4 replies to this topic

[evilspoons]

I am looking to trade in my '04 S60 2.4i for something with a bit more 'go' (ok, a lot more). I put my name on a dealer waiting list and they phoned me with an offer for a 2005 S60 R. I can handle the car financially, as long as there aren't any major maintenance things coming up that aren't covered by warranty.

The car is still owned by someone else; he wants to trade it in. I drove a technician's car from the dealer that is the same colour, same transmission, same everything, and I absolutely love it. This thing is a dream car for me. The only thing I'm not sure about are the stereo (premium audio is a huge plus for me) and the overall history of the car (owner claims no accidents, we'll see what a report says).

Car will have a 5 year/140k warranty (from in-service date, which I don't know, so I'm assuming Jan 2005) - I'll be covered for at least seven months. I've got them looking up the in-service date. I can buy 6 year / 160k or 7 year/ 160k (time being the limiting factor for me so 7/160 is actually useful over 6/160) for another $3500-ish. I will try to talk them into giving me this warranty for cheap as part of the deal.

When do major things go wrong on this car? Any recalls that I should check for compliance on? Should I make sure they update the car's software as part of the deal?

Thanks!

[Syrup]

A potential ‘welcome’ to owning and R…

As always service records are a must.
If servicing is done correctly – the car’s software (especially engine, & suspension) should be the latest.
Worth changing the man trans fluid, front angle gear oil, and rear diff oil as these are not officially prescribed maintenance items from Volvo.

Major things that go wrong for the P2 R (off the top of my head):
Angle gear – esp with the MT with angle gears needing to be replaced due to no oil (leaks) or the splines on the collar stripping

Clutch slave cylinder – few reports of these letting go meaning a new clutch (clutch plate often not covered under warranty)

4C shocks – can be very expense it replace if leaking (often not covered under warranty)

Front bumper often catches on parking lot curbs – resulting in a droopy bumper

Apart from that just keep an eye out for all the usual P2 foibles…
A good indication of the car’s quality is the care factor of the previous owner:
- curb rash on the wheels?
- excessive wear & tear on the interior?

A warranty can be worth its weight in gold.

[Young Burnsy]

Save your self a lot of headaches and get a T5 instead.

Ultimately faster and more reliable, but not as sexy...


Other wise good luck!

[PyROTech]

i would argue for a good deal on the warranty, as mentioned above there are a few things that can go wrong with it. Plus its piece of mind.

[Ihatespeedbumps]

A potential ‘welcome’ to owning and R…

As always service records are a must.
If servicing is done correctly – the car’s software (especially engine, & suspension) should be the latest.
Worth changing the man trans fluid, front angle gear oil, and rear diff oil as these are not officially prescribed maintenance items from Volvo.

Major things that go wrong for the P2 R (off the top of my head):
Angle gear – esp with the MT with angle gears needing to be replaced due to no oil (leaks) or the splines on the collar stripping

Clutch slave cylinder – few reports of these letting go meaning a new clutch (clutch plate often not covered under warranty)

4C shocks – can be very expense it replace if leaking (often not covered under warranty)

Front bumper often catches on parking lot curbs – resulting in a droopy bumper

Apart from that just keep an eye out for all the usual P2 foibles…
A good indication of the car’s quality is the care factor of the previous owner:
- curb rash on the wheels?
- excessive wear & tear on the interior?

A warranty can be worth its weight in gold.

In addition to these items I would look for some service records on the car and having a shop other than the selling dealer inspect the car is always a wise idea. This will only be $100-200 and may reveal an problems the seller is trying to cover up or is unaware of. Also be sure to read the fine print on any extended warranty so you know exactly what it will cover and what it won't. You don't want to have any unexpected expenses when you take it in for service.