotland and back, average speed showed at 56mph and over 1700 miles avge mpg showed as 44mph.



..

Is that all? 44mpg I take it @56mph. Boy it must have been fully laden.

My advice, check some threads here about the problems volvo cars have faced.. especially the newer models, read how the dealers have been trying to fix the problems and also do a search on servicing cost. Then if you think Volvo is still the car for you to buy, go ahead.

cheers