I'm looking at an '02 S60 2.4T AWD Automatic. It has 85k miles. $5995. I need some advice on things to review when I see it a second time. (I've viewed several other posts about buying a similar car, but none about the AWD.)

I test drove the car today and the transmission felt pretty smooth. There was a slight alignment pull right, but the P/S FR tire needs a little air...and the vehicle appeared it hasn't been driven much recently. The driver's seat cushion rear up/dn adjustment motor doesn't work (can hear relay click, but no movement); all other controls okay. Sounds pretty solid. Temp okay after 5 min test drive. Steering was a little limp (but could be I'm used to an '06 Saab 9-3 which is pretty tight), steering fluid smelled okay. Oil smells okay. Coolant is blue (through translucent well), but a little too hot to completely open cap...escaped air smelled okay. Parking car after the test drive, the idle seemed slightly rough inside car. Haven't checked transmission fluid yet, but will check for black/bad smell.

These functions okay: P/windows, P/seats (minus driver motor mentioned above), P/mirrors, P/sunroof, all lights, trunk latch, gas latch (cap and housing clean), audio system is excellent, steering wheel controls, A/C reasonably cold (but will try it again along with heated seats), shifted okay from P to R and D.

The car has some little issues: Several parking lot dimples, some creasing on driver and passenger seats (but generally supple feeling), some interior cosmetic dings, rubber trim at top of windshield missing, only one wheel bolt is chrome - all the rest are a bit rusted, wheels could be in better shape but no curb gouges, needs to have black trim pieces armor-all'd, tire tread on inexpensive off-brand "performance-y" tires is at about 1/2.

Is the only thing the READ button on left stalk does is turn on/off something about "MESSAGES...0 MESSAGES" on left lower dash? No trip computer?

Car "dealer" replaced timing belt and water pump. What are other things that need to be on my checklist to check out? I'm not really all that adept. Makes me a little nervous that it's at used car "dealership" that bought it a few months ago (although dealer specializes in police cruisers (many) and small inventory of foreign cars). Brakes functioned pretty okay and P/side looked fine, but D/side looks like pads are needed.

In the end, I will have independent Volvo specialist go over the car, but I need to pre-screen as much as I can or I will end up paying $100 x 10 cars and can't afford $1000 worth of disappointments! Following any of your advice, I will run a CARFAX when I get the VIN tomorrow. Thank you for any advice! (Hopefully this well help others, too.)

 

does it have any sort of warranty? or is one available?

 

Avoid '01 and '02 MY, auto trannies have a high failure rate, also high ETM failure rate.

Also avoid AWD if you don't need it, especially the early years, high failure rate of viscous coupler.

Keep looking, your best bet would be 03+ S60 T5

 

Thanks for the replies. I found a second '02 S60 2.4T but FWD. Also 85k miles...$7,400. (It's been serviced since 35k miles by the reputable foreign car (mostly Volvo) specialist that is selling it for the customer.) I don't know if there's a warranty or one available on this.

As for the AWD one, CarChex is quoting me a warranty and I will post the details.

As for an '03+ S60 T5...I would love one, but the top of my budget is $8,000 and I don't think I can afford one.

I probably only really need whatever I buy for one to maybe two years max at 13k miles/year or less. After that, I should be able to afford to lease a new one.

 

Stay away from 01-02 S60.YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. Look at this and every other Volvo forum it is FULL of 01-02 tranys problems and if it happens you are looking at a $3000-$4500 fix.No matter what you think you are saving buy not getting a 03+ Volvo s60 its going to cost you more in the long run.This is just my thoughts. GL

 

Thank you all for the input. I have now driven the 2002 Volvo S60 2.4T FWD and it's pretty well maintained. Its suspension/struts are a bit harsh, but it corners like it's on rails. All of the equipment works perfectly. This is the one at the foreign motors garage that occasionally sells cars (low mileage, high price). It drove well and (although I didn't try) it has the tiptronic auto/manual. There was a roughness to the idle at a few stoplights, but the owner said that there's probably water in the valves from the work they did on the car. He said he will correct that.

I'm also considering a 2003 Saab 9-5 Aero for my next car purchase. I'll be ready to make the deal in three-four days.

Anything else to consider in a 2002 Volvo S60...either the 2.4T FWD or the 2.4T AWD? Both have 85k miles.

Thank you so much!!!

 

Keep looking, you can definitely find an 03+ for $8,000 or less. When several people warn you to stay away from 01-02 I would listen to them. jmo

I am looking for an 04+ S60 R, hopefully 05 in Red with Grey interior. They are AWD is that something to stay away from?

 

there are plenty of '03s out there, be patient man and you'll find the one