This is my first and we are considering a Volvo. About 3 years ago I was going to an Army school in Virginia. I rode with another officer to the class in her S60 from Alabama to Virginia. I was dreading the 11 hour drive cramped in her car. I am accustomed to a full size truck. I was pleasantly surprised with the roominess and over-all comfort. My wife and I both have full size trucks, a 2004 F150 and a 2007 Sliverado with the Duramax deisel. We ride to work together and at 16 MPG we are looking for a 3rd vehicle as our dailey driver. I like the idea of an S60. I am trying to keep an open mind and look at other vehicles, but I like the S60s.

 

Welcome to the forum. S60's seem to be very nice cars. You should go to the S60 forum and read up on them.

 

Welcome. Love my S60. Check out the forums for all the pertinent information.

 

And try to find a turbo model if possible.


JPN

 

Will the turbo give me better MPG?

 

Welcome aboard! I love the looks of the S60 but have never driven one. I myself have a '99 S80.

 

The turbo has very little impact on gas mileage. It's way more fun to drive though. Assuming you like driving a car with some kick to it when you step on the gas.

 

I do like kick, but this car is strictly for the MPG. My vehicle with kick is my 2007 Silverado 2500 with a turbo diesel. With my tuner I can get 480 hp. You've never seen 9000 lbs move so fast.

 

The heaviness of the foot is more of an impact on gas mileage than turbo/non turbo. However, if you don't need the AWD then you will get slightly better gas mileage with the FWD version. Mine is an 02 NA and I get around 22-24 in city and 32 on the highway.

 

Test drive a turbo model and then an NA model and then decide.

Some turbo models get better gas mileage than non turbo models, especially when it comes to going upsteep hills. I'm getting 24.8 mpg on my 97 850 R which has the High Pressure Turbo and that's combined city/highway driving. Same driving in my 95 T5R and I get 22.5 MPG. Get about 23 out of the Low Pressure Turbo 98 V70.

 

I am looking for a FWD model. I really don't need AWD down here in northern Alabama, there just isn't that much snow unfortunately. I understand the "heaviness of foot". I have to drive my truck like I have an egg between my foot and the accelerator.

 

I also recommend the S60 they are great cars, I have the R but my parents have a 2.5T, which if you're looking for MPG is my recommendation. With the R i only average around 20mpg, but my parents do much better with theres. The 2.5T gives you that little extra pep without fully sacrificing MPG, i realize the driver has a big affect on it, but if you're anything like me, if the powers there you'll use it, so this way its at least still somewhat reserved. Good luck with your choice.