OSV 0 Posted February 18, 2013 I drop in on the forum daily for my fix but as a former owner I am no longer an active contributor. It's great to see the cars and love for model but must confess I am enjoying the freedom from 'enthusiastic ownership' that my replacement vehicle has brought. The brief was cheap, economical, large, comfortable and estate. Having considered the obvious German offerings I felt the 'need for Swede' and went for a Volvo. I have no intention of getting over involved and won't be joining up on a forum or striving for perfection. Any way it's a Phantom Black Volvo V70 D5 Sport. The car is a 2004 with manual gearbox, it has black heated leather, dual climate, cruise, the engine is a 2.4 diesel turbo 5 pot and there's bags of space. It's got a towbar, roof rails for bicycle racks and is pretty nippy too. A style statement it is not but I must say it is really easy to live with everyday and just what I needed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim 2 Posted February 18, 2013 Coincidentally, was speaking to a friend this weekend about this Gareth and apparently that 2.4 5 pot diesel can be remapped with quite ridiculous gains to be had.. :) Looks like a great family barge though! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hofmiester 10 Posted February 18, 2013 I know what you mean mate, owning an old car becomes as obsession that is not healthy at times. Yesterday I went out in my Corrado and all the tiny niggles just left me depressed, I didn't enjoy driving it and started to wish I hadn't bought it :( Then I drove my 59 plate Octavia VRS which is the TSI engine stage 2 mapped (around 270-280bhp) plus H&R suspension mods, roll bars and other bits, it drives beutifully and would destroy the Corrado in a race. Even in the twisties I think, plus never needs any of my attention. But then this AM I saw the corrado parked in the garage and had to smile......f*cking thing Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
n3p 3 Posted February 18, 2013 Good buy! Was after a short term daily last summer while the Corrado was being fixed up and picked up this: 2000 V40 1.8, 157k, most service history and fresh T&T for £600 Was initially going to keep it for a couple of months but it has been surprisingly good I think I will run it into the ground. Might not be as luxurious as a V70, but makes for a good hack! Nick Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Goldie 2 Posted February 18, 2013 I totally understand how nice it is to have a car that doesn't pull at the heart strings.. Am glad you have found something you are happy with. BMW still present as well? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coullstar 0 Posted February 18, 2013 Is this the same motor as the Alfa 159? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RedRado 0 Posted February 21, 2013 Gareth, good to see the plate fits! I tried the 'larger sensible car thing' with little success and have found that living without 6 cylinders is difficult! I suppose 5 is a good compromise. The big V looks good and does do what you were looking for, should have kept my old A4 turbo! Cheers, Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Portent 0 Posted February 22, 2013 I've got a soft spot for Volvo's. That looks great :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C5 OEM 0 Posted February 22, 2013 Looks great and when you do the wheels and paint correction it`ll be a very nice daily hack..!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RedRado 0 Posted February 22, 2013 Looks great and when you do the wheels and paint correction it`ll be a very nice daily hack..!!! For heavens sake Andy don't tease! We don't want Gareth having the 'most buffed' station wagon in the forest. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C5 OEM 0 Posted February 23, 2013 For heavens sake Andy don't tease! We don't want Gareth having the 'most buffed' station wagon in the forest. Hard habit to break....lol plus i`ve got new compound to test out on the hard volvo paint... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OSV 0 Posted August 15, 2013 Wheels refinished in low maintenance grey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites