Hello Volvo Enthusiasts,
I bought my 2004 S60 2.5T with 73,000 miles on it in May of 2008, which is about two years ago. Since that time, I've had to put in about $4,000.00 into repairs, the most expensive of which was replacing the turbocharger at a cost of about $2,000.00.
Now my trusted mechanic tells me I need new struts in the front ($600.00 total) and new PCV valve/housing ($600 total). Apparently there is now a positive pressure in the crank case instead of a negative pressure. This is creating oil leaks, and clogging up the pipes.
The mechanic said it's clear that I have not been maintaining the car well. I thought I was supposed to get oil changes every 7,500 miles but since I 113,000 miles on it now, I'm supposed to get them every 3,000 miles. I admit my mistake and I'm more than willing to get oil changes every 3,000 miles to make sure I don't need repairs in the future.
The Blue Book value of my car is $7,500.00 for a private sale, as opposed to a trade-in.
My question is whether I should get the repairs done at a cost of $1,200.00, or just sell the car. Do you all have high mileage S60s? How long do they last if you take care of them? I've heard of older model Volvos lasting 200,000 miles or more, but no one ever mentions this about cars like mine: 2004 S60. I'd appreciate any insight you all may have.

Thanks,

 

We own a 2002 S60 with 47,000 miles. My parents were the original owners, they decided to get a caddy last year. Everything is in great running order and we drive it every day.
I cannot give you info on the S60 on whether to sell or fix, but here is something related.
In 2004 we bought our 17 year old daughter (who does not live with us) a 1999 Ford Taurus. She drove it until 2007 when engine died (my guess she did not take care of service in a timely matter). My wife wanted me to trade it in when our daughter bought her “own” car. They would only give $500, as is. I said no. The car had new tires, brakes, no body damage or rust. So, I had a rebuilt engine and some transmission work done for $1200. My wife thought I was crazy. As of today it still runs great and our younger daughter drives it daily (I now maintain it). To me, the $1200 + $500 (not getting the trade in value) were worth it. I know what’s right and wrong with the car and no payments. It now has 154,000 and we plan on keeping it.
We also have a 2000 MB S500 with 143,000, and I wonder if putting $1000-$2000 a year in to it for service is worth it. Again, my wife says trade it in on a new Acura TL. We would then have payments of $700 per/mo and higher insurance. Our S500 still looks and drives great, but spending $1-2K per/year does not seem right, but it is less than $8400 each year for 5 years of payments.

 

Thank you for the post t_herbst.

With your 2000 MB S500, I see your predicament. I think the question or whether you want to repair it or sell it has to do with how long you think the car will last and how long you want to keep it.

If you buy an Acura TL, you'll have higher front-end costs, but they will eventually decrease and flatline. Spending $1-2k per year on your MB does not seem like it's worth it if you have to spend that much every year. It's a different situation from my S60 because I have a one time repair. But if you know that your MB will require a couple grand every year, then I would seriously consider selling it.

Also you should consider how much the MB will be worth in 5 years, as opposed to the new Acura TL you may buy. I hope that helps.

 

This was about you and your car, not my MB. I was just writing my logic of putting money into you current vehicle vs. getting a new car.
Back to my MB….I think it is “cheaper” to keep paying $1-2K per/year for a S500, than to buy a new car. We have owned it for 5 years and got a great deal, it was a $90K car new. We put a total of $6k into it over 5 years. This included rotors, brakes, Service A and B, compressors… One year we only paid the normal service. I believe the S500 will last another 10 years, but will only be worth $2000 on the market at that time. But if it keeps running, we will keep driving it. I think we will keep it for a few more years, and if the maintenance goes up, decide then. My wife hates my financial justification.

If you know what’s right and wrong with your S60, then $1200 might be a better investment.

 

I would fix the S60 as long as the body and interior is in good shape. You will pay a lot more for a new car and once the PCV is done, you should be good for another 100K miles. Also, if the timing belt has not been done, I would recommend doing that while they are at it.

The S60 is a wonderful car and the engines are just as good as the ones that are in the older S70 and 850.

 

Ive got 108K. on mine and have owned it since 30k. I replaced the radiator almost immediately after buying it and had some transmission work done under warranty but have had no problems since. I do my oil every 5k.

Its almost always cheaper to fix a car unless you have a greedy mechanic. You might take your car to another volvo shop and get a competing opinion.

J