Volvo S60 T5 - what to check?

[powwerr]

Im currently seriously considering trading the current hack in for a S60 T5 2004.

Just wondering if theres anything i should definetly be checking?

The one i have my eye on has covered 72,000, brand new it was a demo car and has had 1 owner since.

It has a fsh (not checked yet) again just wondering if theres anything i should definetly see in the service book for a car of this vintage and mileage.


1 last thing, how do you know if it is the 7 speaker or 13 speaker without looking around and counting them? I dont want to be asked what im doing while im looking about counting to myself.

As always any info and knowledge appreciated guys and gals!!

[confused_buyer]

Not much to specifically check - the 2004 model year had most of the common things fixed. At 72k I wouldn't expect to see anything other than usual servicing. Cambelt is due at 96k.

If it has the Dolby Surround system it'll have 9 speakers. A few had 11 with an additional couple of tweeters but it is not worth seeking out.

[davidjpowell]

Gearbox. Although it's 100k miles plus that trouble begins (assuming auto).

Harsh snatch gear change spells trouble.

[Chiswickboy]

Electrics can be problematic (central locking locking and then unlocking), suspension bushes wear and engine top mount wears out but are fairly easily fixed. Turbos only last about 150k miles and obviously brakes get worked harder on the T5 than others. Post 2002 models are better but in general there are no major problem areas on the T5 over the other variants.

Search on here: http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/

[rb5230]

Chiswickboy said:

Turbos only last about 150k miles

Only? I`d say thats pretty good going.

[powwerr]

davidjpowell said:

Gearbox. Although it's 100k miles plus that trouble begins (assuming auto).

Harsh snatch gear change spells trouble.

6 speed manual...any different?

[y2blade]

the rear drop-links wear pretty quick...so listen for slight knocking from rear-end

these are VERY easy to DIY and there are very high quality Heavy Duty ones available for a very good price




all in all the S60 is a bloody superb car, I love mine



Edit to add I'll do a more indepth post if no-one beats me to it tomorrow (I'm off to bed now, falling asleep here)

[confused_buyer]

The autos are much better on 2004 model year (roughly 53 reg on). Manuals are not known for issues.

At 72k unless it has been abused, apart from general cosmetic wear and tear, it should be fine.

[S. Gonzales Esq.]

powwerr said:

1 last thing, how do you know if it is the 7 speaker or 13 speaker without looking around and counting them? I dont want to be asked what im doing while im looking about counting to myself.

Assuming the post-facelift is the same setup as the earlier ones, take a torch and look through the speaker grilles in the front doors - 3 speakers in each door means the premium system.

[don kalmar union]

If you can get the VIN from whatever vehicle you have an interest in, any dealer will give you a print out of the build of the car.

If you have the funds I would suggest you give most consideration to the later 2.4l post MY '05 T5 which has an identical engine with all ancilleries to the concurrent 2.5l 'R' variants. That means the bigger KKK turbo, biggest injectors and most importantly a narrower bore making the engine bombproof....unlike the fragile 'R' that can burst its block.

Plus....that latest T5 will give you 325/330bhp with just a software upgrade. By far and away the best itteration of the long line of 'T5' engines.

Regards, Don.

[powwerr]

Thans very mmuch chaps.

I thought the 2004 T5 shared the turbo (dont know if its KKK) from the R, i just remember reading that 2004 had the bigger turbo. Could be complete tosh, i dont know.


y2Blade......Seen some of your posts about your D5, if i had my sensible head on thats where id be sitting too.....cant seem to find the damn thing though

[y2blade]

powwerr said:

y2Blade......Seen some of your posts about your D5, if i had my sensible head on thats where id be sitting too.....cant seem to find the damn thing though

fair enough

[K321]

if the auto is same as on the d5 mine has 200k miles and original autobox is fine
t5- check for usual turbo issues, blue smoke etc. mpg on those t5's are not so good