Help - need S60R Buying Guide

[Dacvolvo]

Merry Christmas, Folks!

I'm thinking of buying a new toy. Anyone got a buying guide for the S60R, please?

[Justin]

Yes Dac.....DONT! lol.

Just kidding.

For me its the basics you would see in any car but the R series have a few hidden gems apart from the others.

Make sure that the 4C chassis works, all 3 settings and also everything electrical. On light and hard acceleration that there is no noise from the transmission, it can be anything from a whurr to a grinding noise. Check the inner arches for excessive rubbing, sometimes they go through both the tyre wall and the liner. Make sure the exhaust isnt blowing or badly decayed, it will be soon if its not now.
The KKK is a good turbo, but from my experience they tend to whistle more and more just before they break, if its a really noisey almost whine from the turbo walk away.
Underneath check for leaks especially from the transferbox. (I will add picks later)

If i think of anything else i will post it later on, i'm sure others can add to this, Oh and get a good warranty

[Jaseb77]

I think the newer the better too, with all gearbox/transfer stuff fettled, and all software updates, and better to buy from Volvo, with Waranty

might be dearer but if there is around £1000 difference , may end up worthwhile IMHO.

not many manuals around either,

it is a pity there a wee bit fragile, having driven a couple they are good .
have a forum search about rear wheel hop too. bit of a strange sensation ,which can occur when really pushing on

[Justin]

Cant find the pics of my angle gear, i will keep looking

EDIT, Found them:

[beppie boy]

justin wil this be the same things to look for on the estate versions as i will be looking next year for the v70r

martyn

[volvokid]

Justin is the turbo in the S60R diffrent from the 19T then?

[Dacvolvo]

Thanks for the input, chaps.

I've been reading up one the S60R and it does seem to be an excellent car with the only negative aspect being reliability mainly with the chasis and electrics. I'd love to have a few to shop around with, but at the moment, there aren't very many for sale at all.

I would love a warranty as I'm a wee bit nervous given all the possible problems, but unfortunetely, the one I've got my eye on is a private sale - Ebay item number 140286976604

How robust are these S60Rs and if I do buy one, is it only a matter of time before I have to start paying out for expensive repairs? Bear in mind, this'll be used as a daily driver if I buy it.

[V70R]

Hi,
Best extnernal colour going (I would say that, same as mine). In addition to the above comments, check headlights for cracks (very expensive to replace, even if its just the lens) Ask for all warranty work that's been carried out on the car, and being an 04R it will have had some done (same year as mine again). Although the R's are very expensive beasts to run, my V70R has given the most enjoyment out of any vehicle i have every owned including an M3 and Boxster.

If you can afford the up keep, you wont be upset. Regarding your buyers guide, check out the following forum. Wont these guys dont know, you'll never need to ask.

http://forums.swedespeed.com/zeroforum?id=51

Good luck !!

[Hunter]

How robust are these S60Rs and if I do buy one, is it only a matter of time before I have to start paying out for expensive repairs? Bear in mind, this'll be used as a daily driver if I buy it.

I've been using mine as a daily driver for 9 months and 16k miles. Only thing that needed replacing outwith normal service items was the fuel pressure switch recently. It is an expensive car to maintain but, as long as you know that and can afford to do so, it's an absolute blast to drive! I've been running twin- and single-turbo AWD cars for nearly 15 years and I haven't found it to be any more expensive to run than any of my previous cars. I don't have a warranty with mine - I'm not a fan of after-market warranties as I think they're too expensive - but that's my personal choice. I can understand why others might like the comfort they provide.

Have you driven one yet? I see you're in Glasgow. I'm in Edinburgh most days if you want a close look at one

[V70R]

I've been using mine as a daily driver for 9 months and 16k miles. Only thing that needed replacing outwith normal service items was the fuel pressure switch recently. It is an expensive car to maintain but, as long as you know that and can afford to do so, it's an absolute blast to drive! I've been running twin- and single-turbo AWD cars for nearly 15 years and I haven't found it to be any more expensive to run than any of my previous cars. I don't have a warranty with mine - I'm not a fan of after-market warranties as I think they're too expensive - but that's my personal choice. I can understand why others might like the comfort they provide.

Have you driven one yet? I see you're in Glasgow. I'm in Edinburgh most days if you want a close look at one

Couldnt help but notice you mentioned the fuel pressure switch. Did you mean sensor ? Was it replaced to sort out a hickup at about 3000RPM ? If so mine is at the dealers having the same looked at ? Did it work ?

[Justin]

Justin is the turbo in the S60R diffrent from the 19T then?

Yes its a KKK-24 turbo, quite a bit different and a very good turbo

justin wil this be the same things to look for on the estate versions as i will be looking next year for the v70r

martyn

Exactly the same, the platform is identicle, its just the body structure thats different

Thanks for the input, chaps.

I've been reading up one the S60R and it does seem to be an excellent car with the only negative aspect being reliability mainly with the chasis and electrics. I'd love to have a few to shop around with, but at the moment, there aren't very many for sale at all.

I would love a warranty as I'm a wee bit nervous given all the possible problems, but unfortunetely, the one I've got my eye on is a private sale - Ebay item number 140286976604

How robust are these S60Rs and if I do buy one, is it only a matter of time before I have to start paying out for expensive repairs? Bear in mind, this'll be used as a daily driver if I buy it.

Looks nice, great colour, the best interior IMO, Nav and phone. Get the reg, run it through Volvo and see what service history and recall/warranty work its had, If you get stuck drop me a line i will get it for you

Nothing wrong with aftermarket warranties as long as they are the top level ones, £500 odd quid is a small price to pay for the year, for instance the transfer box is a £1200 job, turbo is a grand minimum, sensors and diagnostics can run into thousands (ask burchi)

You may never have an issue, however you may.....

[Jimmie]

Justin have you ever heard of the top part of the sump devlope a leak?.

[volvokid]

[QUOTE=Justin;202682]Yes its a KKK-24 turbo, quite a bit different and a very good turbo

So do you know if that would fit my V70? i planned on the 19T i thought that was the latest and greatest.

[Hunter]

Couldnt help but notice you mentioned the fuel pressure switch. Did you mean sensor ? Was it replaced to sort out a hickup at about 3000RPM ? If so mine is at the dealers having the same looked at ? Did it work ?

Sorry, yes "sensor". And yes, I was getting the odd hesitation, like fuel-cut or overboost, but only when accelerating gently, never when accelerating hard. After a week or so of that, got an error in the display. Had the sensor replaced - 10 minute job apparently - and the problem disappeared

[V70R]

Sorry, yes "sensor". And yes, I was getting the odd hesitation, like fuel-cut or overboost, but only when accelerating gently, never when accelerating hard. After a week or so of that, got an error in the display. Had the sensor replaced - 10 minute job apparently - and the problem disappeared

Hmmmm. Thats exactly what I have. I did mention recall 181 to them, but they started on the MAF sensor. Perhaps I will redirect them

[Justin]

[quote=volvokid;202686]

Yes its a KKK-24 turbo, quite a bit different and a very good turbo

So do you know if that would fit my V70? i planned on the 19T i thought that was the latest and greatest.

Not sure, i guess some modifications would be needed tbh, i didnt see that yours was a phase 1 car, i have pics of the turbo at work, i will post them tomorrow so you can have a look at the outlet

[simonc]

Can i just say that i've had a 03 plate V70R for nearly 3yrs & done over 30k in my ownership (its on 62k now) & never really had any probs apart from drivers heated seat stopped working & finally got a mate to renew the front wishbone bushes tonight as it was horrible to drive with so much play in the bushes but much better now,they did last 61k though. Its still on its original brake discs at 61k but i do have OEM ones sitting in the garage ready to fit. My angle gear is weeping so ripping it apart next month to put fresh oil & seals to hopefully help it last. Its still quite an expensive car to run but no more than any other car i've had. Luckily i used to work at 2 main Volvo dealers a few yrs back so i know a few people & can get most things done a bit cheaper without going main dealer. I plan to keep mine for at least another 3 yrs, its depriciated so much since i bought it so no point in selling it. The only problem i have is the wife , she hit a metal post & put a nice dent in the rear door & quarter but i've sent it back to the bodyshop twice as they can't seem to match the paint properly ! So what with the kids trashing the inside & the wife smashing the bodywork its looking a bit used !


Simon.

[volvokid]

[quote=Justin;202695]

Not sure, i guess some modifications would be needed tbh, i didnt see that yours was a phase 1 car, i have pics of the turbo at work, i will post them tomorrow so you can have a look at the outlet

Cool thanks Justin

[burchi]

Hi.... I don't wish to pour cold water on your possible purchase but, as said PLEASE get the very best warranty you can buy. These cars can run into £thousands when things go wrong. Here's a list of what my 2004 V70R has had:

Front shocks (twice) @ £450 per shock plus fitting and top mounts
Fuel rail pressure sensor
Fuel pump control module
Fuel pump
Both rear wheel bearings/hubs
Handbrake cables
Boost pressure (MAP) sensor
Steering rack
Reverse light switch
Clutch
Dual mass flywheel
Ignition lock
Passenger door lock
Engine (caused by cracked block)
Radiator fan
Power steering reservoir
MAF sensor (twice)
Correct 4 wheel alignment is a must and can go off setting really easily

So you can see why I say a warranty is a must. Fortunately most of the above has been covered by the Volvo extended warranty which I have paid to extend twice now and is the best investment I ever made.

They are great cars to drive and have lots of toys and gadgets which are excellent. If you get a good one as some on here have you'll have hours of fun driving it. Just make your selection with great care.

Hope this helps


Ian

[Justin]

Kkk-24