T5 vs T6 and how is your 10 year old holding up?

[carboncow]

Coming from the world of P2, XC90 and the wife had leased 3 S60 in a row. Now we need to buy and older X70 and I think it's time to step up to the early years of the last gen. I'm one of the guys who gets 250-300K out of my 2.5L and I've got a few questions...

• How are the 3.2 vs 3.0L holding up in the long term? If I'm looking at cars with 120-150K miles...which way should I got (pro tip, I really want a T6).

• How have the transmissions been holding up on these?

• What else should I know coming from the world of P2 and being a solid DIY'er?

Yes, I know there are many posts on the inter tubes inquiring on the T5 vs T6 but most are older posts just talking about the power and such. I want to hear from those who are 10 years in or rolling in a 10 year old ride.

Wife wants to get a V60 but I'm not ready for the most modern engines yet although we've seen some in the $12-14K range. I current budget should be in the $6-8K and thus staying with the XC70 as I also want a AWD back in the family.

[pgill]

Shawn,

The P3 is a good choice for someone like yourself that Likes to DIY.

I own two 3.2's and I plan to keep them to 300,000 miles possibly more.

Take a look at my $10000 S80 Challenge, I could have named it the $10000 P3 Challenge.

The items that I fixed on my S80 were essentially the same items that I replaced on my other P3 (2008 Land Rover LR2)

I purchased the 2010 S80 about 2 years ago and I am attempting to keep the cost below $10,000

Purchase Price + Repairs --> Less than $10K

Excluding: Fluids and basic maintenance


Let me start with what I would do different if I were to purchase a P3 today

1) Get a P3 with a documented history of synthetic oil changes (The O-ring for the Brake Booster shouldn't leak if Synthetic oil was used since new, I've never replaced my O-ring in my 2008 LR2 and I did use synthetic, in fact when my LR2 was new I brought the oil to the dealer, for my "Free Oil Change")

2) Use a thermometer to verify that the AC is blowing cold, I didn't do this and I had to replace the compressor in my first year of ownership.

I would pay 20% above average price for a car that meets item #1

I would pay 10% below average for a car that fails item #2

Here is a list of typical Maintenance and repair items for high mileage 3.2s (also applies to the 3.0T)

https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic32504.html


Full Disclosure

I could have bought a 3.0T instead of a 3.2 - Here is why I didn't

1 - Two Turbo Chargers (I didn't want to take on the liability of a possible Turbo Failure)

2 - I've seen 3.2 with over 300,000 miles but I am not aware of 3.0Ts that have lasted that long with minimal repairs

3 - The 3.0T seem to be sensitive to catalyst efficiency codes

4 - AWD for my S80 I bought FWD because there are less things to maintain


The way I think about it is that a 2010 S80 3.2 is the nicest, safest, car I can buy for $10,000. Note: a V70 3.2 would be just as nice and just as safe and just as inexpensive.

If you want to do a $20,000 challenge then your budget can easily accommodate a 3.0T.

You indicated that you have a budget of about $7000 for the purchase.

How much is your yearly repair budget?

If you can buy a 3.0T and drive it 100,000 miles for less than $10,000 please document it here on MVS.

I will be very impressed if you can.

Take care

Paul

[carboncow]

Great intel! I'll digest this more in detail tonight when I got some time todo some more follow up.

[Jdawgvolvo]

My S80 T6 ive owned just over 3 years. Has 126000 miles on it.

Since I’ve owned it:
Did complete servicing immediately upon servicing.
PCV replaced last year
Blower motor just went out. It’s a huge PITA to replace, dealer wants $1250. I’m doing it DIY for 300 including the removal tool and the resistor.
Having issues with water getting into floorboards snd sorting it out.

Love the car, it’s my secondary car to keep miles off my other vehicle.

Living in New England the AWD was a must for me. Car rides smooth and straight. I’ve got the Dynaudio stereo which is fantastic.

I’ll keep the car for a long time but it does lack the modern things like infotainment etc. Plenty of power I tried to get polestar for it but the S80 for that year only allowed in EU not available in the US. Huge trunk, roomy. Lots to like about it.

This is the car age I expect something almost every year to require replacement.

[Georgeandkira]

I have a 2015 with the oft maligned 2.0l., a T5. It has 109k on it and it's the nicest car I've owned.
It had great maintenance, and I got it with new timing and accessory belts, coolant and transmission maintenance.
I do kill the "Auto Stop Start" every time I get in.
It burns no oil.

While I liked the feel of one 3.2l NA I test drove, it was an AWD. Many of the AWDs I test drove buzzed.
My feelings about AWD match those of the READ on the 6's; it's machinery I don't want to buy and lug around.

Today I changed the Cabin Air Filter.
The record showed 15k on it and it looked like an 'in service' filter...completely fitting my experiences.
I'll change it next after 20k miles service.