Thoughts and input please 2003 S60R Topic is solved

Stu70 · Post by **Stu70** » 25 Feb 2021, 13:55

Hi there ! I’m normally lurking in the P80 forum, but I’ve just gone rouge looking at a 03 S60R. It’s at the other end of the country from me, so just wanting peoples thoughts on reliability, issues etc with these cars before I fly up and make an offer. The interior is ,umm, interesting but it’s growing on me.
Link https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-c ... 010773.htm

Have a look and let me know what you think...
Any words of wisdom, things to look for and things to avoid are welcome.

Many thanks

Post by **matthew1** » 25 Feb 2021, 15:56

That car would go for a fortune here in the States. That's a little under $6k US.

I'd start with asking if there are any messages in the message display. Any lights on dash after starting, any missing lights on the dash when turning the key to position II.

Ask about tailpipe smoke during cold start and during WOT when it's hot. Ask if it consumes any oil or coolant... any drips? I'd ask to see a photo of the engine bay.

I'd ask why he's selling. That can sometimes be very revealing.

Black wheels are always a flag to me. But I'm certain there are black-wheeled Volvos that are meticulously maintained. So take that advice in accordance for what you paid for it.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 25 Feb 2021, 19:24

Keep in mind high performance cars are not marketed to your grandmother. They fit in a market with a lot of drivers that run the piss out of them. Check it out well. Test drive it like a race driver. If the seller will not let you check it out with performance driving walkaway.

Post by **erikv11** » 25 Feb 2021, 20:32

The P2 R cars require a lot of maintenance. However the ad indicates they have kept up well, and used genuine parts. The shock/strut job is super expensive - great to see it done already! Great to see Haldex service done recently, this is very often completely ignored. Mileage is relatively low on the car, yet a fair bit of maintenance.

Matt's point about coolant and oil consumption is a key one, this engine has a bad history of cracked cylinder sleeves when abused.

The ad raises a lot of green flags and no red ones (so far). If you are up for paying some extra attention to maintenance then look into it more, I would,, it will be incredibly fun to drive.

Post by **- Pete -** » 25 Feb 2021, 21:48

matthew1 wrote: ↑25 Feb 2021, 15:56... I'd ask to see a photo of the engine bay.
...

And several shots from underneath as well, if possible.

Clutch slaves on the M66 R’s are very labor intensive & equally expensive if paying a shop for the job. If it’s been abused,
the probability of this needing to be addressed grows exponentially.

matthew1 wrote: ↑25 Feb 2021, 15:56...

Black wheels are always a flag to me....

Watch it now mister. I have one of those

The description doesn’t sound very scary to me, but there’s always going to be things these cars (R’s especially) are in need of. Suspension is extremely expensive on R’s (whether you stick with the stock adjustable shocks or go aftermarket). Super cool that the seller just replaced (from what it sounds like) all 4. The stock shocks don’t last very long, even if the car is consistently driven conservatively. My V70R has just over 146K on it & the 4C shocks have been replaced 3x for fronts, 2x for the rears in its life so far.

The sellers trader rating & reviews seem pretty legit also.

If you can, I would try to find out more about the “service” that was done to Haldex/final drive on it. Most likely it was just a fluid & filter replacement, but if they replaced the DEM pump too that’s a great bonus for the buyer.

There’s probably only a handful of these in NZ. Auckland folks seem to be pretty handy & take good care of their stuff. Hope it works out for you, price seems attractive.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 25 Feb 2021, 21:51

*
I would check the brand and model of the airbag even if they say the R is excluded. Volvo has not been urgent to do this work. Recall came out last year and was first notified this year. Still awaiting second notice when parts are available!

https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2020 ... call.shtml

*

*

Post by **MoVolvos** » 25 Feb 2021, 22:01

- Pete - wrote: ↑25 Feb 2021, 21:48
matthew1 wrote: ↑25 Feb 2021, 15:56...

Black wheels are always a flag to me....

Watch it now mister. I have one of those

Okay, let's compromise, though it's not for a Volvo

.

*

Stu70 · Post by **Stu70** » 25 Feb 2021, 22:17

Awesome ! Thanks guys - this is what I was after- Matt, this place is fantastic .
I will send another email re photos and copies of services. It’s a risk but it won’t be a forever car.
The S70 will sit quietly in the corner wondering what it did wrong... until the learner drivers are unleashed.

Post by **- Pete -** » 25 Feb 2021, 22:25

I forgot to mention something Stu, the car appears to have an exhaust (cat-back) from the photos. What you cannot tell is if it also has had the DP (downpipe) replaced with an aftermarket higher flowing catted or catless DP. Find out what’s been done for the exhaust if you can. These can get pretty loud if they are turbo-back.

Lastly, if exhaust has been done, I’d also find out what it is running for a tune. The seller should know. If they don’t, find out if it has a boost gauge & if so, what it makes for peak boost & report back here.

Stu70 · Post by **Stu70** » 25 Feb 2021, 22:59

Emails sent...I’ll report back with findings.
It’s been listed for over a month, which might be a pause for thought. There was another listing that lasted a day or two- same model but a couple of grand more expensive. That was snapped up.
Small population = hard to hide problems, someone always knows the car.