In researching buying an S60 I have spoken with 3 different mechanics, 2 from Volvo dealerships and 1 from a well known Volvo independent garage. The first two said that the Geartronic Auto reliability issues affect all S60's from '01 to '03 and it's only with the '04 models that they believe the issues have been sorted. But they could not tell me a specific month or VIN number from which any changes may have been made.

The independent guy thinks that the problems are still there even on later models and he's had to repair failed auto transmissions on many post '04 cars. Maybe he has a point since it's very plausible that the older auto transmissions are notoriously unreliable because they have more miles on them and in years to come the same issues could affect the newer cars as well. Who knows...

Interestingly, ALL THREE of them said that if I wanted a trouble-free, bulletproof car, to look for an Aspirated/Non-turbo model and avoid both the 2.4T and the T5.

Personally I prefer Manual transmissions over Autos but unfortunately there does not appear to be many S60's with Manual transmissions out there.

So the question for any S60 owners with Manual transmissions out there is: Are the Manuals relatively trouble-free compared to the Autos or do they have their own set of problems?

Also, with the 2.4L NON-TURBO cars would a manual transmission make them a little better in terms of getting more responsiveness from their less-powerful engines? Or are they still too slow and lame? I'm yet to drive one to form an opinion...

Thanks.

 

I drive a 2004 S60 R 6 speed manual and ive never had a problem with it. If you know how to drive a stick and do not ride the clutch then its way better than an automatic. Look at it this way if an automatic goes out you replace the trans. If a clutch goes out its way cheaper. Go with a stick shift. Make sure you get a 6 speed on the T5 or R.

 

I drive a 2002 5-speed non-turbo and I've never had any issues with it regarding the transmission. Lots of odd electrical and cosmetic issues (short in turn signal, cracked shifter ****, interior plastic color flakes off to reveal gray or black underneath), but the actual driving portion of it is rock solid. By far the best driving experience of any car I've ever owned.

 

Also, I've never found the non-turbo to need more power. I'm not racing it or anything, but it has plenty of pep for city driving.