Volvo S60 2.0T Barge-O-Matic
Discussion
So I'd had my old R-reg Volvo V40 for just over a year and had been meaning to get rid of it. Being me, I just couldn't decide what to replace it with. We started with possibly getting a new Aygo on PCP, then moved to a Fiat 500 used for around 5-6k. Then moved on to Fiesta TDCi's for the same price as it seemed like a better long term bet with diesel economy and some niceties like cruise control. Inevitably though, I went for my favourite searches on AutoTrader; Petrol, Auto, <£2k and found this:
IMAG0473 by Alex Mason, on Flickr
IMAG0475 by Alex Mason, on Flickr
IMAG0474 by Alex Mason, on Flickr
Its a 2004 Volvo S60 2.0T SE with a 5-speed auto and some other choice options such as rain sensing wipers and auto-dimming review mirror. In-fact its got all you could ever want really; electric front drivers seat with memory, arm rest, cruise, heated seats, heated mirrors, flippy key, a button to control the "coming home" lights from the key, leather seats and probably one of the best OEM branded stereos I have ever heard (Volvo HU-803).
The 2.0 Engine is a 5 cylinder unit, supposedly with 5 valves per cylinder (though I may be wrong there). The turbo is only a light pressure one, giving up 180 HP and 180 lbs-ft. So its not quick, but does make smooth progress. It was the first car I saw and I bought it. Something about it just said, "you will not find another one like this for this price".
I paid £1400 for it. Now for that price you might think there maybe some catches. However, the bloke I bought it from (a nice Srilankan who even called me back when he realised I had over paid him to arrange giving me it back!) was only parting with it because he'd had another child and now there weren't enough seats. Weirdly he even gave me £50 off without even asking because the MOT is due in a few months. This set alarm bells ringing; "Did he want to get shot?".
Well if he did, he went the wrong way about it. In the past year it appears to have been serviced about 3 times. Cambelt? Done. ATF? Done. Brakes alround? Done. There are a fat wad of receipts from a local Volvo specialist for all the work and more. All it needed immediately were 2 new front tyres (nearly bald and mixed makes) and an AirCon regas (yes really just needed a regas!).
Its done 77k miles and even the leather on the seats is in perfect condition. None of that nasty wear on the drivers seat side bolster. Paint is in fantastic condition for the most part. There is a patch missing off the front bumper and a bit of bubbling under the paint on the roof line, but that aside there barely seems to be a blemish. Its remarkably free from stone chips too. It drives straight, brakes straight, there are no rattles in the interior, its extremely hushed on the motorway, it kicks down eagerly, changes smoothly and the engine pulls well through its torque band. I can't believe you can get a car this solid, this refined for less than a decent TV.
There are a few things which need attention but I think they are only minor (unless I get told otherwise!):
Headlamp electrical connectors seem a bit flaky. Had a Bulb Out Warning, but was just a loose connection. Checked the other side and that seems to be missing its plug altogher! Just bare spades on the bulbs prongs. The bulb retaining clip is bent as well so it doesn't hold the bulb securely. Not sure how that has been managed.
Alloys: Front alloys are kerb damaged quite bad and a lot of the paint is flaking off the spokes. Alloy wheel refurb is easy enough.
Handbrake needs looking at. On a hill, if you pull the HB, then let off the foot-brake, the car will roll back a few inches before the brakes catch it. Something is not quite right there.
When wafting about, when you are coasting and then getting back on the throttle, if you are a bit abrupt with it you can hear a small clonk as the transmission engages. Probably a bearing or worn joint there that needs seeing to.
Brake judder. Only sometimes, the brakes judder. As they are not very old I doubt they have warped. A few hard stops from speed seem to have made a significant difference so I suspect this is residue on the discs from the car being held on the foot brake a lot.
Power Steering. Seems to pulse slightly at half lock, especially when you haven't got any load on the engine. Likely just needs a new pump. Can get one for not much and doesn't seem a difficult job.
Engine: Seems fine in general, valve gear might be a bit noisy when cold but thats just an age thing. However, under acceleration the engine does sound like it has "whine". I am not sure if this is just how it sounds or there is a bearing on its way out. If I had to describe it, it almost sounds exactly like a roots-supercharger! Its quite a nice noise to be honest, but I am aware that there isn't anything in there that should be making such a noise!
All in I think I have gotten a bargain here. Its clean, its straight, its been well looked after and there are only a few jobs to do on it. So very pleased with it. Already had it on a long jaunt and it is just effortless. Such a pleasure to drive.
IMAG0473 by Alex Mason, on FlickrIMAG0475 by Alex Mason, on FlickrIMAG0474 by Alex Mason, on FlickrIts a 2004 Volvo S60 2.0T SE with a 5-speed auto and some other choice options such as rain sensing wipers and auto-dimming review mirror. In-fact its got all you could ever want really; electric front drivers seat with memory, arm rest, cruise, heated seats, heated mirrors, flippy key, a button to control the "coming home" lights from the key, leather seats and probably one of the best OEM branded stereos I have ever heard (Volvo HU-803).
The 2.0 Engine is a 5 cylinder unit, supposedly with 5 valves per cylinder (though I may be wrong there). The turbo is only a light pressure one, giving up 180 HP and 180 lbs-ft. So its not quick, but does make smooth progress. It was the first car I saw and I bought it. Something about it just said, "you will not find another one like this for this price".
I paid £1400 for it. Now for that price you might think there maybe some catches. However, the bloke I bought it from (a nice Srilankan who even called me back when he realised I had over paid him to arrange giving me it back!) was only parting with it because he'd had another child and now there weren't enough seats. Weirdly he even gave me £50 off without even asking because the MOT is due in a few months. This set alarm bells ringing; "Did he want to get shot?".
Well if he did, he went the wrong way about it. In the past year it appears to have been serviced about 3 times. Cambelt? Done. ATF? Done. Brakes alround? Done. There are a fat wad of receipts from a local Volvo specialist for all the work and more. All it needed immediately were 2 new front tyres (nearly bald and mixed makes) and an AirCon regas (yes really just needed a regas!).
Its done 77k miles and even the leather on the seats is in perfect condition. None of that nasty wear on the drivers seat side bolster. Paint is in fantastic condition for the most part. There is a patch missing off the front bumper and a bit of bubbling under the paint on the roof line, but that aside there barely seems to be a blemish. Its remarkably free from stone chips too. It drives straight, brakes straight, there are no rattles in the interior, its extremely hushed on the motorway, it kicks down eagerly, changes smoothly and the engine pulls well through its torque band. I can't believe you can get a car this solid, this refined for less than a decent TV.
There are a few things which need attention but I think they are only minor (unless I get told otherwise!):
Headlamp electrical connectors seem a bit flaky. Had a Bulb Out Warning, but was just a loose connection. Checked the other side and that seems to be missing its plug altogher! Just bare spades on the bulbs prongs. The bulb retaining clip is bent as well so it doesn't hold the bulb securely. Not sure how that has been managed.
Alloys: Front alloys are kerb damaged quite bad and a lot of the paint is flaking off the spokes. Alloy wheel refurb is easy enough.
Handbrake needs looking at. On a hill, if you pull the HB, then let off the foot-brake, the car will roll back a few inches before the brakes catch it. Something is not quite right there.
When wafting about, when you are coasting and then getting back on the throttle, if you are a bit abrupt with it you can hear a small clonk as the transmission engages. Probably a bearing or worn joint there that needs seeing to.
Brake judder. Only sometimes, the brakes judder. As they are not very old I doubt they have warped. A few hard stops from speed seem to have made a significant difference so I suspect this is residue on the discs from the car being held on the foot brake a lot.
Power Steering. Seems to pulse slightly at half lock, especially when you haven't got any load on the engine. Likely just needs a new pump. Can get one for not much and doesn't seem a difficult job.
Engine: Seems fine in general, valve gear might be a bit noisy when cold but thats just an age thing. However, under acceleration the engine does sound like it has "whine". I am not sure if this is just how it sounds or there is a bearing on its way out. If I had to describe it, it almost sounds exactly like a roots-supercharger! Its quite a nice noise to be honest, but I am aware that there isn't anything in there that should be making such a noise!
All in I think I have gotten a bargain here. Its clean, its straight, its been well looked after and there are only a few jobs to do on it. So very pleased with it. Already had it on a long jaunt and it is just effortless. Such a pleasure to drive.
Had a read of this this morning and enjoyed it. If I was after a relatively spacious, solid and dependable motor with a bit of class for peanuts I'd be all over one of these. The D5 appeals but petrol must be more fun.
Looks like it's doing well after 11 years and has lots of life left in it. I've read nothing but praise for the stereo that came on SE cars.
Edit: Interested in more pics, especially interior details, if you have them. Does it have a massive boot?
Looks like it's doing well after 11 years and has lots of life left in it. I've read nothing but praise for the stereo that came on SE cars.
Edit: Interested in more pics, especially interior details, if you have them. Does it have a massive boot?
Otispunkmeyer said:
Handbrake needs looking at. On a hill, if you pull the HB, then let off the foot-brake, the car will roll back a few inches before the brakes catch it. Something is not quite right there.
Thats a feature not a fault I believe. I've had my D5 for 4 1/2 years and its always done that , even after having the rear brakes overhauled at a local Volvo specialist.They are solid and very well put together. They seem to be easy to work on too and everything is laid out in a logical manner. Mine has clocked just over the 178k mark today and seems happy to plod on for the same again. The suspension components like bushes and ARB links seem to take a hammering on these but just keep on top of the maintenance and use decent quality parts and you won't go far wrong.
Fuzzarr said:
Had a read of this this morning and enjoyed it. If I was after a relatively spacious, solid and dependable motor with a bit of class for peanuts I'd be all over one of these. The D5 appeals but petrol must be more fun.
Looks like it's doing well after 11 years and has lots of life left in it. I've read nothing but praise for the stereo that came on SE cars.
Edit: Interested in more pics, especially interior details, if you have them. Does it have a massive boot?
Back in the day I had two of these as company cars and swapped out of a 2.0T into a D5 and would say I preferred the diesel.Looks like it's doing well after 11 years and has lots of life left in it. I've read nothing but praise for the stereo that came on SE cars.
Edit: Interested in more pics, especially interior details, if you have them. Does it have a massive boot?
I put my own money into an old 2.0T SE a couple of years ago and rarely use it, but it's nice to have a spare car the whole family can use and I have NO emotional attachment to it so it can be left anywhere.
Sounds like you've got a good one there. As others have said the hand brake operation sounds normal, they often roll back slightly after the hand brake is pulled. If your convinced there is an issue there is a 10mm adjuster nut on the lever once you've pulled the gaiter trim off or the shoes maybe worn but as said its most likely normal.
With regards to the clicking noise you hear when pulling away, taking up drive or changing from drive to reverse. You'll most likely find this will be caused by the driveshafts moving in the splines on the front wheel bearings. It sounds like a "clucking" noise. Your best off regressing the splines on the driveshafts/hub splines to get rid of the noise.
Good luck!
With regards to the clicking noise you hear when pulling away, taking up drive or changing from drive to reverse. You'll most likely find this will be caused by the driveshafts moving in the splines on the front wheel bearings. It sounds like a "clucking" noise. Your best off regressing the splines on the driveshafts/hub splines to get rid of the noise.
Good luck!
Nice write-up. I bought a 2.4T with that funny auto gearbox a month or so ago. It's a very competent car. The only annoying thing is the head unit - I wish it had an aux-in or USB/SD slot. I've had to dust down my old CDs! Otherwise, it's a comfy thing to sit in when commuting in stop-start traffic and not too bad for accelerating up slip roads.
Just parted company with out 2.0t S60 a couple of months ago. Was a very dependable and comfortable wafter.
The 2.0t engine is quite a strange lump. It's very smooth and actually does a good job of getting the car along at a decent lick but it always seems such a lazy engine in terms of response to throttle. The Seat Leon 1.8T that our volvo replaced had a forced induction engine with the same power output but the delivery was entirely different, far more responsive but way less refined. I guess that is deliberate as it does make for smooth progress in the Volvo.
The handbrake thing you describe is normal. And I definitely agree about the stereo, vest car stereo I've had by a mile.
Got to ask, how do you find the steering lock? It was ultimately the main reason my wife and I got rid of the Volvo after a year or so. We have some fairly small mini roundabouts and other pinch points locally and the lack of lock started to really start to grate. Great car generally though.
The 2.0t engine is quite a strange lump. It's very smooth and actually does a good job of getting the car along at a decent lick but it always seems such a lazy engine in terms of response to throttle. The Seat Leon 1.8T that our volvo replaced had a forced induction engine with the same power output but the delivery was entirely different, far more responsive but way less refined. I guess that is deliberate as it does make for smooth progress in the Volvo.
The handbrake thing you describe is normal. And I definitely agree about the stereo, vest car stereo I've had by a mile.
Got to ask, how do you find the steering lock? It was ultimately the main reason my wife and I got rid of the Volvo after a year or so. We have some fairly small mini roundabouts and other pinch points locally and the lack of lock started to really start to grate. Great car generally though.
Fuzzarr said:
Had a read of this this morning and enjoyed it. If I was after a relatively spacious, solid and dependable motor with a bit of class for peanuts I'd be all over one of these. The D5 appeals but petrol must be more fun.
Looks like it's doing well after 11 years and has lots of life left in it. I've read nothing but praise for the stereo that came on SE cars.
Edit: Interested in more pics, especially interior details, if you have them. Does it have a massive boot?
Here you go! Boot isn't super large, but its big enough for what little I put in there. I do like that it has a foldy up portion that lifts up from the floor on hinges. Then it has elastic material so you can secure items to the floor or to the foldy up bit. I also like that there are release handles just behind the lamps that let you unlock and push down the rear seats so that you don't have to go round to the passenger doors and do it there. Volvo. Like your dad, always thinking.Looks like it's doing well after 11 years and has lots of life left in it. I've read nothing but praise for the stereo that came on SE cars.
Edit: Interested in more pics, especially interior details, if you have them. Does it have a massive boot?
IMAG0479 by Alex Mason, on Flickr
IMAG0478 by Alex Mason, on Flickr
IMAG0477 by Alex Mason, on Flickr
IMAG0476 by Alex Mason, on FlickrGarett said:
Otispunkmeyer said:
Handbrake needs looking at. On a hill, if you pull the HB, then let off the foot-brake, the car will roll back a few inches before the brakes catch it. Something is not quite right there.
Thats a feature not a fault I believe. I've had my D5 for 4 1/2 years and its always done that , even after having the rear brakes overhauled at a local Volvo specialist.They are solid and very well put together. They seem to be easy to work on too and everything is laid out in a logical manner. Mine has clocked just over the 178k mark today and seems happy to plod on for the same again. The suspension components like bushes and ARB links seem to take a hammering on these but just keep on top of the maintenance and use decent quality parts and you won't go far wrong.
As for the engine. Its nice. Its very smooth and basically just disappears when on a cruise. As said, its not the fastest thing in the world. Light pressure turbo (about 8psi), autobox and a weight of 1600+ kg means the 180 HP has a lot to do. But it gets up to speed nicely and has some decent mid range guts if you need to adjust speed mid-flight. But yeah, its one for lazy wafting rather than foot flat antics. There is just a hint of 5 cylinder woofle, but from the seat you're hard pressed to hear it really. Its distant. At 2 liters its probably not large enough to make itself known on the sound front!
Edited by Otispunkmeyer on Thursday 18th June 08:53
Edited by Otispunkmeyer on Thursday 18th June 08:59
Gad-Westy said:
Just parted company with out 2.0t S60 a couple of months ago. Was a very dependable and comfortable wafter.
The 2.0t engine is quite a strange lump. It's very smooth and actually does a good job of getting the car along at a decent lick but it always seems such a lazy engine in terms of response to throttle. The Seat Leon 1.8T that our volvo replaced had a forced induction engine with the same power output but the delivery was entirely different, far more responsive but way less refined. I guess that is deliberate as it does make for smooth progress in the Volvo.
The handbrake thing you describe is normal. And I definitely agree about the stereo, vest car stereo I've had by a mile.
Got to ask, how do you find the steering lock? It was ultimately the main reason my wife and I got rid of the Volvo after a year or so. We have some fairly small mini roundabouts and other pinch points locally and the lack of lock started to really start to grate. Great car generally though.
Oh yeah! Its probably the only really annoying thing about this car. The turning circle is abysmal! Went to the shops with a friend the other day and for the car park, you go in then have to do a 180 back on yourself to get to the spaces. Being used to the Civic, I didn't prepare and ended up having to do a 3 pointer to get round!The 2.0t engine is quite a strange lump. It's very smooth and actually does a good job of getting the car along at a decent lick but it always seems such a lazy engine in terms of response to throttle. The Seat Leon 1.8T that our volvo replaced had a forced induction engine with the same power output but the delivery was entirely different, far more responsive but way less refined. I guess that is deliberate as it does make for smooth progress in the Volvo.
The handbrake thing you describe is normal. And I definitely agree about the stereo, vest car stereo I've had by a mile.
Got to ask, how do you find the steering lock? It was ultimately the main reason my wife and I got rid of the Volvo after a year or so. We have some fairly small mini roundabouts and other pinch points locally and the lack of lock started to really start to grate. Great car generally though.
This will not be a car I take into multi-stories often!
kapiteinlangzaam said:
The PAS judder/pulse will likely be an internally broken rack - quite common on these cars.
New rack is the only solution. £600+ even using 2nd hand parts an indy to fit (need to drop sub-frame etc).
Good news is you can drive it like that basically forever if you are willing to put up with it. I did 30k miles in my V70 of the same vintage with the same problem.
Worrying! but at the minute its really not noticable. Only notice when cornering, about half lock, with no throttle/coasting and even then it can be difficult to tell if its that or some rut in the road (Terrible roads round here).New rack is the only solution. £600+ even using 2nd hand parts an indy to fit (need to drop sub-frame etc).
Good news is you can drive it like that basically forever if you are willing to put up with it. I did 30k miles in my V70 of the same vintage with the same problem.
Otispunkmeyer said:
The turning circle is abysmal!
Ha. After spending about 7 years driving about in a Golf Cabriolet, I've learnt the hard way that it was easier to park and negotiate sharp corners. Lost count of the number of times I've had to do a second attempt with parking in a public car park.Hoofy said:
The only annoying thing is the head unit - I wish it had an aux-in or USB/SD slot. I've had to dust down my old CDs!
There is a box you can plug in to allow more modern connectivity. Damned if I can remember what it's called.I just bought a sunvisor bluetooth with a built-in FM transmitter and tuned the radio to that.
kapiteinlangzaam said:
It was about 30-45 mins to install the GROM on mine from start-to-finish. All instructions were included.
You tend to get what you pay for - The GROM was outstanding (digital connection to the iPOD, so great quality) and good functionality.
Yeah, it certainly sounds like it would be ('scuse the pun) - hardwired rather than via an AM transmission.You tend to get what you pay for - The GROM was outstanding (digital connection to the iPOD, so great quality) and good functionality.
Little update
Got some replacement headlamp bulb retaining clips and new club holder plugs to replace the dodgy ones currently there. Will be interesting to try do this without removing the headlamps!
Whilst investigating this though I have come to the conclusion that this thing has probably had a decent prang on the off-side and its been repaired. The evidence is thus:
1) missing bolt for fixing the wing to the front of the car just under the A-pillar (noticed this the other day, but it still feels all solid)
2) hot snot or some kind of epoxy resin glue is visible when looking down on the bumper where it mates under the headlamp. I am guessing this was used in place of now broken retaining clips and or misaligned/enlarged retaining clip fixing holes.
3) Wheel arch liner on this side is affixed directly to the lip of the wheel arch on the wing. On the other side its affixed somewhere behind this lip.
4) Headlamp on the OS is missing its headlamp washer rest and is actually mounted/positioned slightly lower than the NS headlamp. Headlamp glass looks newer and it does look like the rubber seals/gaskets on the lamp have been roughed up from the process of removing and replacing the lens.
To be fair though, these things are really only detectable if you go hunting. It looks like its been an honest repair job and I think whoever did it has done it will. Everything is solid, nothing is flaky, its just slightly out of straight. This will explain, probably, why the previous owner had a brand new radiator fitted. It was either fitted as part of the repair or was something that let-go early due to the crash damage, but was OK at the time of repair.
Not too disappointing really. As I say, drives and brakes absolutely arrow straight so mechanically its good.
Back on to this hand-brake roll. I gather it is normal, however I think mine rolls a bit too much and I got the OH to watch the back wheels when I put the HB on on the driveway and watch it roll back. Apparently the callipers move as well. They rotate back a few degrees.
Should that happen? Worth getting it looked at?
Got some replacement headlamp bulb retaining clips and new club holder plugs to replace the dodgy ones currently there. Will be interesting to try do this without removing the headlamps!
Whilst investigating this though I have come to the conclusion that this thing has probably had a decent prang on the off-side and its been repaired. The evidence is thus:
1) missing bolt for fixing the wing to the front of the car just under the A-pillar (noticed this the other day, but it still feels all solid)
2) hot snot or some kind of epoxy resin glue is visible when looking down on the bumper where it mates under the headlamp. I am guessing this was used in place of now broken retaining clips and or misaligned/enlarged retaining clip fixing holes.
3) Wheel arch liner on this side is affixed directly to the lip of the wheel arch on the wing. On the other side its affixed somewhere behind this lip.
4) Headlamp on the OS is missing its headlamp washer rest and is actually mounted/positioned slightly lower than the NS headlamp. Headlamp glass looks newer and it does look like the rubber seals/gaskets on the lamp have been roughed up from the process of removing and replacing the lens.
To be fair though, these things are really only detectable if you go hunting. It looks like its been an honest repair job and I think whoever did it has done it will. Everything is solid, nothing is flaky, its just slightly out of straight. This will explain, probably, why the previous owner had a brand new radiator fitted. It was either fitted as part of the repair or was something that let-go early due to the crash damage, but was OK at the time of repair.
Not too disappointing really. As I say, drives and brakes absolutely arrow straight so mechanically its good.
Back on to this hand-brake roll. I gather it is normal, however I think mine rolls a bit too much and I got the OH to watch the back wheels when I put the HB on on the driveway and watch it roll back. Apparently the callipers move as well. They rotate back a few degrees.
Should that happen? Worth getting it looked at?
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