Volvo S60 (2000 - 2008) 2.3 T5 SE 4d Geartronic (2001/Y) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
This car has put the sparkle back into my daily commute. Every journey is a delight. I have taken the T5 badge off the back so my grin factor is sky high. It isn't one of the usual boring German herd either (what does a 3 Series say about anyone except "Mondeo Man")?. The comfort is great and they are absolute bargains when over 5 years old.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They all love it
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes - this car is a real performance bargain and a real wolf in sheeps clothing.
What are you likely to buy next?
T5 manual - six years old, off eBay.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£7,000
When did you buy the car?
May 2007
Did you get a good deal and why?
Deal was good but I could have bought one cheaper elsewhere.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Car purchased as a fast and comfortable motorway mile muncher
What was the dealer like?
Excellent
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Acceleration is breathtaking - 0-60 in under seven seconds, but you have to consider that the first second or two are wasted while the turbo comes on song. So when things happen, they happen very quickly. Great for teaching conceited BMW drivers a thing or two.... Auto box is not as good as the manual because of the turbo lag - you have to keep it above 3000 rpm, so I will be buying one of those next.
What's it like to park?
Awful - a wide car with a bad turning circle. Easily picks up parking dings but there are plenty of cheap body shops around these days - just don't buy a new one!
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Unlike most of the other T5's reviewed, no. And I really do give this car some welly. Could it be that it is mostly the disgruntled people who leave reviews on parkers?
What's most practical about your car?
The effortless performance makes overtaking easy and pulling away from roundabouts a hoot. Boot is deceptively large. Front seats are brilliant - rear legroom disappointing but okay for shortish journeys.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The sound system is excellent - dolby pro logic. It sounds better than many of the after market setups I have had in previous cars with amps, subs etc....
