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S60 R: what trouble spots to look out for? S60

posted by  Thaddeus on  Thu Jan 14 18:26 CST 2016
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Hi,

I am seriously thinking about getting a 2004-2007 S60 R (AWD 6-speed manual), hopefully with Alcantara leather.

I'm aware these are complex cars but, if well maintained, can run a long time.

I'm a 'fair' wrench.

What should I be looking out for on one of these, besides the normal 10 year old car stuff? What are the specific Achilles heels of this model? I don't mind dropping a grand or 2 on parts for reconditioning the right car, but I need to know what conditions should cause me to run away.

Thanks!








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    posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

    Be warned - Alcantara can change your standards!

    I drove a '96 855R for 11 years and loved the Alcantara seats.

    It's tough when you drive a new Volvo loaner and think that the leather seats are lousy.



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    posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

    First, Alcantara leather is composed of about 68% polyester and 32% polyurethane, made to look like suede. I doubt that any S60 has that feature which was standard on the "R" from 1995-2000.

    Next, finding a low mileage S60R is getting harder and harder to find. And the prices are still high.

    What needs to be inspected is the Haldex system, oil and filter changed, along with the bevel gear/transfer case fluid.

    Volvo dealers will pre-purchase "inspect" the car for a one hour charge. Usually a very nice long list which you can use to knock some of the asking price down. This list of 'required' items is sometimes laughable, but it is nice to know. At least they can read the codes for every electronic circuit on board. For my 1998 R, they said that the rack was leaking and needed to be replaced. Another shop said it was 'weeping' and don't bother - I never bothered.

    Klaus
    --
    Keeping it running is better than buying new



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      posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

      Interesting info about the Alcantara. I don't know anything about it, I just know those orange-colored S60R seats were referred to as Alcantara in the ads I've seen. Maybe I should be more specific: "I want those Orange Seats." LOL.

      Thanks for the tip about the Haldex system.



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        posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

        Those orange leather seats were initially refered to as baseball glove leather. They look nice but I don't know how they wear in the long term. Given the mileage on that car, it is a high price. Ask for maintenance history and deduct if there is none, as it is time to clean up the PCV system. Look for a timing belt replacement sticker in the engine compartment, should have been 105-120K miles.

        For a clutch, check the wear. The closer to the floor the pedal comes to disengagement, the greater the wear on the clutch plate. For a one owner, adult driver, the clutch should last 200K miles. Much less for a kid.

        Also, at that price, the tires should be fairly new. Check the donut spare.

        --
        Keeping it running is better than buying new



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