My '13 S60 T5 AWD is dead, long live ?

[s2zeller]

So, a 3-month old set of Nokian WR G4 tires, anti-lock brakes, AWD, a new battery (purchased less than an hour before) could not save me from the black-iced path leading me to a light pole. The anti-locks quit after about a 1/2 second, and the pole's nearest brethren were at least 30 yards on either side.

Fortunately, I was in a Volvo and the impact felt less than had I braked hard (so not surprising that the airbags didn't deploy).

The first estimator said it was repairable. He guessed the job would be near blue book... that without popping the hood to see the damage there. Yesterday, the news came down that I need to look for a new car.

I really liked the car, so I've been looking at some used S60s (but not V60s... is that a mistake?). Mine was a Premier Plus with Climate and BLIS. In the PP package, the things I liked the most are the park assist and the active dual-xenon headlights (looks like I need to get the Platinum level on newer models).

The first one that caught my eye is a 2013 S60 T6 with Polestar upgrade (I'm assuming it's just the upgrade) and Climate/BLIS. It appears to be the base model (I'm asking for confirmation), has 55k on it (the one I lost was at 59k) and a $18k price tag. This appeals to me for the lower price and kick-ass performance. though the lower cost may get eaten up by using premium fuel and speeding tickets and likely insurance. I also realize the Premier Plus goodies won't be there.

I've also seen online (all have clean CarFax, Climate/BLIS, and 5-cylinder):

• 2 certified 2016 S60 T5 Cross Country Platinum having 25k-30k miles for around $26k

• certified 2016 S60 T5 Inscription Platinum with 15k for $26k

The last Volvo I had was still running with 300k miles when it was rear-ended and totaled. So, with that in mind, a car purchase wasn't even on the radar.

That said, I also don't want to be penny-wise and pound-foolish

So, any opinions welcome.

[abscate]

A 1993 S60?

[s2zeller]

Yes, what I totaled, and the T6 w/polestar that I was looking at.

If I like a car, I tend to look first for an almost direct replacement. A '91 Jetta I lost in 2013 was (from a driveability standpoint) was superior to any other VW at the time (unless I wanted a GLI/GTI/R) so I briefly looked for one of those (until the Mrs. asked if I was crazy for the 5th time). Ditto for a '96 850 GLT wagon lost in 2017.

Since posting, a brother talked me out of the T6/polestar... largely because it would need premium and given my previous track record with speeding tickets. However, coming from the same family, he saw the appear of having a known quantity and it being less expensive upfront.

So, I will probably be taking a a couple-hour drive this coming weekend to look at those other 3, unless something comes up closer in the interim. I am also going to test drive one or more used Cadillac ATS since they are less expensive for a similar feature set. I love Volvos, but I'm in need of a car (the rental Corolla has convinced me I don't want a Corolla... and I don't need further convincing) and the dearth of affordable candidates is making me think about alternatives (which - admittedly - aren't many since I like the S60 quite a lot).

[matthew1]

You mean you had a 2003 S60.

Whatever the case, 18k sounds high. Now is the time to be a buyer. It’s a buyers market. If you don’t settle at 20% off sticker, you’re not taking advantage of the environment. There are lots of cars on lots of lots currently.

[s2zeller]

OK... I apparently am quite dysnumeric

2013 S60 T5 PP is what I had.

There aren't a lot of Volvo dealerships around this part of Wisconsin, and less stock for S60s at the Platinum level. So, it is not looking like a buyer's market here. Northern Illinois on the other hand, seems to have a better supply.

I'm going to try the ATS, but the premium fuel requirement for the 2.0 (the 3.6 doesn't seem to come in AWD... need to do more research) is probably a deal-killer even though the car is cheaper (same argument as for the T6/polestar).