My new Swede - 2005 Volvo S60 D5 SE
Discussion
Greetings!
So I have left my Saab era and started a new one in the shape of my new (to me) 2005 S60 D5 SE manual.
My wife had a similar one a number of years ago and I always liked it and more recently I started to wonder if maybe I should get one for myself.
My primary reasons for getting the Volvo were;
1. The 9000 was going to need some serious painwork in the near future (rot around the windscreen and along the base on the hatchback.
2. I could really do with a car that does more miles to gallon (the 9000 barely hit 29mpg on a VERY good day!)
3. I had lost some faith in the 9000. I had chased/lived with a number of small but incredibly annoying faults and it had erroded my trust in the car making it really rather stressful owning it.
So I listed the 9000 on a few sites - UKSaabs, Car and Classic and Gumtree and I very quickly had 2 parties interested. Both guys ended up arriving at pretty much the very same time! Both wanted the car and so the car was sold to the first viewer and off it went.
With this being the case I started my search in earnest. Naturally, once I really needed to find a car, I started to struggle with finding suitable car. I wanted a D5 auto, dark exterior with a light interior. Many cars I came accross were either really high mileage, with a tow bar (really wanted to avoid this!) or most likely miles away!
Eventually I stumbled across an ad on FB marketplace that caught my eye. The car in question was a '55 plate, black with sand interior. Initially I dismissed the car as it was a manual. But once a few a messages had been exchanged I could see that the clutch and flywheel had been replaced (along with receipts for the timing belt, water pump and various engine mounts - all work carried out by a very highly rated Volvo specialist). So with this I decided to go and have a look. The car was in Norwich which is only about an hour away. Naturally the day and the weather was horrendous (not ideal when inspecting bodywork!)
Intial impressions were that the car was a little cosmetically challenged - but I was keen enough to make an offer and minutes later I purchased it!
The drive home was very pleasant - the car drove very nicely. The only issue was as I joined the A11 I noticed my wing mirror glass was a little loose and before I could drop the window and grab it - it came off! Bugger! What made the journey even more pleasant was the fact the car had the optional 850 audio fitted - 14 speakers and Pro logic audio no less. Amazing stuff!
So once home I took some photos;
118627581_3187886027959460_3735802262068388907_n by Mark Blewitt, on Flickr
118621000_747336062729512_1834355995156783871_n by Mark Blewitt, on Flickr
Pretty pleased with it - a few scratched but pretty tidy really
So fastforward today and I finally had a chance to attack the old girl!
Firstly I washed the car using the excellent G3 bodywork prep shampoo. I then clayed it using the G3 clay mit. Already the car started look alot better - the paintwork was as rough as badgers backside!
I then washed the car again using the excellent Meguiars Ultimate wash and wax shampoo. This was then followed by Megs Ultimate compound, followed by AG SRP and topped off with a coat of Soft 99 Mirror shine wax.
In addition I attacked the various scratches using G3 scratch remover - most were either removed or massively improved.
I also attacked the yellowed headlights with the same G3 compound - although not completely sorted, they were certainly a lot better!
Before;
118537380_345176703278641_654891215977835197_n by Mark Blewitt, on Flickr
After
118535296_662219277721316_7880031488130558315_n by Mark Blewitt, on Flickr
More work (using the proper kit) is still needed!
So here are a few 'finished' pictures
118468070_738762496974065_9044817196381875802_n by Mark Blewitt, on Flickr
118513027_638474313445009_6459592343488795336_n by Mark Blewitt, on Flickr
I will add some photos of the interior which I cleaned using Gliptone gentle leather cleaner an Megs interior detailer - both worked a treat!
Plans
I need to properly refurb the headlight lens
Source the missing wing mirror glass
Source the missing headlight sprayer cover that is missing
Get the air con regassed!
I have ordered another wing mirror today (I picked one up earlier in the week from Halfords but that didn't fit). Apparently their database didn't allow for the change of wing mirrors that happened with the facelift in 2004. I hope that one that I ordered today fits, because as it stands I haven't driven the car apart from collecting it on Tuesday.
I thought I would add some images of interior - it is a pretty lovely place to be;
118611802_316629432923591_1087866228225357129_n by M Blewitt, on Flickr
118475763_2624722387844385_6606268037261843859_n by M Blewitt, on Flickr
118650114_752720972241760_4291860659927084323_n by M Blewitt, on Flickr
The only slight issue are the really horrible windscreen pillar trims which can see haven't aged well at all. A little research teaches me that this is a problem on these (and V70s) of this period. So I am now trying to source some from a pre-facelift model which don't have fabric trimmed ones.
This is what they look like - nasty!
118616738_349876239729478_5995062898599125044_n by M Blewitt, on Flickr
118636858_304559177272817_5753863883948781321_n by M Blewitt, on Flickr
So I have left my Saab era and started a new one in the shape of my new (to me) 2005 S60 D5 SE manual.
My wife had a similar one a number of years ago and I always liked it and more recently I started to wonder if maybe I should get one for myself.
My primary reasons for getting the Volvo were;
1. The 9000 was going to need some serious painwork in the near future (rot around the windscreen and along the base on the hatchback.
2. I could really do with a car that does more miles to gallon (the 9000 barely hit 29mpg on a VERY good day!)
3. I had lost some faith in the 9000. I had chased/lived with a number of small but incredibly annoying faults and it had erroded my trust in the car making it really rather stressful owning it.
So I listed the 9000 on a few sites - UKSaabs, Car and Classic and Gumtree and I very quickly had 2 parties interested. Both guys ended up arriving at pretty much the very same time! Both wanted the car and so the car was sold to the first viewer and off it went.
With this being the case I started my search in earnest. Naturally, once I really needed to find a car, I started to struggle with finding suitable car. I wanted a D5 auto, dark exterior with a light interior. Many cars I came accross were either really high mileage, with a tow bar (really wanted to avoid this!) or most likely miles away!
Eventually I stumbled across an ad on FB marketplace that caught my eye. The car in question was a '55 plate, black with sand interior. Initially I dismissed the car as it was a manual. But once a few a messages had been exchanged I could see that the clutch and flywheel had been replaced (along with receipts for the timing belt, water pump and various engine mounts - all work carried out by a very highly rated Volvo specialist). So with this I decided to go and have a look. The car was in Norwich which is only about an hour away. Naturally the day and the weather was horrendous (not ideal when inspecting bodywork!)
Intial impressions were that the car was a little cosmetically challenged - but I was keen enough to make an offer and minutes later I purchased it!
The drive home was very pleasant - the car drove very nicely. The only issue was as I joined the A11 I noticed my wing mirror glass was a little loose and before I could drop the window and grab it - it came off! Bugger! What made the journey even more pleasant was the fact the car had the optional 850 audio fitted - 14 speakers and Pro logic audio no less. Amazing stuff!
So once home I took some photos;
118627581_3187886027959460_3735802262068388907_n by Mark Blewitt, on Flickr118621000_747336062729512_1834355995156783871_n by Mark Blewitt, on FlickrPretty pleased with it - a few scratched but pretty tidy really
So fastforward today and I finally had a chance to attack the old girl!
Firstly I washed the car using the excellent G3 bodywork prep shampoo. I then clayed it using the G3 clay mit. Already the car started look alot better - the paintwork was as rough as badgers backside!
I then washed the car again using the excellent Meguiars Ultimate wash and wax shampoo. This was then followed by Megs Ultimate compound, followed by AG SRP and topped off with a coat of Soft 99 Mirror shine wax.
In addition I attacked the various scratches using G3 scratch remover - most were either removed or massively improved.
I also attacked the yellowed headlights with the same G3 compound - although not completely sorted, they were certainly a lot better!
Before;
118537380_345176703278641_654891215977835197_n by Mark Blewitt, on FlickrAfter
118535296_662219277721316_7880031488130558315_n by Mark Blewitt, on FlickrMore work (using the proper kit) is still needed!
So here are a few 'finished' pictures
118468070_738762496974065_9044817196381875802_n by Mark Blewitt, on Flickr118513027_638474313445009_6459592343488795336_n by Mark Blewitt, on FlickrI will add some photos of the interior which I cleaned using Gliptone gentle leather cleaner an Megs interior detailer - both worked a treat!
Plans
I need to properly refurb the headlight lens
Source the missing wing mirror glass
Source the missing headlight sprayer cover that is missing
Get the air con regassed!
I have ordered another wing mirror today (I picked one up earlier in the week from Halfords but that didn't fit). Apparently their database didn't allow for the change of wing mirrors that happened with the facelift in 2004. I hope that one that I ordered today fits, because as it stands I haven't driven the car apart from collecting it on Tuesday.
I thought I would add some images of interior - it is a pretty lovely place to be;
118611802_316629432923591_1087866228225357129_n by M Blewitt, on Flickr118475763_2624722387844385_6606268037261843859_n by M Blewitt, on Flickr118650114_752720972241760_4291860659927084323_n by M Blewitt, on FlickrThe only slight issue are the really horrible windscreen pillar trims which can see haven't aged well at all. A little research teaches me that this is a problem on these (and V70s) of this period. So I am now trying to source some from a pre-facelift model which don't have fabric trimmed ones.
This is what they look like - nasty!
118616738_349876239729478_5995062898599125044_n by M Blewitt, on Flickr118636858_304559177272817_5753863883948781321_n by M Blewitt, on FlickrNice car you have there.
I have a mint 2010 C30 Design R that I have been very impressed with.
It's a 1.6D drive E, that I bought to reduce costs etc, and until recently I had a Bluespark tuning box fitted which gave it a bit more torque for motorway work...about 138BHP which was nice.
It is a compromise between running costs/VED and a bit more grunt for my commute.
It has the R design sports suspension, it handles really well, as good as my 156 JTDM did, although I do miss the remapped JTDM power !
Is the S60 Ford based as well ?
If & when I change my C30 I may look at the S60. I have been very impressed with the design and build quality of Volvo.
My other consideration would be a T5 C30..... but the mpg is not good for my daily commute !
I had read that Volvo seats were really comfortable.... but that must be on the bigger models, as mine are just 'OK' !!
I have a mint 2010 C30 Design R that I have been very impressed with.
It's a 1.6D drive E, that I bought to reduce costs etc, and until recently I had a Bluespark tuning box fitted which gave it a bit more torque for motorway work...about 138BHP which was nice.
It is a compromise between running costs/VED and a bit more grunt for my commute.
It has the R design sports suspension, it handles really well, as good as my 156 JTDM did, although I do miss the remapped JTDM power !
Is the S60 Ford based as well ?
If & when I change my C30 I may look at the S60. I have been very impressed with the design and build quality of Volvo.
My other consideration would be a T5 C30..... but the mpg is not good for my daily commute !
I had read that Volvo seats were really comfortable.... but that must be on the bigger models, as mine are just 'OK' !!
Greetings all!
It has been a very long time since I have updated this!
Initially I was just so thrilled to see how many miles I could get out of a tank of fuel. Imagine my disappointment when I realised the gauge lied! On the first half I get very nearly 400 miles, however the second half I only get about 250! still 650 miles (at least) very nearly twice my last 9000 used to get me!
So that brings the story up to December 24th. I was out running errands and as I can came to pull up the cabin was filled with the most vile burning smell. I leapt out and quickly inspected the car - eventually I found the the offside rear wheel was incredibly hot. It turned out that the calliper had failed. I managed to drive the car up to my favoured garage and calliper was then replaced. All sorted.
Next up - I knew that the car needed front tyres since I got the car back in late August. So with the MOT due in late February, I eventually decided on a set of Goodyear Efficient grips. Early signs are that they are excellent - certainly a lot better than the tyres they replaced.
So finally - car had it's MOT on February 22nd. Which is passed with no advisories. Delighted.
It has been a very long time since I have updated this!
Initially I was just so thrilled to see how many miles I could get out of a tank of fuel. Imagine my disappointment when I realised the gauge lied! On the first half I get very nearly 400 miles, however the second half I only get about 250! still 650 miles (at least) very nearly twice my last 9000 used to get me!
So that brings the story up to December 24th. I was out running errands and as I can came to pull up the cabin was filled with the most vile burning smell. I leapt out and quickly inspected the car - eventually I found the the offside rear wheel was incredibly hot. It turned out that the calliper had failed. I managed to drive the car up to my favoured garage and calliper was then replaced. All sorted.
Next up - I knew that the car needed front tyres since I got the car back in late August. So with the MOT due in late February, I eventually decided on a set of Goodyear Efficient grips. Early signs are that they are excellent - certainly a lot better than the tyres they replaced.
So finally - car had it's MOT on February 22nd. Which is passed with no advisories. Delighted.
Nice to see this appear again !
I really like these, as mentioned above I have a C30 R design.
So what engine has yours got, and what is the real life mpg..?
Mine has the Drive E 1.6D Ford engine, of course when I was looking at the C30 the salesman kept mentioning the 60 mpg figure....!!
The best I have ever got was the day I bought the car from a main dealer in Lincolnshire and drove it home to Co Durham, so obviously learning about it so being gentle. That was 54 mpg, ideal conditions etc etc.
Now I have had the car 2 years, and put the miles from 33,000 to 67,000, I get an average of 42 mpg... which makes me wonder if my next car should be a petrol engine !
I am just curious as to how you find your running costs.
I really like these, as mentioned above I have a C30 R design.
So what engine has yours got, and what is the real life mpg..?
Mine has the Drive E 1.6D Ford engine, of course when I was looking at the C30 the salesman kept mentioning the 60 mpg figure....!!
The best I have ever got was the day I bought the car from a main dealer in Lincolnshire and drove it home to Co Durham, so obviously learning about it so being gentle. That was 54 mpg, ideal conditions etc etc.
Now I have had the car 2 years, and put the miles from 33,000 to 67,000, I get an average of 42 mpg... which makes me wonder if my next car should be a petrol engine !
I am just curious as to how you find your running costs.
Lovely bus, on the Volvo platform and not the Ford chassis, last of the Volvo builds, big, comfy, Euro 3 is a peach, my wife has a 2007 C70 D5 SE LUX, Euro 4, again great engine with no DPF issues as yet, but it feels no where near as well put together as the earlier stuff, since Ford became involved, the interior feels cheap in comparison, to our 2004 V70, the C70 seats are bang average unlike the seats in V70 which are absolutely immense!
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