Decisions deccisions S60 R?

deviantwagon · Post by **deviantwagon** » 08 Apr 2010, 14:12

Here it is. I have the rare opportunity to get a garage queen for weekend use only. I have found two that are in my range. I currently own a Volvo XC70 SE AWD turbo and love it as the family car... as well it performs great for a wagon! I have owned vettes in the past so there is a piece of my heart in American Muscle. The two choices before me:

2002 Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am, LS1 V8, 6 speed 46K miles ( last year for the TA...ever!)
or
2004 Volvo S60 R, auto, 68K miles (one owner, clean title, history...nice car)

HELP! all you SR owners out there. How long do they really last. A few simple mods and the R should keep up with no problem?

Thanks,

Mark

Post by **JRL** » 08 Apr 2010, 14:50

Longer than that POS Firefird will last, I will guarantee you that and besides,
you like rattles?
Firebirds (and Camaro) were one of the worst made cars ever, it will rattle you (and it) to death

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 08 Apr 2010, 17:58

I have a 2004 S60R and it is the funnest car I have ever had. I have an autotech/elevate tune and a 3" DP sitting on the floor waiting to be installed.

As long as you take care of the car, she will not let you down. I drive mine hard and she loves every minute of it.

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 09 Apr 2010, 06:41

Hello deviant, Go for the Volvo. The last year for the Trans Am is nothing more than a footnote. You'd be better off with Rockford's 1975 gold Firebird-it would generate happy conversation. The truely ugly American car industry did nothing but spit window dressing in our faces-and I swear, it pains me to be able to say that. American muscel cars have a beautifully styled history which ended in the early '70s. Resuscitated muscel car name plates are embarrassments. They make their owners look like indiscriminating consumers. The Sponge Bob generation can enjoy the new Camaro, but doesn't a grey haired guy look foolish in the "new Thunderbird"? It also pains me to think how Volvo (and Saab) abandoned their value conscious customers-but that's another story. An '02 Trans Am is only good for a NAPA calendar photo. Kira

jda2000 · Post by **jda2000** » 09 Apr 2010, 08:13

just to be a contrarian, buy american and go for the Trans AM

deviantwagon · Post by **deviantwagon** » 09 Apr 2010, 08:24

Thanks for the replies! I really do like them both and knew that posting such a question on a Volvo forum would give me SLIGHTLY biased opinions! A 1980 Volvo 240 DL four speed manual was my first car, handed down from my father. If a 16 year old boy can't kill a car then it is a Beast for sure and I loved that brick! The S60 R (the 2004 in particular) from what I have read on that 'other forum' is not the most reliable. They did say the GT (automatic) is better. I have bought lots of cars so I know the basic, generic stuff to look for; what S60 R type stuff should I beware? recalls?

Japedo · Post by **Japedo** » 09 Apr 2010, 08:28

Well I have had my mind made up for a couple years tht my next car is going to be a s60R, so IM saying buy the S60.

But people are being a bit hard on the firebird, it is a fun car. Just not in the same catergory as the S60.

If your rockin a mullet, and like burning rubber while cranking the ac-dc tunes!!!! Go fire bird!

I guess the S60 would be good for the same thing, lol just slip under the radar a little better.

My friend has a 79 firebird, 400 cubic inch engine 530HP naturally aspirated four wheel disc brakes etc.... Its beautiful...... BUt I am not a fan of the new ones either.

Id say the s60 would be funner to drive and easier on fuel.. safer, handle better, better resale cheaper insurance just to name a few, I can't wait to get one!

Good luck with either ride!

Post by **jblackburn** » 09 Apr 2010, 08:43

Ever driven a Saab Viggen? The things are little rockets, they put my 240 hp T5 to shame

I wasn't terribly impressed with the S60R's acceleration (they are HEAVY), but man, they can corner. It's more of a car you can drive every day and not just take out on weekends. And Volvo build quality/reliability is still far better than any GM car...and yes, I/we've owned a few.