2002 s60 - My first "I care about my car" car

crflammang · Post by **crflammang** » 02 May 2015, 16:08

I've driven mostly junkers for the past 4 years. I recently got a new job and bought a used 2002 s60. This is the first car I've had where I actively want to put time and energy into taking care of it, repairing it, and getting the most out of it.

However, I've never done much routine maintenance before, and the initial learning curve is daunting. I've got the owner's manual and a few free weekends ahead of me. The dealership is getting the car ready now.

Car History: The car seems to run great. It's wheels and breaks look brand new. I don't know much about cars but it looks to be in great conidition. 129000 miles. It had 2 problems with it: A gas leak (The dealership said it was the fuel pump, and they're getting it ready now), and the drivers side seat wouldn't move (The electronics weren't working to adjust the seat).

Keeping in mind that I'm very prone to be intimidated by information overload when it comes to cars:

1. What kind of maintenance should I do to get the most out of the car, and make sure it's running in top shape?

2. How would you recommend go about learning how to do that stuff, considering how daunting it seems to be.

3. Any advice you can give me on owning the car? Tips or recommendations for getting the most out of it?

Thanks

Post by **GBS** » 03 May 2015, 09:47

Congrats on an 02 P2! I was in the same situation a few years ago, not knowing a thing about cars. We've had our 02 V70 since new and had put 160k on her when the repair bill was in the 2500-3000 range so I decided to start doing my own work. I started with oil changes, did that for a while until I moved on to front shocks/control arms from then on it's just learning curve with fun highs and and not so fun lows, but dont give up.

Taking it slow and being well prepared by reading/asking questions is highly recommended. Also get a proper set of tools, after breaking just about every cheapo tool from Harbor Freight I now spend the extra $$ and get something that won't break.

I'd start with doing your own regular maintenance, changing oil and air filters (cabin and intake) are all quite simple things to do and get you used to wrenching, almost without any tools but a ramp (recommended). At 129 it should have the timing belt replaced and major services so thats good, not to worry, as a brewing home mechanic you'll start finding things to fix on a 13 year old car so the challenge is to know when to let a pro handle it.

This forum is full of experienced Volvo owners and probably seen just about any issue you might run into and everyone is very friendly and happy to share their experiences. My recommendation is to start doing your own work on it and don't cheap out (too much) on parts and tools. Also check back in the forum regularly, often things come up that you've not considered before, in my case replacing a bulb in the climate control... I was going to live with it but instructions were clear and in 20 minutes I had it sorted.

Congrats on the S60!

Post by **cuhfs** » 03 May 2015, 13:35

I try to "go for it" and stretch my ability. Worst case scenario (in my opinion) is usually a trip to a real mechanic to fix what I can't fix or to fix what I break. Oil and air filters were always no biggie for me but then I started with brakes maybe 5+ years ago, then extended my reach to other maintenance, suspension, relays, and so on... then took the plunge onto timing belts, and now am going to attempt an engine swap.
watch videos, read the forum, go slow, take pictures and get ready to have cut and bruised hands / knuckles. And since its your first "care about my car car"... don't forget to name your car... no better way to make it part of your life

zoli_m13 · Post by **zoli_m13** » 03 May 2015, 21:10

Welcome in the Club DIY- you will have a lot of fun and new friends, I'm sure!

READ A LOT, before you start any change in your new baby! Sometimes removal is much easier like putting everything back properly...

Use the Net and Google finding typical VOLVO maintenance topics, issues and weak points of your car.

Proposed to create an Excel sheet for planning the maintenance budget and be prepared for spending sometime(s) higher amount of money for good quality and expensive spareparts - if it's really needed.

A VOLVO mechanics or only a realible indy could be also necessary.