Volvo S40 T5

Enfield

Enfield

Enfield

Soldato
Joined
8 Nov 2003
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UK
Just a quick one really...

What do you lot think of subject car (geartronic version - 2004)? Currently drive a Octavia vRS 1.8 which I am thinking of trading in.


Ta
 
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Haven't experienced one since they first appeared when my dad had one, but it doesnt seem like much of an upgrade from the vRS - why were you looking to change?
 
Hello mate,

Fed up of it. Has been in the garage once since I bought it in April. Needs to go in again because Skoda didn't fix one of the problems it went in for. But the main reason really is because the bodywork is in poor condition which I didn't actually notice when I bought it and is annoying me.

Secondly, I want an automatic. Can't be bothered with manual anymore to tell the truth, I think I'm getting old.
 
Sounds like you've got a bit of a lemon unfortunately, but never mind - onwards and upwards!

The t5 is probably worth considering, what's your budget?
 
I've seen one for £7k. I've got a few grand saved and am hoping to get about £4k from the Skoda.

Ps. I always buy the lemons
 
I think it might be better to get one from a Volvo dealer or perhaos get a non performance car? You managed to buy the only broken and knackered Accord Type R as well didnt you?

Give up and get something normal you might have more luck!
 
If you like the T5 then have a look at the D5. Very good engine too, and if fuel economy is on your mind then 40MPG at 80 cruise and 222hp (466 lb/ft torque) when chipped it does go well :)

Just my two pence tho.
 
the S40 isn't a particularly exciting car to drive, but i haven't driven a T5 so i can't comment on that particular car.

they are very thirsty though, so be prepared
 
mjt said:
if i wanted to spend £7k on a fast volvo it'd be an S60R

http://pistonheads.com/sales/1361463.htm
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Why? In geartronic version it would be slower, much heavier on fuel that T5 S40 and handle like a yacht on trailer.

To original poster - if you saved a grand or two more you could get vRS with 2.0T FSI engine, at the moment nothing on the market offers better balance of power and economy. Or is mk2 Octy completely out of a question?
 
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v0n said:
Why? In geartronic version it would be slower, much heavier on fuel that T5 S40 and handle like a yacht on trailer.
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how would a geartronic R be slower than a geartronic T5?
either way, a manual is the way to go as their hideously uneconomical in manual form.
volvo quote 32mpg from the S40 T5, which is rubbish. the R is 26mpg apparently, although that's more likely to the be average from the T5 too. they're the same 5 cylinder lump, so the consumption won't differ all that much

regarding the handling, i can't comment as i've never driven an S60, but the S40 is hardly the best handling car in its class
 
id take the skoda over the volvo,

both nice cars, but its down to you at the end of the day chap :)

go test drive one, see if you like it!
 
mjt said:
how would a geartronic R be slower than a geartronic T5?
either way, a manual is the way to go as their hideously uneconomical in manual form.
volvo quote 32mpg from the S40 T5, which is rubbish. the R is 26mpg apparently, although that's more likely to the be average from the T5 too. they're the same 5 cylinder lump, so the consumption won't differ all that much

regarding the handling, i can't comment as i've never driven an S60, but the S40 is hardly the best handling car in its class
Click to expand...

Focus ST uses the same engine as the T5 and gets about 25 mpg around town which is about the best you can get if your extremely lucky, I get 19-21mpg in mine around town and I drive with a light foot.
 
mjt said:
how would a geartronic R be slower than a geartronic T5?
Click to expand...

S60R is 0.4 second slower than S40 T5 (or S60 T5 for that matter).

volvo quote 32mpg from the S40 T5, which is rubbish. the R is 26mpg apparently, although that's more likely to the be average from the T5 too. they're the same 5 cylinder lump, so the consumption won't differ all that much
Click to expand...
That happens only in BMW six pot world. For starters the R is all wheel drive and has torque limiter to protect gear box, so it has considerable poke losses by design. In reality you are probably right - T5 will achieve 26 mpg, S60R will be lucky to see 20.

regarding the handling, i can't comment as i've never driven an S60, but the S40 is hardly the best handling car in its class
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S40 is based on Focus platform, so, it is as close to decent handling as Volvo badge can offer.
 
v0n said:
S60R is 0.4 second slower than S40 T5 (or S60 T5 for that matter).
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that appears to be the case for the geartronic, i apologise
not sure why anyone would want an auto on these anyway, it's 7.3 against 5.5 for the manual on the R and 7 v 6.6 on the S40

can't understand how its nearly 2 seconds slower on the R than in manual form..
 
i drive an S70R and get around 25 - 27 mpg combined its also an auto with torque convertor but for some reason its only marginally slower to 60 compared to the manual
cant understand why the S60R figures are so far appart :confused:
the older T5 blocks differ quite a bit from the focus st in that they have thicker walls and better water jackets around the pistons hence the ability to take more horse power from mods etc, the S60R also uses a stronger block.
its only the current gen S40s V50s C30s that use a similar engine to the ST :)
 
I drive a S60 T5 geartronic, and find it very good. Not sure on the 0-60 times, but then I'm not sure many people actually do a 0-60 on the road - but fwiw I think it's about 6.8s. Very smooth power delivery, it's almost too smooth, as sometimes you don't realise the speed you're doing. Mines a 2002 model, with 250bhp, but can be remaped to 275-280bhp without a problem.

It's not very exciting to drive and the handling isn't that great.
 
I don't really throw my cars round corners as hard as I used to. I'm planning on test driving one on Thurs or Fri this week as I have time off from work.

Thanks for the comments. :)
 
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