I am looking to buy a used Volvo 2001. Should I buy a S80 or a S60? The mileage is roughly around the same and I would need to drive in snow too so any advice or opinion would be much appreciated.

thank you

 

S60. If a lot of snow, you may consider a AWD.

 

s60, stay away from th s80

 

Any particular reason why the S60? My budget does not give me room to buy the AWD but a lot of people seem to be driving with front wheel drive in the snow with good snow tires.

 

AWD shouldn't be more expensive at that age. The S60 is not targeted to upper end luxuary like the S80 is. Also 4 wheel drive always has better tracksion that 2 wheel drive, even with fwd. If you can't get a awd then get the standard 2 wheel drive.

 

The 60 and 80 are two different cars, meant for two different types of people(IMHO, of course). The 60 is more sporty, taunter, and more compact. The 80 is indeed more luxurious, softer, and more commodious.

I guess it would depend on your intended usage.

But, two things to keep in mind about cars approaching 10 years of age - sporty cars tend to have more "rough" miles on them than cars designed to carry one in a more serene manner. Also, AWD adds considerably to expense as these cars age compared to FWD. Volvos as a whole tend to be maintenance addicts as they age ( as most European cars are so this is not a dig against Volvos) any way but why tempt fate? Of course if you live in a snowy clime with poor road clearing being a constant worry then AWD is more important, but then maybe you should rethink this and look for a XC 70 or 90 with AWD.

 

I would think that a '02 S60 with AWD would cost about $200 per month to maintain. Not a monthly cost, $3,000 here and $1,800 here, but an average of $200 per month.

 

Thank you very much and it is my budget consideration that is limiting me. I thought of the S80 as it is much roomier at the back and may need to have people sitting at the back more than occasionally.
I have been looking online at a S80 2001 T6 Executive and it does look nice too. So it is a choice between a S80, S60 or a 2003 Saab9-3.

 

I think Sabbs are nice cars however I don't believe they can be fixed/repaired as easy as Volvo's can. That means a lot when buying an 8 year old car. In theroy, the car has reached it's age expectancy. Most car makers warranty a car of 4 to 6 years. An 8 year old car is dead to most people. For a while, Volvo's had a life expectancy of 17 years. I would imagine that the newer ones, Ford breed, will likely lower that number.

S60's are simular in size as a 850/S70. You should sit in the back of one for a few minutes to see how comphy you think it is. Most people never ride adults in their back seats. Heck, I'm a real estate broker and can probably count how many times I have had adults in my back seats. If you need the extra room, I'm sure you'd like the S80, I do my 960, but when it comes to fun to drive, I like my 850 more.

 

again, stay away from the s80. the s80 is a disaster espeailly the t6. eg. gm tranny which is not made to begin with, turbo leaks, windows regulator,.... just get a fwd s60. u will love that

 

LOL, that sounds like a WARNING!!!

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...olvo-s80-2.htm

 

s60 will be good for all purpose. Go for it.