Best bangernomics Volvo?
Discussion
Volvo 850 is the best Volvo by a country mile - a grand will buy a very nice one - if you want to go fast buy a t5 model, if you don't, a 2.0 20v. If you want (some) economy get a tdi. If you want a good compromise the 170bhp 2.5 20v is the one to go for.
Avoid R models and t5-r models as they are over priced, barely any quicker than a well sorted standard t5 and a grand will only get you into a leggy, scruffy model.
They are all super tough, good to drive, sound wonderful and lovely to work on
In my opinion no Volvo before it or since have ever been as good - it really is the best compromise of traditional Volvo value with a modern driving experience
I've sold loads and talked many customers whos cars i service into buying one and they have all loved them
Avoid R models and t5-r models as they are over priced, barely any quicker than a well sorted standard t5 and a grand will only get you into a leggy, scruffy model.
They are all super tough, good to drive, sound wonderful and lovely to work on
In my opinion no Volvo before it or since have ever been as good - it really is the best compromise of traditional Volvo value with a modern driving experience
I've sold loads and talked many customers whos cars i service into buying one and they have all loved them
My V40 cost £600
Reliable, good heater, comfy, economical - can't ask for anything more.
If you look at them watch for VVT issues ( do a google search - £500+ with a cambelt change from an Indy specialist ) - apart from that they are very well built.
I've had loads of cars but the V40 is my first Volvo - I can see me having more in the future
Reliable, good heater, comfy, economical - can't ask for anything more.
If you look at them watch for VVT issues ( do a google search - £500+ with a cambelt change from an Indy specialist ) - apart from that they are very well built.
I've had loads of cars but the V40 is my first Volvo - I can see me having more in the future
I purchased a great barge-o-nomic 940 LPT Auto estate a while ago on an R plate for £300 and I fell in love with the comfort, size, shape and the fact it actually went really well for a near two ton machine.Handling is.....interesting though! I was so impressed, that I am now picking up a V70 T5 estate auto next week.
The 940 has covered 150k miles, came with loads of history (and some scrapes etc) and drives like a 50k machine.The V70 has 156k miles, 2 owners, again tons of history (over a grand spent in the last year!) and is costing me just over double.It even includes the original dealer receipt for 34k with options!! I have fallen in love I think.I definately intend to go down the manual boost route for a giggle..
The 940.We collected 12 alloy wheels in this and there was room for another 12!
We didn't exactly make an effort with spacing/stacking as there was so much room..
The soon to be T5..
I will also have myself a much promised 240 estate before I die..
The 940 has covered 150k miles, came with loads of history (and some scrapes etc) and drives like a 50k machine.The V70 has 156k miles, 2 owners, again tons of history (over a grand spent in the last year!) and is costing me just over double.It even includes the original dealer receipt for 34k with options!! I have fallen in love I think.I definately intend to go down the manual boost route for a giggle..
The 940.We collected 12 alloy wheels in this and there was room for another 12!
We didn't exactly make an effort with spacing/stacking as there was so much room..
The soon to be T5..
I will also have myself a much promised 240 estate before I die..
Edited by Digby on Saturday 22 June 22:39
I've owned a bog standard 02 plate V40 2.0na for over 70,000 miles (now on 134,000) and in that time, it has stopped me doing one journey, with a binding rear brake calliper. Other non-service parts I have had changed are:
Bonnet catch (they catch crud and rust)
Rear springs (originals aren't quite tough enough)
Front brake calliper (occasionally running hot and so replaced before it failed like the rear one)
The cam belt is a 96,000 mile service part as is the auxiliary belt.
When I had the rear brake calliper replaced on 132,000 miles the car was on it's original rear pads and disks (I think) and they weren't worn out or anywhere near.
Boot space isn't massive but with the seats down I can throw a mountain bike in there and have it lie flat without having to take off the wheels.
The car is comfortable for long journeys, nice seats, softish suspension and 15" wheels
I get about 33mpg from a mixed town/motorway commute
The engine gets revved through to the 6500 redline about once a week in 2nd and 3rd, it's still smooth all the way
A V40 with service history can be had for under £500, just keep an eye on ebay
I'm currently using the car for 300 miles a week of commuting and can't really justify changing it for anything else as it is too reliable/practical/cheap in combination.
Overall it's good cheap shedding but not the full on Volvo bus experience.
If you're set on a T4 they can be had cheap but just beware that the turbo will likely be tired (or replaced) but then I take the view that sheds should be as free from unrequired tech as possible.
Bonnet catch (they catch crud and rust)
Rear springs (originals aren't quite tough enough)
Front brake calliper (occasionally running hot and so replaced before it failed like the rear one)
The cam belt is a 96,000 mile service part as is the auxiliary belt.
When I had the rear brake calliper replaced on 132,000 miles the car was on it's original rear pads and disks (I think) and they weren't worn out or anywhere near.
Boot space isn't massive but with the seats down I can throw a mountain bike in there and have it lie flat without having to take off the wheels.
The car is comfortable for long journeys, nice seats, softish suspension and 15" wheels
I get about 33mpg from a mixed town/motorway commute
The engine gets revved through to the 6500 redline about once a week in 2nd and 3rd, it's still smooth all the way
A V40 with service history can be had for under £500, just keep an eye on ebay
I'm currently using the car for 300 miles a week of commuting and can't really justify changing it for anything else as it is too reliable/practical/cheap in combination.
Overall it's good cheap shedding but not the full on Volvo bus experience.
If you're set on a T4 they can be had cheap but just beware that the turbo will likely be tired (or replaced) but then I take the view that sheds should be as free from unrequired tech as possible.
You can't beat a godo 850 if you are able to self maintain it, they are all high milers but it doesn't really touch them if it has been looked after in a reasonable fashion - I had an estate T5-R (manual) with 155K on the clock and it still went like a train, suprised a lot of people off of the lights thats for sure.
Note the T5 models will eat front tyres and perform poorly with cheap ones fitted, they also seen prone to damaging the front anti roll bar links, a cheap and easy fix but make sure you check them. Make sure you check the auto box is working correctly if you did buy an auto and check the fluid, it may want replacing as a matter of course if it is dirty/dark in colour.
Note the T5 models will eat front tyres and perform poorly with cheap ones fitted, they also seen prone to damaging the front anti roll bar links, a cheap and easy fix but make sure you check them. Make sure you check the auto box is working correctly if you did buy an auto and check the fluid, it may want replacing as a matter of course if it is dirty/dark in colour.
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