Volvo S60

lev_berkovich · June 2006

What they really WANT is to sell you a new car. A dealer is in the car selling business. And they know how to negotiate the trade-off too...

Stay with your present one and make it fully worth the money that you already have paid. The longer you keep a car the cheaper it is to you relatively.

qbrozen · June 2006

yes, its a "come on."

as for your warranty, if you really do decide to trade or sell, look into cancelling it for a pro-rated refund. Many companies do this. For instance, if you have a 4 year extended warranty and sell your car 2 years into that warranty, you call and cancel and they give you back about 50% the purchase price (a bit less, i'm sure).

gadriver2 · August 2006

Just purchased new 06 S60 T5. On test drive was told the bumpiness was probably due to "flat spots" on tires from sitting so long. After almost 200 miles still bumpy. One defective tire was replaced, all balanced, front end realigned, new computer updates on transmission & engine. It still seems excessively bumpy to me especially between 68 and 75 mph, and also on deceleration from 80 mph. I can't believe this is something to "get use to"!!! I understand the implications of tire size/model/etc but it just seems to be more than that to me. Any ideas?

volvomax · August 2006

There is a difference between "bumpiness" meaning a stiff suspension and a shimmy due to flat spotting on the tires.

The T5 comes w/ Volvo's sport suspension so it is stiffer than most cars.

gadriver2 · August 2006

Thank you. That's why I took the car back yet again. I guess a better description would be vibration or shudder, felt in the steering wheel and even more evident in the driver and passenger seats. I find it odd that it increases on deceleration (letting off the gas / not breaking). This occurs regardless of the condition of the pavement---meaning also on smooth asphalt.

qbrozen · August 2006

well, if its a problem in the front wheels (which it sounds like), the reason it increases when you let off the gas is the shift of weight to the front wheels.

Hopefully they'll fix it for you. I can't really fault the salesman as he gave a plausible explanation (so he really could have thought this was the case). No offense, but you should never have bought that particular car. At least you now know for future reference that if something feels wrong on a car during a test drive, don't believe "its normal" "it will go away" or any other explanation. Find a different one to test and buy. There's just no reason to take a risk that it will be more serious.

gadriver2 · August 2006

Simple physics make perfect sense ---thanks for the explanation. More than I received from the service center experts.

No offense taken. I'm just use to dealing with reputable dealerships. Eight new cars from one dealership (not Volvo) the past ten years. My first and last from this particular one.

qbrozen · August 2006

i hear ya. And, like I said, the salesman's explanation made sense and it was completely possible it could have been true.

Let us know how you make out.

jrosasmc · August 2006

Besides the cosmetic restyle for the 2007 S60 will there be any major mechanical changes or updates?

volvomax · August 2006

A couple of new options.
Tire Pressure Monitoring
Active Xenons(swivel w/ the wheels)
Otherwise, no changes.

gadriver2 · August 2006

Well, as you said the salesman's explanation did make sense. It just seems that the service department didn't do all the work they said they did, and their explanation of "they all ride that way" was just so much b.s. I took the car to another service center and they showed me on the machine where it indicates one tire still has a flat spot and two of the tires were "severely" out of balance. The ride is already significantly improved and once the other tire is replaced I'm sure I will be more than please with the ride. I guess some dealers just try to make their money on "the sale" rather than building a customer relationship. Unfortunatly it's too bad for Volvo and their image. Ultimatly I'm pleased because I truly think the car is great. It was purchased for my 17 year old son who is going off to college after the first of the year.

volvomax · August 2006

Well, before you castigate your dealer, your explanation of your complaint may have led them to their statement.
When you came here and complained of "bumpiness" that is a term for ride quality, which all S60 T5's share.
A wheel shimmy or vibration is a different matter and different terminology.
Based on your complaint here, I thought you were refering to ride quality.
Remember, going to your mechanic is like going to your doctor. You have to be very specific about what is wrong.

mkrsw1 · September 2006

i'm a bit confused on the ipod support for the 07 s60s. i remember reading somewhere (here?) that there would be a standard input jack on the stereos in 07 that would support ipods (and other mp3 players). the picture of the stereo on the volvo web site looks exactly the same as my stereo in my 04. also, the ipod adapter is still shown as an available accessory for the 07s. can someone (volvomax?) give us the definitive rundown on ipod options for 07?
thanks,
mike

volvomax · September 2006

There is no Aux input on the 07 S60's.
Only on the 07 S40's and XC90's and C70's.

Volvo makes an ipod jack that is a dealer installed item for the S60.

mkrsw1 · September 2006

ok...we've got that adapter on our 06 xc70 awd. it's an
okay solution...certainly better than an fm transmitter,
but not as good as an aux input. although the fact that it keeps the ipod fully charged is nice.

thanks,
mike

Karen_S · September 2006

A reporter seeks to talk with longtime Volvo owners. Please send your daytime contact info and a sentence or two about your Volvo ownership history to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Wednesday, September 27, 2006.

Thanks,
Jeannine Fallon
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com

confused7 · September 2006

Anyone know a place in the LA area that does good work installing GPS systems/after-market sound systems, etc.? (I've got a 2006 S60 if that makes any difference...) Or should I go to a Volvo body shop and if so, which?

wpbfla9 · October 2006

HI- well I DID just buy a new 2007 S60 only to have the transmission completely fail at highways speeds after just 5 weeks. I have been disgusted with Volvo's response. The car is just sitting in service for 6+ days waiting for the new transmission to arrive (by boat, perhaps???) Meanwhile Volvo has refused to do the right thing and just swap it for another car and the dealer has given me the run-around. I will NEVER buy another Volvo again. My second car is a VW Passat which has never had problems after 100,000 miles. I bought the Volvo for its famous safety and reliability. The German cars also handle/steer much better. Sorry I bought it.

leftcoast2 · November 2006

I have the S60T 2003 and have recently been driving all city miles. I checked the MPG on my last fill and calculated 14 per gallon. I'm not a lead foot. Is there cause for concern since my warrant will be up next year. Should I take it in to the dealer and have whatever checked? Is there the possibility of a software problem? Thanks for your time in responding.

cj7375 · November 2006

I am on the market for a car 1-2 years old. The choice came down to Accord V6 (2004-2005) and S60.

I am leaning towards S60 but the wife can not decide. The car is for her.

What confuses me is what I read here ....

"S60 2.5T AWD brings still more power and all-wheel drive. Last year's all-wheel-drive model was powered by the same engine as the 2.4T. New for 2003, the 2.5T AWD model runs with a slightly larger-displacement five-cylinder, still using light-pressure turbocharging to produce a responsive 208 horsepower and 236 pounds-feet of torque. The torque peaks at a super-low 1500 rpm for low-speed pulling power. The Geartronic automatic is standard. The Sport Package ($750) adds 17-inch wheels, 235/45R17 tires and T5 model's front and rear sport seats."

"S60 T5 uses a high-pressure turbo to produce 247 horsepower and 243 pounds-feet of torque for truly pulse-quickening acceleration. A five-speed manual transmission is again standard, with the Geartronic automatic a $1200 option. Aluminum mesh replaces woodgrain in the interior. Power-adjustable sport seats and a trip computer are standard. The T5 Sport Package ($750) adds 17-inch wheels, 235/45R17 tires, and a stiffer suspension. The Premium Package for the T5 ($1995) adds leather and power moonroof."

In other words the AWD using the 'Low Press. Turbo" will have more low end torque, than teh "High Press. Turbo" found in T5 .... which really kicks in at 4,000 rpm, not before.

Looks like I will be better-off going with AWD instead of T5 ?

Opinions are appreciated

confused7 · November 2006

Volvomax, do you have an opinion as to whether I'm taking too much of a chance messing with the electronics of my 2006 S60 T5 to install the following system?

Pioneer AVIC-Z1
HDD Multimedia AV Navigation Server

Thank you for your input.

qbrozen · November 2006

I don't see in the information you provided where the torque peaks in the T5, but according to Edmunds specs, its at 2400 rpms, not 4k.

But, yes, the 2.5T is more responsive off idle than the T5. Its past maybe about 15 mph that the T5 then runs away.

IF you want AWD, there is no T5 option. Keep in mind, though, AWD adds weight and drivetrain drag, which probably just about counteracts that off-the-line advantage that the low-pressure turbo provides.

I suggest you drive both. If you are primarily a city driver, I think you'll find the 2.5T more to your liking (although, if you are considering the T5, I suggest simply the FWD 2.5T). If you spend more time at higher speeds where passing power can be important (or at least intoxicating), the T5 is where its at.

cj7375 · November 2006

Here is where I read it ...

"...Driving Impressions
From inside, the Volvo S60 sometimes feels bigger than it is because its shape doesn't allow you to see the four fender corners. Driven hard around turns, it almost seems like a '90s version of a '60s muscle car. The relatively long throw of the five-speed gearbox adds to the retro feel.

The S60 doesn't offer the razor-edge handling of the BMW 330i. Pushed through bumpy, high-speed corners, the S60's steering can't keep up. The suspension is tuned for comfort, not hard cornering, so the body leans in the chase. But the ride is excellent, even over nasty bumps, even with the optional 17-inch wheels fitted with Pirelli P6 all-season 235/45HR17 radials.

The S60 is front-wheel-drive, and torque steer rears its head, especially with the more powerful T5. Stand on the gas and you'll feel a tug on the steering wheel. It's really no big deal, though, as you get used to it. Still, the S60 definitely engages the driver, because you have to pay attention to the steering when you're driving hard. But it's extremely steady at speed if the road isn't too bumpy.

The T5 produces prodigious thrust from its high-pressure turbocharger, but you need to keep the revs up to keep the engine responsive. The T5 won't impress you until the revs climb to 4000 rpm where the power comes on really strong. At 50 mph in fourth gear the engine is turning 2500 rpm, so you'll generally have to downshift to third gear to pass on a two-lane. Volvo's turbocharged engines get great gas mileage. With the five-speed manual transmission the T5 gets 21/27 mpg.

The brakes were on the soft side, but the ABS was very smooth. We didn't feel thrown forward in the seat under hard braking, as we have with other sports sedans, including the BMW 330i.

The steering is slightly heavier in the S60 AWD, because of the weight of the all-wheel-drive system. (Volvo prefers to say it has a more "on-center feel," which is fair enough.) The ride also is firmer on the all-wheel-drive version, using stiffer shocks to handle the weight. We think it's a worthwhile tradeoff to get the AWD's improved traction and handling in the rain and snow.

We drove over gravel roads in the S60 AWD, and the directional stability on this loose surface was excellent. Power in the S60 AWD is distributed between the front and rear wheels using a wet multi-plate clutch controlled by electronics, and the distribution varies according to conditions. With a steady throttle on dry pavement, about 95 percent of the drive is transmitted to the front wheels; but up to 70 percent can go to the rear wheels when required. The balance changes instantaneously. Of course other automakers say that, too; but the difference in Volvo's Active-On-Demand system is the degree of instantaneous-ness. When one wheel slips 15 degrees, far less than any human can detect, the balance of power shifts away from that wheel, thus replacing the slip with grip. In other words, it's just more secure and better stuck to the road when the weather gets nasty."....

http://www.automallusa.net/2004/volvo/s60/reviews.html

Thank you for your reply.

volvomax · November 2006

Unless you enjoy torque steer or drive over 100 mph, you are better off w/ the 2.5T, AWD or no.

volvomax · November 2006

Find a qualified installer. Most installers are leery of Volvo's because of their complicated electrical systems.
We had a customer whose wiring harness was fried by an incompetent installer.

confused7 · November 2006

Good to know, thanks. I'm in Southern California, in Santa Monica to be precise.

How do I find a qualified installer?

volvomax · November 2006

Find a high end stereo store, somewhere where they do European cars on a regular basis.

bist2460 · November 2006

Hello,
I have a s60 2004 with the body kit, which makes the clearance very low, when i purchased it came with 15" wheels 195/60/15..but was touching everywhere, so i have decided to go for 17" wheels, i know the standard tires are 235/45/17, but the height is only 25.33 inches, But when you look at the S60 with options of 18" wheels, they use 240/40/18 which gives the height of 25.40 inches...So therefore i was thinking was wheather to choose 215/50/17..height 25.46 or 225/50/17 height of 25.86 inches.....WHICH IS MOST RECOMENDED FOR A SMOOTHER RIDE AND ALSO THAT IT WON'T OFFSET THE CAR'S HANDLING? ANY INPUT WILL GREATLY HELP....
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.....LIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA.

hansmcjones · November 2006

I bought the car new (so I am the original owner) and it has 58,600 miles on it. It is in good condition, with only a couple of minor paint scratches. Edmunds TMV says I should get around 10 or 11K as a trade-in value, 12k or 13k for resale.

I tried to trade it in to get a new car (a Honda) and the dealership said they would only give me $5500 because CarFax says I received frame damage in a wreck I had. I called the autobody shop who did the repairs from that wreck and they said that they had to "pull and align" the unibody to get the new parts in, but there wasn't damage, per se. According to the work order, it took them less than two hours to work on it, so there was not significant damage. Is there anything I can do to get this mark off the CarFax record? If not, any suggestions on how I can get someone to buy my car for more than $5500 with my CarFax report?

qbrozen · November 2006

Ouch.

Have you thought about selling it yourself? Heck, if the work was done well, and I was in the market right now, I'd LOVE to buy a T5 with less than 60k miles for less than $10k.

volvomax · November 2006

Well, since the frame was bent, there was frame damage.
They had to straighten the frame to install the new parts.
According to Manheim, undamaged your car would wholesale for $8-9000.
W/ the wreck, $5500 is a little low but understandable.
Dealers hate dealing in cars w/ frame damage and bad Carfax's. It really limits their options.
Personally, I would sell the car yourself.

voxboy · November 2006

:confuse: I'm in the market for used s60, and wondering if the AWD's benefits outweight it's higher price, torque steer, weight and complexity. Anyone?

volvomax · November 2006

Only if you live in snow country.

picard12 · November 2006

Does anyone know reliabilty of volvo S60 vs the Accord V6 ? Has anyone owned both models ?

voxboy · November 2006

I have owned an Accord V6 and have used both accords and volvos. Accords are generally considered more reliable and I had no problems with mine, but I plan to buy an s60 next time for the following three reasons: better traction, smaller dimensions, and whiplash protection.

Both cars are good bets, although it seems that a higher percentage of volvo owners get unlucky with their particular car. That said, and while just about everyone would give the Accord higher reliability marks, they rank close enough that I would suggest going with the one that satisfies your other criteria.

grantchstr · November 2006

The Camry is a reliable car - why not buy that? I drive an S60 primarily because I have always had safety at the top of my list. The S60 gives me safety and a sports car peformance and look etc etc. I would have thought a Honda was a pedestrian choice quite frankly and not on the same page as a Volvo.

voxboy · November 2006

grantchstr - You're absolutely right. Aside from the fact that both the Accord V6 and the S60 are powerful mid-size sedans, your sportier and more prestigous S60 is rarely found on a potential Accord-buyer's shopping list. That said, since the top-of-the-line Accord is now pricier than the base model S60, and since according to iihs crash tests, the Accords with side/head air bags are actually a tad safer than the S60, a thoughtful response to picard12's question is warranted -- rather than calling him out on his "pedestrian" taste buds. Don't you agree?

voxboy · November 2006

Thanks, volomax.
Now that I'm reading good things about the 2007 Subaru Legacy GT, I'm thinking about taking a hard look at that choice before pulling the trigger on an S60. The Legacy's iihs safety ranking, its AWD and new stabiltiy control, and its nimble handling are what attracts me. I'm also thinking that the Subaru might be more reliable over time. What do you think about the S60 2.5T vs Legacy GT comparison? Anyone else care to comment?

robr2 · December 2006

I will. Last year when I was shopping, I was very interested in the Volvo V50 and the Legacy GT wagon. I did consider the V70 as well but since it's almost impossible to get a manual V70, I shifted my goal. But I had plenty of seat time the the V70.

Although I really liked the Subaru's styling, reliability, and AWD technology, I was disappointed in the interior. It wasn't up to the quality of the Volvo. IMHO, the Volvo has superior ergronimics, amazing seats, and an overall higher level of product in the interior. The Subaru just felt cheap to me and since I'm looking at and touching the interior every day, it was important to me.

Now I did buy a Passat but keep in mind, I had to buy fast as my previous vehicle was totalled and I couldn't get the V50 as I wanted it.

volvomax · December 2006

Despite Subaru's wishes, their products aren't inthe same league as Volvo's or any other true luxury brands.
Subaru makes a good car, but in terms of comfort, feel and safety it isn't a competitor for Volvo.
The S60's seats are better, ergonomics are better. If you get rear ended in a Subaru you won't have the benefit of Volvo's WHIPS system, rollover protection in a Volvo is better.

voxboy · December 2006

All true - but how do you reconcile the widely-held belief that Volvo is an all-around safer car when the iihs crash test results say otherwise? Are there other crash test results I should be looking at?

robr2 · December 2006

The widely held belief is because Volvo has spent decades and millions of dollars being the safety leader - and telling us that. The other manufacturers have finally caught up due to IIHS testing. IMHO, that's a good thing.

The Volvo S60 ranks Good for Frontal, Acceptable for Side and Good for rear impact/head restraint.

The Subaru Legacy ranks Good for Frontal, Good for Side, and Acceptable for rear impact/head restraint.

2 out 3 for both.

Don't forget, the Volvo was introduced in 2001 and designed to meet those standards. The Subaru was introduced in 2005 and designed to meet those standards - which they didn't on the side impact until they improved the side airbags.

A new S60 is coming out for 2008 - I'm guessing they'll ace all 3 tests the IIHS does. Additionally, Volvo has made stability control standard on the S60. AFAIK, it's not available on most Legacy models.

volvomax · December 2006

As has been mentioned, the S60 is an older design. One that was penned in the late 90's and it still exceeds the current standards.
The japanese are late comers to the idea of building cars that exceed the gov'ts standards. Too often they skimp on safety devices, whiplash protection for example, or make their safety features optional. Volvo does neither.

voxboy · December 2006

Lets say a particular Japanese model is awarded the same IIHS "good" rating as the Volvo in rear impact crash tests. Are you saying that the Volvo still wins because their WHIPS technology takes it to a whole new level?

Maybe then I can justify moving forward with the S60 -- despite its modest side-impact rating. I just don't want to find out the hard way that the emperor has no clothes... you know what I mean?

volvomax · December 2006

Yes, NHTSA itself staes that the WHIPS system is good for an alomst 50% reduction in whiplash forces over a regular head restraint.

Volvo has decades of real world safety experience, unmatched by every other auto maker except possibly Mercedes.

confused7 · December 2006

Hi Voxboy, I'm going to jump in here. I bought a 2006 S60 T5 (ex-service vehicle) this year, and a couple of months ago I got rear-ended. The head-rest was right there - my head hit the thing with a good thunk, but since there was so little - actually no space - between my head and the head-rest, I had no whiplash. By the way, WHIPS didn't engage - I wasn't hit that hard, but it is nice to know it's there.

Because I like its handling, I was about to buy the Audi A4 but the IIHS didn't like the models (rear impact-wise) until later in 2006 and I wanted to get something slightly used - read: cheaper.

I still feel vulnerable - a tad anyway - with S60's 'just ok' side impact ratings, and I don't know if Volvo has addressed this in the 2007 model. (Volvomax, you know anything about this?)

But I really read the IIHS and the Govt crash tests, and I reasoned that: Subaru Foresters didn't have Stability Control, Saabs have terrible reliability records, and it was more likely that I'd be rear-ended than side-impacted, so I bought the S60.

I like it - I have a few gripes - my right knee is too near the steering wheel shaft, the car makes no chirping sound when you lock it remotely, the true city mileage is around 19mpg, the T5 is bumpy and the turning radius is indeed pretty annoying...

But it's a very sturdy car, the T5 at least has a lot of power, it looks nice and damn, the seats are comfortable and good for tall people.

Hope this helps.

philmo · December 2006

There is virtually no torque steer -- or turbo lag -- on the low-pressure turbo. The high-pressure turbo is another matter altogether. After having one since Feb/02 and putting 57,000 miles on it based in the Rockies in Colorado we can report no problems whatsoever. AWD is more than about driving in the snow. It's about wet roads, gravel roads, cornering and more. If you find a sweet deal on a used one go for it.

volvomax · December 2006

2007 model is unchanged. We just had a customer in an 05 get hit very hard in the side, totslled the car. No injury.
Conversely, a brand new 06 Subaru WRX was hit in the side right in front of our dealership. Driver was carried away on a stretcher to the hospital. You cannot always place full faith in tests. They don't always replicate what happens in the real world.

voxboy · December 2006

Hi Confused, volvomax, philmo, etc. Thanks so much for your responses. I'm right there with you.

I pretty much resolved to get the S60 AWD with Dyanamic Stability, but decided to test drive the Legacy just to confirm my decision. Fyi, while I still find the '07 Legacy crash test results somewhat persuasive, it certainly doesn't feel like a safer car. It rides like a cheaper, insubstantial vehicle and I was surprised that it didn't instill much confidence. That may not be very scientific, but to echo volvomax's sentiments, I now believe more than ever that crash test results do not necessarily translate to real world conditions. And if that sounds like sour grapes, what supports that contention is the IIHS's "Injury, Collision and Theft loss" report which provides numerical ratings based on actual insurance claims filed over 2-3 years; despite the S60's modest side impact rating, the car has in fact proven supremely protective -- joining the ranks of the Passat, 9-3, and Quattro (recent awards not withstanding, the Legacys have resulted in about 25% more injuries).

So here I go -- plunging into the used S60 market. Do any of you guys have advice on things to look out for? How important is it to pay extra for a "certified" car, and would you ever buy from an ebay vendor? Any and all recommendations are welcome.

qbrozen · December 2006

while I don't feel it needs to be certified, I'd personally want an extended warranty. Since a certified car comes with one, its probably easiest just to stick to certified.

It seems like you are looking for a recent model (let's say '04 and up?). If so, I can't think of anything in particluar you need to look for. Volvo seems to have the S60 pretty well ironed out by that year. Just be sure to try out several. Used cars, regardless of manufacturer, can vary greatly in the way they feel due to being abused by previous owners.

I don't want to start a war, and this really may vary by region, but I also feel the need to point out that Volvo dealers (at least here in NJ) typically overprice their used volvos. If that's the case in your area, don't get discouraged. It could take a while to find the right one for you, and remember that there is plenty of room to negotiate.

Volvo S60

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