Looking for S60R

whites70 · Post by **whites70** » 13 Oct 2015, 08:34

Hey guys. Been a long time Volvo owner on and off. But, I always end up back at Volvo, owned 4 to be exact. But, I just bought the wife a 2010 s40 and she loves it. And after going Benz and Bimmer this is def home. So I'm looking for an 2004 s60r for myself. Anything I should be looking for or any known problems with these things I should be concerned about. It's going to be a daily and see a lot of miles 15k or so a year. I want something sporty to drive around town but the other euro brands are far to touchy for me. Any suggestions?

Post by **matthew1** » 13 Oct 2015, 08:54

There's no voodoo to these like other Volvo model ranges. Like any car, look for low miles, maintenance records, and few owners. Timing belt, fluid changes, garaged, etc.

I'm seeing many P2 R cars on Craigslist that have been kid owned. This line has come down in price into that range that 18-25 year olds can afford. I'd steer clear of any car with painted black or dipped black wheels.

whites70 · Post by **whites70** » 13 Oct 2015, 10:02

Gotcha. Sounds basic. As in reading, I'm learning these cars aren't as crazy as you would expect from say an M class or AMG how everything gets complex and crazy expensive.

whites70 · Post by **whites70** » 13 Oct 2015, 16:15

How do thesee things respond to blown head gaskets? Would you just swap in another motor?

Post by **matthew1** » 13 Oct 2015, 21:00

Like any other 5-cyl Volvo. Either another R engine or fix the head. There are dozens of great posts here on that same decision tree/outcome.

I'd go with a manual transmission R. The autos had a torque reduction, to roughly 250 lb-ft, vs. 300 lb-ft for manuals. HP was the same.

whites70 · Post by **whites70** » 14 Oct 2015, 11:28

Im going for more of a daily than a weekend warrior. I just want something peppy and fun. Also Im seeing complete motors for about half the cost of a head job but I guess it'll balance out with labor unless I swap it in myself.....my question however is I found quite a few articles regarding blown headgaskets, are s60's prone to blowing head gaskets or a people just not maintaining their coolant systems?

Post by **matthew1** » 14 Oct 2015, 12:32

Oh it's certainly a case of people driving while the temp gauge is in the red.

And those are cases of neglecting coolant leaks, not topping up, etc.

These warped heads are not black magic that just happens to the innocent.

Having said that, I will say 90% of drivers just don't know how cars work, and don't know that the temp needle in the red means STOP NOW. YES, NOW.

And 100% of "Jiffy Lube" places don't know or care to help owners understand that "your Volvo was very low on coolant" means "if you don't pay attention to this particular problem, your car will be effectively destroyed."

Post by **matthew1** » 14 Oct 2015, 12:33

This topic was in the S40/V40 forum. Moving it.

whites70 · Post by **whites70** » 14 Oct 2015, 12:54

My apologies, I was on the mobile app and mustve mis read or mis clicked, thanks

Post by **JRL** » 15 Oct 2015, 19:14

If you're in the red, it's already too late!
Monitor the cooling system weekly and it won't happen.
Cracked sleeves, now that's another thing!