We want a new car, the wife's VW is now burning oil like it's Kuwaiti oil field and I want to stick to Volvos because of the background on them. I wanted an 850 or early 70 series but she's worried about the age and mileage.

S60's came across as something she'd want to look at, but I'm unfamiliar with their quirks, what years to buy, stay away from etc. Things like 93 850's have two different engines, which makes them a PITA to shop for. Stuff like that.

Failure points? Do these cars last as long as the "old school" Volvos like the 850's? Or have they been cheapened out by globalization?

 

My 2001 S60 has been in the family since day one. I can't speak for everyone but I can say this about mine. I haven't had anything I would call "major" happen. In the 3 years I have owned it, I only needed to bring it to the shop twice. Once for the timing belt and another time when the parking brake freakishly locked up (about 50ft from the shop. Coincidence?) Everything else I took care of myself. I will say this; it wore the suspension components quicker than I had expected.

There were at least 4 possible engines for the S60: the base 2.4L, the low pressure turbo, the high pressure T5, and the 300HP R engine. There were some diesels, but none made it stateside. They killed the non-turbo after 2004, I think.

Some of the failures: the suspension components (end links, upper and lower torque rods especially); some of the 01 and 02 transmissions were exceptionally bad; the vent box depending on previous maintenance; if you hear noisy lifters it's probably the oil pan o-rings needing a change. There's got to be more but I am no expert.

As for the best model and year to get... I don't really know. I like the changes they have made to the exterior (I think it was 2005+). At any rate, the car should last as long as you take good care of it. Regular maintenance and observation.