SO I'm moving cross country...SOON, and I need to say good bye to the thunder wagon. Here are the details:
2001 Volvo T5 (high pressure turbo) 5 speed with 196,365 miles, Sport seats, third row seat, sunroof
The Good: It's been reliable as hell. I've owned it for the last 100,000+ miles. PO had the clutch done just before I took ownership (still doesn't slip or judder) and the Cam belt was done at 110,000. New struts, lower front control arms (miele HD) w/bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends (inner and outer) were all done 40,000 miles ago and included new H&R sport springs. Brakes were done (new rotors, pads, fluid all 4 corners) at the same time. New Plugs and coil packs 30,000 miles ago. I put in a new lower steering column universal joint 4 months ago. Oil changed every 5,000-7,000 5W-30 synthetic (next change due in 3K). New transfluid (redline MTL) 30,000 ago. No cells. New Jersey inspection good through this November.
The Extras: It has a lot of IPD goodies on it. The IPD Boostability kit w/external bypass valve, HD turbo control valve, Silicone turbo lines and air intake (stock airbox w/K&N), IPD spacer that turns the top engine mount into a cross brace (have stock ones), IPD 3" High flow catted down-pipe, OBX SS resonated exhaust (3" to 2X2"). IPD aluminum skid plate/undertray. IPD heavy duty transmission mount and poly upper engine mount. Everything works except the driver's seat heating element and the left front fog light (bulb fell out, just haven't replaced it), and the left front headlight washer. AC ice cold, heat is typical Swedish fry your feet hot when you need it. It's surprisingly fast, yet a steady 65 on cruise control will reward you with 30mpg. Combine that with a big tank and you can strain your bladder on long highway stints.
The Bad: Hey, it's got almost 200K on it, the paint looks wonderful from across the street, but theres dings and scratches and a dent in the lower part of the left wheel well. All the dents came with it, I haven't added any. I assume the hood was replaced or repainted at some point because the paint is peeling on the leading edge. The PO left the sunroof open and the leather front seats are cracked and have a few holes. There's a guy on the inter webs that sells new leather covers for something like $125 each, it's been on the list, but... It's time for new tires, the wheels are 17" factory, wide like the ones on the V70 T5R, this means that once the plastic steering travel limiting blocks are worn the wheels will hit the inner fender liners at full lock (and that's how it is now). I think it's time for new front discs I sense some pulsing, though pads still look fine (ceramic), and the pedal feels a bit soft. New pads and a fluid flush may fix that just fine. Worst case a master is only $75 on rockauto. The right outside mirror is cracked and the interior rearview is the self dimming kind, and it's starting to get that laval lamp look. One of the dash vents has it's louvers in disarray. The lower trans mount+poly busing upper mount+IPD strut brace mod=vibrations at idle. It goes away at 1,000rpm and the shifting was MUCH improved.
The Spares: See the trunk shot. There's a set of sway bar end links for both ends, strut top mounts and spring perches (HD XC90 Stuff), a couple of good coil packs, a complete IPD crankcase ventilation service kit (it was on sale, but it still doesn't need it done), some of the old turbo piping (the others were cracked, hence the change to silicone), and I think that's it.
Do the brake work, put on tires and Drive it another 100,000. Or do something wild for the Challenge. Or gut it and race it in Lemons. Just give me $1600 before I have to leave at the end of the month. I WILL NOT part it out. I know I'd do better money-wise, but I haven't got the time or the inclination. Oh it's got a clear NJ title I have in hand. Here are pics:
Right click and select open in new tab and you will see every photo I have of the beast!
