common 2004 s60 problems?

ITSmyVOLVO · Post by **ITSmyVOLVO** » 27 Nov 2011, 23:57

hi, i sadly had to get rid of my 1997 volvo s90. and im looking for another volvo.
there is this 2004 s60 that appears to be in decent condition for sale, and i was wondering how reliable these cars are and what are common issues with the 2004 s60's.
thank you very much for any replies

ITSmyVOLVO · Post by **ITSmyVOLVO** » 27 Nov 2011, 23:58

its a 2004 2.5T volvo s60 with 102,000 miles and it appears to have the abs light on

otis44 · Post by **otis44** » 28 Nov 2011, 06:05

The 04 is a good car, or is as good as its been treated. No glaring problems with this model, such as the tranny with the earlier ones. T-belt is due if it hasn't been done, hopefully the tranny fluid has been changed a couple of times by now, and if the car does not have a documented good service history such as regular oil changes I'd stay away from it. Keep in mind at 102k as with any Volvo you will probably have suspension parts worn and other minor regular maintenance issues to deal with. As far as the abs light, I'd be guessing. If serious about buying have the car inspected and the codes read by a competent Volvo mechanic, this will tell you what you want to know about the car.

Post by **fazool** » 28 Nov 2011, 07:26

Volvo added a new lifetime service feature whereby they will conduct diagnostic code readings and SW loading services (SW costs extra) free of charge forever. So, there is no reason to not do this. I would have the car run over to the nearest Volvo dealer and run a code scan to tell you whats wrong. It could be something simple.

I have a 2001 and a 2007 S60 and they have been very reliable. I have been lucky and not had the common transmission problems everyone talks about with the oder 2001 S60's.

Volvo doesn't require transmission fluid changes like the old days and DIY-ers always recommend changing tranny fluid anyway. I inspected my tranny fluid with 141K on it and it looks terrific still so I wouldn't be overly worried about that part.

On my older S60 the steering rack was replaced due to an incurable seal leak. The turbo had been replaced by the previous owner and strangely I had to replace a rear bearing housing (not a wear item - this was a major fluke where the huge cast aluminum actually snapped at the brake stop "tab"). I replaced the rear sway links. This one also needs an A/C clutch but I have it working with shims for now.

On my newer S60, I replaced one wheel bearing.

These cars are very servicable for a DIY-er and mine have been very reliable. The older one has 141K on it and it rides amazingly well. It s a little soft in turns and ther eis a little minor clunking from some worn bushings and joints sitll but essentially a 10-11 year old car with that many mile son it can ride great when cared for.

Post by **asc325is** » 28 Nov 2011, 09:34

just to follow up, you should really go to the dealer to get the codes read. that said, the dealer will not install new software free. they only do this if the vehicle is being serviced for something (doesnt matter what, an oil change might do it) the software is not free and it is only around 30 bucks usually. you do not pay labor if you are already paying labor on something else.

ITSmyVOLVO · Post by **ITSmyVOLVO** » 28 Nov 2011, 11:19

i also read somewhere that the 2004 s60 doesnt have a very reliable engine "Periodic problems on this vehicle are failures of the Engine Intake Valves, Leak Detection Pump, Radiator, Crankcase Ventilation Hose under the intake manifold and Fuel Pressure Sensor. " what do you guys thing about that? im really trying to do my research before i buy this.

Post by **fazool** » 28 Nov 2011, 12:36

As I said, I own two S60's I have a 2001 and a 2007 so one older and one newer.

I would have no qualms about the car if its in good shape. Its like any other 7 year old car with 6 digits on the clicker.

If its in good shape its probably a good deal. Make no mistake, its a seven year old car with 100k miles. There will be some service / repair required at some point.

otis44 · Post by **otis44** » 28 Nov 2011, 16:06

ITSmyVOLVO wrote:i also read somewhere that the 2004 s60 doesnt have a very reliable engine "Periodic problems on this vehicle are failures of the Engine Intake Valves, Leak Detection Pump, Radiator, Crankcase Ventilation Hose under the intake manifold and Fuel Pressure Sensor. " what do you guys thing about that? im really trying to do my research before i buy this.

The engine is fine, everything you mentioned excluding the engine intake valves would be considered normal issues with any Volvo that has some age. As far as the engine intake valves, I believe another poster here eluded to this sometime back and stated that there was a problem with a limited number of engines early in production and a car at this time that is still on the road (that did have this issue) would have already failed or been repaired by Volvo early on in its life.

ITSmyVOLVO · Post by **ITSmyVOLVO** » 30 Nov 2011, 19:29

the 2004 s60 i was suppose to look at was just in terrible condition. but i ended up taking home a 2002 260 2.4t. car drives great. ill post pictures soon

ITSmyVOLVO · Post by **ITSmyVOLVO** » 30 Nov 2011, 19:32

2002 s60**