I am interested in getting a 2002 Volvo S60 soon, but am not sure what to look for.. is the T5 significantly better than a 2.5 L? Or can you not feel the difference? What are common problems with different engines?

 

It really boils down to "Do you want a turbocharged engine or not?" If not the NA is fine. The turbo is going to be faster, have more horsepower but is also an additional item that can require maintenance and repair. The horsepower on the NA is 168. I think the horsepower on the T5 is 247, so there is a significant difference. Hope this helps.

 

i’ve got an ’02 s60 2.4L N/A. i absolutely love it. but when it dies, i’ll definitely buy a T5 or S60R used. having this car without the turbo, when i know there are plenty others out there with them, blows. also, with the heavy weight of the s60, its extremely helpful to have the added horsepower from the turbo models in everyday driving situations. i read an article in a car & driver that cars with over 200hp tend to get into less accidents than cars with less than 200hp. so the turbo models have some practical use to them too. definitely go for the beefier T5 over the naturally aspirated motor and the 2.5 small-t model. these days, you could probably find a used T5 for the same price as a 2.5t. overall, the T5’s are at the higher end of the s60 range and as such, are nicer cars all over than the other two lower models.


one more thing: i know from chatting with other s60 owners that the n/a models will usually have small issues concerning the engine oil as they get older. my 2.4L has had a leak in the past and sometimes when floored, it burns oil a tid bit.

 

I bought my 2001 S60 T5 last fall, and to this day I am absolutely satisfied. For performance, it is outstanding (for a stock vehicle). For comfort, I am 6 foot 6 and it fits like a glove. For style, I get compliments night and day saying "dude are you in the mafia? how much did that new car cost?" .. I just smile and think to myself "how did I only pay 10 grand for this?"

I hope you take into consideration my opinion, but it really boils down to one thing: do you like speed? It has enough power to slowly pull on my brothers 2001 Audi A6 (4.7L V8 w/ 300hp) BUT I am set to get an ECU upgrade this coming spring 2011. I am a speed demon.

This car is a 10/10 in my books.

 

Spoke to my trusted Volvo shop owner.

The low pressure of the Volvo turbo's makes them last a long time.

These are not like turbo's of the old days were bearings wore out.

He said, he has seen only a few turbo's crap out on Volvo's.

I'm in the market for a S60 and will only consider the turbo version.

Already have a car with 130 hp so I want the jump up in performance into the 200 plus hp range.

 

Get 03 or newer. The 01-02 is said to have tranny prob.. I have an 03 - 2.3T5 w/ geartronic tranny and love it. Lots of take off power and superb ride. Avoid those 01-02. Definitely go for a turbo model.