My daughter is looking for a reliable used car and she came across a 2006 S60 she likes the looks of. We went and saw it last night (so we couldn't see everything in good light) and she wants to go back during daylight sometime. It looked nice inside and out that we could tell. It has leather, seat heaters, power everything, power sunroof, has 98,000 miles, and she is asking $6500 (reduced from $7,000 she was asking on craigslist).


2006 Volvo S60

The issues it has are some type of headlight failure message (that one most concerns me), a service reminder message, and a yellow caution light (yellow triangle with exclamation mark inside it) that are both constantly displayed. I know our 1996 850 has a service reminder message that stays on for a couple minutes each time you crank it up, and assumed that is what this service/maintenance message means (and that it might possibly be reset some way). She said her husband has called and done the reset procedure that the Volvo dealership told him, but it has not ever worked to reset it. She said her husband has done most all of the service, changing the oil every 5,000 miles. Her husband also replaced the headlight bulb (hard to reach she said) when the message first displayed, but that it went out within 4 weeks. He has another replacement bulb in there that is working, but it looks dimmer than the old bulb and the message still displays inside saying there is a failure (don't remember the "exact" thing it displayed). My daughter just told me she is pretty sure it said "bulb failure low beam."


Cosmetically, the black gasket like material around the front windshield trim is degraded and crumbling and the headliner material inside is peeling away from the A posts up front. When we look at it in the daylight we might see something else, but that was all we found for now.


So .... Are these things easily repaired, reset, etc? Is this car worth what she is asking? Thanks in advance for any assistance anyone can offer. I authored a 850 head gasket tutorial about 3 years back, but I have not done much car repair stuff at all in the past couple years (due to bad problems with my feet and barely staying able to work my 3 jobs until I can retire in 5 years).


Thanks again!


Tracy

 

Hey Tracy good to hear from you.

Sad to say I don't know much about those S60, most people like them. The timing belt should be due soon so have her budget for that expense.

I usually use NADA Guides for values. They are usually close. It appears that the seller is priced at clean trade in which seems reasonable.

2006 Volvo S60 Sedan 4D Turbo 2.5T Prices, Values & S60 Sedan 4D Turbo 2.5T Price Specs | NADAguides

The light issue may be connected to them installing a bulb that is not proper for the car.

Here is a link to the owners manual. It should have info on the warning lights.
2006 Volvo S60

 

The H11 bulb connectors often melt and that will cause the bulb to not work. Volvo sells updated connectors. The yellow triangle will be lit any time there is a warning message on the text display.

 

Turbo or non turbo? Turbo has a large hose passing on top of the engine

Timing belt was done? 400$ and it's due at 100k
Do a quick PCV valve test - see youtube
Check transmission fluid for clear red color (driver lower side of the engine, yellow dipstick) and transmission for smooth shifting
Check mpg on display module, look for numbers 23 and up

6500$ is high, 5500$ more in the range for a turbo, 5000$ non turbo

 

It is a turbo, and thanks so much for the info thus far everyone!

 

Timing belt is not due at 100k, it is due at 120k on an 06.

 

Thanks!

 

didn't know, my mistake

 

We looked at it in the daylight and she bought it for $6000 just an hour ago or so. It checked out fine for the PCV system being clear, the transmission fluid looked fine, and the CV axle rubber was intact 100%. Thanks to everyone who gave info!

 

Great! You got a good deal if everything is fine. Check front flexible hose brakes at their lowest point for cracks, for the peace of mind.

 

I buy and fix then sell mainly s60. have not had bad experience yet but for that bult failure warning. as long as all good then enjoy the ride

 

I replaced the bulb socket (that was melted badly) and that headlight works like a charm now. I actually need to replace the other headlight, since it is not as bright as the new one now. Thanks to everyone for your advice!