WHO HAS EXPERIENCE OF VOLVO S60? I AM CONTEMPLATING BUYING A 2005 MODEL...PLEASE ADVISE

realfreddy: WHO HAS EXPERIENCE OF VOLVO S60? I AM CONTEMPLATING BUYING A 2005 MODEL...PLEASE ADVISE

Anything lower than 2004 in the model generation isn't reliable. If you aren't much into cars, avoid the high pressure turbo model (especially if you are in Nigeria). Basically, avoid the turbo models. Above all, if you have no need for AWD, overlook it. It has it's own issues and things kind of gets complicated when something goes wrong. It's a very picky car. Find a mechanic that understands and has experience with Volvo's. It's not as complicated as the bigger "dawgs" but it isn't really as forgiving when remedial service is required; that means your whole day is ruined. A savvy mechanics that has a broad experience with European cars can perform service on it.

There is a bit of caution -- and it cannot and shouldn't be overlooked.

* If the vehicle in question will be driven to Nigeria, exercise the extra effort and purchase the Volvo plugs for that engine. As far as I know, they can only be gotten from the Volvo dealer. They are platinum and they go for a year (15,000) before replacement. The vehicle will only use this of plugs. Anything else will create problems and you will never trace it to the plugs as the root. You'll only be fixing symptoms and be repetitive till you get it right (by using the proper specified plugs). It is $15 for a pack (5 plugs).

* Timing belt service: a service tag on the external cover of the timing shield should indicate when it was last serviced. If this isn't there and the seller cannot prove maintenance, this is the first thing you should do after purchase. It is of extreme priority. The tensioner is mechanical and it also has to be replaced with the belt, thus making the service expensive. Failure to replace the tensioner is investment for a new engine 10,000 miles later and this is guaranteed and there is no way around it. So, specify when the service is to be done that the timing belt and the tensioner should be replaced. It has to be done every 70,000 miles and the vehicle is strict about the 70,000 mile range.

* Oil - it will only use Xw-30 or Xw-40. Xw-50 is recommended when towing and should be drained when done hauling or when revving at 4500rpm and above for an extended period of time. This is from the owners manual.

* Transmission fluid: it uses the Aisin Warner fluid. So far, as I know, only Volvo can do the servicing on this transmission for they have the equipment to do this. However, you can drain and fill. Transmission is bullet proof but you cannot omit maintenance on it. Anything besides Aisin is embracing the transmission goodbye.


In summary, the least problem free is the non-AWD non-turbo models/2004-up of the model generation. If it is to be driven on Nigerian roads, forget the turbo models. They require at least 91 Octane fuel. Before the purchase of the vehicle, get a qualified mechanic and stock some parts. Timing and tensioner cannot be overlooked. It is also safe to say that you will need a mechanic that is versed in suspensions.


All the best in your purchase.

Trac:

Anything lower than 2004 in the model generation isn't reliable. If you aren't much into cars, avoid the high pressure turbo model (especially if you are in Nigeria). Basically, avoid the turbo models. Above all, if you have no need for AWD, overlook it. It has it's own issues and things kind of gets complicated when something goes wrong. It's a very picky car. Find a mechanic that understands and has experience with Volvo's. It's not as complicated as the bigger "dawgs" but it isn't really as forgiving when remedial service is required; that means your whole day is ruined. A savvy mechanics that has a broad experience with European cars can perform service on it.

There is a bit of caution -- and it cannot and shouldn't be overlooked.

* If the vehicle in question will be driven to Nigeria, exercise the extra effort and purchase the Volvo plugs for that engine. As far as I know, they can only be gotten from the Volvo dealer. They are platinum and they go for a year (15,000) before replacement. The vehicle will only use this of plugs. Anything else will create problems and you will never trace it to the plugs as the root. You'll only be fixing symptoms and be repetitive till you get it right (by using the proper specified plugs). It is $15 for a pack (5 plugs).

* Timing belt service: a service tag on the external cover of the timing shield should indicate when it was last serviced. If this isn't there and the seller cannot prove maintenance, this is the first thing you should do after purchase. It is of extreme priority. The tensioner is mechanical and it also has to be replaced with the belt, thus making the service expensive. Failure to replace the tensioner is investment for a new engine 10,000 miles later and this is guaranteed and there is no way around it. So, specify when the service is to be done that the timing belt and the tensioner should be replaced. It has to be done every 70,000 miles and the vehicle is strict about the 70,000 mile range.

* Oil - it will only use Xw-30 or Xw-40. Xw-50 is recommended when towing and should be drained when done hauling or when revving at 4500rpm and above for an extended period of time. This is from the owners manual.

* Transmission fluid: it uses the Aisin Warner fluid. So far, as I know, only Volvo can do the servicing on this transmission for they have the equipment to do this. However, you can drain and fill. Transmission is bullet proof but you cannot omit maintenance on it. Anything besides Aisin is embracing the transmission goodbye.


In summary, the least problem free is the non-AWD non-turbo models/2004-up of the model generation. If it is to be driven on Nigerian roads, forget the turbo models. They require at least 91 Octane fuel. Before the purchase of the vehicle, get a qualified mechanic and stock some parts. Timing and tensioner cannot be overlooked. It is also safe to say that you will need a mechanic that is versed in suspensions.


All the best in your purchase.

Hi Trac, been trying to connect you. Wanted to send an email asking you a couple of auto questions