V70 T5 - which is best vintage?

[Legend83]

Having exhausted and bored everyone on the GG forum with all possible options of fast, load-lugging, reliable estates (Subaru Legacy/SAAB 9-5 Aero/Mondeo ST220) the V70 T5 has hit my radar.

Which vintage is considered best for build quality and reliability? I understand 2000-2002 models had electrical gremlins and issues with autoboxes going pop.

I have max £8k to spend so can hopefully pick and choose a good, low-mileage one. Only problem is that when I search for manual V70 T5 on autotrader / Ebay, all I get is ex-Police cars in white!

[morgrp]

Forget the t5 - 8k will buy you a very nice 05/06 plate v70R AWD

[rb5er]

morgrp said:

Forget the t5 - 8k will buy you a very nice 05/06 plate v70R AWD

Yep, great car

[T4RRR]

If you don't need an autobox then stick with a manual. As has been said, the "R" cars are superb all round packages and £8k will net you a very nice one, but best have a quick read up of what to look out for. If you're bent on a T5 then the post 2005 T5s (6-speed) are definitely the ones to go for. Have a look on the High Performance Volvo Club site (www.T5D5.org), there's lots of useful tips there from current R and T5 owners.

[richie99]

If you decide to go with the R, don't forget to price in a very good warranty. Chances are you'll need it.

[Synchromesh]

T4RRR said:

If you're bent on a T5 then the post 2005 T5s (6-speed) are definitely the ones to go for.

Other than the for the 6th speed, why? I heard the earlier 2.3Ts were the more reliable engines.

[T5R+]

The latter T5s have more robust engines (even when compared with the R). Without boring you T5D5 will explain the specifics.

The 2.3 was a great combination but the 2.4 manuals are supposed to be a little bit quicker and handle better.

If funds allow, go for the 2.4 over 2.3 for speed, handling, modernity, tuning potential, etc

Many view the V70R as "the one to have". By all means but you need to know what you are buying and most importantly what to check on these particular variants. A good run-out V70R still commands low teens.

[dave stew]

I have a 2002 2.3T5 V70 manual with 167,000 on the clock. The main thing it eats is the front suspension, mines had wishbone bushes, wheel bearings, dampers, top mounts and drop links replacing. I've had a new clutch at 140,000 but nothing particularly startling other than that.

Big, strong load lugger. Rubbish Turing circle is my only real criticism. Buy one, you won't be disappointed. I'd have another in a flash.

[dave stew]

The R is a nice car, but it's a virtual cert that the angle gear oil seal goes and kills the angle gear. Very expensive, but if you get a warranty and check it regularly it shouldn't be such a problem.