I am about to get a slightly used 2007 Volvo S60 for my wife. What are the common problems/defects found on a S60? and what to look out for? I don't know too much about Volvo S60s.

I think some S60s don't come with fog lights (the round thing at the front & bottom of bumper). What options/package do come with fog lights?

Thanks for your advice. -chaz

 

No replies??

 

If you are buying post-05 there should not many problems. However, around the 60K mark here are the few issues that seem to be common in the S60s. Engine mounts, sway bar links, strut mounts, and other wear and tear items. One thing you should religiously do with the Volvos is the required maintenance, whether it be at the dealer (I prefer the dealer even post-warranty), or at an independant shop. If you keep up with the maintenance they are relatively trouble free. This is not a car you will be able tinker around with such as adding an aftermarket stereo etc. For the foglight package, I think the volvocars web page and should tell you the trims that carry it. For some reason Volvos depreciate real quickly in the north American market compared to a 3-series BMW although their reliability and repair ratings are similar. However, on ride comfort and creature comforts the S60 in my opinion is still better than the 3-series BMW. Drive one a week apart on long hauls (60+miles) and you will see what I mean.

 

I dont have much to add except that I just want to reiterate the importance of buy it the way you want it. What I mean is that the dealer will nickel and dime you (what dealerdoesn't?)to add any extras after the sale. If you want foglights, get one that has them.Don't buy one then add them later. Just try to find one that both you and your wife are really content with and you'll be fine. Treat it just like you would if you were buying one in the showroom.

 

Just a personal addition to the above two excellent advice.

1. Have the car inspected by a certified Master ASE technician, preferably by an independent shop that specialises in Swedish/European cars, other than the shop you're buying the car from (unless you plan to buy it from an individual, etc...)

2. NEVER neglect on the timing belt. If the belt breaks while the engine is running, that's it.

3. TLC. Do not neglect scheduled maintenance.

4. Be wary of extended warranty; they are 80% of the time waste of money. Should you decide to buy one anyway, be sure to do research and read the find prints before paying for one.

Check the recalls, and have them taken care of at a Volvo dealer. The dealers must fix recall items, free of charge to the customers.

http://automallusa.net/2006/volvo/s60/recalls.html

Recalls for 2007 S60 were not available at the moment but keep an eye on the URL or other recall sources.

I wish you find a nice S60 for your wife.


JPN

 

Is there something wrong with 2005 Volvo S60's ?????

 

The earlier S60's has some minor issues that were corrected later. A 2-3 shift flare, DIM needing replaced or rebuilt, power window switch module failure, etc. All in addition the suspension components listed above that tend to have a shorter life than one would like. That said my '02 will cross 190K tomorrow and shows no signs of a major component failure. It gets driven 100+ miles a day and I wouldn't hesitate to drive it 1,000 miles tomorrow. If you are a moderate DIYer it can be fairly economical to operate, but if you take it to the dealer for everything it will cost you a fortune. The DIM I got fixed for <$200 and the dealer wanted $1,500 for a new one for just one example.

 

Thanks for the info!

I have decided its time to replace my aging 1998 Volvo S90 (460,000 Km)

So I am looking at buying a used Volvo S60. I have looked at and am interested in a
--2005 S60 (body/interior is in really good shape, 159000km, drives great, a little more undercarriage rust)
---(new radiator, breaks) and a
--2007 S60 (body is in less good shape for sure, a lot of little paint scratches and stuff, missing the drip molding on both sides and a cracked plastic body piece like the side runner piece,much less undercarriage rust, interior is mint, 179000km)
---(new.. breaks, front shocks, timing belt)

I would prefer the 2007 but it seems like it has been roughly used. They both drive great but I read in the upper post that the 2005's and back are much more troublesome, which is leaning me towards the 2007 but the 2005 is in better shape so I am torn.

Any additional feedback on those two model years would be greatly appreciated. They are priced at $6000 cdn and $6500 cdn respectively. Are these good buys?

Thoughts and opinions from all will be greatly appreciated.

 

I would have a really hard time paying more for a rougher car with more miles regardless of the year, so my choice would be the '05. The trans issue was taken care of by then.

 

Yeah, that totally makes sense. I'm taking them both to a local volvo mechanic for an exam. The more I think about it, the more I am leaning towards the 2005.

Thanks for the info, pkrface. You are the best!