Hi. We are looking to buy a 2001 Volvo S60 with 132000 miles on it.

What should we look for as far as typical things to 'go wrong' at this mileage? What should be done already?

It's in great physical shape and no wrecks. Is 3500 a fair price?

ANY Volvo that you buy can have thousands of dollars worth of issues.

Have your dealer check it out. It's worth the cost.

If you never use the rear seats, the S60 is a good car. There is less room back there than the V70.

I always tell folks to avoid any 2001 Volvo, regardless of model. If you saw this car at a dealer, ask to see the service history. Pay particular attention to any transmission problems. These cars are cheap for a reason.

Thanks all, for your input. As it turns out we didn't get it. Which is good because our dumb 98 V70 is back to giving us all sorts of grief. Don't need two crappy cars to deal with.....(we were trying to replace our 84 244...glad we kept it!)

If you end up getting a newer Volvo, focus on the 2003+ models. By all reports they are pretty good cars.

Sounds like your 98 V70 is just going through a rough patch here. Could be a lemon, but I doubt it. From what I've learned, the 95-97 850's and the 98 V70's are supposedly some of the best cars Volvo ever built. They are certainly more complex than 240's but still simple compared to modern cars. FWIW - I owned a 90 244DL for 11 years and sold it at 300k. The drivetrain was bulletproof other than engine and tranny leaks but it had far more other problems than my 95 855GLT has had to this point. My 850 now is approaching 235k, has no leaks and runs great...:)

Had an 01 V70 t5 with no trans problems. Had an 02 S60 with the dreaded trans problem. Like others I would avoid the 01 and 02 models, wouldn't chance it. I have an 04 S60 with no problems and the difference in interior appointments to the 02 is night and day, much nice appointed on the 04. For $3500 I'd almost look at the 99/00 S70 with about the same mileage. They have their own issues as many can recount but I like them better.

We came across a 2004 today with 158000 on it, for 3800. Seems sound. No accidents. 2 owners. No records, tho.

Good deal or not?

I wonder why this person is selling his 2007 S60? Look at picture #2 and see what is in the garage. Then look at the last picture and check out the leg room for the rear seat:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/cto/4318190412.html

That sounds much better. With no records, I would want a mechanic to check it out, usually for around $100, even a Volvo dealer.

What kind of engine? Leaving the temperature controls set at 76F and auto on, check out the AC or the heat. No need to move the dials, as the system will do what it can to get to the proper temps.

I hope it is clean! But not 'detailed'.

2001's are often referred to as the "bad transmission" cars because of the way they were built to operate. Supposedly there is some mod that can be performed to make it a "good transmission" car but I believe it involves both hardware swapping and dealer reprogramming. There should be others on this site that have actually lived through it and can give you more specific info.

Also try matthewsvolvosite.com. They're often discussing this issue over there.