How goes there, everyone? I'm new to the forums as you all can tell.

Anyway, I was thinking about buying an early-to-mid 2000's S60 or S80, However, I question their reliability. I love the S-series Volvos, they have such a sexy curve to them , but I'm hearing mixed reviews regarding the reliability of the engine and transmissions. I come to this board, hoping some of you enthusiasts can share some of your knowledge and answer my questions.

Now I'm well aware that Volvo's are expensive to maintain but It doesn't matter to me considering that i'm mechanically inclined and I do all my own repairs (from oil changes to timing belts). The cost of parts doesn't matter either considering that I own and maintain a lexus. Keep in mind that i'll probably be purchasing a high mileage volvo (100k+)

Now my question(s) is;

1) The S60 and S80. Out of the two, which model is proven to be more reliable. Also, what year (2001-2005), trim level, and engine is the most reliable.

2) I've read somewhere that the T6 series has a GM transmission and the Inline-5 has an asian transmission, is this true? Would the asian transmission be more reliable? Do these cars really have terrible transmission problems as I've read?

3) Any common problems I should be aware of? (i.e. ignition cylinder, electrical problems, transfer case?)

4) I would be maintaining the CRAP out of this car. With that in mind, would this car be able to live to see 200k+?

With all the transmission problems i've been reading, i'm assuming the causes for volvo's transmission failures is due to not changing the tranny fluid and filer on a regular basis. If I bought a volvo, all the fluids would be changed over to synthetic. I would like to keep this car for years to come.

Any feedback from techs to owners will be more than appreciated.

Thank you!

 

Avoid the 6 cylinder. Go with an S60 or a 5 cylinder S80. The AW transmission is more reliable than the GM 4T65. There is no transmission filter on the AW transmission and I would be hesitant to suggest replacement of the fluid with high mileage. If you do, make sure the fluid is JWS3309 compatible, the TCM fluid counters are reset and the software is up to date.

The column lock is common across the board, not particular to one year or model. If the car has been maintained well, specifically proper oil change intervals, 200,000 shouldn't be a problem. Some people will tell you to change the breather box right away. If the car wasn't well maintained, that is a good idea. I have almost 100,000 on my 07 and there is still plenty of negative pressure in the crankcase.



As for year, I have seen fewer transmission problems on the 05 and later as opposed to 2001-2004. Engine wise, no difference in reliability between the turbo and non turbo. However, maintenance is the key so if you find one that was poorly maintained, it doesn't matter.

 

Thank you for your feedback.

So from what i'm reading, the inline-5 would be my best bet, huh?

Now I see these AW transmissions are also equipped in saturns and saabs.
How often do these transmissions fail? Is there any reliability difference between the 2004 and 2005
transmissions? I believe post 2004 is second generation.

Can you explain to me what "column lock" is? Would this be something I could
fix myself?

And what is a breather box? Air filter?

ahhhh the infamous question; "To change the tranny fluid or to not change..."
One of the first things i've done to my vehicles was change the tranny fluid.
I don't know, it just feels 'right' to..

My main concern is that I do a lot of long road trips (RI to Canada a couple times a year). I don't want this car to leave me hitch hiking home.

 

Yes, the 5 cylinder is the best bet. It has been around for a long time and has proven reliable.

AW makes transmissions for many vehicles. If you read on the internet enough, you'll see horror stories about anything. Overall, the transmission is rather reliable. The automatic transmission is the weak link on any car, simply based on how it works. We don't rebuild them, so I don't know exactly what causes failures and what has been changed, but I do tend to see more problems on the earlier ones.

You can find arguments either way with regard to changing the fluid. Volvo has no service interval unless used for towing. So you can make your own decision, but just make sure the correct fluid is used and the counters are reset. Updated TCM software is also a very good idea.

The column lock is the ignition cylinder you mentioned above. I assumed that you mentioned it because you had read about it being common. It can be replaced yourself without much trouble.

Breather box acts like a PCV valve, except not as easy to change. Its under the intake manifold and if proper oil change intervals are not used, becomes clogged. This causes positive crankcase pressure which blows out seals.

 

I see, so far I like what i'm hearing. I just have a few more questions.

Between the S60 and S80, i've heard that the S80 is an electrical nightmare.
Is this true? Would the S60 be less prone to electrical problems?

Now hypothetically, in the event I had to replace the ignition cylinder, Would
I have to go through the dealership to get anything reprogrammed? Or could I
do this through a local locksmith.

And to replace the breather box, does the intake manifold have to be removed?

 

The electrical system is the same for both. If you compare a 2005 S60 to a 2005 S80 with a 5 cylinder, they are basically the same car except for the body.

The column lock requires no programming, but would need to be ordered from a dealership. Its about $275.

The intake does need to be removed to replace the breather box. But I would check crankcase pressure before doing that.