01-05 S60 - To Turbo or Not Turbo?

mikeamondo · Post by **mikeamondo** » 06 Jun 2014, 10:27

Looking for opinions here.... looks like I'm closer to buying an S60, manual transmission. Not concerned with the AWD, but wondering if I really need the Turbo model. I'm not a lead foot, but I don't mind some ooomf when I push the pedal. Mainly been a Subaru driver or a TownCar Captian ('cause it's a boat....) ... so I'm wondering how the 2.4 5 cylinders feel without the turbo. Will it feel like a Legacy... adequate at best, but don't expect much.... or would does it have a decent punch in the seat of the pants? I'm holding out for a 5 speed with leather, under 120k miles and under $7k... way under if possible.

Thoughts? Opinions?
Thanks!.... I've never driven one these!

Post by **JDS60R** » 06 Jun 2014, 10:58

Please consider and 03-04 (good trans/good throttle body/glass headlamps/no 05 canbus issues) .

The NA is stout but it is nothing like the turbo. I think the turbo is much more fun. The NA feels like a strong NA but the turbo really puts a smile on your face. The turbo will feel lighter and about 30% more powerful (in my opinion as torque comes on so much sooner in the turbo.)

This is just my opinion - other will chime in.

Post by **JRL** » 06 Jun 2014, 12:09

2.4 NA is "OK" around town but that's about it (in a 5 speed manual)... with an automatic, it's a dog!
Better off buying a 2.5T automatic for all around driving

Post by **marshallh** » 06 Jun 2014, 13:12

I drive a 2.5T auto wagon, and I'm glad I got that one. It is a pleasure to drive and can get out of its own way. If you are a very calm, relaxed and slow driver, you could be fine with a 2.4 NA. My pissed-off teenage years aren't too far behind me so I appreciate the extra oomph.

mikeamondo · Post by **mikeamondo** » 06 Jun 2014, 18:46

Well said, friends! Thanks for the input... if others have more to say, please chime in!

I would not say I'm a 'relaxed slow' driver. I live in West Virginia and drive up a mountain or two every day. I don't want to bog down on the hills... so right now, I'm thinking the T is the way to go.

...Are there trans. issues in the 01s and 02s with the manual tranny? I know the autos were problematic. And what's a canbus? I read it as cannabis the first time....

No cannabis issues... well that's good. Glass headlamps... that's good to know! The 03/04s tend to make it into the budget easier that the 05s and up anyway.

Post by **abscate** » 06 Jun 2014, 21:37

Manual trans fine on the 2001-2002 models. I think Volvo manual trans and clutches are some of the best built in the business.

Post by **JDS60R** » 06 Jun 2014, 23:24

A canbus is how young cans get to school everyday.

Just kidding.
It is the way in which the main computers speak to the little actuators that make things work in your car. 03/04 has canbus but by 04 all the issues were sorted out ( 03 wasn't bad). But in 05 they put in a faster canbus(2x) but used the actuators from the 04's. The 04 actuators sometimes had problems speaking to the canbus so they upgraded them and lots got replaced/upgraded under warranty. Problem is that without knowing all of the actuators (peripherals) are communicating through the canbus you may be in for some expense. Look at an 05 on VIDA before you buy it.

Post by **abscate** » 07 Jun 2014, 04:39

If red lights are flashing, don't pass the canbus.

mikeamondo · Post by **mikeamondo** » 07 Jun 2014, 05:04

So... If I managed to find a turbo 5 speed or (6 speed R model) from 01-04,... or an 05 in which the Canbus issues had been addressed with upgraded actuators throughout.... those would be fairly similar in reliability, performance and pain-in-the-assness?

...@JDS60R -- I like the comment about the turbo putting a smile on your face. I had a supercharged mid 90's Bonneville .... the regular 3.8 Bonnie was pretty quick... but when you kicked in that supercharger.... yeah, baby.

Looking forward to joining the Volvo family....