volvo mpg

I have the 2.5 10v, manual estate.

Long run, 36 average Round town, 25 average This is with a 'brisk but smooth' driving style My average according to the computer, for the past 6 months is 29mpg. Caravan , I would guess low to mid 20's at best

Strewth.....would the 10v or 2.0 20v be much better??

Thanks for the reply

Long run

Manual LPT is best. But then, just buy a T5 and forget the fuel consumption.

Have a 2.5 10 manual saloon (S70). Computer is showing 30.1mpg from the last

I've never got anything like 36mpg out of ours, but I dont tend to hang about. Then again i've never got it as low as 25mpg, even with a very fast motorway run to leeds and back it still did 28mpg.

The manual LPT will give the best overall mpg solo and towing driven sensibly, as you rarely have to change gear- its got alot of torque- you'll probably average 25-28 with the caravan. However the LPT is a very rare find on an 850- it will probably be the AWD if you do find one, which will be worse on fuel do to the extra transmission losses, but will get you off a muddy field without a tractor!

Between the 10 and 20v NA engines, depends how much towing you do, and how much mpg you want! If I did quite abit of towing, i'd get the auto 20valver, convert it to gas, and sell it again at about 120k miles before the transmission goes pop! If I wanted to keep it longer, get the manual. Both engines will do a minimum of 150k with regular oil changes.

If you do less towing- you'll find the 10v sprightly enough.

If you dont care about mpg- get the T5.

Tim..

Thanks for info re volvo I assume you mean 32 to 35 on long run??Thats very encouraging for such a big auto.I currently drive a diesel 740 auto which is just on the 1/4 million mileage wise with original box (BMW I think) and its bound to go bang sooner or later. Troble is finding a 850 auto diesel is impossible so I thought I would switch to " civilised " petrol. Are there any problems to look out for I note the max for gearbox being 120k is that general or a rumour.

Cheers

If you can afford the car then a V70D5, there's lots of autos and the new D5 motor is one of the best diesels.

As for auto box life, there's a lot of rumour about 120k blowups, but Volvo now don't recommend fluid changes. Opinion is split but a regular fluid change is said to extend the life. I always buy manuals....