Just picked up a new 06 Volvo S60R for the wife...

Pat S · 03-19-2006, 03:08 PM

I know this car has gotten some bad press on this board but I was able to pick up a new one for what I feel was a very good deal so I couldn't pass it up. I just wish it wasn't black, I'm going to be spending A LOT of time detailing....

Here are a few photos, it goes in Tuesday for a "clear bra" and light tint.

Not actually ours but so you get the idea of the interior...

We had been looking at getting an S4 or S60R for a while. I liked the performance of the S4 better, but the interior of the S60R is so much nicer than the Audi. Plus it gets better gas milage and was over 10K cheaper than even 05.5 S4s are right now.
We got the manual and it is really fun to drive. I love the ability to electronically control the suspension. At first I thought this was a gimmick but after going quickly through several 90 degree turns near our house with different settings you can see a really feel a big difference between "comfort", "sport" and "advanced".

The turbo is really smooth. Torque is around 295 ft/lb from 2000-5000 rpm. And 300hp is plenty fun. The 4 piston calipers at least look that they can stop the car quickly, although I haven't tested that feature yet...

Overall I really like this car. I just wish she would let me drive it more

Pat

Nathans_Dad · Nathans_Dad's Garage

That car looks sweet. Nice buy. I am going to consider the Volvo line of cars in about 1 1/2 years when it's time to trade in the old Honda.

Haven't heard about the "bad press" on Volvos...what's the scoop?

gassy · 03-19-2006, 04:17 PM

I have an '01 s60T...I love it, even though the alternator just went out while I was flying down the expressway...Be prepared for hefty repair bills. That said, next time I will lease a Volvo, not buy.

Pat S · 03-19-2006, 04:37 PM

Here is the thread with some negative comments.
Opinions on the New Volvo S60R AWD

We hope to have it paid off in 2yrs, and that should be well before the main warranty expires (4yr/50k) if maintenance looks to be an issue, we'll sell early.

Pat

onewhippedpuppy · 03-19-2006, 05:28 PM

I've seen the knocks on the maintenance, but damn those are sweet cars. They just look mean, both the sedans and wagons. Very nice.

speeder · 03-19-2006, 05:30 PM

That car is one fast MoFo, I had a 1998 V70-R that was an outstanding car.

slow&rusty · 03-19-2006, 06:39 PM

Last week I almost bought a red '06 S60 AWD R with the Volvo factory body kit...and the baseball leather stitching. The car is extremely fast and very smooth even with those 18" wheels, brakes are incredible as well.

The one I looked at had 12K on the clock and the Volvo dealer was offering it with TWO sets of wheels and tires (summer and winter) and they were prepared to take $31.5K which I thought was a screaming deal.

Car and Driver October 2005 recently reviewed the car against:
Saab Saab 9-3 Aero - came last
The Volvo came second from last - surprising
Then came the Caddy CTS
Middle of the pack was the Acura TL and Audi A4
Infiniti G35 AWD came third
Lexus IS350 came second
Bimmer 330i came first

Cost of ownership on the Volvo does scare me as I drive a Mazda every day which has alot of miles on it and it continues to be reliable and fast.....so it was hard to take the plunge (for now anyway).

Yasin

livi · 03-19-2006, 11:22 PM

I guess they are still pretty good cars. Being a Swede I would avoid it though if you can´t stand driving what every other person drives. My brother had a V70 R. Pleased with it.