Hi Everyone,

I've recently been wanting to upgrade from my '97 850 into something a little newer, and a little faster. I've come across a decently priced 2001 Volvo S60 2.4T with reasonable miles, and maintenance records. From the pictures in the listing, it appears pretty clean. My main concern is, with it being an early year S60, were there any critical issues in those early years that may want me to steer clear of this particular car? I've heard of the issues with the ETM. Is that issue alone enough to steer clear of this otherwise nice looking car for something a few years newer?

Thanks!

 

Having gone this route with a 2001 T5 two years ago, here's my list:


Premature transmission failure. Rough shifts into drive and reverse, worse when hot. Maybe you can install the upgrade spring ("B4") and change the fluid and it will be fine. If it is working great now, make sure the fluid is clean and you're probably ok.


If you have the white label ETM might as well replace it now. So you don't get stuck.


Plugged oil trap - make sure you have vacuum at the dipstick tube (put a rubber glove over it) and use synthetic oil with changes at 5K.


Failed security module (will show as a message on start up). The alarm won't work, maybe door fobs won't work. Not a big deal to me.


Rear view mirror goes dark due to failure of automatic feature.


Car dodges left and right due to worn control arms.


You must know miles since the cam belt was changed, as breakage is catastrophic.


I think that about covers it. Don't get me wrong, I love this car. At 143K miles and I can take a long trip in comfort and get 30 mpg. But it is getting me in touch with my inner mechanic. Only in year two has it become relatively problem free.


Many of the above comments apply to used older s60 vehicles generally, though the transmission issue seems to be worse before 2004. Volvo suggested the trans fluid was "lifetime," and most people now think that wasn't a good idea.

 

Thank you for the quick reply. You mentioned a white label on the ETM, it is has been replaced, is there any giveaway showing that it has been replaced? After speaking to the seller, the timing belt was changed at 116k, and the car sits at 165k.

 

If the label is yellow on the etm (check it out from above with a mirror if you have to) then you have the later, Bosch, unit. Mine was an original white label. I had no issues until I stopped for gas and it wouldn't go over 2 mph after that. I had to get towed. I think that was around 118K.

 

Thanks for the advice guys, I test drove the car last night, and immediately noticed problems. It very well may have been the original tranny hanging on by a finger, a "melted" rear view mirror, and a interior driver side door handle that didn't work. Turned off almost immediately.