Looking for Volvo advice

infinitydreams · Jan 10th, 2012, 16:33

Hi

I am currently looking for a new family car and a Volvo seems the obvious choice due to safety and also reliability (or so I'm told).

I only have a budget of 2k and for that need something that looks presentable, will be reliable and also run ideally without problems for at least 2 years.

I initially started to look at V70's but more recently have come across a few S80's at good money that seem almost too good to be true.

Would people recommend the S80 2.4?

Also can anyone recommend an independent Volvo used dealer? I've found Hutton Bros nr York via searches who seem to have a nice selection but wanted to know if anyone can recommend a company closer to Berkshire?

Any advice would be great!

Coventry · Jan 10th, 2012, 20:20

I'm sure you'll be able to pick up something that fits your requirements for around the £2000 mark. A V70 would seem to be a good choice if you've a family but they're popular and probably hold their value well against other models because of this.

The S80 is a case in point I suspect: not many people want a large, petrol (as most seem to be), automatic saloon. Awful lot of car for the money though.

We have a Diesel S60 and really like it. Bought it nearly 1 year ago and it's done everything we need it to do, with ease.

MRG in Chippenham is a lot closer than York and comes highly recommended by members on here, at least for servicing and repair work. They're a main dealer IIRC but it stands to reason they'd have a decent and honest selection of cars to browse.

Good luck with your search.

RUTV70 · Jan 10th, 2012, 20:23

Yeah...I'd agree...I think the V70 is a better long term choice...and I agree about MRG...they have a superb reputation for service etc. (as do Hutton Bros)...but MRG is closer.!

Neil

infinitydreams · Jan 10th, 2012, 21:07

Thanks for the info, I don't mind the bigger engine and def want an auto as prefer that.

MRG look good but the cars they sell will be too expensive I think.

If anyone can recommend any other specialist used volvo dealers that would be great as I'm looking to sort something asap.

Loskie · Jan 10th, 2012, 21:23

At a budget of £2k you would really be looking at a private sale.

Rossi-fan · Jan 10th, 2012, 21:38

Hutton Bros !!! Their cars are usually quite expensive. Not keen on the S80 personally, and an early P2 V70 is gonna be trouble. What about looking at a P1 V70? I dont think they are as problematic as P2's.

Moosejaw · Jan 10th, 2012, 21:52

Before you plump for ANY late 90s/up to 2002 S/V/C 60/70/80 I'd urge you to familiarise yourself with the phrase "ETM failure".
These devices are Volvo's ****el rotary, their Rover K series head gasket if you like. A £500 bill that WILL happen to those cars from that era, so do a site search on here and go in properly equipped to tell the old duff model from the new one, and what to ask any seller of these cars.

Personally I'd go for one of the earlier pre '98 (I think) cars which has a good old throttle cable and distributor. Saves a bit of money too, a grand will get you a decent petrol turbo saloon or maybe even an estate (which always fetch more for obvious reasons).

Good luck whatever you do, an S70T5 in decent nick is a hell of a car for not much money.

The Hooded Claw · Jan 10th, 2012, 21:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by RUTV70

Yeah...I'd agree...I think the V70 is a better long term choice...and I agree about MRG...they have a superb reputation for service etc. (as do Hutton Bros)...but MRG is closer.!

Neil

Wot Neil said ..BUT ... I have a C70 Coupe + a S80 Diesel The Coupe I LOVE the BONES OF But it isn't a "Family" car ..

Whereas the S80 is EVERYTHING a "Family" car SHOULD BE!!!

Currently just driving around town (I Live on the Fylde Coast so Fleetwood to Blackpool Ect ect (about 7 to 14 mile round trips) I'm getting 47.8 MPG !!!!

Now that is well worth considering ...

Keith

Coventry · Jan 10th, 2012, 23:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by infinitydreams

Thanks for the info, I don't mind the bigger engine and def want an auto as prefer that.

MRG look good but the cars they sell will be too expensive I think.

If anyone can recommend any other specialist used volvo dealers that would be great as I'm looking to sort something asap.

As above, might be best looking in the classified sections then. There's a 1998 S70 for sale in the S70 forum that looks in good condition, low mileage, for not much money. Even had the ETM sorted.

Provided that a beige S70 floats your boat!

kwk · Jan 11th, 2012, 06:48

I picked up a 1 owner 2.5 S70 with full history and 73000 miles a few months ago for £600. It's got full leather, which is completely unmarked, and all original paintwork. It is a manual though, but that is what I wanted.

Jan 10th, 2012, 16:33	#1
infinitydreams New Member Last Online: Jan 10th, 2012 21:07 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: MELROSE	Looking for Volvo advice Hi I am currently looking for a new family car and a Volvo seems the obvious choice due to safety and also reliability (or so I'm told). I only have a budget of 2k and for that need something that looks presentable, will be reliable and also run ideally without problems for at least 2 years. I initially started to look at V70's but more recently have come across a few S80's at good money that seem almost too good to be true. Would people recommend the S80 2.4? Also can anyone recommend an independent Volvo used dealer? I've found Hutton Bros nr York via searches who seem to have a nice selection but wanted to know if anyone can recommend a company closer to Berkshire? Any advice would be great!

Jan 10th, 2012, 20:23	#3
RUTV70 RUTRUNNER Last Online: Jan 25th, 2016 11:32 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Oakham View Photos By: RUTV70	Yeah...I'd agree...I think the V70 is a better long term choice...and I agree about MRG...they have a superb reputation for service etc. (as do Hutton Bros)...but MRG is closer.! Neil __________________ classic V70 1999MY 20 valve non turbo, auto (adaptive) B5254. ETM/Denso Previous Volvos...264 auto...loved it. 340 manual...not so loved. 760 auto...loved it.

Jan 10th, 2012, 20:20	#2
Coventry Master Member Last Online: May 17th, 2024 22:00 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: South Wales	I'm sure you'll be able to pick up something that fits your requirements for around the £2000 mark. A V70 would seem to be a good choice if you've a family but they're popular and probably hold their value well against other models because of this. The S80 is a case in point I suspect: not many people want a large, petrol (as most seem to be), automatic saloon. Awful lot of car for the money though. We have a Diesel S60 and really like it. Bought it nearly 1 year ago and it's done everything we need it to do, with ease. MRG in Chippenham is a lot closer than York and comes highly recommended by members on here, at least for servicing and repair work. They're a main dealer IIRC but it stands to reason they'd have a decent and honest selection of cars to browse. Good luck with your search.

Jan 10th, 2012, 21:07	#4
infinitydreams New Member Last Online: Jan 10th, 2012 21:07 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: MELROSE	Thanks for the info, I don't mind the bigger engine and def want an auto as prefer that. MRG look good but the cars they sell will be too expensive I think. If anyone can recommend any other specialist used volvo dealers that would be great as I'm looking to sort something asap.

Jan 10th, 2012, 21:23	#5
Loskie Senior Member Last Online: Aug 16th, 2018 18:40 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Castle Douglas	At a budget of £2k you would really be looking at a private sale.

Jan 10th, 2012, 21:38	#6
Rossi-fan Premier Member Last Online: Feb 12th, 2023 10:07 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Durham	Hutton Bros !!! Their cars are usually quite expensive. Not keen on the S80 personally, and an early P2 V70 is gonna be trouble. What about looking at a P1 V70? I dont think they are as problematic as P2's.

Jan 10th, 2012, 21:52	#7
Moosejaw Premier Member Last Online: Jun 29th, 2012 19:44 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Glasgow	Before you plump for ANY late 90s/up to 2002 S/V/C 60/70/80 I'd urge you to familiarise yourself with the phrase "ETM failure". These devices are Volvo's ***el rotary, their Rover K series head gasket if you like. A £500 bill that WILL* happen to those cars from that era, so do a site search on here and go in properly equipped to tell the old duff model from the new one, and what to ask any seller of these cars. Personally I'd go for one of the earlier pre '98 (I think) cars which has a good old throttle cable and distributor. Saves a bit of money too, a grand will get you a decent petrol turbo saloon or maybe even an estate (which always fetch more for obvious reasons). Good luck whatever you do, an S70T5 in decent nick is a hell of a car for not much money.

Jan 11th, 2012, 06:48	#10
kwk Senior Member Last Online: Nov 4th, 2017 19:04 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: neath	I picked up a 1 owner 2.5 S70 with full history and 73000 miles a few months ago for £600. It's got full leather, which is completely unmarked, and all original paintwork. It is a manual though, but that is what I wanted.

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