We are thinking about giving our 2002 S60 turbo AWD to our 23 year old son for his birthday. The car is in almost perfect shape, it has 233,000 miles on it but doesn't use any oil. I have no idea how old the timing belt is or if the previous owner replaced it. So there would be a $700 > $800 maintenance he would need to do.

What worried me is he tends to have a heavy to the pedal foot. This hasn't been a problem with his non-turbo Saturn or Subbie. The S60 turbo kicks in very quick and I fear it could get him into trouble. A crash is one thing but I don't want him wrapping the car around a tree, getting injured or worse.

Maybe I am over thinking this or thinking how I was in the 1960's running wild on the streets in my big engine cars and motorcycles????

 

he's 23 not 16 right? (mine are 20 and 24) I doubt 200 HP will get him into trouble - where as driving distracted (text/cell usage) is a much bigger concern. As long as its in good shape - brakes, tires, suspension bits you shouldn't worry. Just tell him he needs to pay for any repairs! (uh ok, that may be my problem. Got a pending order for $200 in tune up parts for my daughter's 850T )

 

True, he is 23 and his driving skills are fine. He is against people who text and drive so he doesn't do it.

The maintenance cost for a 23 year old that is working his way through college may be a bit too much. Just spent $250 to have the rocker replaced on the geartronic shifter. We the parents have paid about $10,000 toward his college but he is paying for most of it and doesn't want debt sooooo he went and found a part time job humping boxes on the dock at Fed-Ex. He doesn't have to work weekends or holidays, good benefits, gets vacation pay -- a good job for someone working their way through college.

So this is what I decided. He'll have a choice between our 1997 Outback Limited wagon. It is all leather, last year I had the engine out and replaced all gaskets replaced, new plugs, wires, etc. burns no oil, leaks no oil, etc. Parts are normally a lot less than the Volvo.

So he'll have the choice --- both cars are road worthy.

 

Sounds like a great young man. You're right to be worried, it's a very capable car, but he sounds really responsible.

 

He is a very good man.

We took he and his girlfriend out to dinner last night, for his birthday dinner. His girlfriend wanted him to take the Volvo but we told him to take the night to think about it. This morning he said that he'll take the Subbie and although it isn't as stylish as the Volvo, he will have time in his life to get the stylish car. For now he is going with the more financially sensible car.

The guy makes me a proud dad and he is a better man than I was at 23.....that is for certain.