Buying an 04-06 Volvo S60 2.0 T Auto ?

Monty.

I fancy a comfy 2.0 petrol with a slushbox and some leather.

04-06 Volvo S60 2.0 T Auto ?

Any advice regarding these motors, what's your experience of them ?

What goes on them, and what to look out for ? Are they fairly reliable by today's (falling) standards ?

VolvoMan

Early S60's had ETM (electronic throttle module) issues but I think they had pretty much solved this by '01. This was probably the most serious and expensive problem Volvo's of this era had.

While I might appear biased towards Volvo in general, I can't really think of a lot else that goes wrong with the first generation S60. The main flaws all cars have are a larger than normal turning circle and a tendency to go through bulbs due to the daytime running lights. Other than that they are a comfortable, well styled compact executive saloon with potent engines and reasonable build quality. The fact that they are so cheap is due to their thirst (all engines are five cylinder) and the fact that they are typically overlooked in a country where any premium brand that isn't German isn't usually considered.

magunkey

Monty. wrote: »

I fancy a comfy 2.0 petrol with a slushbox and some leather.

04-06 Volvo S60 2.0 T Auto ?

Any advice regarding these motors, what's your experience of them ?

What goes on them, and what to look out for ? Are they fairly reliable by today's (falling) standards ?

Coincidence.

Had the same notion as you a few months back cept needed more room.

Bought 05 V70, slush box, leather, more buttons than the Starship Enterprise.

FSH. Timing belt done. Few scrapes but nothing ugly.

A little over 100,000 miles on it.

Paid LESS than 6K for it from a private seller (Dublin).

Took it to mechanic as was I was sure it was too cheap but, no, car is solid as a rock.

Things to note:

On cold start the engine idles around 1500rpm. This is to heat Volvo's exhaust cleaning thingy. If you drive off before you let the idle drop back to 1000rpm you will get a slap on the wrist in the form of "Reduced Engine Performance" warnings.

Parking sensors prone to damp and give "Service Required" warning. Ignore if not persistent as it will clear as they dry out.

"Anti-Skid Requires Service" is common warning too. According to Volvo you can ignore the warning if not persistent.

BIGGEST THING: 100,000 Miles. (160K???) Timing belt, cam seals. Big big job and V expensive. Better a higher mileage car with it done than lesser miles and it not (IMHO).

Service will be slightly more expensive as it uses very high grade oil and special plugs.

Other than that GREAT cruiser with no turbo lag and plenty of guts when you need it.

(Should mention that it's also a bit thirsty so prepare to get to know that girl who works behind the counter at Topaz.)

Monty.

Lads, thanks for the replies, sorry for not getting back to the thread sooner.

VolvoMan

Monty. wrote: »

Lads, thanks for the replies, sorry for not getting back to the thread sooner.

Well, have you looked at any examples yet?

Monty.

I've a few on the shortlist, but won't get time to look at them for a week or two.
Would they manage 35 mpg if you watch the right foot ?

VolvoMan

Monty. wrote: »

Would they manage 35 mpg if you watch the right foot ?

Yes, on a country drive they would.