Hi folks, I'm out in Hawaii where good cars are hard to come by. I'm considering buying a 2006 S60 2.5t. It's not the Type R of my dreams but it looks pretty nice nonetheless. I previously owned a 1994 850 Turbo which I LOVED until the timing belt snapped and that was the end of it. I realize the 2.5t isn't necessarily going to be a blast to drive but I'd love to hear other owners' experiences with this car in terms of performance, reliability, maintenance issues, things I should look out for or check before I buy it, etc. etc.

Any advice or input you may have on the subject would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your help! Lots of love to the forum

 

My son just bought it and he LOVES it. But, there were several issues with it.
1. Noted leak from the engine - RH. Turned out to be A) leaking power steering pump ($450) and B) camshaft seals ($849).
2. Both front struts are shot and need to be replaced ($400 in parts alone)
3. headlight washers do not work
4. If the power steering hoses leak, that's $400 in parts and $1,200 in labor (subframe must be dropped) - ours did NOT leak.
5. Still leaking oil from a turbo - it could be a quick fix (oil return pipe seal) , or you may need a new turbo
6. Needed to replace one engine mount (luckily, only $60 in parts and labor was part of the camshaft seal replacement)
7. Check when was the timing belt serviced - it needs to be done every $70K miles. Not sure how much, but I think around $800 with parts.
8. Steering was notchy and felt like power steering pump letting go, but turned out the lower steering shaft U-joint was binding. PB blaster and silicon grease fixed that right up (free)

It is a fantastic car and it's MUCH quicker then people think, but parts/labor are EXPENSIVE.

 

Thanks so much Bessarion! I'm trying to sell my car now so I can afford this S60 - I really appreciate your advice and I'm hoping I can grab this car before someone else does. I'll go through all of the items you've mentioned when I look it over.

- Mahalo nui

 

In essence, check for oil leaks, make sure all doodads on the dashboard work (I've heard climate control intake on the dashboard (with a thermometer) get's clogged with dust, which prevents correctly adjusting temperature but can be fixed with a vacuum), and the suspension plus timing belt service. Another issue is a PCV valve getting clogged up - that's an expensive fix, because the part is $150 and then it's a 3 - hour job including removal of intake manifold. Also, the car takes special Volvo power steering fluid that cost $47/quart. Do NOT use DOT 3 fluid - you will blow up the pump. Those cars go for $2,500-$3,000, but we got my son's for$800 after we showed the owner all the fixes it needed. So far, we spent (including the buying price) $2,600 and will need at least $200-$400 more for the struts.
Let us know how it went.
I would wish laki maika'i to you, but do not want it to bring the opposite, so I will not.