Discussion
I,m running a 2007 V50 T5. Cracking car, plenty power for what I need, and comfy, however is a little tight on rear seat space. Fuel wise, I was concerned about running costs and read of seriously poor MPG, it wasn't a great concern but considering I ran a 2.0d S40 previously, I have been quite pleased.
On a regular run I do, I easily get 36-37mpg, (laden, two kids etc) running from Moray up to Thurso.
The computer is showing 29 mpg that's with my commute and running kids about.
On a regular run I do, I easily get 36-37mpg, (laden, two kids etc) running from Moray up to Thurso.
The computer is showing 29 mpg that's with my commute and running kids about.
Late reply, but yes.
I've run a late-2006 S40 T5 since early 2012.
Normally this is the point people regale you with horror stories, but it's been almost completely trouble-free. The only unexpected expense I had with it is the PCV valve - it clogs up over time, and you end up needing to replace the assembly which takes a bit of time to get to. £550 odd if you take it to a franchised dealer, probably cheaper up north or if you take it to an independent.
Economy very much depends on your right foot. I'm a reasonably economical driver, my worst is usually around 25-26mpg if I never leave town, 31-32mpg mixed, usually around 35mpg on a motorway trip although if I'm careful or end up in the interminable 50mph limits a lot of motorways have it can breach 40mpg. But a friend of mine (we used to share driving on road trips) struggled to get more than 29mpg out of it. My other half seems to better most of my figures (apart from the absolute record) by around 1mpg, but we don't talk about that
.
Mine eats batteries but I suspect that's because it doesn't get used during the week, only at weekends. Be careful with the leather on the earlier cars, it's quite fragile in some places (bolsters and middle of the rear seat cushion, for example) and the white leather will easily pick up dyes from jeans and the like.
There are a few suspension options, the full-on sport option with the strut brace is quite stiff. It's still reasonably comfortable but you'll notice bumps much more than you do in an S80. The softer ones without the sport kit are much more Volvo-like, though. The OEM Pirelli tyres are incredibly noisy and get worse as they get older, I switched to Michelin Pilot Sport 3s which calms things down while still giving good handling and ride. Handling is massively better than the P2 S60/V70/S80 cars. Enormous difference, you can really feel the Ford influence. On a more practical note, the turning circle is also a lot better!
The handbrake on cars up to about 2008ish is in a stupid place. Never let a fat passenger sit in the front unless you really fancy feeling up their right leg on every stop. On the later models they positioned it a bit higher to avoid this. In general, each year brings small incremental upgrades; for example mine as one of the very first builds of the 2007 spec has an audio system which will read MP3 files as well as audio CDs, and a line-in socket. Later still and you get a USB slot too. Speaking of audio, make sure you're happy with the system that's in the car you buy, it is one of the most difficult systems to upgrade even by modern car standards due to the integrated screen and fibre-optic network.
The 6-speed manual in the T5 is much better than any other Volvo I've driven, even the 6-speeds in the C30 diesels. It's got a short throw and is very positive; only 5th can be a little crunchy until you get used to it. Gearing is very tall. You could do 100mph in 3rd if you had somewhere legal to do so.
Anything else you want to know? I've been really happy with mine, it's been one of the best cars I've owned.
I've run a late-2006 S40 T5 since early 2012.
Normally this is the point people regale you with horror stories, but it's been almost completely trouble-free. The only unexpected expense I had with it is the PCV valve - it clogs up over time, and you end up needing to replace the assembly which takes a bit of time to get to. £550 odd if you take it to a franchised dealer, probably cheaper up north or if you take it to an independent.
Economy very much depends on your right foot. I'm a reasonably economical driver, my worst is usually around 25-26mpg if I never leave town, 31-32mpg mixed, usually around 35mpg on a motorway trip although if I'm careful or end up in the interminable 50mph limits a lot of motorways have it can breach 40mpg. But a friend of mine (we used to share driving on road trips) struggled to get more than 29mpg out of it. My other half seems to better most of my figures (apart from the absolute record) by around 1mpg, but we don't talk about that
.Mine eats batteries but I suspect that's because it doesn't get used during the week, only at weekends. Be careful with the leather on the earlier cars, it's quite fragile in some places (bolsters and middle of the rear seat cushion, for example) and the white leather will easily pick up dyes from jeans and the like.
There are a few suspension options, the full-on sport option with the strut brace is quite stiff. It's still reasonably comfortable but you'll notice bumps much more than you do in an S80. The softer ones without the sport kit are much more Volvo-like, though. The OEM Pirelli tyres are incredibly noisy and get worse as they get older, I switched to Michelin Pilot Sport 3s which calms things down while still giving good handling and ride. Handling is massively better than the P2 S60/V70/S80 cars. Enormous difference, you can really feel the Ford influence. On a more practical note, the turning circle is also a lot better!
The handbrake on cars up to about 2008ish is in a stupid place. Never let a fat passenger sit in the front unless you really fancy feeling up their right leg on every stop. On the later models they positioned it a bit higher to avoid this. In general, each year brings small incremental upgrades; for example mine as one of the very first builds of the 2007 spec has an audio system which will read MP3 files as well as audio CDs, and a line-in socket. Later still and you get a USB slot too. Speaking of audio, make sure you're happy with the system that's in the car you buy, it is one of the most difficult systems to upgrade even by modern car standards due to the integrated screen and fibre-optic network.
The 6-speed manual in the T5 is much better than any other Volvo I've driven, even the 6-speeds in the C30 diesels. It's got a short throw and is very positive; only 5th can be a little crunchy until you get used to it. Gearing is very tall. You could do 100mph in 3rd if you had somewhere legal to do so.
Anything else you want to know? I've been really happy with mine, it's been one of the best cars I've owned.
Edited by Timberwolf on Tuesday 29th November 22:32
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