I am looking to purchase a used Volvo S60, preferably AWD, Sports and Climate Package under 100K miles. I live in the NW and drive for work, so AWD is a plus.

I have searched posts and found a general consenus on a few things but want to pull them together. My reasons for the Volvo are that most of them have sunroofs, and they have a great combination of mileage, performance and comfort. My fear is maintenance costs. My Subaru has been amazing but its too small for me really, but its left me spoiled (only 3 repairs in over 225K miles, mostly small).

So am I missing any buying advice on what to expect, maintain and replace?

So here is what I have figured out:
1) Do NOT buy 2001-2002 S60's
2) Replace the Timing Belt and Water pump early, at 80-90K not 105K
3) Clean the PVC system frequently
4) Change the oil at 4-5K miles, not 7500
5) Flush the tranny fluid every 30K
6) Get a car with 2 key fobs, because they're expensive to buy

Two questions remain unresolved, unless you have anything to add to that list.

A) Is there a noticable improvement in the 2006 AWD (Haldex v.3) over the Haldex v.2?

B) And lastly, the big variable seems to be the front suspension as many people on the forums are frustrated by one front suspension repair after the other. Is it easier/cheaper to do a full front suspension preventative rebuild? If so, what parts should be replaced preventatively, and which parts should I just wait until they die? If I replace the front bushing and mounts with poly who is a good source for those?

Thanks!

 

Subbed.. Looking for the same answers myself...

 

I was seriously considering buying an S60 R until I drove the BMW 330xi. I ended up with the BMW. The xi models have AWD on the BMW. I really wanted another Volvo, but the wife really made the decision that the BMW was much more comfortable and reading up on the models the 330 is a very reliable platform for BMW, not the 335 though. All my cars have been Volvos since 1985 until two weeks ago.

 

I looked at the BMW 330 which is sweet, but a friend has a 330 and he spends a fortune in maintanence. The dealer here charges $400 for a oil change, and since its under warranty he has to get it at the dealer. His brakes (not covered) were $950 for a basic brake job. He spends more on maintenance than I do on a car payment.

 

I plan to change my own oil and do my own brake work, but I think they are expensive to maintain, but so are the S60's if you don't do the work yourself.

 

I bought a Volvo 2012 s60 with 86k for 9200.00. Ive had the car for 2 yrs. Have had ignition coil issue. Although any used car you buy should have brakes done, oil changes etc. That said i luv this car and hope to keep it. The awd is amazing and the car is quick and comfortable. If it keeps having problems i might trade it in. Only have replaced 3 ignition coils, tires, and plugs in the 2 yrs ive had it. Pretty normal for anything with 100k. Now days its cheaper to buy parts then a car pymt.

 

Ignition coils are 56 bucks, oil isnt any more expensive than others. Oil filter is paper and cheap. Plugs cost me 50 bucks for the better ones etc. Not any more money for parts than most mid size sedans. Now if you take it too a shop then yes maybe. You need to know how to fix it yourself to save money on costs. Good car though! I will buy Volvo again especially if i could have a 2017 s60 something very similar!