2004 Volvo S60 R type...any feedback?

dafischer · 09-29-2012, 01:24 PM

I'm looking for a new DD, and ran across one of these. Seems like a decent car, 300hp 2.5l 5cyl turbo, AWD, 6 speed manual, as well as all the other bells and whistles, 93,000 miles, and a decent price.

I remember reading about them when they first came out, but other than that, know little about them.

I figured that I might as well tap into the wellspring of knowledge and experience here at Pelican to see if anyone has any firsthand experience.

Divvie · Divvie's Garage

Awesome cars, check out swedespeed.com

you will find all the info you need there. I have owned a V70R for the last two years, couldnt bear to sell it, it has some mods, stage2, exhaust etc.

pavulon · 09-29-2012, 02:31 PM

any input on reliability? I think those cars rock!!

Divvie · Divvie's Garage

Apart from regular maintenance, set of coils, CV joint, I haven't had any real issues, some are not so lucky.

You really need to be sure you know what to look for. Angle drives can fail for the AWD, some people tear through wheel bearings, make sure you get a car with a good maintenance record.

Timing belts can be costly, unless you do it yourself, even more costly if you ignore it!

Luxury with power, with the mods I have probably around 350bhp, a little more when I add my front mount intercooler. Brembo brakes all round to match the power, its also a very 'wife' friendly car

Noporscheform · 09-29-2012, 05:33 PM

Just purchased a 2006 v70r with a 6 speed manual transmission, one owner full Volvo maintenance history for $11,700. Lots of maintenance issues to stay on top of, as noted, and can be expensive if it has been let go, however the manual transmission cars have not been available since 2007.

I had the car for two days before my son talked me into trading cars with him, as he loved driving it, and wanted something that was sporty but good with a child's seat.

Read swedesspeed.com or v70 r.com for good info on what to look for and how to evaluate.

Jim Richards · 09-29-2012, 05:36 PM

A former co-worker liked his S60 R a lot.

gassy · 09-29-2012, 05:52 PM

I've driven my '01 S60 2.4T since new and I still love it. Maintenance and repairs haven't been too bad in the last 11 years. Had to have the alternator replaced but other than that nothing super major. I plan on driving it for another few years -- just hit 150K -- and I will definitely look at Volvos when I plan on getting a new DD.

MMARSH · MMARSH's Garage

I also have a 06 V70R, 6 spd. I have 132k on it and have no plans to get rid of it. Just replaced the angle gear and need to do rear wheel bearings, but the car really runs great. Mines been modded as well with eibachs,sways and exhaust. Planning to do the IPD stage 3 upgrade if they ever finish it.

Turning radius and headlights suck.

1990C4S · 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMARSH

I also have a 06 V70R, 6 spd. I have 132k on it and have no plans to get rid of it. Just replaced the angle gear and need to do rear wheel bearings, but the car really runs great. Mines been modded as well with eibachs,sways and exhaust. Planning to do the IPD stage 3 upgrade if they ever finish it.

Turning radius and headlights suck.

I'm jealous of people who have a cool daily driver. And it's modified. And a bit of a sleeper.

I would like to look forward to get into my car to drive. A diesel Jetta is cheap to drive, but it ends there. No other redeeming features.

dafischer · 09-30-2012, 07:09 AM

Thanks for the input, guys. I also found another with 73,000 miles. I'm going to look at both tomorrow. I'll let you know the results.

Tishabet · 09-30-2012, 08:33 AM

A very timely thread... Wife and I are expecting our first kid in December and are currently a one car family, so we have been looking at what to get for her new mommy mobile. The V70R is a pretty sweet ride, high on my list.

nota · 09-30-2012, 10:43 AM

it is NOT a 230 volvo live forever motor and FWD aka WWD with add on awd

it is more ford with a poor volvo motor

hunt for a 940 turbo wagon that has a 230 motor

MMARSH · MMARSH's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by nota

it is NOT a 230 volvo live forever motor and FWD aka WWD with add on awd

it is more ford with a poor volvo motor

hunt for a 940 turbo wagon that has a 230 motor

I've had a 240 wagon, an 850 wagon and a V70T5 wagon. The R without a doubt is the best of the bunch. The AWD is great and with the right suspension mods can have a more neutral or oversteer feel in handling.

MMARSH · MMARSH's Garage

Opps double post

dafischer · 09-30-2012, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nota

it is NOT a 230 volvo live forever motor and FWD aka WWD with add on awd

it is more ford with a poor volvo motor

hunt for a 940 turbo wagon that has a 230 motor

If I wanted a wagon, I'd look for one. I also want something newer than 1999, which is what my current DD is. In fact, it's a Ford SVT Contour. Bought it new in 99, and now it has 177,000 miles on it. It's been pretty trouble free, but it's getting to the age of requiring some attention and $$$. It owes me nothing.

So if the R has some Ford in it, I think I'll take my chances. But thanks for the advice.

onewhippedpuppy · 09-30-2012, 06:43 PM

If I could find a nice V70R with a 6-speed I'd be all over it. I was looking for one and couldn't find a decent one, so I ended up with my RX8. Not knocking the RX8, which is a great car, but I really could use the space with 3 kids.

dafischer · 10-01-2012, 01:00 PM

Well, good, bad, or indifferent, I pulled the trigger on the S60 R today. I pick it up Saturday.

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

If you need to do the timing belt I would be happy to loan you the tools. It's probably the most specialized set of tools I own, and they never get used. Volvo doesn't use timing marks per say in that motor and you have to have the alignment and lock tools.

DonDavis · DonDavis's Garage

Sub'd

Quote:

Originally Posted by dafischer

Well, good, bad, or indifferent, I pulled the trigger on the S60 R today. I pick it up Saturday.

Congrats! Looking forward to seeing and hearing about it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott R

If you need to do the timing belt I would be happy to loan you the tools. It's probably the most specialized set of tools I own, and they never get used. Volvo doesn't use timing marks per say in that motor and you have to have the alignment and lock tools.

Hmm, I bought my daughter an '03 S60 for college grad. I'll have to check but I think it will need the timing belt in the next year. It's a N/A S60, will I encounter similar specialized tool requirements?

dafischer · 10-01-2012, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott R

If you need to do the timing belt I would be happy to loan you the tools. It's probably the most specialized set of tools I own, and they never get used. Volvo doesn't use timing marks per say in that motor and you have to have the alignment and lock tools.

Scott, thanks for the offer, but the dealer I bought it from is doing it as part of the purchase. I went and drove it for the first time today, and said I was concerned about the mileage and the belt, and there were a few other little nits, so I got them to include it if I bought it at asking price.

BTW, it's a frickin' rocketship. Me likey.