Help/advices needed regarding buying S40/V50 (2.4i or 2.0i)

[StatusRed]

Originally Posted by Clan

You obviously have not explored this engine in the 5000 - 7000 rpm range where it comes alive :-) most people change up at about 4000 rpm which is only using half the quoted bhp .

Originally Posted by Sasha94

Indeed, in fact the 2.0 petrol is probably one of the gems of the range. It’s a Mazda MZR engine and is fitted to (among other things) the MX-5. My friend has a C30 with this engine in it and she asked me why it didn’t feel much faster than my 1.6 diesel V50. I took her out in it and drove it properly. It’s amazing how much the 2.0 comes alive above 5000 rpm and how good the chassis is other than the numb steering!

I agree with this, I rarely put my foot down but a good opportunity to test out the 5-7K rev range with the engine is when you're joining a motorway from a slip road, leave it in 3rd and see it start flying when the revs get higher. Normally I drive with low revs for fuel efficiency but it's fun when you get those good opportunities to see what it can do

[dme123]

Originally Posted by Clan

You obviously have not explored this engine in the 5000 - 7000 rpm range where it comes alive :-) most people change up at about 4000 rpm which is only using half the quoted bhp .

Everything I drive kisses the redline a few times on practically every journey, I assure you :-D

I stand by my statement, it's a fine engine but is neither particularly sonorous or powerful no matter how much you wring it's neck. It's OK in the NC MX-5 but no better than that, however it's worlds apart from the boat anchor they used in the Mk1/Mk2 which really rather let the rest of the car down.

I always wish they'd fitted the 3.2 SI6 to the S40/V50, as it's supposedly only a few mm longer than the I5. That would make for a very lovely compact saloon.

To the OP - I wouldn't worry at all about the reliability of the turbo components of an older T5. They're very robust if the service schedule has met, it's very uncommon to have turbo problems with any of them. Worst case a refurbed turbo isn't even that expensive anymore. Well worth it for the mid range shove over the NASP engines.