Hi all
I am looking at a 2003 n/a S60 to buy 75000 miles on the clock
the car has a build date of Jan 02
Does it have the same transmission issues of the 2002 models and while we are at it, ETM issues also
the car has been serviced by volvo stealerships every april since new
Any other problems i need to be aware of
I welcome your thoughts
David

Hi Klaus
I drove an 03/03 build today which was just beautiful
Another question if i may
The only fault i could find was a lag when kicking down
The lag is longer than our recently deceased 2001 v70 which the S60 is a replacement for.
Can this be adjusted or tuned out
Regards David

Kickdown lag on an NA is probably due to poor maintenance and/or a dirty throttle plate. It is not supposed to happen.

I realize price is an issue, but there are some nice S60s in the 2006-7 range. Do not let a turbo turn you off, the MPG is also very good and the 0-60 time is quite good. Remember, an 03 is 11 years old, the rubber bits are starting to crack.

Every once in a while, there will be a nice car on the local Craigslist (by owner).

EDIT: Consider an S80 with the 5 cyl light pressure turbo,
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/cto/4240679107.html
But never an S80 T6 until after at least 2006.

The tranny is not 'geartronic' so is reasonably reliable. The timing belt is due because of age.

Check the dealer's records, you will probably have to flush the coolant, brake fluid, ATF, and power steering.

The ETM problem has been resolved, but the throttle body should be cleaned as dealers do not do this.

Make sure ALL electrics work, 2 remotes and a full set of keys.

I didn't realize that the 2003 was an 'early' car. Just because of a few problems with the 2000-2002...