I'm looking to purchase a Volvo S-60 2.5T 2006. The seller claims the car makes a noise at start up due to the oil flowing all the way back down and with time the seal wears out. Does any one know if this is the beginning to a bigger issue? What I have notice around my area is that many of the S-40 S-60 seem to have replaced engines. A mechanic told me it was because people to not return to the dealership to use good Oil Filters. How true is that? Also, does the s-60 REQUIRE premium gas?

 

Easy question first. Your manual states premium is recommended. And I think min octane 89. So its not required.
Harder question is the oil. The noise is caused by wear and /or sledge. It's been my experience that vehicles that have the canister filter are changed less often compared to spin on filters due to the filter not being as available and the added difficulty of it. Also the long oil change interval can cause sledge if not using synthetic. Before buying pull the oil filter and inspect for sledge. Look for oil leaking out of the weep hole between engine and trans. Also make sure there is no positive pressure in the crank case. Run away if any sledge or leak is there.

 

I decided to purchase the car after all. I took it to a Volvo mechanic who gave me an estimate to fix the car. Apparently the car's oil was changed by someone who thought they could save money (DIY) He claimed he used synthetic old and VOLVO brand filters, but my mechanic said had he been using Volvo filters he would have this issue. I don't have all the details of what needs to be done to fix the problem, but the oil leak is not running down the engine area to show a leak on the driveway, He said the leak has caused the motor to drop? So he will need to fix that too. It's about 1500.00 of work, but the car is in good condition with only 114K miles. Doesn't need tire rod, shocks, springs and there are no errors when it was plugged to the diagnostics. That is far from what I have been experiencing in this God forsaken FLOODED BY HARVEY area. The car was a little more than I wanted to pay, but like I said, I' m in a pinch due to the flood. I appreciate your input. I hope I don't have to use this forum too often