2008 S60 2.5T are these good? Topic is solved

Post by **June** » 19 Dec 2017, 17:18

I am looking to purchase my daughter a used car to have at college. Part of me just wants to buy her a new Volvo for the crash avoidance technology, but it seems wasteful to put a new car in a dorm parking lot. She has 5 years to go and will not drive too often so it likely will just get dings and bumps sitting in the lot. She does not like to drive, but when she starts her internship I want her comfortable with driving by then.

I went in to look at a 2012 C70 convertible with 20K on the clock Volvo serviced. A 2008 S60 was being traded while I was looking at the 2012 C70. The S60 T5 is like new in every aspect and serviced by Volvo also. It is one owner 30K garage kept. Being 10 years old I know it is due for the timing belt due to age.

This car is font wheel drive, does this model have any unusual trouble like the transmission or engine problems? June

Post by **oragex** » 19 Dec 2017, 18:27

The later S60 (before the new model) were the better with several problems sorted. However there have been complains about expensive failures at the throttle body and ABS system. It looks like is rather uncommon but it may happen. Other than that, yes a new timing belt is due but this is not very expensive at the local independent Volvo specialist - the water pump needs not replaced only the belt the tensioner and the roller. The parts from Volvo would be less than $150 and the job can be done in 1.5h if the mechanic knows how to replace the belt without removing the crank pulley.

These are comfortable and solid cars. The T5 is not particularly frugal.

As for the C70, it is not the same as the S60. The C70 it is built on the S40 platform, the 'smaller' Volvo. Actually, the S40 is a Ford platform, and from reading on forums it seems to have quite more problems as compared with his older sibling the S60. In my opinion, the S60, S80, XC70 and XC90 are the models that truly represent the brand in terms of quality of the components.

Post by **abscate** » 19 Dec 2017, 19:47

June-ior will be fine in that S60. My junior is taking the 99 back to school next semester for the same reason, light use and already dinged up

Post by **June** » 19 Dec 2017, 20:17

oragex wrote: ↑19 Dec 2017, 18:27 The later S60 (before the new model) were the better with several problems sorted. However there have been complains about expensive failures at the throttle body and ABS system. It looks like is rather uncommon but it may happen. Other than that, yes a new timing belt is due but this is not very expensive at the local independent Volvo specialist - the water pump needs not replaced only the belt the tensioner and the roller. The parts from Volvo would be less than $150 and the job can be done in 1.5h if the mechanic knows how to replace the belt without removing the crank pulley.

These are comfortable and solid cars. The T5 is not particularly frugal.

As for the C70, it is not the same as the S60. The C70 it is built on the S40 platform, the 'smaller' Volvo. Actually, the S40 is a Ford platform, and from reading on forums it seems to have quite more problems as compared with his older sibling the S60. In my opinion, the S60, S80, XC70 and XC90 are the models that truly represent the brand in terms of quality of the components.

I had no idea the C70 was a Ford platform car! I almost ordered one several years back before it was discontinued. I just felt my S80 drove better and better seating. I sure wish I could order a new my model S80 or a similar power plant and appointments ie real keys, no drive-e autostart.

Economy I could care less about, service needed like the belt is no problem. You made my mind up, I will buy the S60. I was worried that might be one of those engines with the oil problems I have read on here about. June

Post by **oragex** » 19 Dec 2017, 20:43

The oil problem is the PCV. But it should not be a concern before 50K miles and synth oil helps. The S80 had the best seats, unsurpassed and the best for tall guys as well. The rolling couch!

Post by **mrbrian200** » 19 Dec 2017, 23:23

One owner S60 @ 10Y, garage kept, southern climate, dealer serviced, 30k miles, for something around or under $10k. Hell yeah.

Post by **Rattnalle** » 20 Dec 2017, 01:04

mrbrian200 wrote: ↑19 Dec 2017, 23:23 One owner S60 @ 10Y, garage kept, southern climate, dealer serviced, 30k miles, for something around or under $10k. Hell yeah.

Shame to buy such a car to mostly keep it parked outside somewhere it'll get dinged and scratched though. Better it go to someone who will care more for it and keep it in good shape.

But as for reliability it will in general be the same or slightly better than June's S80 since it's newer and more kinks will have been worked out for each model year.

Post by **June** » 20 Dec 2017, 05:02

Rattnalle wrote: ↑20 Dec 2017, 01:04
mrbrian200 wrote: ↑19 Dec 2017, 23:23 One owner S60 @ 10Y, garage kept, southern climate, dealer serviced, 30k miles, for something around or under $10k. Hell yeah.
Shame to buy such a car to mostly keep it parked outside somewhere it'll get dinged and scratched though. Better it go to someone who will care more for it and keep it in good shape.

But as for reliability it will in general be the same or slightly better than June's S80 since it's newer and more kinks will have been worked out for each model year.

I know how Michelle will treat the car. It's the other students and possible drunk driving through the lot hitting cars. Michelle will have no excuse for not keeping her car as perfectly as I have taught her by example her whole life. We pay for everything she needs without question therefore she will have no excuse for the car to be dirty, in need of any service, or even not repairing a lot dent. So fear not for the little S60 as I will expect it to be kept in immaculate condition OR ELSE!

My big concern is for her safety. Crash worthiness is fine, I mean being stuck on the highway with a dead car putting her in danger. Or can it run fast in a emergency like a person is trying to get her or such. June

Post by **abscate** » 20 Dec 2017, 05:31

All of my ladies had to graduate from the Bittenbinder 'Tough Target' school before mission real world launch. Well, all of them except Caitlin. That's because she is 6 foot and 180 pounds of lean defender muscle and can snap my back like a twig.

It's a really really bad financial time to buy a new car. Autonomous cars are about to change the landscape and car models completely. Buy good used, maintain, and you won't take the hit.

There is nothing quite as rewarding as watching a young eagle lady fly. Second best six things in my life

June,..don't forget to use the Amazon link above .....then search for this

https://www.amazon.com/Tough-Target-Str ... 0788169092

Post by **June** » 20 Dec 2017, 06:44

abscate wrote: ↑20 Dec 2017, 05:31 All of my ladies had to graduate from the Bittenbinder 'Tough Target' school before mission real world launch. Well, all of them except Caitlin. That's because she is 6 foot and 180 pounds of lean defender muscle and can snap my back like a twig.

It's a really really bad financial time to buy a new car. Autonomous cars are about to change the landscape and car models completely. Buy good used, maintain, and you won't take the hit.

There is nothing quite as rewarding as watching a young eagle lady fly. Second best six things in my life

June,..don't forget to use the Amazon link above .....then search for this

https://www.amazon.com/Tough-Target-Str ... 0788169092

Actually both my children are out of the nest. She is about to complete her first year, he is about to graduate. Next semester she will have classes off campus at the hospital and will have to drive. I have been driving every Holliday two round trips to bring her home than take her back. She will be driving on the highway alone to come home and of course I am going to worry. That Saturday night movie back in the 70s where the truck targeted the underpowered red car has always played a role in the cars I have chosen.

I put a deposit and we are going to give her the car for Christmas. It is not ready for sale yet, some sort of 72 hour hold before it can be sold and of course safety inspected they insist on doing. June