have an opportunity to get a good deal on an 01 T5 w/60K miles, but am concerned about the potential for expensive problems down the road.

is the high pressure turbo more problematic than the low pressure turbo on the standard issue v70?

can the 17 inch rims be replaced with 16 inch rims with tires that are not so low profile (to lower risk of dented rims and for affordability)?

will I always have a problem with one or more of the gazillion electronic bells and whistles on the T5?

what haven't I thought about that will cost me money?

Volvos have a good turbo. They have a great 2.3L engine. They have terrible electronic modules. If I had to choose between a GLT and a T5, I would go for the horsepower. But that is just me. I would buy 16" wheels mounted with snow tires so that you can have fun in the summer with the 17".
Remember, it is how the PO maintained the car that is important.

Klaus
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98 V70Rawd(101Kmi), 95 854T(85K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)

its like finding a "Good women"! I all depends how bad you want iy , then what are you willing to put up with! Nothing is perfect and there is risk in everything!

1. No, just more go.
2. Yes.
3. No more bells on the T5 than the LPT.
4. Hard to say, always a good idea to have the car inspected by an IM familar with Volvos.

It's difficult to determine what problems you'll have with the car. I drive an '00 S70 T5 and my wife drives an '00 S70 N/A. at 69K mi I have had to change the shocks and struts, the oil pan O rings, the CD player froze, drivers window doesn't go all the way down but goes down in 5 inch increments and all my door panels are peeling. My wife's car with 60K+ runs beautifully and except for wear items, has not needed repairs of any kind. One guess as to which car has an extended warranty?

I say buy the T5!

You need to make a decision if the High Pressure turbo is suited for your needs. The high pressure is designed to have max boost at high speeds. Not much boost at vehicle launch, but lots of boost when on the highway and need to pass (or race). The Low Pressure system begins at low RPM so it is very useful to launch the vehicle from a dead stop. I find our low pressure turbo useful when the car is loaded down with kids and luggage. Often we need it to speed up and get into flowing traffic. Once I am up to highway speed I don't need any boost.

At vehicle launch the T5 will feel alot like the base V70 with no turbo.

Some day soon Volvo will come out with a dual stage turbo so we won't have to make this decision.

Chris
98 V70 GLT