2002 S60 118k $2500 - Should I buy?

robburrito15 · Post by **robburrito15** » 25 Nov 2015, 07:25

http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/cto/5314812258.html

This car is for sale by owner and I'm driving out to see it with my father this weekend. From the craigslist photos it looks like it's in decent shape and has been with the same owner for the last 8 years. I'm currently in a 97 Corolla that's giving me a lot of trouble on cold/wet mornings. Mechanics couldn't figure it out last winter, and I can't afford an auto loan.

What am I getting myself into with this car? Any questions to ask the owner if all service records aren't available? Any work that should have been done by this mileage? There's an 03 S60 in my family that my sister drives, but I have read that there's a difference between the 01-02s and 03-05s. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Post by **cvergi01** » 25 Nov 2015, 08:55

I was in the same boat not too long ago. Word on the street is that almost every single 2001-2002 S60/S80 had major transmission issues. The mileage on the car isn't too bad, but everything should have been done fairly recently. Just make sure to check all of the maintenance parts (serpentine belt, pcv system, air filter) and the fluids to see if they look good and don't smell burnt.

Personally, I can do a lot of maintenance on my car, but don't have a lift, the desire, or the money to do a transmission swap on a whim. It wasn't worth the risk for me and I went with a 2000 V70XC and put the money I saved into go-fast parts! I still think them sedans look sexy though and wonder what my life woulda been like with one.

Post by **oragex** » 25 Nov 2015, 13:02

People accepting trades might mean they don't keep cars for long, so perhaps not the best situation.

To check the transmission, the car must be driven at least 10 minutes, perhaps ask the seller to come to a meeting point.

Check papers for throttle body repair or skip on it.

Drivers seat looks worn, might not feel too comfortable.

Post by **vtl** » 26 Nov 2015, 11:24

It is a supercomfortable car. But the age will ask for a lot of small and large repairs here and there.

Post by **cvergi01** » 26 Nov 2015, 18:30

Posting was deleted. Did you pick it up?

robburrito15 · Post by **robburrito15** » 27 Nov 2015, 10:33

No. Must have sold. It seems like '03 would be a better year to buy.