Howdy everyone...

My wife is expecting in less than a month and it's time for us to get a new (used) car. My DW made two requirements for the car:

1. It's nice looking
2. It has AWD

We've narrowed our search down to:
2005-2008 Volvo S60
2005-2008 Audi A4
2005-2008 Subaru Impreza

I'm a tad confused about the different models of s60...s60 R, s 60 T, etc. Are all these models AWD?

Also, other than the safety history of Volvo, what other aspects would sell me on an s60 vs A4 or Impreza?

I did see an 06 s60 R with 27K miles for sale at a used car lot for $11,999...having trouble deciphering KBB values with the different model #'s....wondering if this low price is consistent with an 06 with only 27K miles....

It's VIN is YV1RH527162531609. I'm almost thinking it may be a rebuilt title, but I don't have CARFAX. If someone here does and wants to lend a hand, me, my wife, and future son would greatly appreciate it. Maybe you'll even have pity on a lowly Cubs fan (per my SN)

Thanks in advance,
Chris

 

Chris,

The S60 is a great car though it is easy to get lost in the trim levels. The S60 2.4, 2.5T, and T5 are front wheel drive models. Look at the 2.5T AWD and the R models.

The S60 has very comfortable seats. The fit and finish of the interior is nicer than the Subie in my opinion.

With that said, I have to warn you about these cars. The upkeep (maintenance and repairs) can seem quite high. I drove mostly Japanese cars prior to my 2001 S60 and I've put more into this car than all of my previous cars combined (5 other cars). It's not that Volvos are unreliable, it's that they cost a lot when they need attention. If you are handy with a wrench and have some free time you could save on some of that cost, but seeing how you'll soon be a dad (congrats, by the way) I doubt you will have much of that. I love my Volvo but I just have to warn you that as these cars age they can get expensive real quick.

About that R that you mentioned. The price seems very low for that model. I checked on KBB and it's a $17K+ vehicle in good condition. Any car lot should know that and if they are still selling it for $12K then it probably has something seriously wrong like you suspect. I found a 2004 R near me with triple the miles asking $12,990 just for comparison.

 

I agree with the above post and just wanted to add my 2 cents.
The R is the hotrod of the s60, but you can get an AWD with the other models as an option.
Look for a 2003 or newer as they corrected most problem areas of the earlier models. Me personally, I researched them to death, and I've settled on a 2005-2007 model due to the minor upgrades starting in 2005.
I have yet to purchase but soon.
I do have friends who have a s60 and a family. Using babyseats in the rear can get cramped. They wished they had a s80. The S80 has just a little more backseat room, and not that more expensive when buying used the same model year.

Good Luck!

 

The S60 is very cramped in the rear, so is not a good choice for a family car with a new baby.

Get a '03+ V70 T5 and you won't regret it, especially as the family grows.

 

Thanks, but I left out the third requirement:

Must be a Sedan.

No go on the stationwagon, and we already own an SUV.

 

Then, pass on the S60, great car but not for car seats.

You'll regret it when accessing the car seat in the back regularly.

 

I assume the SUV is the main car for the kid. If so, ths S60 is a great car. I have just started using a car seat in ours and it is not that big of a deal. Yes, it is a little tight, unless you are willing to go with a very large sedan, you will have that problem with other cars. It is not an SUV.

After the size issue, I am a BMW guy and the Volvo is much cheaper. I am not sure what people think is so expensive on the S60 T. If you find one with all the maint. done you should be fine. Replace fuel filter, all fluids, brake fluid, synt oil, trans fluid, coolant, spark plugs, etc and they run forever.

Most people do not keep up the maint and then they have problems.

Just my thoughts.