Potential buyer
 

Hi to all, new to this forum. I always loved the V50.Time to get one before they get too old.

I know 2008+ (in North America) are more desirable but i have my eye on a 2005 T5 AWD automatic with 233000km. My questions are:

- is it a relative reliable car vs the 2.4 aspirated? Reliable overall?
- timing belt was supposely done at 190000km. How to check if done? When next replacement?
- are turbo prone to failure?

I can do most of suspension/brake/body repairs but not much on ECM, engine work.

Price is 2000$ CAN (roughly 1400US$)

Thanks for helping!

The 2.4i is more reliable because the turbo is under a lot of stress - seems like a lot of 'em go south at around 100,000 miles (160,000 km). There's no great way to tell if the timing belt has been replaced that long ago but if it hadn't there's a good chance that the belt would be looking pretty tired (weatherchecked, scuffed, etc.).

I do love my 2005 2.4i - previously had a V70 T5 which was awesome, but this car is used primarily on long road trips where the ability to burn regular (and get 30mpg!) is a huge plus. In the end, I'd be more worried about the tranny than the engine (though I'd still suggest the turbo is the weak link in the car).