Considering purchase - 2009 S60 T5

BackRoadSeeker · Post by **BackRoadSeeker** » 22 Jul 2019, 07:24

Hi everyone,

It's been a while since I've posted here. Had a 98 S70 T5 that I enjoyed for a bit, fixed up, and eventually sold because the P80 platform wasn't what I hoped for - too floppy and riddled with rattles, even for an old car. Gave up after my second dash pull for repairs...

So, anyways, I'm considering getting back into the Volvo game, with a 2009 S60 T5 this time. I've already got a refundable deposit on the car, so I can disclose that the car is at L&B Auto in Rustburg, VA - they're a big dealer/shop in my area that specializes in Volvos. Most are lightly damaged ones, but this one they just bought and fixed up mechanically. No crashes as far as I know.

Details:
- 95,XXX miles:
- Price: $6,450
- Recent work: timing belt, cam seals, PCV cleaning (not replacement), strut mounts, transmission flush, power steering flush, spark plugs, fuel filter, front control arm bushings and ball joints
- New York single owner car - don't think rust is an issue?
- Link to car: https://www.volvobylnb.com/2009-Volvo-S ... tails.aspx

The car is to my eye basically at stage 0, and drove 100%. I'm not as familiar with P2 cars (my mom had an 07 XC that went to 160k miles). I assume with this being a 2009, it should be good in most regards? The 5 speed auto shifted great, no vibrations. I'd plan on doing struts/shocks eventually, and some new tires.

Looking for some thoughts/feedback. Thanks!

Post by **oragex** » 22 Jul 2019, 08:09

I'll just check they used genuine or good parts, can look at the timing belt for being stamped Volvo or Continental (will have a large white rectangle on it). Just lift the front corner of the side cover

Also look at the control arm, see what brand they put in there - should be stamped on the metal part

I guess they've used aftermarket, but good to know if it's Lemforder, Sachs, etc so you don't have a surprise next year

Do a PCV test anyway -

If all checks fine, I think that would be a good buy, because that place seems to be quite serious about these cars (see reviews on local.google.com)

Rust is not a problem on these cars even in the rust belt, unless body panels are replaced with aftermarket ones. However, the exhaust center and rear hangers fail prematurely - look at the one supporting the rear muffler

BackRoadSeeker · Post by **BackRoadSeeker** » 22 Jul 2019, 08:35

Thanks - I'll check the brands for sure. I believe they're all OEM or genuine, as the part numbers and invoice they gave me for work done are all Volvo part numbers, but can't hurt to check.

Some things I remember from my P80 fun:
- Oil pan pickup seals: do P2 cars have these problems still? Or is it really accentuated by neglecting the PCV system with carbon build up?
- Heater core: was a dirt simple replacement on the P80, also a P2 issue or did they fix that?

I'm pretty excited because the P2 cars don't look a whole lot harder to work on than my S70.

Post by **mrbrian200** » 22 Jul 2019, 09:47

My '06 S60 has remained pretty quiet - the only interior rattle I can think that occasionally bothers me is after somebody rides in the passenger seat, then gets out. Sometimes the belt buckle will hang in just such a way that it bumps against the pillar trim while driving. Reorienting it makes what (didn't immediately figure out what it was first few times I heard it) sounds like suspension/control arm knocking go away. I've thought about gluing a black microfiber patch to the trim right where the buckle likes to bounce against it. I've also thought about lining the door pockets with something similar to keep hard objects that like to rattle around in there from making noise.
When the weather gets super cold/below 0F something in the dash behind the radio/climate controls in the center stack squeaks over bumps. It goes away after the inside of the car warms up a bit.

Post by **oragex** » 22 Jul 2019, 09:52

The pick up seals were solved somewhere after 2002, no longer an issue (unless the PCV is badly neglected and gets sludge inside the oil pan)
Heat core is simple to replace, but no longer has problems on the P2. I put a video with a check list for a P2, however a 2009 should be better with the transmission. May expect issues with the ABS unit, throttle body (later years may have had a few glitches). The P2 is infamous for the sunroof clogged drains even when the sunroof is never used. Good to look under the front right carpet and to clean the drains with a tube+garden hose

Edit just seen the post above. Right about the passenger front belt, always hangs and taps the trim. I had quite a few rattles, but usually these happen after we remove a plastic trim.

BackRoadSeeker · Post by **BackRoadSeeker** » 22 Jul 2019, 11:00

Yep, the car I drove seemed to be pretty rattle free. My mom's was also. The P80 on the other hand... well, that dash had me ready to drive the car a tree on several occasions. These P2 cars seem far better screwed together. I'd say even more so than the P3 (11-17) cars that followed!

Great link oragex with that video. The S60 did indeed have several of those issues, specifically the sunroof shade problem. Looks like an irritation but nothing too bad. Also there was an odd issue with the rear driver's side seat not wanting to latch after being put down. Didn't look very closely at it. I'd wash those sunroof drains at the same time as dealing with the sunshade.

Right now the only other car I'm considering is an Acura TL Type-S, 2007, with 133k miles. Granted, it's a good bit more money... and my heart is more in the Volvo.

Post by **jimmy57** » 22 Jul 2019, 13:06

Great car. The great hi pressure turbo engine and a year model where they give great service. Nicely equipped, active bending lights but no seat heaters. I'm no heated seat fan myself so that is nothing I'd miss. I recently sold a 2004 V70R with 250K and it has 265 k on it now, I service it still. It is rattle free.

BackRoadSeeker · Post by **BackRoadSeeker** » 23 Jul 2019, 06:32

Hah, the lack of heated seats was the one thing that gave my girlfriend something to complain about. Odd that it lacks that on such a loaded car, but I'm noticing many T5 models didn't get them...

Thanks for the advice everyone, I'll post back with whatever decision I decide to make!

Post by **abscate** » 23 Jul 2019, 06:34

Right now the only other car I'm considering is an Acura TL Type-S, 2007, with 133k miles

That’s a very expensive Honda.

BackRoadSeeker · Post by **BackRoadSeeker** » 23 Jul 2019, 07:30

abscate wrote: ↑23 Jul 2019, 06:34
Right now the only other car I'm considering is an Acura TL Type-S, 2007, with 133k miles
That’s a very expensive Honda.

Funny thing, that - I drove that TL thinking it was a clean version, and, well. It wasn't... asking price was $10,333. High for a clean one and asinine for that particular car. Not the car for me; quite boy racer with performance that doesn't back up the looks.