Help with knowledge of 2006 S60

aahmes57 · Post by **aahmes57** » 20 Mar 2018, 09:07

Hello ladies and gentlemen. I can't seem to find a decent 98-00 S70 so I changed my focus to an S60 which I know little to nothing about except a little about the 5cyl engine.

From what I can see its not a bad model but I need the experts opinion and the views from the actual drivers and problems they encountered.

I'm looking at a 2006 S60 91,000 miles for $5300. If anyone has good/bad experiences please let me know.

Thanks in advance.
John

Post by **oragex** » 20 Mar 2018, 09:58

Not a bad car, but surely don't be afraid of electrical and potential hard to diagnose problems, mostly related to some modules such as the ABS module or the CEM one.

With that in mind, you're looking at the typical one owner car, which is being sold just before most items start to need attention: starting with the timing belt on which we don't replace the water pump, control arms and spring seats (only Sachs, Lemforder or Volvo parts), some exhaust hangers, an A/C pulley bearing a bit tired, a PCV which I'd highly recommend doing it at this point (about $300 in parts for the turbo engine), a heater blower, and perhaps a thermostat ($100 plus some skin and lots of patience).

Finally, the transmission definitely needs attention, a home (only) made flush at the return line with about 15L or 3309 fluid will help it go to 200K miles without issues.

These are decent cars when the weird electric issues don't hung around, and if you can find a top of the line one equipped with the HU-850 radio and the more softer front seats, it will make a car that is difficult to forget.

Final words, changing a headlight bulb on these will significantly help grow your self confidence if you are looking at participating at the Olympic games in any discipline that is, in the near future.

Post by **abscate** » 20 Mar 2018, 10:24

Final words, changing a headlight bulb on these will significantly help grow your self confidence if you are looking at participating at the Olympic games in any discipline that is, in the near future.

Especially the para-Olympics

aahmes57 · Post by **aahmes57** » 20 Mar 2018, 10:38

Thanks for the quick reply, Well, having read that I guess I'll keep looking for an old S70. LOL.
It's at a dealer lot and they just got it in so my chances of picking the car apart may go in vain since they may want to keep showing it to get the most for it. I just saw an 98 S70 GLT go for $6500. Are people nuts or what? That's more then twice retail. One owner, 75,000 miles but still all the rubber is still 20 yrs old. I'm going to check it out anyway maybe I can get him down some.
Any other suggestions, model/year would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking for a good solid car, well maintained, taken care of, so I can want to repair it and not throw $ into a junk. Most S70's I see have had a fairly rough life.
Thanks for your help.

Post by **mrbrian200** » 20 Mar 2018, 11:25

I bought an '06 S60 2.5T 2-1/2 years ago that had 84k miles on it. After a few tribulations the first few months it's turning out to be a pretty darn good car. Have about 110k on it now. For a little over ~8k I have into it (purchase for $6700 + tax + repairs & maintenance needed on day one) I have yet to see another vehicle in that total investment range that I feel might be better. I'm overall just happy as a peach with it and do not regret buying it one bit. There is no such thing as a 'perfect' car, but for the money you'd be hard pressed to beat a P2 Volvo, especially after about MY 05-06 by which time most of the major kinks in the earlier model years had been worked out/solved.

Word to the wise- unless it's a 1-owner car where the person just wanted newer features or lower mileage, was estranged from all their their family and had not a friend in the world, be aware 2nd+ owner P2 Volvos with absolutely nothing wrong tend to get shuffled within relatives/friends rather than end up on the 'open market'. If it's being sold to a stranger there's a distinctly high chance you're lookin at one of those 1-in 500 funky issue cars that some mechanic either had trouble figuring out or was expensive to fix. Be prepared to spend up to the difference of those comparable models (+20-40% fair market value) to get past whatever is wrong with it. This was the case with mine. At the time market value for 'a good one' was around $8000-8500. I caught something wasn't acting quite perfect on the test drive and insisted on $7500 'out the door' which amounted to about $6700 selling price. Somewhat to my surprise the dealer accepted my offer, the sales guy I was working with was kind of astonished that his boss took my offer too.
In the end I still have a little over $8k into it. Best money I've ever spent (on a sub $10k used car) ever, period.

Post by **oragex** » 20 Mar 2018, 15:08

abscate wrote: ↑20 Mar 2018, 10:24
Final words, changing a headlight bulb on these will significantly help grow your self confidence if you are looking at participating at the Olympic games in any discipline that is, in the near future.

Especially the para-Olympics

Yep

To the OP, the best car you'll find is one that had most of the issues described above already fixed with the correct brands.

Post by **cn90** » 20 Mar 2018, 16:37

My 1998 S70 with 187K miles had a burned valve.

I just got a 2004 V70 turbo with 100k miles. It is a great car, better than the 1998 S70.

You need to get a well-maintained 2004-2007 2.5T vehicle, and you will be happy.

aahmes57 · Post by **aahmes57** » 22 Mar 2018, 08:07

I appreciate the comments. My search continues.The problem I started having is I'm ending up driving to see cars and the seller didn't advertise the car properly. When you ask them if the Check engine light is on, or the SRS light stays on they don't tell you that stuff.
I've changed focus to a dealer rather then private owner because of that reason. I will eventually fine one. It's something I don't really need immediately (hope my v70 doen't break down now) so I can keep looking.
Thanks for your comments

Post by **abscate** » 22 Mar 2018, 10:55

Well you are two hours north of Jim who will sell you a clean retail Volvo which you can bank on many miles of happiness. The price will be forgotten long after the happiness remains.

The reverse is also true.Many people try to unload an abused Volvo due to expensive repairs being needed

aahmes57 · Post by **aahmes57** » 11 Apr 2018, 04:04

I haven't been having any luck so I can use Jim's contact info if you have it. I can see what he might have available.