Volvo S60

wgp · July 2005

Greetings All -

When I bought this car (see above post) my dealer did not offer me a Volvo backed plan, but rather some kind of alternative coverage. I declined, and am interested in looking at a Volvo-backed plan.

Anyone have one? What's your experience with it?

Shouldn't a Volvo dealer offer a Volvo-backed plan? I was a little suspicious when they told me they only offered a different plan!

volvomax · July 2005

It's not that unusual, some dealers have deals w/ aftermarket warranty companies.

Find another Volvo dealer to get your VIP warranty from.

grantchstr · July 2005

My understanding is that your (new) car is warrantied my the manufacturer until the terms of the new car warranty expire - earlier of 4/50,000. It is my further understanding that any extended warranty purchased from a Volvo dealer (this extended warranty can typically be puchased anytime up until the month prior to expiry) is NOT in fact a manufacturers warranty but a commercial insurer (at least that is what my local Volvo dealer informed me). In any event I purchased a cheaper (and perhaps more comprehensive) 8/100,000 extended warranty from Warranty Direct (ask for Marion who is top notch).

pat · July 2005

Forums members have had mixed results from third-party extended warranties. Those interested in this subject should pursue it here: Extended Warranties.

A keyword search will turn up other information in archived discussions.

Hope this helps.

volvomax · July 2005

No extended service contract is equal to a factory warranty.
Volvo's program, VIP is underwritten by a commercial insurer, however the same people that administer the factory warranty administer the service contract.
What this means is that claims are handled very quickly.
Most extended warranty companies want to send a claims adjuster to look at high dollar repairs before they give an authorization. This can lead to a delay of several days before your car is repaired. Also, an aftermarket company may only authorize aftermarket or remanufactured parts.
Finally, VIP is almost a bumper to bumper program. Aftermarket companies will often offer less comprehensive coverage. Some won't cover turbo's for example.
All this should be considered when shopping for your coverage.

gator2117 · July 2005

happened to my S60. They found the antenna wire was grounding so it need to be re-insulated... Good luck.

dulnev · July 2005

There's now a total of $4,500 or $5,000 in rebates/incentives on the 2005 S60 models. We could buy an S60 for $5,000 under invoice now, *if* we could find one equiped the way we like it.

rconn · July 2005

How does the S60 all wheel drive do in deep snow? In Wisconsin we get snows around a foot at a time, how will this car do. The other car we are looking at is a Audi allroad.

dulnev · July 2005

Mechanics and performance of the Volvo and Audi all-wheel-drive systems is similar, but Allroad has a MUCH higher clearance so obviously it will do much better in deep snow.

volvomax · July 2005

If you're looking at an Allroad you should look at a Cross Country.

paddyk · July 2005

My mom has a S60 and wants to replace the battery before it fails.
The dealer quotes her a price of $200.
Why is it so expensive?
Does the S60 have a special battery, or will a generic fit the bill?

Thanks.....paddy

kradjian · July 2005

I too am looking at the A4 3.2 and the 330i. How would you compare the S60 to these rides?

kradjian · July 2005

I have always leased my cars and plan on doing so again when my lease is up Dec 1st (currently 2001 330ci). In the past I have found my choice of auto (now looking between the 330i, A4 3.2 and S60 T5 (or S60R)), e-mailed dealers within a tri-state area, and had my leasing company complete the deal with the best priced. I stay fairly definative on options and flexible on colors. If I end up with going with the S60 will I have to leave time for it to come in?

dawgmatix · July 2005

Am looking to buy a used S60.
I have two cars in my area.

1) S60 T5 Manual (drools) 2002
2) S60 base model auto

They are both from the same year (2002)
Wifes not happy driving a manual though.
Would like to hear your comments about
the two cars. Also this would be my first
Volvo car, so would like to hear, if that
particular year (2002) is a good year to
buy or not. And what are the general reliability
issues? What questions should i be asking
to the owner about a Volvo S60 with 40k
miles.

Also include any points that you might
feel are important.

Thanks.

volvodan1 · July 2005

We could tell you how much more fun the T5 would be to drive, but you need to drive both and see what YOU think. 2 things:

1) You may not use what the T5 gives you in performance. Of course if you are drooling over the manny, you may.

2) Is your wife going to be driving it? If so, and she doesn't like driving the stick, then.......

Volvomax is more learned in these things than I, (I've been more on the Caddy side of things the past few years, although I still do a few Volvos) but if they have maintained and serviced it (most Volvo owners are great with maintenence), the S60 is a great vehicle.

qbrozen · July 2005

heck, why such extremes? Why not a T5 auto?

s60buyer · July 2005

Here is what I have been offered.

Black 2005 S60 2.5T with no extras just the car.

Price of Car $23,534.00

On the road $25,111.04

The only thing that is odd is that the car is being driven 150 miles from another dealer.

What are the opinions of the forum about this deal?

Thanks for your reply.

qbrozen · July 2005

Is that brand new? Or a demo? Or used?

If its new, that seems good to me. That's about $900 less than carsdirect shows me for a base 2.5T.

Having the car come from another dealer isn't out of the ordinary ... I'm assuming you asked for a particular color? Something they obviously didn't have in stock, but were able to locate at a different dealer. Pretty normal for dealers.

s60buyer · July 2005

It is New. Thanks for the reply.

Any others out there.

grantchstr · July 2005

It is my understanding that the Volvo extended warranty is an Interstate National Dealers warranty. As Warranty Direct is the internet marketing arm of Interstate that means that a Warranty Direct warranty for a Volvo is identical to a Volvo warranty does it not?

jrosasmc · August 2005

Do any of you know when the S60 will get a major redesign? I've noticed that the '06 models are already on sale, and the base 2.4 model has been dropped.

volvomax · August 2005

The S60 will be redone in 2007 or 2008.

grantchstr · August 2005

The S60 has a service interval of 7500 miles. Is it true that the 15000 intervals are the major ones (15K, 30K, 45K etc) and the 7500 (22.5K, 37.5K, 52.5K) ) intervals are minor? :confuse:

Thanks.

qbrozen · August 2005

if you go to volvocars.us you can go to owner's link and look up the maintenance on your particular vehicle.

7500 would typically be oil changes ... but not sure what would be included in 15k mile services to make them "major." Down the line, sure, there's probably something like a coolant and tranny service at 60K or something like that. But I doubt at 15K miles you'd have to anything real big (although some dealers love to charge an arm and a leg just to "inspect" various components).

volvomax · August 2005

The major services are every 60k.

strato435 · August 2005

I just went to look at the S60s, and was surprised by the change that Volvo is making in the tranny options for 2006. In comparing the S60 to other near luxury mid-sized cars (A4, TL), one of my interests is in getting a manual transmission. I really enjoy it, and have never owned an automatic.

Turns out that Volvo has decided not to offer the manual transmission on the S60 in 2006, with the exception of the S60 R. The dealer also suggested I consider the S40, where there will be a manual transmission available, but it's a very different car!

Personally, I think they're making a mistake. One of the reasons folks enjoy these mid-sized cars is the fun of driving -- even if there haven't been many manual transmissions sold in recent years, those of us who choose a car for a little excitement in driving will now not have a Volvo option under $40k.

robr2 · August 2005

IIRC, you could only get a stick in the V70 base, V70R, and S60R for 2005. The demographics of the S60/V70 are such that a stick would be a lot queen.

Now I agree that a stick is more fun but the demand isn't enough to offer them in the US.

volvomax · August 2005

You can get a manual in the S60 T5

qbrozen · August 2005

hey, Vmax, I was just searching for some used S60 T5s. I spotted one that has a 2-tone tan/black interior (2002) ... is this a special model of some sort?

laverdure1 · August 2005

Hi Folks...

I have a 2002 Volvo S60 - Grande Car - excellent thus far. In May of '05 my car wouldn't start - I had power in the car, radio, lights, etc., but the car wouldn't start. I called Triple A and they came out to give me a "boost" and the car started - so o.k., MAYBE I left the lights on, but it was odd. Tonight (8/4/05) leaving work I went to start the car and again it wouldn't start - same issue - radio, lights, ac, everything worked, the battery certainly wasn't dead but when I turned the ignition all I would get is a "click". The Triple A fella came out said the alternator was fine, battery was fine and he indicated that I probably have a bad electrical connection in the steering column or somewhere along the line. I drove the car home, shut it off and started it again - no problem. I plan on going to my mechanic first thing AM, providing it starts, but has anyone experienced this problem ?

Cheers
Rob

qbrozen · August 2005

Yes, I have had this problem. It was the battery. My meter said it was fine (12 volts, no problem), radio and lights worked, but it seems that the Volvo is VERY sensitive and wants that battery PERFECT in order to start. I was told the battery probably had a shorted cell in there somewhere. Anyway, after replacing the battery, I never had the problem again.

Only difference between my situation and yours is that I couldn't jump mine. BUT, I was trying with another car, not exactly the kind of juice the AAA guy could provide.

Having said all that, however, a bad ignition switch is STILL a possibility.

sbunzel · August 2005

ALong the same lines -- I am purchasing a new S60 2.5T today. SHould I buy the VOlovo extended warranty? I am financing for 7 years, although who knows if I'll keep it that long. I never know if these warranties are a rip-off or not. Thanks.

volvomax · August 2005

It was a regular production option for the S60 T5 in 2001 and 2002.
It was a leather-cloth conbo.
Very rare though.

robr2 · August 2005

I am financing for 7 years, although who knows if I'll keep it that long.

A piece of advice - If you are financing for 7 years in order to afford it, you're going to be upside down in this vehicle for a long time. IMHO, look at a cheaper vehicle.

In any case, good luck.

volvomax · August 2005

Well, financing for 7 yrs is a bit of a stretch.
It means that it will be at least 4 yrs before you can safely trade.
If you are going to keep the car for more than 4 yrs, get the warranty.
VIP is a very comprehensive policy.

qbrozen · August 2005

Thanks for the info.

OH, its cloth? Which part? In this particular car ... well, let me just show you:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4565782048

I can see that the lighter material on the doors is cloth, so is that the same on the seats? I'm not sure I'd like that. I thought it was 2-tone leather on the seats.

volvomax · August 2005

The seats are cloth and leather.
The lighter material is cloth.

grantchstr · August 2005

:confuse: Its well know that the big manufacturers are in the middle of an "employee discount for all" price war. How has this affected the values/prices for used S60s in particular ?

qbrozen · August 2005

well, as Terry might say, my crystal ball is in the shop.

BUT, considering that the actual possible purchase price of most of these domestic vehicles is actually HIGHER than before these "great deals," I'd have to say that it won't affect used car values much at all.

volvomax · August 2005

No effect at all.
S60's continue to sell well @ the auctions.
The cars that are bringing stupid money are S40's and wagons.

FWIW, Volvo is not part of the Ford family sale.

grantchstr · August 2005

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05223/552395.stm

Article in the Wall Street Journal about huge bargains to be had in used luxury cars! So glad to hear Volvo is untouched by all of this....

grantchstr · August 2005

I just had my car serviced @ 52,500 for the first time at an indy and not a dealer. I just drove the car and it made a "less than a smooth move" (rough back and forth jerky movement) and the service light came on. [ BTW the invoice from the indy included the "reset" of the service light.]
I immediately parked the car and restarted and this time the service and oil light (little red oil-can sign anyway) came on. So I turned off the engine and checked the oil and the stick showed oil only halfway up the "hatched" area of the stick (which surprised me as after a service wouldnt one expect the oil to show full?). I then restarted the car and got the service light but this time no oil light. I am unsure whether to commute with the car now - a royal pain as now I have to take another half day to get it checked I suppose.
Anyone care to comment (other than the obvious "shoudda used a dealer"!)? :sick:

kmaltese · August 2005

Hi,
I have a 2002 volvo s60 awd 2.4 leftover in Feb 2003 and i am having problems with hesitation at slow speeds, at stop signs, traffic lights. I presented the problem to the dealer when i took the car in for the scheduled service - they indicated they did not find any error messages but that the tech downloaded new software. I am again having the same problem and it's not all the time but I had taken the car back and noted the same problem, they told me they found no error messages and they couldn't find anything wrong at test drive. they asked me to come down to go out on the road with one of the mechanics but I could not leave work. My problem is - well if it didn't show any errors the first time and you replaced the software what's to say there is not a problem again even though it shows no errors. I also had lost a wheel cap in the center of the wheel - the car was fairly new and the tires had not been changed or rotated and they would not cover it under warranty. I can see if the tires had been changed or rotated then maybe someone didn't put it back on properly. I also think the dealers are more helpful to those who buy the cars there. The volvo dealer in bridgewater, nj did not have any left overs so i went to garden state volvo over 1 hour away. more than once i was asked by the rep. at bridgewater why i didn't buy my car there. Why should that matter?

volvomax · August 2005

Where you bought the car doesn't matter for service.

You have to understand that if the techs can't find any fault codes they can't diagnose or repair anything.
Reloading software is an act of desperation in most cases, since there probably wasn't anything they can do.
Without you along to document when you feel this hesitation they can do anything either. What may be upsetting to you might be normal for them.

grantchstr · August 2005

Volvomax, what is the cost of a shop purchasing/subscribing to VADIS/VIDA and or accessing the VIDA network in order to get the necessary operating software to get the fault codes?
I am just wondering whether I am having the wool pulled over my eyes by an indy who says he has all that foir an S60 but probably doesnt service that many (as he does a range of European cars). It seems to me that the reality is that the upfront costs would preclude an indy unless his shop serviced quite a few cars of a certain model.

miamidriver · August 2005

I'm in the same boat except I have a 2003 S60 2.4T. I'm a big fan of leasing, but not a fan of Volvo's. I've had problem after problem, and amazingly the warranty doesn't seem to cover it. I've invested (wasted?) $3,000 in repairs to this car, and I wish I could get out of it today. Worst car I've ever leased.

Next time, I'd advise you go with the Audi. They have a great lease program, and I never had a problem with the car (I had a 2000 A6 - favorite sedan I've owned to date).

volvomax · August 2005

When we upgraded to Vadis, I think we spent several thousand dollars.

It will be difficult for any independent to service new European cars.

enjeti · August 2005

I would like to know what type of gas everybody uses in an S60 -T5.

Thanks.

robber1 · August 2005

I'm expecting to buy a S60 T5 over the next week or two, now two quesitons regarding pricing:
1. Is the current incentive likely to be renewed once again for Sept.?
2. When negotiating a purchase price, should I aim at the carsdirect.com price or an x amount lower than that?

grantchstr · August 2005

I guess you get to the bulb cluster through the trunK? Easy job? :confuse:

Volvo S60

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy