S60 advice on whether to buy

[Craigd2599]

I found a nice 2002 S60 with 135000 miles. It's an AWD model in very nice shape. Owner says that it's using coolant. He said that every four days or so they have to top off the coolant tank because the warning light comes on. Doesn't run hot and doesn't smoke. Seems like low mileage to be using coolant or to have blown a HG but it is a turbo. I didn't think Volvo turbo models were notorious HG blowers. Car is in very nice shape. I've had four 850's one S80 and an S40. Anything to watch for on this car? For $1000 I think it might be worth the plunge

[Georgeandkira]

Inspect it yet? I don't remember if Volvo coolant leaves a "snowy" residue as some do. Then again, what has the owner been refreshing the coolant with?

Automatic trans.? Check the fluid's color and smell. Again, here is where I urge someone in your position to do a drain & fill. What's the big deal with draining 3.5 qts. of fluid? You'll get a good look at the stuff.

See if the bevel gear is lubed. Not too long ago "everybody" said you had to go to Volvo for their bevel gear fluid as no company made a substitute. Now I'm reading that any 80-90 gear lube will work.

Is the oil off-colored? It takes on a beige character if contaminated with coolant, no?

Private sale or dealership.

[Cookie-the-Swede]

Step 1: Buy it!
Step 2: Find and fix the leaky coolant hose yourself for less than $50.
Step 3: Enjoy owning one of the best cars ever made!

[Craigd2599]

George...it's a private seller. I
m going to see it this week. I had one 850 that had a pinhole in a HG and would use coolant sparingly and never smoked except when you started it after leaving it overnight.

[Craigd2599]

Cookie...I was thinking it's a leaking hose. The guy says it leaves no puddles but that doesn't mean anything

[mrbrian200]

If you can do moderate work yourself up to and including suspension work and things like switching out a used or rebuilt turbo I say go for it. If not, be careful. You don't want to end up spending more than ARV to fix it up, which for $1000 selling price gives you around $1500-2000 or so to work with. If you're paying a mechanic to work on it, it could easily go over that depending where the problem is. Also, if it's leaking coolant somewhere that the PO has merely been topping it off its probably 50/50 or better that it's been overheated at some point.

[abscate]

Is 2002 turbo the last year of the MM throttle body? Read up in that in its own “special” forum.

These cars will burn coolant of overheated so you need to sort that out by investigating that.

If you doyour own work, buy it.

If not, plan on 2k in repairs.

[hu5ker555]

Drive another one or two so you know how it "should feel". Then see how this one stacks up.
I've owned several S60 and S80 models. I can drive it and immediately know if it's a good one simply by feel. Then check the vitals.

[velorider]

Is 2002 turbo the last year of the MM throttle body? Read up in that in its own “special” forum.

These cars will burn coolant of overheated so you need to sort that out by investigating that.

If you doyour own work, buy it.

If not, plan on 2k in repairs.

I had an 02 2.4T that had a Bosch throttle body. I think by 02 the turbo's had Bosch while the non-turbo had MM.

[abscate]

Is 2002 turbo the last year of the MM throttle body? Read up in that in its own “special” forum.

These cars will burn coolant of overheated so you need to sort that out by investigating that.

If you doyour own work, buy it.

If not, plan on 2k in repairs.

I had an 02 2.4T that had a Bosch throttle body. I think by 02 the turbo's had Bosch while the non-turbo had MM.

Correct and posted in the ETM Room Forum here

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