Thinking of buying a 05 S60 2.5t

Volvodummy · Post by **Volvodummy** » 12 Feb 2017, 07:37

Hello again. My 05 V70 is dead with a bad motor at 315k. I saw a 05 S60 turbo automatic with 100k for $2900. This would be the second Volvo for me if I buy this car. What are the things I should check for before buying? Common issues with this model? I was going to just buy a Hyundai as my experience with them has always been good. My regular mechanic seems to think Volvo is not a good car (repairs cost?) but I have had other mechanics say they are the best. So I do have a local that is reasonable and trustworthy. How long could I expect to drive this car? Thanks!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 12 Feb 2017, 10:04

Change the timing belt and tensioner as soon as you get it if you're going to get it. Otherwise, it should be the same as your V70. Struts, shocks, brakes, transmission fluid, etc. Btw, my opinion is the 2.5T engine is the best that Volvo made.

hu5ker555 · Post by **hu5ker555** » 12 Feb 2017, 10:09

I've had a 2005 S60 2.5T, my son has a 2005 S80 2.5T, and I now have a 2008 S60 2.5T. In my opinion, these autos are the best kept secret in the industry. Although the 2.5T offers plenty of power, I think my next one will be a T5 if I can find one.

Post by **matthew1** » 12 Feb 2017, 10:47

Volvo's 5-cylinder engine was used from 1992 until within the last year. As far as I've read, the last car getting it was the S60 and now all new Volvos (for the N American market) get the Drive E 4-cylinder.

I've said for many years here that this 5-cyl will go down in history as one of mankind's most durable passenger car engines, along with the likes of the Dodge 318 V8, Slant Six, a few GM V8s, Ford's 302, VW air-cooled 4-cyl., etc. Probably the Porsche (which helped Volvo design this 5-cyl all those years ago) flat 6.

Post by **oragex** » 12 Feb 2017, 21:11

I'll let others chime in, but to me $3000 seems suspicious for a 2005 with 100k. Is the title clear? Triple check transmission shifting at hot. You want this turbo engine to have bath only in synthetic oil preferably. I've heard of a few very hard to point 2005 and up electrical issues, check the repair history for recurring electrical repairs. Other than that, at 100k it's time for front suspension, tb as mentioned, all 4 shock absorbers, a transmission fluid change and a PCV job with some luck. IF it has clearly maintained and repaired by a Volvo dealer, it may be a good purchase. But neglected, these cars can drain your pocket fast. Also, the way to keep it running is purchasing parts online from recommended brands and have them installed by your mechanic. To keep a good mental balance, main dealer visits are to be avoided.

Post by **vtl** » 13 Feb 2017, 08:24

matthew1 wrote:Volvo's 5-cylinder engine was used from 1992 until within the last year. As far as I've read, the last car getting it was the S60 and now all new Volvos (for the N American market) get the Drive E 4-cylinder.

Our 2016 XC60 T5 has ye olde B5254T12. It's confusing that you could get same year T5 with Drive-E, but I hunted own down on a dealer's lot with the indestructible 5 cylinder.

They only downside it's direct injection (intake valves gets dirty, oil wears out quicker) and piston rings are less tight for the fuel economy matter.

Volvodummy · Post by **Volvodummy** » 14 Feb 2017, 04:27

Picking up the S60 Thursday from seller and taking to a indy shop with great reviews that works only on Volvo cars. If the inspection is good and maintenance records are good I will buy..... BUT WAIT! I just found a 2005 V70 on CL this morning with 86k for $3950. One owner, looks great in and out. Same model as my poor dead baby. Now I am excited! Which car is better? V70 or S60?

Post by **mrbrian200** » 14 Feb 2017, 12:14

Prices look low for both vehicles. I wouldn't let my '06 S60 go for anything less than $7k (it's -not- for sale

). Unless there's obvious cosmetic damage to account for the low low price be very careful. Your specialist indie Volvo mech might get to the bottom of it.

Post by **F250** » 14 Feb 2017, 16:34

Good and bad. My daughter picked up a '07 S60 2.5T for $5200 with 165K miles on it just this past June (2016). The body, paint, and interior were near mint condition.

At this point, though, she has already put an ADDITIONAL $4400 in it, and all of that except the labor portion of a $400 front brake job was ONLY parts prices with me doing all the labor for her. Her parts needs (thus far) include the following.... complete PCV system replacement, timing belt & pulleys, intake and exhaust CVVT hubs, water pump, drive belt idler, drive belt, thermostat housing & stat, upper & lower radiator hoses, fuel filter, spark plugs & wires, intake manifold cleaning, TB cleaning, oil pan drop/clean/re-seal, oil & filter change, oil fill cap seal, coolant system flush, transmission flush, air filter, cabin filter, battery, lower control arms (both sides), ball joints (both sides), inner & outer tie-rods (both sides), front sway bar drop links (both sides), and 4 new tires. In addition, we already know that the turbo needs either a new CHRA center cartridge or rebuild, both front struts need replacing as one is leaking, and both back shocks and sway bar drop links need replacing. I'm not sure how much life is left in the CV joints, either, but they are fine for now.

I'll also admit this... some of the above was proactive replacement just because of either being high mileage components or of unknown mileage. However, the PCV system, timing belt, water pump, CVVT hubs, fuel filter, battery, drive belt & idler were absolutely necessary. Even though the front suspension components were not yet loose or making noises, they were all right at the end of their life with cracked bushings (or almost no grease with almost floppy movement), and they were not going to last much longer. The car was simply at the point where these items all landed together in a perfect storm for my daughter, and she simply could not have afforded to pay for the work had I not been able to do it for her.

Post by **oragex** » 14 Feb 2017, 17:43

F250 wrote:Good and bad. My daughter picked up a '07 S60 2.5T for $5200 with 165K miles on it just this past June (2016). The body, paint, and interior were near mint condition.

At this point, though, she has already put an ADDITIONAL $4400 in it, and all of that except the labor portion of a $400 front brake job was ONLY parts prices with me doing all the labor for her. Her parts needs (thus far) include the following.... complete PCV system replacement, timing belt & pulleys, intake and exhaust CVVT hubs, water pump, drive belt idler, drive belt, thermostat housing & stat, upper & lower radiator hoses, fuel filter, spark plugs & wires, intake manifold cleaning, TB cleaning, oil pan drop/clean/re-seal, oil & filter change, oil fill cap seal, coolant system flush, transmission flush, air filter, cabin filter, battery, lower control arms (both sides), ball joints (both sides), inner & outer tie-rods (both sides), front sway bar drop links (both sides), and 4 new tires. In addition, we already know that the turbo needs either a new CHRA center cartridge or rebuild, both front struts need replacing as one is leaking, and both back shocks and sway bar drop links need replacing. I'm not sure how much life is left in the CV joints, either, but they are fine for now.

I'll also admit this... some of the above was proactive replacement just because of either being high mileage components or of unknown mileage. However, the PCV system, timing belt, water pump, CVVT hubs, fuel filter, battery, drive belt & idler were absolutely necessary. Even though the front suspension components were not yet loose or making noises, they were all right at the end of their life with cracked bushings (or almost no grease with almost floppy movement), and they were not going to last much longer. The car was simply at the point where these items all landed together in a perfect storm for my daughter, and she simply could not have afforded to pay for the work had I not been able to do it for her.

The controls arms are well known to fail, but not so with the ball joints or all tie rods. Same for the water pump, almost no one changes it with the first timing belt. Hopefully she put the correct brands for all replacement parts, or she will be back soon (12mths) for the same job. Hopefully at least the water pump was a Volvo or Aisin part.

As for the turbo itself, it is extremelly rare to fail, so perhaps she bought a bad car, with neglected oil changes (clogged PCV) and damaged turbo as a consequence. I would say, get rid of it or at least use used parts - for the turbo for example - to fix it.

Then there are the a/c compressor and alternator pulleys which will fail anytime soon, if not already been replaced. Top mount struts and spring seats are surely shot by now as well.

All in all, most all repairs you mention will need be done sooner or later with the exception of the turbo and - when not neglected the oil pan drop (the PCV most probably needs replaced)

It is a comprehensive list to print and bring upon a purchase inspection: if a car has had most of these repairs already done, with original Volvo parts, it may be one of the best purchases out there.