Is S60 reliable?

Discussion in 'Volvo S60' started by Pat Quadlander, Jun 13, 2004.

  1. I've owned Volvos over 30 years, beginning with '71 144s, and many 240s
    since then. I currently drive 91 240. In the last 5 years (my "retro"
    period), I've owned a 122s (father-son project), and still own 70 1800E,
    which I will sell sometime soon.

    For job reasons (high-tech industry sales), I need to upscale to something
    more modern looking, even though I'm an "old-school" Volvo fan.

    I like the stylish look of the S60/S80 models, but concerned about
    reliability and maintenance expense. The last thing I need is high-speed
    performance.

    What are the group's opinions on the S60? Which years? Which options
    (turbo, or non-turbo)? How many miles? Common complaints/fail-points?
    Maintainability? Reliability?

    Thanks,
    Pat Q
     
    Pat Quadlander, Jun 13, 2004
    #1
  2. Pat Quadlander

    Rob Guenther Guest

    Maybe you should look at a 1998 S90... It looks like a very elegant car, has
    all the modern features, and it's still an "old-school" volvo.

    You should drive what you want, not what other people expect you to drive.

    Get a late model S60 if you get one... More problems sorted out that way. I
    only know of people with a 2001 V70, and they like it, no trouble with the
    engine, a few computer updates along the way, and they had to replace the
    DSTC system.... which was very expensive. The car has around 130-140K kms on
    it... The older Volvo's would be cheaper to maintain to 130K then this one
    was. But it is more "upscale and modern" - at least it looks and drives like
    a new car too.
     
    Rob Guenther, Jun 13, 2004
    #2
  3. We have a 2001 S60. Only major repair has been a throttle control item,
    can't remember the exact name. It kept the car from going over 30 mph.

    The biggest nuisance has been the remote fobs. Dealer has repaired them
    twice already, and now they are still working intermittently. Hopefully,
    newer ones are more reliable.

    Norm
     
    Norman Koller, Jun 14, 2004
    #3
  4. Consumer Reports has an issue on automopbiles each year, with information on
    repairs that were needed by model and year. The publictaion can be found in
    most US public libraries. You can read it online if oyu are a subscriber,
    bt you can buy the new car guide for $9.95 at their online bookstore:
    http://www.consumerreports.org/main...ASSORTMENT<>ast_id=389451&bmUID=1087234863344.
    It has reliability information.
     
    Marvin Margoshes, Jun 14, 2004
    #4
  5. Pat Quadlander

    Rob Guenther Guest

    The new Volvo fobs with the integral key, seem to be made by the same
    company that makes the ones for VW/Audi (incredibly similar design, same
    types of materials used)... if this is the case they are pretty
    indestructible.
     
    Rob Guenther, Jun 14, 2004
    #5
  6. I've had an S60 2.0T for 2yrs and recently changed to a S60 D5. I've had no
    problems at all doing business mileage around the UK. Software was updated
    on the dash recently as the trip occasionally reset itself, cup holder on
    the 2.0T dash stopped closing (but then I did use it as a phone holder), got
    through a large number of lightbulbs with the daylight running lights on,
    but nothing major. Now get much improved mpg as well with the diesel and
    not much of a difference in performance.

    Graham
     
    Graham Tavener, Jun 15, 2004
    #6
  7. Pat Quadlander

    Guest Guest

    Graham, what sort of mpg were you getting with the 2.0T ?? Thinking of
    getting one. Was yours auto or manual?

    Tim..
     
    Guest, Jun 15, 2004
    #7
  8. Pat Quadlander

    Hal Whelply Guest

    Our '01 2.4T now has about 47,000 miles, and we've had it about 3 1/2 years.
    Biggest problem (which we didn't even know about except for the "message
    center" directing us to have it serviced ASAP) was a need to replace both
    the throttle body and the gas pedal position sensor (that tells the computer
    how hard you're pressing on it), both accomplished under warranty.
    Otherwise, there have been a few small things, like side marker lights
    literally falling out and hanging by their wires, and buzzy speakers. The
    window/mirror switches unit in the driver's door was also replaced. And a
    seal on the oil return for the turbo. Currently it's running trouble free,
    just about to go off warranty, and that's been the case for many months.
    Still very solid, substantial feeling; no squeaks, rattles or looseness.
    Through careful driving, my wife has the "average mpg" (on the "message
    center") up to 24.6 MPG on her daily 34 mile commute, about half freeway and
    half surface streets. Knowing what I do now, would I buy it if I had it to
    do over? Probably. My wife loves the car. And it's never left us stranded.

    FWIW, Consumer Reports rates the S60 a "Recommended" buy.
     
    Hal Whelply, Jun 16, 2004
    #8
  9. It was the 5 speed manual. I personally found the gearbox quite 'clunky'
    and it didn't have a very smooth feel. I was getting 28mpg with quite a
    heavy right foot and some town driving. Cruising on the motorway I would
    get 34mpg or so.

    Graham
     
    Graham Tavener, Jun 16, 2004
    #9
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