Hello, newbie with questions

Hello all

I just thought id introduce myself. I currently own a 96 VW GTI but im on the look out for an 850 or V70 T5. Im not new to the world of Volvo's as I've owned a 440 a few years ago and my old man has had a few in the past, an 89 740 GL which had clocked up over 250000 miles when he sold it and a 940 se with 128000 miles which he has just chopped in for a very nice indeed 52 plate V70 D5 SE fully loaded. Which is a very nice car indeed.

Ive wanted an 850 T5 for a long time now and my dads latest purchase has kick started the desire again

I was hoping i could get some info on what to look for when i do start to look at 850's and V70's? What goes wrong and should i steer clear from the "ex police" cars that you see for sale? Is high mileage something to worry about on the T5's with their turbos etc?

Oh, and what BHP is the standard 850 T5? And also the same for the V70 please as ive heard/read a few different figures for both models

Any info would be muchly appreciated

Stu

Originally Posted by s****

Hello all

I just thought id introduce myself. I currently own a 96 VW GTI but im on the look out for an 850 or V70 T5. Im not new to the world of Volvo's as I've owned a 440 a few years ago and my old man has had a few in the past, an 89 740 GL which had clocked up over 250000 miles when he sold it and a 940 se with 128000 miles which he has just chopped in for a very nice indeed 52 plate V70 D5 SE fully loaded. Which is a very nice car indeed.

Ive wanted an 850 T5 for a long time now and my dads latest purchase has kick started the desire again

I was hoping i could get some info on what to look for when i do start to look at 850's and V70's? What goes wrong and should i steer clear from the "ex police" cars that you see for sale? Is high mileage something to worry about on the T5's with their turbos etc?

Oh, and what BHP is the standard 850 T5? And also the same for the V70 please as ive heard/read a few different figures for both models

Any info would be muchly appreciated

Stu

Hi Stu

The best advice we can give you here at HLM, Chip Tuning Ltd is to buy the newest model you can within your budget. Try and steer clear of expolice as they tend to lack spec and some / most are not looked after very well. (pls don't shoot me down ex police car owners, this is from our experience)

Standard BHP 850 t5 -225
Standard BHP V70 t5 phase 1 - 225
Standard BHP V70 t5 phase 2 - 250

Turbos tend to show wear at approx 150k on the t5's but this does sometimes vary. It is always best to try and get a car with as few miles as possible, its how the car is generally looked after thats the most important factor so viewing a service history is a must.

One thing to remember is that the last of the 850's are now 10 years old and finding a lower mileage one that doesn't need a great deal of work will be difficult but not impossible.

I hope this helps, no doubt you will get more advice on this from other enthusiasts

Natalie
www.chiptuninguk.com

[sholtby]

I've been so pleased with my 850 T5. They are strong, fast and reliable cars with no serious design faults to worry about. Running costs ie parts and fuel economy are good considering the cars performance. You should be able to get a good 850 for not much more than £2k, possibly less, my car was £1700. Try and find one with as high a spec as possible ie leather and climate control. Manuals are more reliable and fun to drive.
I doubt you'll find such a good car for the money as an 850 T5. They just dont have the image that other cars have which I think explains the cheap price.

Simon

Cheers for the replys Its the lack of image that apeals to me TBH!!!!! When i tell people im looking at buying a volvo they kind of glaze over!! Its only when you tell them the BHP you can get for the amount of money that their eyes light up!! LOL They seem to sudenly remember the 850's estates that did so well in touring cars!!!!!! And you have to say, "yes thems the ones!!!!" LOL I just love the "sleeper" image they seem to have.

Stu

[STE-MAL]

Originally Posted by sholtby

They just dont have the image that other cars have

That's one of the reasons I love these car's. They surprise alot of people.

[sholtby]

They are also dont cost too much to seriously improve the performance. I'd recommend a chip £300, shocks and lowering springs £300, brake upgrade again around £300. There is more that you can do as I have done to my car but the biggest improvements are the 3 items I mentioned above.

Simon