Volvo S60

tensor

You should ask your dealer if they'll still accept the AOL coupon. They might, and you've only had the car for a week. Often, they don't have the items in stock and folks go back after delivery anyway to get the things installed. Just for the CD changer it is worth the phone call.

tensor

I have only had my S60 for a few weeks, but we have had bad weather during this time in the northeast. So far, I have found the car to be very good in the snow. The other day during a crappy ride home the STC kicked in and the car stopped admirably in a somewhat icy stop. Later that day there also was a big hill that other cars were having trouble getting up, and I put the car in W mode, and it went up no problem at all. The W feature does help and is a neat idea.

ahpark

Question about the optional Navigation system on the S60. How limited is it?

I know that it has a map that is tied to GPS to show you where you are, and how to get to your destination. But... Does it include information on avoiding traffic and/or road construction? It seems to me that it is not worth $2,500 unless it takes these factors into account. Otherwise, it is an expensive map that you can buy for $20 at a gas station.

pongh

My wife's S80 has Navigation system, the same as on S60 I believe. It directs turn left and right to the destination in audio and on LCD screen, yet wouldn't tell the road condition. We really enjoy the technology having 3 satellites simultaneously communicate with the vehicle, it is so COOL and FUN. in my opinion it is worth the money. I am driving a 850T, don't mind to have a S60 T5 in particular the available navigation option.

cnyberg

I know I'm going to regret this, but to all my S60 friends, Happy Volvotines Day.

rollie

Regarding post #299:

kiiwii, you made a very minor error when you stated the stability control only works when the drive wheels have traction. Stability control works on all 4 wheels regardless of which ones deliver power. You are correct though in the general statement that stability control (and AWD, 4WD, etc.) doesn't work if you don't have traction under any tire (which is why snow tires make the biggest difference for any car).

Thanks.

-rdo
rdollie@home.com

rollie

Regarding post #304:

ahpark, as pongh mentioned, you will not get traffic condition updates with the Volvo navigation system. There is no navigation system in the U.S. that will do this because the 'intelligent' traffic network is not in place like it is in Europe and Japan. However, a part of the reason why the Volvo navigation system is so expensive is because it includes the hardware used in Europe for traffic overlays. In theory the Volvo system MIGHT be able to get traffic overlays once the system is in place here. NavTech and SmartRoutes were piloting an install over a year ago in Boston from what I read but I never heard an update or saw any sort of announcement after the pilot program.

We have Volvo's navigation system in both of our cars and feel it is well worth the money even without the traffic overlay (although I did buy the first one anticipating this feature). I've used many navigation systems now and the Volvo variant is still the only one that allow the driver to keep their eyes on the horizon and hands on the wheel while operating the system (or allows the passenger to operate the system with a remote control).

Good luck.

-rdo
rdollie@home.com

cnyberg

How far do the seats recline in a rear end collision? i've got 2 kids in carseats in the back. Is their any real danger to them?

senneca01

Have you all seen this? This is the first time I have seen an S60 with a wing on the back. I found this on Swedespeed, in the forums section:

Volvo S60 Spoiler Pictures

pongh

collie your knowledge in detail amazes me always, I know you had a 850T, would you please comment the difference on these 2 T5, you mentioned you have AS in both of your car, I assume they are S80/T6 and S60/T5.

pongh

splleing check made wrong correction before posting, sorry
rollie - collie
NAS - AS

rollie

Regarding post #311:

Thanks for the compliment. Regarding the S60 T5 vs. the older 850 Turbo (T5), they are very different. The S60 is a much tighter chassis and have a MUCH better suspension setup. The 850 turbo could be a bit harsh on you if you had anything other than a smooth road to drive on. The S60 setup feels as good as any German sedan in everyday driving and when you push it in the corners it has even less under steer than the current e46 BMW 3 series (which is amazing for a FWD car). The old 850 Turbo was a different sort of fun for me. I miss hearing the hive of angry bees that was the turbo. However, the trade off is that the S60 is a much more refined and better handling machine. It is the match or better of its competition in almost all regards (cost, safety, performance, etc. with equal handling) for driving here in the U.S.

Just to clarify, I currently own a '99 S80 T6 and an '01 V70 T5 (the 850 Turbo and S70 T5 has since departed). I am waiting for the S60R to roll out before I buy the S60. If I can answer any additional questions please let me know.

Thanks.

-rdo
rdollie@home.com

kiiwii

I should have added... it gives better control of the vehicle "simply by switching to 3rd gear to reduce wheel spin."

kiiwii

Yes, you are right. Sorry, it's my mistake. I was thinking more in terms of the "dynamic" situation. If you keep holding the accelerator while the car start to slip, the drive wheel will pull the vehicle back to the intended course.

lemon17

I am interested in the T5 and don't want to spend the money for leather since I like cloth better. However, the seats do look very cheesy in the pictures. (I like the 100% cloth seats available in the 2.4 or 2.4T better.) I just went to the Chicano Motor Show, and all of the seats there were leather too! I guess I'll have to take my chances or try a different car.

pmvi

If you liked the cloth seats, there's a good chance you'll like the standard vinyl/cloth seats on the T5--especially if they are not multi-colored (ie: black vinyl, blue seats). The cloth is either the same or similar, but the seats are a bit more sculpted--with the vinyl trim. What color combinations are you interested in?

I sympathize with you, since I imagine it's difficult if not impossible to find a non-leather T5 on a dealer lot to check out. Good Luck!

dmars

I am seriously considering leasing a 2001 S60 and would like to know if there's much of a difference between the basic 2.4 and the 2.4Turbo. I drove the 197 horse power version and liked it a lot but it's a bit pricey. Has anyone test drove both models and could provide a comparison? I was quoted two prices on a 48-month lease with zero down and 12K annual mile allowance. On the 2.4 with auto trans., premium pkg and cold weather STC, monthly lease base payment is $413. On the 2.4T similarly equipped, monthly lease is $462. Question: Is the 2.4T worth $49 more per month or $2,352 over the course of the lease?

bjoye

I test drove th 2.4 and the T5 today, they didn't have a 2.4T on the lot. It all depends on your personal needs, but for me the extra horses are worth $50/mo. Of course, there was a HUGE difference between the 2.4 & T5. I think the 2.4T should be just about right. To me, safety includes being able to accelerate with confidence in a tight situation.
If you don't mind, do you remember what the total price you were quoted on the lease deal for the 2.4T?

banker74

C-

Just thought I'd let you know that Johann over at volvospy.com had his car lowered about 3 inches. I believe he got all his stuff at http://www.samsteffansson.se/samindex.html. I know that there is a picture of his car in the photo album. Go to http://www.volvospy.com , then go the the photo album. He posted his pictures on the 12/02/00 - starts w/ picture titled "Guess What, and goes until "Super license plate!!" Let me know if you do anything. While I'm not an S60 owner yet, I'd love to be at some point (hey, I'm 1/2 Svensk). I'm waiting to see what happens w/ the R, but if it's too far off or, more likely, too expensive, it's 2.4T or T5 for me!

cnyberg

I tested both and there was a big difference in punch between the two. I went with the 2.4T. If the difference for you means that you have to bring lunch to work in the 2.4T or go out to eat in the 2.4, buy some brown bags and enjoy the ride. It's worth it.

cnyberg

I actually posted the sway bar question on Swedespeed but I'm glad I caught your response. I think I'm going with the 1.25" drop and the bars. If I were you I'd wait until the R. I've had my 2.4T for only two weeks and already the R sounds appealing. Save your pennies until it's here. But if you're like me and can't wait, T5 it.

dmars

Thanks for comments on 2.4 vs 2.4T. Looks like I'll be brown bagging it in the 2.4T. Re: lease costs, dealers in my area (Boston) aren't cutting any aggressive deals despite "Presidents' Day" sales. Volvo lease rate is 7.28%. (vs. BMW 5.8%) Dealers didn't say when and if Volvo will offer special lease rate program on the S60s. Last fall they cut rates on S80 significantly I was told. Anyway, two quotes I received were about ten dollars apart. Lower of the two is as follows: S60 2.4T with premium package and cold weather/STC had a base payment of $462.08 with tax $485.18. Drive off is $1,630.18 which includes: 1st payment, registration and plates. Lease based on 48 months, 12K mile per yr. with 0 down.

brose5

I am going through a similar process in Colorado. I was told the lease rate on 48 mos was ~6.60% or a factor of .00275 with a 50% residual. Also, I can get a 2.4T for $250 over invoice (off of lot) or 2% over invoice (if I order). You mentioned you can't deal much in your area. I was wondering what price you are able to get - 4%?

jzauberman

I will need to replace one of my current cars that is coming off lease in May. I have had two Volvos, a /96 850 Turbo and a /98 S70 GLT. I would like to acquire an S60 2.4T. Both the 850 and the S70 were wonderfully performing and pretty reliable cars with some great features (seats, brakes and acceleration to name a few) but both of these cars were plagued with rattles, squeaks and other assorted noises that were unacceptable for a car costing in excess of $30,000. I've driven a number of S60s, most of which seem to be tight and rattle free. My dealer gave me one a couple of weeks ago for a weekend test drive and that example had a number of rattles in the sunroof/headliner area and the driver's B-pillar area. I love the car and it suits my needs almost perfectly and the only thing holding me back is the dreaded rattle/squeak factor. I'd be interested in hearing from others what their experiences have been either after purchasing or test driving regarding the presence of or lack of rattles/squeaks/other strange noises. I'd much rather have a mechanical problem that gets repaired and you're done with it than the dreaded rattle/squeak that a technician either cannot trace or in attempting to fix it, simply makes matters worse. Thanks to all for their input.

dmars

Best price I could get on 48-month lease was $32,600 or $1,325 off MSRP. Lease rates are same as yours, 6.6% and 50% residual. Monthly base rate is $462 and $485 if you include sales tax. Up front cost is $1,645. Sounds like Colorado dealers are offering deeper cuts off MSRP. Good luck!

lancerfixer

I dunno, for $485 a month, I'd throw some money down and own it at the end of four or five years...Maybe I'm just cheap, but almost $500/month is a lot to throw away on a leased vehicle, IMHO, no matter what it is.

bhought

I am currently looking to lease a 2.4T, and was curious to see the lease rates listed in the recent postings. The best quote I'm getting from dealers in Minneapolis on a nothing down, 48 month lease is $522 a month. The 2.4T I'm looking at includes the premium pkg, the touring pkg, and the cold weather pkg. The dealers here are only willing to come off MSRP by a couple hundred bucks. Are the other lease prices listed based on special financing? Are dealers elsewhere coming farther off MSRP? Is there an advantage to ordering a car vs buying off the lot? Thanks in advance for your input!

bucky1

Here is a comprehensive report on the S60 T5.

http://www.baynews9.com/carplace/cars/01-vol-s60/01-vol-s60.1.shtml

sugar10

I did not lease my car but ended up buying it. I should have listened to all of you about the "T" but had to stay within my $ range. I looked everywhere for the best deal and ended up finding a NICE one in Bloomington, Indiana. They are running a Volvo sale and I felt like the luckiest girl in town. My sales guy was Rodney the Volvo-man. No pressure, well-educated and showed me how to drive that thing! If anyone is interested, I added the email address. Rodney is great about getting right back to you. And, if you are as lucky as I was, you will get a heck of a deal! RoyalVolvo@salespoint.dealerconnection.com

pongh

did both your 99 and 2K navigation system come with remote control? my 99T6 did not

clark26

I've had my S60 for two weeks and love it... for the most part. Great ride, plush interior, very cool to look at. But there are some small things that are driving me nuts: anyone have any suggestions? I think the engine is really loud when I accelerate going up hills and on highways. It's almost as loud as my '94 850, which my kids can hear me coming from a block away. At times I can't hear the radio! And when it's loud, I feel vibration in the gas pedal. Bummer. And I thought I could get used to a radio with a programmable dial instead of buttons (like every other car!). What a bother. Oh well, I'm not too worried about the radio but would love some advice about the engine noise.

djasonw

WELL.. after deciding NOT to buy the S60 T5 I ended up buying the Mercedes C320. Two very different personalities. In the end it came down to certain characteristics which I liked better in the Benz. I wish everyone luck with their new S60's and I'll be popping in to check on you.

bugeye2

I am in Indianapolis and just starting to do my homework on the T. I assume that since you bought in Bloomington, you must be close. Where else did you shop? Did you visit Tom Wood Volvo etc. in Indy? It's unbelievable that I only have one choice in dealerships in this town. Did Royal come close to invoice? So many questions, so little time...

mlc5

Hi everyone..... I'm looking into the S60 and I'm curious about a few differences between the base, S60T and T5..
1) Is the high end AK audio (13 spar, etc.)also available in the base or the S60T ?
2) How does the base version with the stick compare to the S60T in terms of acceleration and ride ?
3) do you think the insurance rates will vary greatly between the 3?

rollie

Regarding post #331:

pongh, the navigation system remote control is an option and did not come with either our '99 S80 T6 or '01 V70 T5. I ended up ordering one from Borton Volvo (under $70 as I recall).

Good luck.

-rdo
rdollie@home.com

theresa11

I am interested in purchasing an extended warranty for my new Volvo and I need some input. The VIP plan is very expensive and limited in comparison to other plans that Volvo offers. One of the dealerships offers the EasyCare plan by APCO which offers a zero deductible and another dealer offers a CNA plan by Western National which offers a variable deductible up to $100 (based on cost of repair). Any experiences with either program?
Thanks, I need to make a decision soon.

c702000

Save your money, on most all cars today will go 100,000 with little trouble. If you maintain the car the way Volvo says, you should very little problems. I have a 2000 C70 and just got the new S60. I will save my money on extended warranties. My dealer said it's a waste of good money. I have been driving Volvo's for 25 years.
Hope this helps
Best of Luck
Tom

ed001

I looked at both Volvo's and Audi's at Tom Wood in Indy. I ended up buying an Audi from Mike Reisor in Lafayette for apx 1,200 less that the best price I could get at Tom Wood. From experince, I'd look for a better price elsewhere.

rlbol

I am in the process of leasing a S60, but couldn't decide between the two. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

dhalker

I finally am in a position to purchase a halfway decent car and am in a quandary as to which model offers the best bang for the buck in the $30-$35 range . Volvo and Lexus have good looks and sex appeal while the I30 and Avalon are dressed-up Maxima's and Carry's respectively. All four cars are in the basic price range. I'm leaning towards the Volvo S60 and may get dizzy and opt for the T5.
Any help out there? Doesn't seem like Volvo wants to deal on the S60 yet unless I'm looking in the wrong places.

stickguy

You are all ove the board on your choices. I would compare the S60T to the Infinity and the Avalon, although it is smaller and sportier than both.

The I30 is very hard edged, and I can't imagine anyone cross shopping it with the Avalon (maybe the Volvo).

If you want a European feel, high quality, excellent performance, great seats, and don't need a huge back seat, get the Volvo. If you want to go canyon carving and feel like an adolescent, get the Lexus. If you really want a buick, get the Avalon. the infinity is actually a nice car and a good value, fairly roomy with a nice balance of ride/handling.

I personally like the volvo, since the seats are great. The cockpit really feels like it was molded for you.

klkrause

dhalker ...

I don't think I'd stick the Avalon in with the others you have listed, either. It's a nice car, but not as sporty as the others you have listed.

I agree with stickguy ... get the T5 if you want a fairly sporty car with a nice engine, but the IS300 is definitely sportier. I don't know much about the I30, other than it is mostly a dressed up Maxima ... a very nice car, though.

I'm considering the T5 for my next car and would take it over the IS300 because it's a bit more refined and has a quieter ride ... I drive a lot of highway miles. I like the safety reputation of Volvo, too.

If you are seriously considering the Volvo, please e-mail me. I can help you out considerably on the price... I'm serious. klkrause@speakeasy.net

greenguy

Any one gone yet? I went Yesterday in Phoenix. All I can say is WOW! Volvo put on a top notch FREE get to know the S60 event. There were 3 different road courses that tested turning, braking and GO! Then we got to take a hot lap with pro drivers and it was awesome! The car is Very nice. I loved the sifter, HATED the sedate on-existent muffler/engine note. Brakes were very nice and precise. The aluminium trim was very fake looking/feeling, and the wood was plastic?
All in all it was TOP Notch, Thank You Volvo for a fun couple of hours!

comp

I currently own a 2000 I30. We purchased a S60 2.4t last week for my wife. I had a chance to do some driving in the Volvo over the weekend. They are two totally different driving cars. The I30 is more float, softer (a great highway driver). The S60 is more firm (not harsh)more responsive. It loves to go around corners. Very sporty feel. Overall the I30 is a bigger car, lots of rear leg room. S60 does have a small back seat, but very comfortable. Options are about the same. S60 is about 5K more, but in my opinion it is worth it. If the S60 holds up well and we do not have any problems with it we may trade off my Infinite in a year or so for another one. Drive both and you will not which one you want.

competitor2

I also know several people that attended the Phoenix event. The feedback was very positive about both the event itself and the S60. Driving the S60 really changed their impression of Volvo. Plenty of high performance driving in a first rate setting. They told me the tour is going to several west coast cities over the next few weeks. The schedule is San Diego (3/17 - 3/18), San Francisco (3/24 - 3/25) and Los Angeles (3/31 - 4/1). You can get more information and enroll via the web at www.volvocars.com/revolvolutiontour. Good luck all.

saanich

I am close to a new car decision and down to 3 choices, the S60 2.4T, T5 or BMW 325i. (I realize that the better comparison is likely the 330i, but price wise, at least in Canada, it's the 325i.) As a former Volvo owner of 24 yrs, I am leaning to the S60, but have a number of questions:
1. Has anyone compared the 325i and S60...what do you think? What decision did you make and why?
2. Scanning the msgs, there seem to be concerns with the T5 with i.) turbo lag, ii) turbo whine, and iii) vibration. Any current info on this vs. the 2.4T?
3. There seems, at least earlier, to have been an issue with the remotes. Any current info on this?
5. If I opt for the T5, what are the pro's & cons of sports suspension &/03 17" wheels?
5. Any other input would be appreciated.

john151

Regarding turbo-lag: when the engine speed drops below 2,000 you will experience turbo lag. I mostly notice this when going around slow corners, or when accelerating from a stop - not a problem really, just takes getting used to. The T5 really comes into its own at higher speeds.

Regarding turbo-whine - I only notice that when first getting up to speed on a cold engine - and it is not very noticable.

I have not noticed any vibrations.

I have had no issues with my remote, except that it does not have very good range.

Coming from a Maxima SE - I think my T5 (17" wheels) rides smoother. I was concerned about the ride since I felt that the Maxima was too harsh, and I almost went the 2.4T route. However, I am pleased with the T5's ride.

Great Trunk Space - I have been very pleased with the trunk capacity on a couple of shopping trips lately. Folding the rear seats allows large boxes to be handled rather easily.

So far (2K miles), I am very pleased with this car.

rollie

Regarding post #347:

saanich, funny you should ask! I just came from the S60 ReVolvolution Tour in San Diego earlier today and got to watch a drag race between the BMW 3 series and S60. It was a race from 0 to 60 and back to 0. Each car had a professional driver and one volunteer from the audience to verify that each car made it to 60 before the brakes were applied. It was quite funny actually - they placed paper walls at the end of the strip and of course the S60 stopped the better part of 80+ feet before the wall while the BMW blasted right through trying to stop.

In the end, both are fine cars. The point is that any turbo lag is minimal as the S60 still out accelerates its competition. Frankly the 330i is a great car in my eyes but too expensive for what you get (the tested car was a 325 Sport). Considering that you can get the S60 T5 for under $29k through the European delivery program there's really no comparison on the value front. Here's the bigger surprise - BMW overall still has great handling but the e46 has really been softened up over the e36. After running the S60 through the competition course I have no doubts that the magazine reports are accurate - the FWD S60 has less under steer than the RWD e46 BMW. However, at the limits (which we'll never see hear in the U.S.) I've got to believe the BMW is more competent in the handling department.

Test drive both thoroughly and decide for yourself. Have fun.

Thanks.

-rdo
rdollie@home.com

greenguy

I did the ReVOLVOlution last week and did a BTW 330i drive yesterday (Sun.) and comparing both cars, The BTW has the quality and overall feel that exceeds Volvo.
As far as the 0-60-0 here in z. the dimmer went threw the wall, but so did the Volvo, how not by much.
I was impressed by the Volvo's performance, but if I had the $$$ I would take the Bimmer.
Also BMW as of Jan. 01' have revised the steering.

greenguy

I forgot to spell check my response and as you all can read I made some Horrible mistakes. Please excuse My mistakes.