Hi, new to the forum, but with a quick review I found some useful information.

A friend of mine is planning to sell his 2002 S60 AWD. He has offered to sell it to me for $6,500. It has 100,000 miles now, and he picked it up four years ago with 60,000. It has impeccable service records both, with him and before all completed at a local dealership (off of a lease initially). He did however admit to using regular gas, and not premium. I am planning to use this to replace my 99 Infiniti QX4, as I want something smaller with "better" gas mileage. I live in Denver and head up to the mountains a bunch during the winter, so I am looking for a good AWD vehicle to handle the snowy weather. I know that they don't get great mileage, but it will beat my 15 mpg. I love my Q, but I want something a little smaller, better gas mileage and it is about to turn 200,000 miles. My Q has been increadably dependable and easy to work on (I do as much of the maintanance myself as possible). The high mileage does not scare me too much, so long as it is dependable. With that brief info, here are my questions.

- I know that the engine is designed for premium fuel, but is extended use of regular fuel an immediate issue, as in the engine does not perform as well as it could with premium or will the extended use of regular gas cause long term problems not corrected by simply switching to premium?
- I assume european cars are more difficult to DIY maintance and repairs, but I am fairly handy and mechanically inclined (I do oil changes, did spark plugs/wires/cap/rotor, full brake jobs, suspension work, etc. on my Q). Any commentary on the relative difference in complications of DIY on a Volvo vs. a domestic or Japanise vehicle?
- At 100,000 miles what significant service can I expect. I see that they do have a timing belt scheduled replacement at 105K, anything else major?
- I am comfortable with high mileage cars. I think they are a better economical choice so long as they do not turn into money pits. How about a Vovlo, am I setting myself with a money pit or something I can drive for the next four or five years or 50K miles?
- Anything specifically I should check out for impending failure?
- General commentary is also appreciated.

Thanks for your help.

 

Hi, I just bought a 2007 S60 AWD. I don't have detailed info to answer your fuel usage questions. I think Volvo posts the service specs for each model on their site. Hope this will provide info you need on service recommendations.

 

Avoid MY 01-02. They have tranny problems. Go for 03 or newer. They are fun to drive but could sometimes be a PITA