High mileage T5R

Ive been offered a '96 T5R with nearly 200k on the clock (not x-police) but with one owner, full volvo service history and a 12 month £1k per claim RAC package for an extra £200.

Any advice? What should I be looking for?

Thanks for any help

Id check all the usual things. make sure that the cambelt has been changed at the required mileages.
Make sure that the aircon works thouroughly (weak point on this car)
Also check for oil leaks from round the turbo seals.
Id also make sure that the leather/suede interior is good and complete as it will cost a fortune to replace!!!
I recently bought a T5R (OK its only 75000) on it and its great!!!!
I wonder what kind of money your looking to pay?

[markas]

Hiya Alex,

You didn't mention if it was an auto or not. I am a few miles short of 200k myself and my rear engine seal failed last week. This is a very expensive job 8hours labour. I would check if it has had a new clutch and if so if this was done, my wasn't done for me last year so I am angry about it! If an auto beware of it.

Come problems also are the front and rear rubber mounts on the suspension and break away from there lines see if these have been done. I make sure also that they are not on the original shocks if they are you are looking at a minimum of 200 quid with OEM.


The turbo is another concern if well looked after you may get 250k to 300k out of one if not you may be due a recon or new one :-(

Aircon as mentioned is the Achilles heel of the car, that the compressor and been changed and coolant was serviced for it regularly.

[Andy]

The warranty will pay for itself in the long run, mine has.

My '96 855R has had under warranty-

New ABS ECU @ 80k
New aircon evaporator @ 85K
Crank oil seal @ 90k 8 hours labour + new clutch while apart.

I've paid for new shocks all round- BIG MONEY, OEM Nivomats are £200-250 EACH.
+ stacks of other stuff for preventative purposes not under warranty.

Contact the previous owner and find out if any of the above have been dealt with already, if they haven't I should imagine after 200k they are round the corner.

I took out another warranty when mine expired, I'm glad I did. I'm sure the RAC will offer the same when it runs out.

How much are they asking for it? To give you an idea I was offered £5500 part ex on my 100k 855R ;( , so didn't part with it- love it too much.

Be prepared for huge tyre usage if you use it to it's capabilites.

Do frequent oil changes- got a good deal with a local tyre place that do a Mobil 1 fully synthetic oil chage for £32 when I supply my own filter. Cheaper than buying the oil from Halfords!!

Find yourself a good independant Volvo specialist, main dealers are expensive.

Join the VOC and get 10% off parts at most dealers.

Does the car feel right, have you taken it for a drive?

Trawl through this forum, you have the advantage of finding us before buying your car. I know I've learnt stacks from other peoples input over the last couple of years.

Enough rambling for now- let us know if you buy it. You won't regret it- practical, well built and fast. Bonkers quick if you put a RICA in it. ;-)

Thanks for the advice guys, I didnt go with this one after all. I have subsequently picked up an auto 850 T5 which is fantastic and has been well looked after. I'm sure i'll be after various advice soon!!

I agree with the above points but remember.

Someone mentioned suspension but not bushes. These cars eat upper/lower mounts, engine mounts also cheap to replace they can cause further problems if not fixed soon.

Make sure she's had regualr oil changes. I've owned 4 T5's now and believe in changing the oil every 5,000 miles with fully synthetic.

I have a 1998 S70 with 130,000 on the clock and it's just done 14.7 secs over 1/4 at santa pod. Video to prove..

If you look after her it'll look after you..

Cheers

Gareth