Stick with P2 or move up to P3... opinions?

[sanfelice]

The real reason is to get a P3 with the collision avoidance, but I do wonder about the 3.2 engines (don't think I am going for a T6, trying to reduce maintenance across the fleet).

I am looking at the earlier versions, 2008 to 2011 for cost reasons. Seems that there are already many high mileage examples of the 3.2 engine out there, so that is somewhat reassuring in terms of durability. Any opinions on these motors and the models? Or about the collision avoidance system ?

[oragex]

There were some transmission issues. Just for a reading at the very bottom of the page (replace the year at the end) https://www.vehiclehistory.com/volvo/s60/2012

Clearly P3 is a safer car and more modern. The advantage of a P2 in good shape is that when properly looked after, these cars will just keep going. The P2 was perhaps a car Volvo built to a cost and overall quality that will never be matched again. If you look under the P3 you will notice suspension arms and surely other parts have no longer the alloy quality present in P2 models.

[JRL]

Also ENGINE issues.
I can't tell you how many early 3.2s are being rebuilt at my dealer!
Oil burners at best, piston/ring failure at worst.

Besides that 08-10s are not so great in general
2011s and newer are MUCH better in a lot of areas

[oragex]

As JRL mentions, if I'm not wrong, was is caused by a faulty PCV system design? Bmw, Audi and perhaps other car makers had this issue of a shared PCV design in 2010+ cars that caused the engines to suddenly drink amounts of oil. Bmw and Audi were prompt to recall/test all cars and replace when needed the PCV along with rings and pistons.

[sanfelice]

I thought the oil burners were the more recent 2011+ models, as they used a friction coating on those engines not present in the earlier versions?

Around here, I am seeing 200k+ miles on the 3.2 (mostly early versions)

[Georgeandkira]

I have posted this before so I must say I AM NOT shilling this car for anyone.

There's a 2008 w/46,000 miles for sale near me. It's medium blue, AWD non-turbo. Straight looking car.

It is said to have been the property of a lady who died. The gas station owner who has it has not registered it so it has no plates. There is something called "title jumping" where a buyer would take the dead lady's title to their own states DMV.
I do not think that is illegal but I do not know

Its inspection has expired. It started right up and sounds good is all I can say.

He wants something like $10,500. It's in Northern New Jersey. PM me and I'll give you all the details I can.

[JRL]

Of course it's illegal.
Who's going to sign the title in front of a notary?

[mrbrian200]

The P2 was perhaps a car Volvo built to a cost and overall quality that will never be matched again.

Perhaps.

P3's (Ford EUCD platform) probably won't go down in history as the 'most desirable' Volvos ever made.

But then again, Perhaps not:

As production volume increases with new assembly plants coming online in the next few years I'm not so sure. Volvo/Greely seems to have set their goal with the SPA/CMAs is to match or exceed P2 overall quality. Development and investment costs will offset with higher production numbers + market presence. We can't rule out the possibility that Volvo might drop the price. It would amount to one hell of a sales/market strategy: in the right place and the right time to take over Buick/Cadillac market share as GMs demise seems inevitable sooner or later. Probably sooner. Remember in '08 we were afraid of further shock to the economy from both GM and Chrysler dissolving at the same time, as well as the contract/supply chains employing hundreds of thousands collapsing. If it's only GM next time - with their sales shifting mostly to other domestically produced foreign badge vehicles, Chrysler, and Ford.. keeping those suppliers happy... we'll probably just let GM go.

That's all highly speculative. Yes I'm aware.