Volvo S60

rollie

Regarding post #101:

snoopdug, if you are talking about the LS V6 then yes you are making a great choice in the S60. The LS V6 has a stalling engine problem that Ford is working feverishly. It affects the LS V6 and Jag S Type 3.0. Until this is fixed (they still don't know what causes the problem) I would steer clear of the V6 LS. The V8 is a nice car and the chassis is great on this car with either engine.

I can't tell you which (LS V8 vs. S60 2.4T or T5) but I can tell you that they are different. The S60s I've sampled to date have had excellent build quality (fit and finish on par with Audi and above the new Mercedes C class). The Lincoln LS models I've sampled haven't fared so well. I've noted things like faulty door trim and panels even on a couple of showroom cars (a few bad cars however is not a relevant statistical sample). I think that if you take an extended drive in both your choice and preference will be obvious.

Good luck.

-rdo
rdollie@home.com

rollie

Regarding post #103:

mbnut, in terms of power, the base S60 and Mercedes C240 are comparable. However, in terms of price, the comparison for the C240 is the S60 2.4T. The C240 starts at $30k delivered before you add options. As you know, Mercedes has a one-price policy so you have to pay MSRP for all new Mercedes cars except for model year hold overs I believe which sometimes have incentives. The Volvo S60 starts at $27k delivered for MSRP before you add options. For the price of a C240 you will be able to buy a S60 2.4T. Both are nice cars but based on what I've examined to date, the Mercedes 'looks' nicer inside but the Volvo had much better fit and finish and much better materials (particularly in the rear seat area). Volvo has done a smart thing in slotting the S60 at the price of entry level Mercedes and BMWs with a car that slots in between the C and E class Mercedes and in between 3 and 5 series BMWs.
I suspect that the biggest competition for the S60 in terms of value will be the new Audi A4 (which will be moving up in price due to VW's upscale model range plans.)

Thanks.

-rdo
rdollie@home.com

lancerfixer

The S60 I drove didn't have the folding headrest option, and there is no way to fold them manually, at least that either I or the salesman could find.
I dunno, maybe I'm too spoiled by (and used to) the great visibility in my Accord coupe...I'm not used to having a b-pillar right next to my head when I turn around to look at lanes I'm merging into.

fred137

I test drove the S60 T5 today and I have the following observations.
First of all this car looks good in only 1 color, and that's black. This is most likely due to the ugliest black body molding in the automobile industry.
The rear view of traffic is fine, but you have no clue as to where your car ends. Backing up is purely a guessing game.
Overall, the car is pretty quiet, except at highway speeds, where windnoise is definately noticeable. If windnoise bothers you, you either play the radio loud, or get very annoyed.
The geartronic transmission has a lag in the time from when you move the gearstick to when it actually changes gears. I tried shifting while accelerating at 5000 rpm, but it didn't shift until 6000 rpm. I do have experience with similar transmissions of other manufacturers, and never felt this before.
Has anyone noticed that the grille extends all the way out to where it is completely flush with the front bumper. The grille in effect is part of the bumper. If you hit anything with your front bumper, you hit the grille. Volvo must be planning on selling a lot of grilles this year.
Now for the good:
As I said, other than highway speed windnoise, the car rides pretty quietly.
Accelleration of the T5 was very good.
Handling, with the 17" wheels was far superior to the 16" wheels, which I found to very sloppy in turns and hard braking.
And finally, without question, Volvo makes the most comfortable seats in the automobile industry, specificaly the sport seats.
Unfortunately, for a loaded T5, your looking at close to $40,000. For that price there are too many negatives to buy this car.

fred137

I test drove the S60 T5 today and I have the following observations.
First of all this car looks good in only 1 color, and that's black. This is most likely due to the ugliest black body molding in the automobile industry.
The rear view of traffic is fine, but you have no clue as to where your car ends. Backing up is purely a guessing game.
Overall, the car is pretty quiet, except at highway speeds, where windnoise is definately noticeable. If windnoise bothers you, you either play the radio loud, or get very annoyed.
The geartronic transmission has a lag in the time from when you move the gearstick to when it actually changes gears. I tried shifting while accelerating at 5000 rpm, but it didn't shift until 6000 rpm. I do have experience with similar transmissions of other manufacturers, and never felt this before.
Has anyone noticed that the grille extends all the way out to where it is completely flush with the front bumper. The grille in effect is part of the bumper. If you hit anything with your front bumper, you hit the grille. Volvo must be planning on selling a lot of grilles this year.
Now for the good:
As I said, other than highway speed windnoise, the car rides pretty quietly.
Accelleration of the T5 was very good.
Handling, with the 17" wheels was far superior to the 16" wheels, which I found to very sloppy in turns and hard braking.
And finally, without question, Volvo makes the most comfortable seats in the automobile industry, specificaly the sport seats.
Unfortunately, for a loaded T5, your looking at close to $40,000. For that price there are too many negatives to buy this car.

twindy

You mentioned manual folding read headrests. Please let me know where and how to use/find them. I have a s80 built 2/00 during the time Volvo eliminated the auto. switch. I didn't know I could manually lower them.
Thanks!

jts3

Last week I drove the 2.4T and loved it. I ordered one, but was disappointed to find out that there is a delay caused by the geartronic shifter. Does anyone know when the 2.4T geartronic orders will actually go in.

Also - as for color - I went with the Maya Yellow- you have to see it to appreciate. People either love it or hate it.

joel2468

again today...dealership was closed, so I had a good chance to look them over closely. There were three on the lot, all base models--silver with gray, white with tan, green with gray. All have the black side moldings, and bumper inserts. I think it is most apparent on the white car, although to me it still didn't look bad. The silver looked best, and the green was ok. As mentioned above, the grill is right up to the edge of the front bumper, but same situation on the S80 and V70. Only the S/V 40 have some diatance between the front bumper and the grille. I read somewhere that the S60 has the radiator moved back to prevent damage in a low speed collision. It looks like the front grille is either part of the front bumper, or an insert. I can see where, in a 5mph bump, the bumper would reform, but the plastic on the grille might crack. There are no doubt some V70 and S80 owners who can comment on this.

rollie

Regarding post #110:

twindy, I think I was mostly referring to the S60. On the S60 there is a separate option ($65?) for the electric switch and I believe that just like the new V70, there is a small manual 'tab' or loop off to the side of each headrest (where it meets the seat) that can be pulled to fold the headrest down. For the S80s that were produced for a few months without headrest switches I don't know how the manual release works but I believe it is there (otherwise you won't be able to fold the rear seats down flat).

Thanks.

-rdo
rdollie@home.com

banker74

Just wanted to make sure all you Volvo followers in Southern Calif. know about the autoshow at the Anaheim Conv Center the 8th -12th this month. More info at Autoshowusa.com. I can't wait to sit in both the S60 and C70, and ask all the experts a ton of questions. See you there!

rollie

Regarding post #114:

banker74, thanks for the information. I'll have to make a trip to the show on Saturday I guess. Hopefully the 'experts' won't turn out to be local dealership representatives (like they were at the L.A. Auto Show earlier this year) who usually know less about new or upcoming models than most on this forum.

Thanks.

-rdo
rdollie@home.com

amazon

Check out the great prices you can ger on an S60!!!

http://www.volvocars.com/overseas_new/

freedy

test drove the 2.4T and then the T5 on Monday. Prior to the drive, was leaning toward the T5 but felt that the 2.4T was the winner afterward. The 2.4T had plenty of pep, very fun to drive, great seats and reasonably priced. The T5 had too much turbo delay and torque issues. The gear shifter rumbled, the seats were uncomfortable and was quirky on takeoff. I am told that since the s60 is just starting to come in that the lease programs are horrible at the moment--even pricier than the S80. The recommendation is to wait until later in the month or December for more s60's to come on line with much more favorable lease terms. Had been leaning toward a audi 2.7T, however, didnt want to spend the money and ultimately felt that the s60 was superior in feel and price. The s60 is sexier and sportier than the s80. The s80 has better rear leg room and IMO that is the real drawback to the s60.

kelf

Regarding posting #68---the Ford A plan. Are you sure that it is not just the straight invoice price/ Did you talk to the dealers and did they not give you the invoice price?? Which dealers did you have the best experience with? kelfg@aol.com

robnis

Is there/will there be an S60 awd/4wd by Spring? It will be interesting to compare it to the A6 in terms of handling, speed, and all weather traction.

[Deleted User]

Has anyone tested out a 5-spd S60 T-5?
Is it fast? Does anyone know an official 0 - 60mph time?

The old S70 T-5 was 6.3secs. I'd imagine the S60 is a little slower with the extra weight even though it has a couple more horsepower.

im_brentwood

I'm not with Volvo anymore, however, A-Plan on a Volvo is as follows:

ACTUAL dealer invoice (It may include advertising) less holdback (1% of base MSRP IIRC last year) less any applicable dealer incentives.

It's printed right on the invoice..

Bill

rollie

Regarding post #119:

robnis, the last I heard, the S60 AWD won't be out until about this time next year. It's highly unlikely that it will be ready for Spring unfortunately.

Thanks.

-rdo
rdollie@home.com

robnis

I was hoping that the S60 could have remained on my list for a Spring purchase. I don't expect to find any leftover S70 AWD's either. I see that Consumer Reports took the AWD off their recommended list as well.

debchiil

I just drove the S60 T-5 by dumb luck. I went to an infinity/volvo dealership to test drive the I30 and QX4 and saw this beautiful car in front of the dealership. The car was of course the S60 T-5. Anyway, I drove the I30 and QX4 which were nice and then moved next door to try this mysterious volvo. After waiting 20 minutes for the customer before me to return the car, it was my turn. The interior was the sport vinyl/leather (ugly!!), but the seats were very comfortable. Maybe, I don't get out enough, but this car is a blast. The car handled exceptionally well, was very fast (although the car had the usual turbo lag) and was just plain fun to drive. I will buy this car or the Lexus ES300. The drawbacks to the S60 are 1) no availability-therefore no dealer discounts and 2) the price of this car is going to cost you every bit of 40K loaded without GPS. Is is worth 7K more than the Lexus to wait 8-10 weeks for this car?

drewsrx

I went to my local Volvo dealer yesterday, and they had a black S60 T5. What a beautiful car! This car looks awesome in black, it is amazing. This car also had the dual tone black/tan sport interior that looked pretty cool as well. This car is very fast and handles really well. There is only a slight bit of turbo lag when starting, but after that, the car blasts off leaving everyone behind. The 17-inch wheels make the car look tough and classy at the same time. The stereo system and seats are two of the best interior features. The ergonomics/buttons are also near perfect. The car that I test drove had everything but the winter package and GPS navigation system, it was around $36,900. The most impressive thing about the car was its overall harmony in design, everything works well.

rollie

Regarding post #125:

debchill, if you're going to wait 8 - 10 weeks for a custom order you might as well go with the European Delivery program. The T5 starts under $32k as I recall. You will save thousands in the end and the car takes just as long to make and deliver as a regular custom order (and you get a free trip to Europe). Is this an option for you?

Thanks.

-rdo
rdollie@home.com

debchiil

thanks rollie for the response. I looked at the site briefly and it seemed to me that I could get the car in Europe for 8% less and a free trip for a day. Has anyone purchased a volvo this way? How do you get the car back, would you recommend this service? Eagerly awaiting responses

drewsrx

The Volvo TDS/Euro Delivery program is a great way to buy a new car. The TDS/Euro S60 T5 starts at $28,900 and goes up from there depending on what options you want. You should be able to get a fully-loaded S60 T5 for around $36,000 minus the GPS-Navigation system. That will add another $2,500 to the price. Another great thing about this program is that you can add or delete individual options that are not a part of grouped packages. After you have driven your new car in Europe, all you have to do is just drop it off at one of over 20 drop-off agents strategically located all over Western Europe and pick it up from your local Volvo dealer in the US a few weeks later. If you can wait around 10-weeks to get a new car, in my opinion, this is the only way to go!

-Drew

dbllc

hi. this may seem like a redundant question to some but i hope you can bear with me. without the european purchase option in mind, can anyone help me in regards to which car they think is best from among the following 2001 cars:
the volvo s60 2.4t, the volvo s60 t5, the lexus es300 and the infiniti i30. anyone driven all four models? I'm leaning toward one of the s-60's. thanks.

debchiil

this message is a response to dbllc. I drove the I30, ES300 and the T5, but not the 2.4T. The I30 is very nice and probably the best car for the money. It has the V6 powerplant used in the nissan maxima and is a great engine with a lot of power. The Es300 is also nice, very comparable to the I30, maybe a little more refined. JW Power recently ranked Lexus the best made car brand, with Infiniti in the top 5. I have owned some Infiniti's and they are very reliable and have never had any major problems. I assume this is the same for the ES300. However, if you want to have a nice car, that practically no one has that is fun to drive, the volvo wins hands down. I didn't drive the 2.4T, but I drove the T5 and loved the car!! This is coming from someone who doesn't get excited by cars. One drawback of the ES300 that volvo and infiniti both have, is the rear seats of the ES300 don't fold down. Thus, if you have something large (other than a set of skis which can pass through a small opening in the Es300), you are out of luck. Hope this helps. Otherwise, ask more specific or just go to the dealers and drive the cars.

debchiil

Does any CPA know about the tax implications of buying the car in Europe?

dbllc

thanks debchiil for your response.
i am leaning toward one of the s60 volvo's. i read on here earlier that there was some noise or vibrations with the volvo t5 at high speeds and that for less money, the 2.4 is spunky enough even though it has fewer horses, and so is a better buy. i am wondering if that is the case. i have driven the i30 but it didn't thrill me all that much and the i drove the es300 as well and ditto. the volvo dealers near me do not yet have the s60's so i can't test them. does anyone have any current feelings about these cars or at least about the s60's? thanks again.

robnis

While it was about as nice as the old S70, I was not impressed with the smaller trunk, less leg room in the back seat, and the rattle in the dash of my test vehicle. Otherwise it was a nice car. My test drive was in the light pressure turbo.

stickguy

I actually like the older style also. My local dealer has a 2000 S70 GLT SE left over. fully loaded, MSRP about 34.5, advertised for 29,900 +/- It does have an easier to access trunk and more head room in the back seat. Haven't driven one lately so I can't compare the driving dynamics, but it has the same LPT engine as the 2.4T, and is about 4-5K less for the same level of equipment.

cu503

Hi, how is everyone doing at the dealer? I want a S60 2.4T w/ intro package, dealer is offering at 29,750 non metallic, or my first choice, the 2.4T, w/ intro package at 32,750. has anyone done better? is this the best typical deal on this new product at this time? All responses appreciated, David

jts3

response to 125 - 136

You need to be more aggressive with the salesperson. I just ordered a loaded s60 for 1% over cost. After my AOL certificate, that puts me at even cost. I would not waste my time on the TDS/Euro - you can save more by negotiating hard. Good luck

debchiil

I was offered a fully loaded T5 for $1,200 under dealer cost non-negotiated at a large metro dealer. Other dealers offered the car at cost. TDS offers this car at $4,500 under list. Not only is it worth your time to consider a free trip to Sweden, but anyone thinking that getting a car at cost is a deal should make any salespersons salivate

cu503

Hi, Thanks for info, can you tell me the area you have seen good deals? what was your $$ and what did you get?? I am in Mass/RI area, I want to KBB, no Intro $$ mentioned, but it did make a reference to it. all help appreciated, Thanks

cu503

Seeing a lot of leftover 200 Saabs, real good discounts, Drove a 4 and the 6 today, not bad a t all, 4 was a little noisy, and steering heavy but overall favorable, no insight as to why so many leftovers, are they ok? $$ to repair? all insight as to comparing to the S60 appreciated Thanks, David

freedoc

Where do you people live, and how can I get the name of the dealers,general managers? I live in Knoxville, Tn., one dealer here and I know the owner, and one of his long term salesman and have bought two Volvos from them. Drove the T5 loaded minus navigator and cold weather pkg, was told price was MSRP,Volvo has a no haggle price policy etc. Sticker I think on this car was ~37,500.With the cold weather pkg, I was told ~$38,000 to order one. Edmunds shows invoice for this car at $ 35,406, not including dealer holdback of $318. I'm looking at 3/01 to buy. Any ideas.?

17028

If you're not going to buy until March I would look at the euro delivery program. It saves you a couple thousand, and you get a free trip to europe in the deal.

As for intro price, there is no introductory discount as far as I know. However, there is an intro package that gives you a lot of nice stuff like leather for 500 bucks. It is only available for the 2.4, I think.

-17028

cu503

Hi I am currently looking for thr best deal on an S60 std2.4 or the 2.4T. I plan on buying within 2 weeks and am interested in what the current market in New England is. No time to go to Sweeden. Thanks foraal input.

debchiil

Unless I'm mistaken, this is a free country and you could haggle the price on anything. Volvo has no such "no haggle" policy but because the T5 is so scarce, dealers are not discounting the car. I was told that Volvo is only delivering 300 cars to the midwest. I live in chicago, and have the luxury of about 10 dealers within 35 miles. I can get the car discounted, although not much. If I lived in nashville, I would consider the free trip to sweeden with a 4K discount on the car that I want. Go to Volvo's overseas delivery web site. Good luck.

debchiil

Sorry, I got the wrong city, but the right state

jimdec

I drove the BMW 330i and S60 T5. Had to opt for the Volvo S60 T5. Paying $32K with 5-speed, C/W pkg, touring pkg, met paint, sport chassis, 17" wheels, Audio max stereo the wait will be worth it. Going to Sweden to pick it up.

[Deleted User]

I order one in early NOV for $1,000 over dealer invoice....I thought that wasn't that bad of a deal, yet as I read some responses, I probably could have done better. I did have to pay a $500 Advertising Fee even though I have yet to see an ad in the Balt./Wash. Area.

Including everything, for just under 35K (excluding taxes), I got the 5-spd T-5 with metallic paint, cold weather pkg, sunroof, leather, electric folding rear head restraints.

My saleperson was great, the whole process took about 10 minutes......of course, I have not test driven a manual T-5 yet as the dealer had none and none was on order.

It should arrive in early Jan.

brose5

I am in Denver, CO. There are about 3 dealerships around. Does anyone have any experience in purchasing a 2.4T around here? Also, any suggestions in going the leasing route?

brose5

I am in Denver, CO. There are about 3 dealerships around. Does anyone have any experience in purchasing a 2.4T around here? Also, any suggestions in going the leasing route?

him1

i live in pensylvannia. what can be the best deal on volvo 2.4 t?

17028

I think I said before in this forum that I would definately balk at paying an advertising fee for the S60. Volvo has opted to not advertise them on TV. They do run ads in enthousiast magazines and have some kind of co-branding deal with AOL, so they do have some costs, but they can't be anywhere near what it would normally cost to introduce a new model. I wouldn't mind seeing an official response on that issue from Volvo.

-17028

cu503

Hi, I am working the deal and at 2% over invoice on a 2.4T. Seems ok, any comments?, also told no head rest option w/o touring package? Can this option be added? Thanks for all comments

lemon17

I went to the volvo Canada web site. At present exchange rates, the MSRP for a base T5 in Canada is ~28,600 vs. 31,800 in the States. And Canada's base model includes a moonroof, heated seats, and the headlight wipers. Does anyone know anything about importing a car from Canada?

[Deleted User]

2% over invoice sounds reasonable to me.....I paid about 2.5% over for my T-5 manual.

Regarding the Ad Fee of $500 ....I'd also love to hear an official Volvo response.......

Since I'm an AOL member, I will make sure that I at least get my $2,100 free dealer accessories for this $500 Ad Fee.....that makes me feel better....

The AOL membership package is a good thing.....

freedoc

Interesting posts.My brother-in-law lives in Chicago area. Debchill, any particular dealers you would recommend there? I think 2% over invoice or $1,000 over is realistic, I also am shopping best price on Audi 2.7T Quatro. Seems I always want the most sought after cars, and have to fight for a deal! Feel free to e-mail me at freedoc@icx.net with any useful information. Where can I find out about the AOL deal on the S-60? I've seen a couple banners but didn't click on it in time.