And lastly - you are not so far from truth - Volvo did have a marketing slogan not too long ago emphasizing it's longevity - Volvo for life - implying life long ownership.
IIRC from one of the Volvo events I've attended, Volvo For Life, which is their current slogan, alluded to:
Long Life - durability Safe Life - safety Enjoy Life - fun.
I bought my S60 AWD almost three years ago, right after AWD became available. Unfortunately, I didn't notice at the time that the car is higher due to the AWD and the 16" tires seem too small.
Now it's time to get a new set of tires, so I was wondering if I could upsize from the 205 55R16 set to a 205 60R16. Would that size fit on the rim?
"Hammered" is right. I've been trying to get the same deal as you and the closest I've come is 26.5K plus TTL for the S60 2.4 Premium/sports packages. How do you like it so far? Would you say yours would be worth 26.5 plus the 10%TTL?
Dynaudio has been involved first withe C70 and now with the S80 T6 sound systems. They are a Danish company. Alpine makes Volvo's radios and speakers for the rest of their systems. The upgraded systems have also used Harmon Kardon speakers.
Has anybody installed an aftermarket Sirius receiver in an 2004 S60? I have been looking to add Sirius but I can't really find an aestheticaly pleasing way to mount the receiver and run the wires. I am trying to avoid putting it on top of the dash, because I don't want to restrict my vision or have wires running across the radio, but if you mount it lower and on the side, you end up encroaching on the passenger space. Any ideas? Also, is it possible to get the dealer to install the 2005 radio that is satellite ready?
FYI, just got a 2004 S60 2.5T with premium and climate packages for $7500 under MSRP (total $26,765). All of the dealers in Chicago are offering this discount. I tried hard to get it lower between three dealers, but they wouldn't budge. All in all, I am very happy with the price and so far, I am very happy with the car.
First of all, the 05 rado isn't satellite ready unless you add the Sirius adapter wiring at the factory. Also, the 05 radio isn't compatible w/ the 04 car.
Some people have used the XM Roady 2 which is wireless over FM (it can be hard-wired as well). Might be an easy option for satellite radio if you don't mind XM instead of Sirius. It comes with three different mounting adapters. One clips onto an A/C vent.
It is a wonderful car, especially the comfy seats. If they don't budge on the price, try to upgrade from a 2.4 to a 2.5T. They are surely trying to get rid of the 2004's as the 2005's have started to arrive. One other tip, you can get a better deal at a high volume (larger) dealership than the smaller ones. Find out which dealer sells the most. See Illiniman's post above. He got a 2.5T for a comparable price. Besides, I think that the 2.5T is the best engine for the S60 if you're looking for some performance.
The bi-xenon is a factory installed option only. I was surprised to find out that with the bi-xenon, you don't have a separate bulb or filament for high beam. The whole headlights pivot up to give you high beams! We like them.
BTW we got a $6,500. discount on a 2004 2.5T and 0.5% financing on the lease + $1,000.00 gas card. We were looking at the S40 but this S60, which I think is a much better car, ended up cheaper on a monthly basis! 2.5T, with premium and sport packages + metallic paint. We also love the ZF speed sensitive steering and the 17" wheels.
We went to see the S40 and ended up getting a better deal on the S60, as well. Moreover, wife didn't like the S40. The 2.4 S60 does not have the option of bi-xenon headlights or the geartronic transmission, 2 things I would love to have. I just love the tiptronic transmission I have on my Passat. The discount I got on the S60 was $7485 after TT&L, which I'm touting!
I now have 41,000 on my S60 tires from new and although they arent worn I want a good grip in the snow and ice this winter. While Gislaveds and the Nokias are good they are expensive and I am considering Coopers which are reasonable priced. Or maybe Contis - any advice on tires which would be good alround tires as I think switching tires winter and summer is too costly not to mention inconvenient.......
We had my Volvo dealer include the Nokian'when we bought our 02' S60 2.5T. You are right, they are excellent tires but like most snows are loud on dry pavement. We probably have about 12K on them with next to no wear.
I would suggest them, or look at the Blizzak's which are also awesome tires and perhaps lower priced. I have tried cheaper snows on other cars and have been less than satisfied as they have either worn quick, had poor traction, or were extremely noisy.
Does anyone know if the dealer can upgrade the base stereo to the Dolby one in the S60? I've been looking at the used market, and it seems like only maybe 5-10% of cars have the HU-8xx Dolby stereo in them. Strange, as its hard to find a C70 that does NOT have the upgraded stereo.
I leased three S80s since they came out in 1999. I think they are a quite a lot of car for the money. I recently wanted to go down to smaller size and seriously looked at the S-60. Its a nice car but way overpriced for what it is. It's nicely designed but the back seat is tight for a car in this class. I was able to purchase a 2004 Honda Accord 6 cylinder EX with a navigation system and a 100,000 mile warranty for about $25,500. Other than all wheel drive it has at least the same if not better features than the S-60. Leather, power & heated seats, traction controls, side air bags, XM radio and excellent sound system, 240hp engine, better exceleration, handling, braking and turning radius than the S-60 and more interior room. The navigation system is the same as the Accura and it probably will be more mechanically reliable than the S-60. You can't even buy a 2 year old S-60 for that price. The S-60 is overpriced for what it is.
I leased three S80s since they came out in 1999. I think they are a quite a lot of car for the money. I recently wanted to go down to smaller size and seriously looked at the S-60. Its a nice car but way overpriced for what it is. It's nicely designed but the back seat is tight for a car in this class. I was able to purchase a 2004 Honda Accord 6 cylinder EX with a navigation system and a 100,000 mile warranty for about $25,500. Other than all wheel drive it has at least the same if not better features than the S-60. Leather, power & heated seats, traction controls, side air bags, XM radio and excellent sound system, 240hp engine, better exceleration, handling, braking and turning radius than the S-60 and more interior room. The navigation system is the same as the Accura and it probably will be more mechanically reliable than the S-60. You can't even buy a 2 year old S-60 for that price. The S-60 is overpriced for what it is.
An '04 2.5T with auto, premium package, climate package, and nav. is selling for $29,411 at carsdirect. So, yeah, its still more expensive than the Accord, but not an outrageous amount to step up to a near luxo brand. Did you ask for a price or research selling prices or just look at the sticker prices?
And, really, the S60 is meant to be compared to the TL rather than the accord. Comparing prices to what is considered a lower-class car isn't exactly a fair fight.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Have you messed around with the hidden equalizer on your base radio? It can make it sound much better. I'll try to find my settings, but press the source button and then turn on the radio, but keep pressing the source button.
I bought my S60 with Premium and Sports package for $25,500 all inclusive. It is a 2.4, but I could have and should have taken the 2.5T for $1200 more! Comparing the S60 with the Accord is not an apple to apple comparison. Just sitting in the S60 seat will let you know that. Good luck with the frequency in changing those CV Boots on your Honda!
I bought my S60 with Premium and Sports package for $25,500 all inclusive. It is a 2.4, but I could have and should have taken the 2.5T for $1200 more! Comparing the S60 with the Accord is not an apple to apple comparison. Just sitting in the S60 seat will let youi know that. Good luck with the frequency in changing those CV Boots on your Honda!
I am searching (in vain!) for a '01 or '02 Volvo S60 2.4T with the "premium package". I don't know the difference between "premium" and "sport" package. I specifically want the geartronic trans and the 17 in wheels. Can someone fill me in on the package details? And why are these so hard to find? I have only been able to find one at 4 different dealerships, and it had been wrecked. Help! Would I be better off to look at the T5 model? I don't really need the bigger turbo....
well, premium is leather and moonroof. Sport is 17" wheels and stiffer suspension. (I believe I have this correct or am at least close.) So, if all you care about is the trans and wheels, then you just want the sport pack. But if you also want leather, then you want both packages.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Not really. Volvo expected people to pay around $30K for an S60 2.5T. $25K is what Accord, Camry, Altima, and Mazda 6 cost. Its not that the Accord costs too much, its that Volvo is giving away their cars.
The fuel gauge on my new S60 gives inconsistent readings. Sometimes it shows very low, and later it shows that I have more than what it had shown earlier! Bad oil sending unit? Also, in wet conditions, when I steer all the way, there is a squeaking noise, every now and then. Is this normal?
I have experienced the same. Is normal....I see it happening more often when it reads less than a half of a tank. Also when I am on an incline or decline but it ends up where it is was to begin with.
I have an S60 and prior to that a 760 Turbo - the Fuel Guage on the 760 went AWOL after the warranty expiry and was a real problem. We had to remember to reset the trip meter every time we filled up to be sure we knew ourmileage so we didnt run out. Anything below a half full reading could have been ANYTHING. So far the S60 hasn't exhibited this Volvo problem, only the lousy headlights have needed replacement just like the 760!
My Accord EX 6 with Navigation system competes very well with the S-60. Leather heated seats, more power and acceleration, similar braking system, traction control, better maneuverability, more room inside, side air bags, a much better sound system, a NAV and is rated to have fewer mechanical problems than the S-60. The S-60 has power rear head rests and the WIP safety system and plastic colored wood on the dash.
I know both cars. I drove the S-60 and three S-80s. It may say Volvo but its a Ford.
C'mon, Guys, Can we drop this Volvo-Ford crap? S80 was designed many years before Volvo became a part of Ford. There is nothing wrong with you liking Honda, but why trash the competition? I love my Volvo S80 and will never exchange it for any Accord.
The Accord is a step down from the Volvo. There is not one Ford part that I know of that is in anything other than the S40/V50. How many inline 5's & 6's does Ford have lying around.
Well, once again, first of all, the Accord is on the high end of the economy class. Volvo is in near-luxo class. End of story. If you had bought a TL, then we could talk.
But I'll indulge you for a moment and address your claims to power. You are apparently comparing the top of the line Accord to the lower end s60. Since, however, you are using the V6 accord in this comparison, I have to at least put up the S60 T5 against it. And this is last year's version, by the way, then new one has even more power. These numbers are from C&D:
Accord EX V-6 7.0 0-60 and 15.5 1/4 mile 240hp & 212ft/lbs.
S60 T5 6.5 and 14.9 247/243
And, just for kicks, I can't find 2.5T acceleration numbers, but this is the power rating: 208/236 yes, its got fewer ponies than the Accord, but it wins on torque, and, as anyone with experience and knowledge will tell you, torque wins races, not HP.
Yeah, I'd have to guess the 2.5T might lose to the Accord in a race by a couple of clicks, mostly due to the S60 weighing more. Oh, and why does it weigh more? Yup, you guessed it, its that whole class thing again. An economy car is lighter than a near-luxo car. You can put a big V8 in a Hyundai, but that doesn't make it comparable to a corvette.
And the Ford thing has been addressed ad naseum.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Having owned and driven Volvos and Hondas and having recently shopped for both, comparing two similarly equipped cars; Accord (6 cyl with the NAV package ) vs the standard S-60, I judge that the S-60 is not worth the difference in price. The S-60 is just not that more equipped, smooth riding, engineered, refined, powered or what ever other standard you to use than the Accord. In fact the V-6 Accord beats the standard S-60 in many catergories. Pull up the Consumer Reports tests of both cars and then drive them. Then tell me what you think. Judge the cars without the labels. Why is the inline Volvo 5 a better engine that the Accord 6?
and that's fine. that's your opinion. And that's why its called an opinion. I, on the other hand, currently own a Volvo and a Honda. Every time I contemplate replacing my Volvo, a Honda never comes near the top of my list. Another Volvo does, repeatedly. So does the TL, by the way.
and i'm not touching that engine question. you might as well ask why vanilla is better than chocolate, or vice versa. Again, its preference. Not to mention that, as I pointed out at the end of my last post, an engine does not a car make.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
It's been said before, but I subscribe to CR for everything except what they do w/ cars.
I've driven both. The Accord is very impressive for what it is (especially the coupe). I agree w/ qbrozen, if your talkin Acura, they are in the same ballpark w/ Volvo.
"My Accord EX 6 with Navigation system competes very well with the S-60. Leather heated seats, more power and acceleration, similar braking system, traction control, better maneuverability, more room inside, side air bags, a much better sound system, a NAV and is rated to have fewer mechanical problems than the S-60. The S-60 has power rear head rests and the WIP safety system and plastic colored wood on the dash."
Ok all of those things you mention, the S60 either also has, or beats the Accord at. Leather heated seats? And you say you've driven an S60? Volvo seats are the best in the world. They beat the pants off Honda's, and are heated as well.
More power and accel depends on which S60 you are talking about. A T5 will beat an Accord, and a S60R will take it to school. I'm not sure where you get "similar braking system". The S60 stops extremely well, under 120 feet. Honda, on the other hand, apparently was absent from school on "how to build brakes day". ALL Honda products stop poorly, and the Accord is no exception, taking over 130 feet. That's acceptable numbers for a Chevy Tahoe, but for a reasonably light weight sedan, thats embarrasing.
The Volvo has a more advanced traction\stability system, and your claims of better manuverability are just plain incorrect. The Accord's slalom numbers are 58mph. Again, reasonable for a Chevy Tahoe, or maybe a minivan, but thats no sports sedan. The Volvo can go through the cones at 63mph (faster for R), which is competitive with Germany.
Guess what, the S60 has side air bags too. It also has head curtain air bags front and back, as well as Volvo's SIPS side impact safety cage. Honda builds safe products, but Volvo is THE safety company. There's just no comparison there. A Lincoln Town Car has more room inside too. That doesnt make it fun to drive.
Finally, the sound system. I guess you've never heard Volvo's Dolby PL system huh? Edmunds rates it just behind Lexus' Mark Levinson system as the best oem system you can buy in a car. Acura's ELS system makes the top 10 list as well. The Honda Accord's is nowhere to be found.
I know this has been covered, but I'm going to say it anyway. Both the S60 and 80 are on Volvo's homegrown P2 platform, and use Volvo engines, Volvo parts, and Volvo switch gear. They arent Saabs. There's nothing Ford about them. Also, the new S40 is technically on Mazda's new small car platform, not Ford's. Ford is now using Mazda and Volvo parts for its cars, not the other way around. You may want to re-think your argument a bit. Oh, and did you mean wood colored plastic?
For a couple of months now my 02 S60 2.4T AWD has had a problem were at low speed in reverse while turning the wheel something hangs up and the car will not move. The engine revs and the tach moves but the car barely nudges forward. The dealer has had it and says they have no idea. It is going back tommorow and this time I will not take ity back unless fixed. Any thoughts? My very first thought was a brake issue but no I think it is transmission related. This car has been a vexation since we had it. A never ending serious of seeminly small issues that take forever to be fixed. If they do not give me an answer I am going to fight them to get out of the last 20 months of the lease. Enough is enough
I have a S60 NON-turbo with 43,000 on the clock. No problems so far. How will it hold up at 60, 80 100,000 miles? Any folks with more mileage than me with experience of future warranty or other issues?
Comments
IIRC from one of the Volvo events I've attended, Volvo For Life, which is their current slogan, alluded to:
Long Life - durability
Safe Life - safety
Enjoy Life - fun.
Now it's time to get a new set of tires, so I was wondering if I could upsize from the 205 55R16 set to a 205 60R16. Would that size fit on the rim?
Alpine makes Volvo's radios and speakers for the rest of their systems.
The upgraded systems have also used Harmon Kardon speakers.
Also, the 05 radio isn't compatible w/ the 04 car.
I was surprised to find out that with the bi-xenon, you don't have a separate bulb or filament for high beam. The whole headlights pivot up to give you high beams! We like them.
BTW we got a $6,500. discount on a 2004 2.5T and 0.5% financing on the lease + $1,000.00 gas card. We were looking at the S40 but this S60, which I think is a much better car, ended up cheaper on a monthly basis! 2.5T, with premium and sport packages + metallic paint. We also love the ZF speed sensitive steering and the 17" wheels.
Now it is, although we haven't ordered any.
We had my Volvo dealer include the Nokian'when we bought our 02' S60 2.5T. You are right, they are excellent tires but like most snows are loud on dry pavement. We probably have about 12K on them with next to no wear.
I would suggest them, or look at the Blizzak's which are also awesome tires and perhaps lower priced. I have tried cheaper snows on other cars and have been less than satisfied as they have either worn quick, had poor traction, or were extremely noisy.
Just my 2 cents........
For the year 2004...Total number of V70 R and S60 R imported to the U.S.
V70 R Auto = 1024
V70 R Man = 541
S60 R Auto = 1531
S60 R Man = 1931
And, really, the S60 is meant to be compared to the TL rather than the accord. Comparing prices to what is considered a lower-class car isn't exactly a fair fight.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
More than twice what the factory would charge.
"sport" package. I specifically want the geartronic trans and the 17 in wheels. Can someone fill me in on the package details? And why are these so hard to find? I have only been able to find one at 4 different dealerships, and it had been wrecked. Help! Would I be better off to look at the T5 model? I don't really need the bigger turbo....
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Not terribly common either.
If you must have geartronic then you may have to look at a T5.
For 2005 it goes from a 4cd changer to a 6 cd changer.
I know both cars. I drove the S-60 and three S-80s. It may say Volvo but its a Ford.
Can we drop this Volvo-Ford crap? S80 was designed many years before Volvo became a part of Ford.
There is nothing wrong with you liking Honda, but why trash the competition? I love my Volvo S80 and will never exchange it for any Accord.
But I'll indulge you for a moment and address your claims to power. You are apparently comparing the top of the line Accord to the lower end s60. Since, however, you are using the V6 accord in this comparison, I have to at least put up the S60 T5 against it. And this is last year's version, by the way, then new one has even more power. These numbers are from C&D:
Accord EX V-6
7.0 0-60 and 15.5 1/4 mile
240hp & 212ft/lbs.
S60 T5
6.5 and 14.9
247/243
And, just for kicks, I can't find 2.5T acceleration numbers, but this is the power rating:
208/236
yes, its got fewer ponies than the Accord, but it wins on torque, and, as anyone with experience and knowledge will tell you, torque wins races, not HP.
Yeah, I'd have to guess the 2.5T might lose to the Accord in a race by a couple of clicks, mostly due to the S60 weighing more. Oh, and why does it weigh more? Yup, you guessed it, its that whole class thing again. An economy car is lighter than a near-luxo car. You can put a big V8 in a Hyundai, but that doesn't make it comparable to a corvette.
And the Ford thing has been addressed ad naseum.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
and i'm not touching that engine question. you might as well ask why vanilla is better than chocolate, or vice versa. Again, its preference. Not to mention that, as I pointed out at the end of my last post, an engine does not a car make.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I've driven both. The Accord is very impressive for what it is (especially the coupe). I agree w/ qbrozen, if your talkin Acura, they are in the same ballpark w/ Volvo.
Ok all of those things you mention, the S60 either also has, or beats the Accord at. Leather heated seats? And you say you've driven an S60? Volvo seats are the best in the world. They beat the pants off Honda's, and are heated as well.
More power and accel depends on which S60 you are talking about. A T5 will beat an Accord, and a S60R will take it to school. I'm not sure where you get "similar braking system". The S60 stops extremely well, under 120 feet. Honda, on the other hand, apparently was absent from school on "how to build brakes day". ALL Honda products stop poorly, and the Accord is no exception, taking over 130 feet. That's acceptable numbers for a Chevy Tahoe, but for a reasonably light weight sedan, thats embarrasing.
The Volvo has a more advanced traction\stability system, and your claims of better manuverability are just plain incorrect. The Accord's slalom numbers are 58mph. Again, reasonable for a Chevy Tahoe, or maybe a minivan, but thats no sports sedan. The Volvo can go through the cones at 63mph (faster for R), which is competitive with Germany.
Guess what, the S60 has side air bags too. It also has head curtain air bags front and back, as well as Volvo's SIPS side impact safety cage. Honda builds safe products, but Volvo is THE safety company. There's just no comparison there. A Lincoln Town Car has more room inside too. That doesnt make it fun to drive.
Finally, the sound system. I guess you've never heard Volvo's Dolby PL system huh? Edmunds rates it just behind Lexus' Mark Levinson system as the best oem system you can buy in a car. Acura's ELS system makes the top 10 list as well. The Honda Accord's is nowhere to be found.
I know this has been covered, but I'm going to say it anyway. Both the S60 and 80 are on Volvo's homegrown P2 platform, and use Volvo engines, Volvo parts, and Volvo switch gear. They arent Saabs. There's nothing Ford about them. Also, the new S40 is technically on Mazda's new small car platform, not Ford's. Ford is now using Mazda and Volvo parts for its cars, not the other way around. You may want to re-think your argument a bit. Oh, and did you mean wood colored plastic?
Thanks...