Hey guys, I'm thinking about picking up an s60 and have some basic questions. I'm really just looking for a more mature, practical car to have as I am entering the real world from college. I've been driving a modified Camaro in nice weather, and an 04 Accord ex the rest of the time. The Camaro is fun, and the Accord is comfortable (but boring). The S60 looks to be a good combination, is this assumption correct?

How is the aftermarket for these cars? If I am looking for basic upgrades, is it going to be fairly easy?

Also, what should I pay for an S60 in good condition? Im looking at 06/07's with 30-50k miles on them. I know that it depends largely on the area, but what is a ballpark range? Dealerships have them listed between $17,000-20,000. Is this standard?

Is there anything else I should know? I have done a decent amount of research on common problems and whatnot, but I know theres always stuff that gets left out.

Thanks in advance.

 

What trim level are you looking at buying??? Also, FWD or AWD, Manual or Auto?
There are a lot of different models that have there own issues. Narrowing it down will help you out as to get specific answers to that model.

No matter what you do buy, the aftermarket is spendy. Looking at, on average, $1k for a tune and anywhere form $800 to $1k+ for and exhaust and double that if you want a downpipe. Go custom and you'll save a little more.
Don't get me wrong, I'd do it all over again but it does set the wallet back a bit more then your average JDM tuning would cost. All the basic upgrades are available for the S60's but you'll have far less options. The Volvo's are really lacking in the aftermarket world. The best thing to do is look at www.ipdusa.com, www.vivaperformance.com, www.eurosporttuning.ca/volvo_performance.php, and price out what your looking for.

Good luck and let us know what trim your looking at, and we can go further from there.

 

Thanks for the response. I would prefer AWD. However, after looking on search engines (cars.com, etc.) 99% of the S60s for sale around here are FWD. I'm not sure if they just put "FWD" for all cars, or if there really aren't any with AWD for sale here.
I go to school in NE Ohio, and the winters are quite bad. AWD would definitely be nice to have.

As for trim level... I don't know? None of the ones I have seen have specified the level at all. 2.5T, leather interior, auto...

Here is an example of one that I am looking at. Can you tell the trim level from the pictures?

http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/vol...vo&distance=50


I checked out the sites in the resources thread and got a basic idea of whats out there. I wouldn't want to do anything serious, probably just catback, tune, and some suspension. Is it easy to do this without sacrificing the good reliability of these cars?

 

Is AWD really necessary? There isn't as much of a selection of them around here (vs. FWD) and they are at least a couple thousand more than their FWD counterparts. I'm not going to be driving in absurd blizzards or anything, but there will definitely be some snowy days.

 

Well front wheel drive cars deffinately do well in the snowy weather as it is. I love the awd in my s80, took it out into 4 inches of snow in a field and had no problem.

If you want awd look at the 2.5t's and R's. those are the only two trims that have awd. (All r's come with it and it's an option in the 2.5t's)

You could also try looking into a s40 t5 AWD they're pretty quick and part availability is still decent. Just don't go s80 unless you want a challenge :P. (Though I love mine to death)

 

The 2.5T is what I have been looking at. R's are a bit above my price range (I don't really want above 40k, and I don't want to spend more than $20k). I also think the S40 is going to be too small. Even the S60 is a bit cramped for my liking. There are just hardly any AWD 2.5T's around here.

The reason I am looking at Volvos is that my good friend has an S80 that is a blast. I know all about the issues though...

 

Try looking at v70's if you don't mind the bigger boot.

 

Thanks for the help.

I settled on a car and am all set to pick it up tomorrow.
06 2.5T with 36,000 miles.

 

Looks good ENJOY!!!

 

Thanks. I am sure I will. We used to have a Volvo YEARS ago, but then I hadn't had any experience with them until riding in my friend's S80 this year. They really are nice, fun cars that I am glad I will get to enjoy for many years to come, hopefully.


My Camaro is orange (sunset orange metallic) and very loud, so its going to be different not having every head turn as I drive by from now on.

 

Buying from Keystone? I work just down the street from them - they will treat you well.

 

Just got home from Keystone. Very pleased with the deal I got, and no real complaints about the place. Car is in my driveway.

 

Congrats! You will have to come to our next philly meet!

 

Unfortunately I am heading back to school (out of state) on Sunday. Won't be back in the area until May probably. I'll keep an eye out for your car while I am still here though.

 

In the driveway. Front plate is going to be coming off in 36 seconds. Any other suggestions?