Best pre-owned Volvo models to buy

wildzontar · Post by **wildzontar** » 22 Oct 2013, 12:01

I recently graduated from college and am starting my first job. Current vehicle is a 2001 S80 handed down from my parents. It's at 210,000 miles however I don't know how long it has left in it because of engine oil problems (separate thread).

So if I can't really figure it out, I'd like to stick with this make and find out what a good year/model combination is. My budget for a pre-owned, used vehicle is about $15k, up to $20k for wagons which I'm also considering. My primary concern is reliability and safety which seems pretty consistent across the board with volvo. Age doesn't matter. What model years and models would you personally recommend to someone in my position?

Post by **matthew1** » 22 Oct 2013, 15:11

2008+ (P3 Volvos)

I drove a 3-ish year old XC60 for a day yesterday, and it was a nice solid crossover. Blind spot warning, smart turn signals, keyless entry w/ engine start/stop button. Quiet. Bluetooth phone integration. Collision warning beeps for parking (bumper distance from objects like other parked cars). Wonderful telescoping steering wheel. It comes out to me much better than my 850 or my old 2004 V70 R. I'm tall so I move the seat back. Having the steering wheel come out to my hands is important.

Coming back to my 850 last night, it felt like I'd warped back in time before computers (which, let's be honest, I did).

The XC60 had some rough edges, namely the transmission. It sometimes felt lost regarding which gear to be in.

Post by **jblackburn** » 01 Nov 2013, 10:28

It sometimes felt lost regarding which gear to be in.

This seems like every 5/6-speed auto these days. They're programmed for fuel economy and aggressively upshift to the top gear as soon as possible, making it seem to HATE the engine they're attached to.

I really, really like the XC60 myself. The later-model S60's aren't half bad either, but the 2007-2009 ones are a very dated design.

If you care about MPG, avoid the 3.2 I6 engines. They're very punishing on gas, but pretty decent for power and reliable.

Post by **precopster** » 01 Nov 2013, 14:37

They seem to be selling the S60 post 2009 here in Oz with a turbo 4. Is this combo (132KW and 230Nm Torque) available in the USA? That's a decent power output and would be very economical.

There's talk at Volvo of a phase-out of the inline 5 cylinder mill which will be a loss to 5 cylinder enthusiasts but inevitable I guess with growing fuel concerns.

+1 on the XC60 appraisal these cars are techno and safety packed and so versatile with AWD and better ground clearance than sedans.

Post by **matthew1** » 01 Nov 2013, 15:03

Yea no 4-cyl XC60s here. Or diesel.

Post by **precopster** » 02 Nov 2013, 15:08

I can understand why there's no 4 cylinder XC60s due to the extra weight but are there 4 cylinder S60s?

Post by **matthew1** » 02 Nov 2013, 15:25

No. 4-cyl were only issued in the 40-series Volvos here in the States. Barring those, you have to go back to Volvo's RWD era to find 4 pots.

Post by **jblackburn** » 02 Nov 2013, 17:00

precopster wrote:I can understand why there's no 4 cylinder XC60s due to the extra weight but are there 4 cylinder S60s?

I wish. I woulda considered one if there were.

Volvo's new 4-cyl "T5/T6" engines (coming soon!) sound fantastic though. Well, I'm sure they don't make pretty noises, but they'll be nice on your wallet at the pump.

Post by **matthew1** » 02 Nov 2013, 17:05

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/201 ... ive-review