I'm considering buying a 2005 V70 T5, with 102,000 miles. Should I be avoiding the high pressure turbo engine at this mileage? Its just had a timing belt replacement done, and I'm told its been well maintained.

I'm not an aggressive driver, and the high pressure turbo performance isn't that important to me, and a non turbo would suffice. However, this car became available, and its clean and in my price range.

Would I be better off avoiding the high pressure turbo?

Thanks for the help!

 

Buddy you are asking a loaded question on this forum!! As long as the car has been mantained with regular oil changes and service then there is no need to worry if the T5 model is any better or worse than a N/A model! A lot of these guy's like performance and the T5 is the best way to get there. I say if the price is right then get it! The extra HP is just a bonus especially when merging with interstate traffic.

 

Hello, 2005....a preferred vintage. T5....the more powerful engine option has "always" been preferred. 105,000 miles....hey, it's a well maintained Volvo. Timing belt done....points to overall good maintenance. Premium fuel price adds only a tiny fraction to the non-turbo's regular. T5....higher resale value. I would definitely not buy this car. By the way; where's this car located now? Kira

 

Wow - These are very helpful replies - just what I'd suspect from username TURBO Matt! Kira - I'm keeping the location TOP SECRET for now - until its in MY driveway Thanks for the encouragement.

Anyone know if the insurance company dings you for more bucks if its a T5 vs something more "conservative"? Is a Volvo a Volvo in their eyes, or not? I'm gonna call them today...

 

We have an 06 T5 and don't get hit with excess surcharges on our insurance with Progressive. That low pressure turbo is more of a torque producer than horsepower producer, and even Consumer Reports doesn't differentiate turbo and non-turbo in their V70 and S60 (same powertrains) ratings. Yes, its one more mechanical piece that can fail, but you won't see much here in this forum about turbo failures, especially for the low pressure ones like this. An "R" model is rated at 300 hp. The T5 is much lower, around 220 or so. My wife drives it (of course she appropriated it for her own use) and uses regular gas without incident in 50K+ miles. I notice no difference when I fill it with 92 octane instead of her 87 octane.

Just make sure the tranny is in working order. Earlier models had reliability troubles, your model doesn't.

 

Its all about the maintenance, especially oil changes. I have 205K miles on my 98 v70 T5 (Older gen 2.3T 240BHP) and regularly pin it up to 120-130 or so. If they are maintained they will last.

But you can still use the fact that its a "high milage turbo" as a bargaining chip

 

turbo matt is correct! as long as the oil changes have been done and you like the car the T5 TURBO is an amazing car but i am biased!