I bought a used 2005 Volvo S60 2.5T three months ago with 46k miles, and have added another 1k so far with no major problems. I have changed the oil with Mobil 1, the air, and the cabin filter, and am using premium gas.

Several of my friends, either because they are envious or in the know, keep telling me that I made a mistake buying it because it will be a money pit. I bought it because ConsumerReports, and a few other web sites, gave the car good reliability reviews, amongst other accolades. I know parts and labor repairs will not be cheap but so are the parts and labor to repair American and Japanese cars nowadays.

Those of you who have owned this model for several years, have you been happy with it? How reliable has the car been for you? Would you buy one again?

 

Mine is a 2002 and by 2005 the transmission issues were supposed to be fixed, so yours should be even better. It has 165K on it and I would not be afraid to drive it anywhere. I have the full service history and while the PO spent stupid money having simple repairs done at the dealer, up to this point it has been a relatively trouble free car. If you are not a DIY'er then the best thing you can do is find the nearest independent Volvo shop and check them out. A good independent mechanic can save you a ton compared to the dealer.

 

you bought a 2005 with 46K on it? Did this thing sit in a garage for 5 years? I think that you bought a good year, and you can't beat that mileage. don't listen to the naysayers.

 

With low miles on it I think you are safe for a while. Keep all fluids changed. Change the pcv system well before they say to. It seems easy to work on, maybe learn how to do some stuff and save a bundle!! How much did you pay?? If you look at reviews volvo is near the top of expensive repairs. That is why you are taking heat...as am I! But I fix my own troubles so It's cheap for me. Radiator $215.pcv system $450, fan blower motor $100,transmission oil change$120(12liters tIV),

 

Edmunds is worthless for reviews. It certainly doesn't show all the negative reviews.

That said, a 2005 is a good vehicle and should last longtime without many troubles.

The things to watch are the transmission - there is no fluid servicing as per Volvo but that's a big lie. Replace the fluid right away at this miles.

Keep an eye on the PCV system, known to fail after 60k miles or so.

Replace the timing belt now because it's 10 years old and it got stiff.

 

The PCV system doesn't just fail unless the car isn't maintained properly. I wish I could sell breather boxes based solely on mileage at work... I'd make a killing.

 

It's a used vehicle so the chances of him knowing how it was maintained is almost nil. I always assume it was not maintained but hope for the best. The breather box on mine was fine but the expensive hose was the only part clogged.

 

A lot of people are afraid or unfamiliar with Volvo technology. I just purchased a 2004 S60 with 159000 miles on it. Got it cheap due to it never having any real maintenance done to it. Also the PVC system was clogged and they couldn't find a tech that would tackle the job.
Replaced timing belt, seals, water pump, plugs serp belt, two mounts and replaced PVC system. Did the work with a friend of mine, 950.00 in parts and about two days being that we both have jobs. Now I have a car that runs like new, already added 2,000 mies on it and don't regret a penny spent.
In other words, you have a great car, stick with mobile 1, less issues with PVC system if you do. Enjoy

 

Thanks for all the encouragement. I definitely feel better about buying the car.
True, most people seem to spend more time talking about how expensive the car is to fix, than how reliable it can be.