Hi, all... my wife insisted I get something "taller" so it's out with the V70 T5 and in with the Acura MDX (other than it being slower, rougher, less efficient and not as pretty, what's not to like?).

Anyway, I bought my T5 a couple years ago as a road warrior (I do a lot of AZ - NYC runs) and have totally enjoyed owning it. I've done a lot of work to bring it up to my standards, including new axles, front wheel bearings, 4 wheel alignment, plugs, transmission flush (the good IPD style) and a new B4 servo cover update, hood lift struts, upper and lower motor mounts, radiator fan, fog lamps, and new cupholders for the console (hey, who wants a nasty old cupholder?). It's had a new turbo and according to the local Volvo dealer, the first owner did very comprehensive service regularly. I don't have a date / mileage on the timing belt, but it looks new(ish).

The exterior is a solid 8/10, with a few dings, though it presents itself very well at any distance. The interior is really surprising for a car with the miles and years - much, much better than any others I've seen for sale elsewhere. The seats are nearly perfect.

The car has the rear-facing "tailgunner seats", and is equipped with a towing package (and I converted it from the seven-wire spec to the much more common four-wire spec). It's got the auto / manual shifting (wish the new Acura did!!!!) and runs like a scalded cat.

It's been a very, very reliable road trip car for us, but I washed three cars today and didn't get to the BMW or Mercedes, or the motorhome for that matter... it's time to thin the herd.

The negatives - the cassette doesn't work (I know that's gonna break your heart...) and it's going to need a set of tires before too long. The sunroof can rattle on a washboard road (don't they all?) unless you just wedge something between the cover and sunroof. You have to be careful inserting the right front seatbelt (it will pop out unless you push it in firmly). Some of the black plastic trim is a little faded, and could use a good coat of some of the magic cleaner / rejuvanater.

I think the price is very fair for a car in this kind of shape. I figured I'd put it up on volvoforums.com first, so someone who really knows what they're getting could get a shot at it. I'll even through in the Volvo (clone) diagnostic cable and a few spare parts I've been storing for a forum member sale.

 

Sold!