Volvo R Type opinions/advice
Discussion
Evening...
Apologies for making this my first post, however I'm after some advice...
I'm looking to buy an R Type (or is that the Honda boys domain?) in the not too distant future. I have looked at 850's and S/V70's both in T5, T5R and R spec. I've decided that I am aiming to get either an 850 T5R or R (think I'm swaying towards a saloon) or depending on the cost, an S70R.... in manual.
Basically I'm just after some pointers on what to look out for when buying them, what's likey to go wrong and what they are like to live with. I drive a Cav Turbo so know all about running costs!! However this would be a weekend toy... but anything that I should be aware of would be greatly appreciated.
Lastly, tuning wise what is achievable reliably (not thinking 500bhp+) but just subtle suspension, brake and power upgrades. A friend ran a 850 T5 and then an S70R and both were mildy tuned, however neither of us really know what was done... all we know is the S70 was mind numbingly fast.
Many thanks in advance
P.s... anybody know of decent examples for sale? (PH classifieds aside)
Apologies for making this my first post, however I'm after some advice...
I'm looking to buy an R Type (or is that the Honda boys domain?) in the not too distant future. I have looked at 850's and S/V70's both in T5, T5R and R spec. I've decided that I am aiming to get either an 850 T5R or R (think I'm swaying towards a saloon) or depending on the cost, an S70R.... in manual.
Basically I'm just after some pointers on what to look out for when buying them, what's likey to go wrong and what they are like to live with. I drive a Cav Turbo so know all about running costs!! However this would be a weekend toy... but anything that I should be aware of would be greatly appreciated.
Lastly, tuning wise what is achievable reliably (not thinking 500bhp+) but just subtle suspension, brake and power upgrades. A friend ran a 850 T5 and then an S70R and both were mildy tuned, however neither of us really know what was done... all we know is the S70 was mind numbingly fast.
Many thanks in advance
P.s... anybody know of decent examples for sale? (PH classifieds aside)
Hi dave i run www.RTMECHANICS.CO.UK as you will see we are volvo mad ! If you need any help or advice please give us a call we only do volvos and we tune them etc etc.
We have two demo cars we could show you as well.
We do sometimes have in the classic V70R AWD and the later 'V70R'/'S60'R.
We never see any 850 T5R/850R models that are worth buying in anymore most have had a very hard life.
You could always buy a Classic shape V70 T5 and modify it to perform much much better!!!!
Regards
Russell Thompson
We have two demo cars we could show you as well.
We do sometimes have in the classic V70R AWD and the later 'V70R'/'S60'R.
We never see any 850 T5R/850R models that are worth buying in anymore most have had a very hard life.
You could always buy a Classic shape V70 T5 and modify it to perform much much better!!!!
Regards
Russell Thompson
Nothing like bringing an old post back from the dead but hey...
Now back on the case looking for a TypeR, I had decided to leave it but since then the old Cav turbo has thrown its toys out the pram and decided it doesnt want tpo play anymore. So...
I'm now pretty much settled on an 850R estate, and definately want a manual as I drove a few autos (other makes) and well... just not for me. So a few questions for any owners etc, I have read all the posts regarding R's but some questions remain unanswered.
1. 200,000 miles... is this getting towards the end of its life? My Cavalier managed 170,000 running 280bhp with only minor work so Im hoping the Volvo lump will keep going well past 200k given the correct servicing?
2. The RICA remaps. Alot of cars seem to have this... again is running nigh on 310bhp going to cause issues on a higher mile car?
3. Repairs and servicing Im not worried about, can work a spanner and get service parts at discount but its more the dear stuff... such as gearboxes, turbos, clutches etc? Is there sort of set times/mileages that major components need replaced?
Finally, my thoughts recently were to buy a rough T5 for the least cash... simply to run through winter and judge if I could live with the sheer bulk/running costs/lack of 4x4 before buying something such as an R later in 2007, however there have been a few R's in the classifieds recently, some at very reasonable... dare I say cheap, prices. Are they getting cheap, or should this sound alarm bells... bearing in mind I bought my Cavalier 5 years ago for £3000, and have been offered £3500 yesterday
Many thanks gents
Now back on the case looking for a TypeR, I had decided to leave it but since then the old Cav turbo has thrown its toys out the pram and decided it doesnt want tpo play anymore. So...
I'm now pretty much settled on an 850R estate, and definately want a manual as I drove a few autos (other makes) and well... just not for me. So a few questions for any owners etc, I have read all the posts regarding R's but some questions remain unanswered.
1. 200,000 miles... is this getting towards the end of its life? My Cavalier managed 170,000 running 280bhp with only minor work so Im hoping the Volvo lump will keep going well past 200k given the correct servicing?
2. The RICA remaps. Alot of cars seem to have this... again is running nigh on 310bhp going to cause issues on a higher mile car?
3. Repairs and servicing Im not worried about, can work a spanner and get service parts at discount but its more the dear stuff... such as gearboxes, turbos, clutches etc? Is there sort of set times/mileages that major components need replaced?
Finally, my thoughts recently were to buy a rough T5 for the least cash... simply to run through winter and judge if I could live with the sheer bulk/running costs/lack of 4x4 before buying something such as an R later in 2007, however there have been a few R's in the classifieds recently, some at very reasonable... dare I say cheap, prices. Are they getting cheap, or should this sound alarm bells... bearing in mind I bought my Cavalier 5 years ago for £3000, and have been offered £3500 yesterday
Many thanks gents
Hi,
This may fit your bill? www.vpcuk.org/forums/showthread.php?t=15438.
200k expect to start replacing the wear and tear stuff, but looked after the T5/R's can go for a lot longer (there is one serviced by my specialist thats done over 400k now)
I've recently changed my clutch at about 130k - the last 4 T5's I've had have all needed the clutches doing at about this interval. I'm yet to see a manual gearbox give up (but I'm sure it must happen) so I don't think thats anything that should concern you as long as on test drive it's behaving as it should be. The turbo's are a little less predictable, I've known people need to replace their turbo's at as little as 100k, although I'm yet to replace a turbo on any of mine and some have done 180K
x
This may fit your bill? www.vpcuk.org/forums/showthread.php?t=15438.
200k expect to start replacing the wear and tear stuff, but looked after the T5/R's can go for a lot longer (there is one serviced by my specialist thats done over 400k now)
I've recently changed my clutch at about 130k - the last 4 T5's I've had have all needed the clutches doing at about this interval. I'm yet to see a manual gearbox give up (but I'm sure it must happen) so I don't think thats anything that should concern you as long as on test drive it's behaving as it should be. The turbo's are a little less predictable, I've known people need to replace their turbo's at as little as 100k, although I'm yet to replace a turbo on any of mine and some have done 180K
x
Edited by Mrsmopp on Monday 18th December 18:24
Edited by Mrsmopp on Monday 18th December 18:26
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