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Now, I anticipated problems when I bought this car - it's a Volvo after all. And these aren't a big deal. I bought the car for one primary reason - it's a Volvo - and it's safe. Anyone looking to buy any Volvo has to expect some little stuff.
I have had no problems with the car. I have been impressed with the pick-up, ride and brakes. No rattles or thumping. I have found that there is understeer when I push its limits (which I rarely do). The interior has a nice, refined feel to it, and the stereo is different but once I read the owner's manual, I had no problems.
This car is different from the BMW and Lexus. Basically, it doesn't have the true sports car feel that the BMW has, but it won't punish you like the BMW does with daily driving. It has a more luxurious feel than the Lexus and I think it looks better inside and out. The Mercedes was a bit too pricey (selling for MSRP plus) in my area so I didn't even look at it.
All in all, I couldn't be more satisfied. It has been a fun car to drive as a highway/city hybrid and the trunk space makes long weekend trips with my family easy. (I couldn't do this with the BMW trunksize).
That event was more elaborate than the BTW event I went to 1 week later.
I was a little disappointed with the body-roll and turbo lag, but still had favorable driving impressions ... 247hp moves pretty well!
The demo vehicle I drove also had the upgraded stereo, which I liked. The sound was nice and I can see cruising the highway with the volume cranked way up!
I just can't make up my mind which car I want ... there are way too many from which to pick!
With an average ownership of seventeen years, and more than a dozen units still going strong with more than a million miles on their original engines, I don't see any question in the Volvo track record. Rest easy. You will never own a safer, finer car with a better equipment value. Volvo has finally "broken out of the box", thank goodness. Now their biggest hurdle is to acheive the "elite" status of the BMW and Merc.
I was lucky enough to go to the Revolvolution Launch in December. We compared the Volvo S60, BMW 325i and Audi A4. In every area, the Volvo surpassed them. Enjoy your new Volvo!
Anybody have similar interior noise problems? Any advice?
They said the event was very upscale and really changed their impressions about Volvo. Good luck.
S60T5 with the Manual (Spaceball)-- $28200
Touring Package-- $550
Sport Leather Seats-- $1300
Cold Weather Package-- $450
17" Wheels-- $500
Rebate-- -$565
Total-- $30,435
Plus, my wife and I will go to Sweden to pick it up on the boat trip... good deal?
I know this is subjective, but what other options do you think I'll kick myself later for not getting? Can't quite justify the nav system, but I'm open to suggestions. Thanks!
Nokia Hands Free Car Kit in S60
I compared it to the acura tl, bmw 325, audi a4, mercedes c240 and lexus es300.
What I like about the car:
1. Styling- I've always loved the styling of the s80 and I think the s60 looks even better.
2. Comfort- I've driven lots of cars and when it comes to long distance comfort, the volvo seats are the best. This Car is EXTREMELY comfortable.
- The S60 seats are infinitely adjustable and with the tilt/tele wheel it is easy to get into a supremely comfortable all day driving position.
3. Value- Many people claim Volvos are expensive but the value of the S60 is quite good. The acura TL is a little better, but the Acura doesn't offer the whiplash reducing seats or the side inflatable curtains. All the other cars BMW, Audi, Benz were about 3-4 k more expensive when equiped with close to the same options.
4. The handling of the car. The Volvo really feels sporty and unlike volvo's I've driven in the past, This car is actually fun to drive on twisty back roads....fast.
5. Safety...This car feels very substantial...All of the advanced safety features and Volvo's pre-testing on crashworthiness and focus on safety add a peace of mind that I might actually survive a bad accident....unless I get run over by one of those monster 7000 pound SUV's
6. Front Wheel drive. I live in the hilly Northeast and rear wheel drive cars are best left at home when the snow falls. I really considered going with the 325 or the 240, but I have several friends who have been stuck so many times, they are considering buying a second car for the winter.
7. Power...believe it or not the base 168 hp engine is no slouch. If you are a drag racer go with the turbo or t-5. If you drive with passengers or kids, you'll be fine.
What I don't like about the car:
The rear seat leg room was reduced from the older s70 model which the s60 replaces.
-it's not terrible, but it would be nice to have more rear seat stretch room. It's on par with the c class and the bmw 3 series.
-the armrest should be covered in leather or fabric, rather than plastic.
-the brakes are very strong almost too strong and take an adjustment period to modulate properly...on the plus side, this car stops...fast.
Other than that I am very pleased with my s60.
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I drove it quite a bit when I was test driving and I thought it handled very nicely but give me a 325 on a windy road any day.
One item that has us leaning towards the S80 is the fact that the S60 engine is a 5-cyclinder. Any thoughts on whether we should be concerned? How about over the long haul??
Other aspects being considered ... 2.4T vs. T6, and we live in Minne"snow"ta.
I haven't heard what you are describing, but you should certainly demand it be fixed. A couple times I have heard the a/c motors adjust or move, but it has only been temporary and very minor..
Croo..The fact that the dealer has already replaced things and claimed to have "fixed" it tells me they know something is wrong, and they've accepted responsibility to fix it. Keep on 'em! .While I'm a bit disappointed in my noises, I chalk it up to first-model year defects. Yours sound more annoying than mine, so I wish you good luck.
I second your comment to be careful and listen to the car before you buy. Knowing what I do now, I would have spent more time carefully listening for interior noises during the test drive. I was more focused on driving performance and feel. Also, for any new car buyers, closely inspect the exterior for dings, etc. I made the mistake of picking up my car at night, under the lights and did not notice a small dent in one of the doors. Only take delivery in good daylight and take your time inspecting the vehicle!
Good:
1. Safety..need I say more?
2. Built like a tank, very solid feel.
3. Great engine, good performance. This car really wants to fly.
4. Attractive styling, draws attention.
5. Interior quality is nice. Optional equipment is very high quality.
6. Dealer was great.
7. Stops very quickly. Adds a lot of confidence to the driving experience.
8. Volvo brand perception is just right. Perceived as high quality, but not eyebrow-raising like MB or BMW.
9. Resale value is great.
Not as good:
1. Minor defects related to alarm system and plastic molding.
2. Trunk lid has cheap, lightweight feel to it. Closes with "clank" sound as opposed to solid sound the doors make.
3. Remote control is not very responsive. Often takes two or three tries to unlock the doors.
4. Two design flaws: 1)Coin "holder" in arm rest is almost comical. Must have been an afterthought. 2)When the driver's window is rolled down, the wind deflects off the pillar and into the drivers head. Makes driving with the window down at any speed almost unbearable.
5. Blind spots. The wide pillars make visability difficult.
6. Suspension is very stiff for daily commute. That could be a function of my pirelli tires. I may consider sacrificing performance for a more comfortable ride.
I hope this helps those of you considering this vehicle. I haven't owned mine long enough to say if I'd do it again. I plan to keep it at least 7-8 years, so its premature to make a call. But so far, I really enjoy it.
I mispoke on the other forum about my options. In addition to the nav system, I also didn't get the audiomax, cold weather pckge (I live in L.A.) or the sports suspension. I did get the touring pckge, leather, sunroof, & 17" wheels. I didn't get the audiomax because of price ($1200), but I did get the additional 200 watt factory amp for $200. I was torn whether to get the sports suspension, and finally decided on the side of comfort. It only costs approx $200, so if you want a really stiff ride--go for it!
When I returned from Sweden a friend of mine gave me two $500 accessory coupon they got at a Volvo event. Volvo is letting me use one of them, which I am applying on a 10 disc changer--so I'll have 11 disc total! If you decide on the Volvo, I can send you the other coupon (the Volvo event was put on in Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco & L.A.---I already circled L.A. on the back since that is where I live. I don't know if it can be used outside those 4 markets).
Good luck with your choice!
The S60 2.4T is faster than the Passat 1.8T, but is only available in automatic (manual Passat is probably just as quick).
if you haven't yet ordered the Passats then I would suggest that you have the dealer doublecheck the options available with the Volvo. S60 base... I was told that you can't order the 4 disc in dash changer.. but that you can definitely get a single disc DC player and add a 10 disc trunk mounted changer if you wish... Regarding the power seats.. my understanding is that a power passenger seat wasn't available with the base.. but the driver seat should be.
Last.. but not least.. the sunroof... Apparently the sunroof could only be had with the introductory package with the manual transmission and that package has been discontinued.. But according to one of the dealers who frequents the VOLVOSPY forums (his name is Steve).. this may have changed with the new premium package now that the nitro is no longer available.. he was checking into it last time I had checked...
This would be my first volvo...I've owned Toyota's for the last 15 years.
Also, after reading some of the postings...I'm a little afraid of the interior noise people seem to be experiencing. Is this really a common" problem?
I didn't see in the e-mail traffic...did you purchase a volvo? If so, are you happy with it?
Thanks for the response!
tom
-RWD
Bugeye, I don't believe Ford dealers will service your volvo. I even tried to use Ford "dollars" from their old credit card and volvo wouldn't take it! I think for marketing purposes Ford is really trying to keep volvo separate.
dbehringer, I use 87 grade with no problems. My salesman told me that was all that was necessary and the manual confirms that. I'm getting 21mpg with mostly heavy city traffic.
Thanx!