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I forget the exact statistic, but something like 8 out of 10 child seats are installed improperly.
Child seats shouldn't slide more than an inch when installed, often requiring the parent to literally sit on top of the seat and bare down on it to get the belts tight enough. (The new LATCH belts are supposed to make this easier.) And the harness (5 points is best) should only be lose enough that you can get 2 fingers between it and the baby's chest.
Finally, if it fits there, the center seat position is always the safest location, but the shape of the seats in many cars don't always permit this.
Take advantage of the free inspections often offered by local police, parents groups, day care centers, etc. I have to wonder if this could have helped your co-worker's child from suffering.
Ours gets good gas mileage too: 28-30 round town and 35 highway. Auto tranny too.
I've never considered a Volvo, but the S60 is starting to catch my eye more and more. I'm considering the T5, partly cuz I'm thinking about going with a manual transmission and also because I'm under the impression that the Nav system is essentially only available on the T5.
I've read several reviews of the T5 and while they all praise the fit-and-finish and the interior ergonomics, seats, stereo, etc, they all make rather negative statements about the vehicle's handling/suspension.
I ain't no race-track driver, so I'm curious what people's real-world experience is.
Also, is Nav available in the AWD version? (The web site says yes, but the dealer said it's only on the T's).
Thanks! Someone talk me into getting this car!
That being said, as a Volvo dealer I don't ever order the system for my stock cars for a couple of reasons.
1 Its a toy, and an expensive one $1895.
2 Most of our business is in leased vehicles and Volvo Finance deducts 1 point of residual for having a nav sys. in the car.
The system does work well and the screen placement is the best in the business, looks cool popping up from the dash.
If you travel alot, or are in unfamiliar surroundings it can be very useful, otherwise not.
As for the T5 and its pluses and minuses, the car is fast. The manual version is especially fun as you can keep the car in the 3-5000 rpm band where the engine works best.Disable the DSTC system and get some smoky burnouts!
As to the suspension, Volvos are not built for racing, but rather for comfort and control in everyday circumstances. They are meant to be easy to drive for people who lack racers skills.
The reviewers of the Car Buff mags tend to be racers or former racers so they favor BMW's and other race inspired cars.
IMHO the S60 is more comfortable and predictable in every day driving conditions.
If you want a Super S60, wait for the R.
Otherwise, go with the T5, and have a blast!
Is this normal practice for Volvo dealerships? I've never owned a Volvo, but "deals" like these will keep me from owning one.
Does anyone have a T5 manual? Just curious what you think about it (admittedly that's a VERY open-ended question...)
Also, is the stereo upgrade as good as I've read? (A good stereo can sell the car in my book..)
Loved the car (though that back seat is awful, for a car that looks so big on the outside)
Any info, comments would be most appreciated.
Can anyone assess the difference in handling/acceleration, etc between the T5 and the AWD versions of the S60? I know the T5 is faster, but just curious how much difference there would be with the AWD. (Dealer has no AWD's available for comparison).
I was originally interested in the T5 cuz I want a fun car (to replace my BORING Lexus RX300), but then I started thinking that AWD would be nice here in Chicago (but then again, any FWD car should do just fine...) I'm babbling...
Any musings anybody has would be appreciated.
However the AWD seemed more stable and planted on the road.
No torque steer,power delivery is very smooth.
In Chicago the AWD might be the better choice, here in the southwest its T5 all the way
I've hit 130mph with it, and still managed to have a quiet conversation with my passenger(the aerodynamics actually lower the suspension system above 110mph, so the car really hugs the road). And once I accidently took a freeway interchange ramp (with a posted speed of 35) at 65mph (forgot the cruise was on), and actually FELT the DTCS system kick in - it felt like a cat hitting that corner - composed and sure-footed.
It always seems to be the car of choice whenever my friends and I hit the gym (4 big guys fit comfortably in it). However the joke is that if ever the 8 airbags all deployed at once, we'd all end up as one big human marshmallow....
Highly recommended
I can't believe I'm actually considering a Volvo! The S60, tho, is certainly intriguing me.
For those of you that have S60s, what do you like LEAST about the car? (I'm sure there a many many things to LIKE about the car, but I find the negative more instructive).
Thanks!
In Canada, we have heavy winters and so far, afetr a snowfall of 12 inches last week, my T5 with winter tires has been excellent. The Michelin Arctic Alpins are an amazing tire.
Definitely get the audio upgrade, I still can't beleive the sound quality. Dolby Pro Logic in a car? You bet.
Love the seats, turbo and tranny. You can't go wrong and good luck!
Thanks in advance!
As for the sound system, I've head that Volvo contracts it's audio equipment from Harden Karmon. Is this correct? I've got the base HU613 sound system, and I've been amazed at the frequency response and seperation. I can make the rear-view mirror shake without adjusting the bass or treble controls. Just keep your spare change out of the door pockets - otherwise they'll shake away in there...
Base systems like the 613 are Alpine derived.
Can't wait to drive it myself but I hope that the price will be reasonable.
Seriously considered a new FWD Saab 9-3 Linear, but the well loaded S60 2.4T for $29,666 (MSRP $35,150) was a much better car for the price in terms of power, interior comfort & features, and exterior styling. The new Saab Linear wasn't as good as I expected, I really love the 2.4L Turbo 5 cylinder on the Volvo.
Only negative thing I can think of is that the Volvo doesn't have a boost gauge like the Saab.
I'd like to install a pod mounted gauge on the A pillar in the future.
Has anyone installed xenon bulbs or lights on an S60? I can't believe a $39k car doesn't have xenon lights.
Control is via the steering wheel or remote control.
Screen pops up from the center of the dash.
Xenon is available in Europe, but not here
I really don't know why, Volvo is missing the boat here.
How does the AWD system affect handling when taking sharp, fast turns on *dry* roads? My salesperson it would greatly enhance the "road holding" capability on tight turns over dry pavement, but I don't know if he was just trying to sell me extra options.
The T5 w/ sport suspension will corner better than the AWD.
The AWD will eliminate torque steer, but not enhance the roadholding in fair weather.
What I don't like:
- Quality problems, like A/C stucking on hot, rattles, loose driver's seat...
- Slippery tires
- Modern bumber covers that don't hold a 10mph rear-ending :-)
- Tall first gear
- Large blind spots
What I do like is racing with Nissan Maximas.
(I'm planning to chip the car for 260-280hp, should be doable with doubling the boost)
We notice at about 70mph, the seal of the moonroof seems to "pop", and a small air leak. I reopened and then closed the roof-sealing it tight again.
Is this normal? or is it a subtle speed governor on our safety car telling not to drive over 70?
I haven't actually driven the S60 yet. I have tried just about everything else, from all the American brands to a Volvo S40 and a C-series Mercedes. I didn't find any of them comfortable, certainly not sufficiently more comfortable than my Camry to justify the cost of trading. Now my son, who drives a BMW SUV, tells me that the S60 is the most comfortable car he's ever driven. I will try it as soon as I can - I'm laid up at the moment with a twisted knee - but wonder if in the meantime anyone has ever compared the S60 with the Camry.
The seat, which I see people seem to love, is of course my first priority, but I will have to judge that for myself as soon as I can. But what about the rest of the car? It's 9" shorter than the Camry, same width and weight, has a much smaller trunk,a slightly wider turning circle, and 11 more hp in the base model. In other words, on paper it seems pretty comparable, yet it costs nearly double what the Camry costs. What do you get for that additional money? Certainly not more reliability, and while the Camry is no racing car, I understand the S60 isn't either, and besides, I'm no racing driver.
I guess I could be charged with comparing apples and oranges, but I'm really not - I'm comparing two fine cars which seem comparable yet one costs nearly double the other (I paid $19,000 for the Camry and will have to pay around $37,000 for an S60). I'm trying to figure out why there is such a price difference. I might add that Volvo is one of the few car brands I've never owned, though I've owned everything from a tiny Renault 4 and a Toyota Tercel to a diesel Mercedes and a gasoline Mercedes and full-size American cars (Impala, Pontiac, and Cadillac). I've never had this seat problem before, by the way; new cars seem to have much harder and severely preformed seats than previous models (though admittedly my back is doubtless softer and less well formed than previously). Anyway, if anyone has any comments or suggestions, I'd very much like to hear them. Thanks in advance.
If you have a story to share, please send your daytime contact information to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Friday, December 20, 2002. Please be sure to include the vehicle model names and model years. Thanks for your consideration!
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Maybe.
The proof will be when you drive the Volvo. I think you will notice that cars like the Volvo, BMW, Mercedes have a "different" feel to the Camry. While the Camry does everything that anyone can ask for, these cars are more upscale in feel, looks, quality and driving experience.
Whether it is worth it or not is up to you but coming from this S60 owner, I am very happy with my car and once you drive a car of this ilk, the Camry will seem cheaper than it is.
Good luck and let us know how you make out!
Pros:
1) Amazing seats. The overall comfort of this car is very nice. Very different from the CL, which was very firm in comparison. I miss the Acura through the corners and freeway on/off ramps but everywhere else give me my S60!
2) Amazing stereo.
3) Great looking (I never thought I'd say that about a Volvo!).
4) Great Dealership (Orange County Volvo)with a lot of perks.
Cons:
1) Steering could use more feel. I'm used to it now, but coming from the Acura to the Volvo initially felt like a Caddy from the 70s.
2) More Power Please! I may have to trade this in in two or three years for an S60R.
3) The options are a little strange. It would have been nice to get heated seats and the stereo upgrade but the seats are only part of the cold weather package and the stereo upgrade is only available on the T5.
Hope that helps anyone out there thinking about an s60. Consider me a Volvo fan for life!
Scott
We have been told @$43-45000.
Base price @$39,900.
2000 cars for North America, so don't expect any discount.
I've read a review of car-based Nav systems, and Lexus was the winner by a long shot (largely cuz theirs is touch-screen based). BMW and MB were dead last, with Acura and Infiniti in the middle. (Volvo was not part of the comparison).
Appreciate your thoughts.
(PS Please spare me the "Navigations systems are a waste of money -- get a map" discussion. I KNOW they are a waste of money, but that's not my question...)