2003 Volvo S60

I liked it but glad it's gone

By Fdo2013 (MA) on Friday, May 03, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: I felt like the car was aging fast and needed a vehicle with more space - My approximate mileage is 63,000

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 4

"I think this may be useful to anyone considering buying a used Volvo S60. I had my 2005 Volvo S60 2.5t for 5 years and put 63k. I liked the car, it had character and the aesthetics were great but there was always an underlying level of cheapness. I'll start with the plus points: Style, comfort, sporty nature, good climate control, good in the snow, would cool down quickly in the summer and never experienced a heat blast when opening the doors despite being black w black leather. I'm very easy on my cars so they don't age much from when they are bought. But at 30K the front wheels started squeaking and making clicking noises when going around corners. The drivers side started first then it was the passengers side. At 40k I needed the drivers side stabilizer replaced, paint started peeling from the rear window panel, headlights got misty at 40k, by 43k both headland washer jets stopped working, center armrest started showing signs of wear at 35k, by the time I sold it engine performance was more sluggish, needed coolant top offs, at 50k the cabin fan motor started to make strange noises, all rotors needed to be replaced at 45k but the front ones needed to be turned and shortly afterwards...at 48k the check engine light came on but only Volvo could run diagnostics and they couldn't give me a straight answer, the rear passenger door plastic started to peel away from the panel because my dog leaned against it, there's more. In short I started to question the vehicle's quality. I lost confidence after driving or riding in a few Camry's and Accords (with more miles). They are just as safe as my old Volvo but behind the wheel made the latter seem archaic and question what I paid for. It wasn't just my car I noticed this but with other Volvos. A friend has a 90's 240 and despite age, it's apparent this was a much better built vehicle. The're's no way my car will run or look as good at that age. Eventually, I started looking around for a new vehicle. What I bought was a total surprise, a used 2005 BMW X5 with 80k. The difference between BMW and Volvo is seismic. The SUV sprints & handles much, much better, the build quality and interior materials are heaps superior, the electronics run perfectly and more, all from a vehicle with more miles. I'm not trying to sell BMW but I no longer feel like I'm being fooled. So my point this. I liked the S60, I would recommend it only to people who are not picky about quality, want a premium brand, the car is OK and it's nice. But after driving a few good quality vehicles from different price points like an Accord, Camry, X5, 3 series, a 90's Volvo it was very clear my S60 was not of the same caliber. I hope this is useful."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Love this car!!

By MROGERS (AZ) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 115,000

Pros: "Fun to drive, looks great, low maintenance."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had about 9 cars since 1995, bought this 2004 Volvo in 2005 and still have it!!!! This is the longest I have kept a car. It had under 9,000 miles on it which means I have put over 100,000 miles on it myself!!! This car is very nice and I hope to have this for many more years and then get another one!! No issues at all!!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Worst vehicle ever and I've owned Volvos for 18 yr

By Unlucky red (IL) on Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

Pros: "Nice quick handling"

Cons: "Parts break and wear out"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Failed diagnostic test on one visit- listed items i need to fix: control arm bushings, lower ball joint, worn front springs, replace vibration damper, worn upper torque engine mounts, replace DIM, cluster for dash, left tail light out, power steering leak, left fog light broke, differential leak, control arm bushings worn, power steering leak, control arm bushings, exhaust hanger broke, pro shaft flange pins, parking brake shoes dragging, front brake hoses, list of failed test items. And angle gear and fluid replacement. Car has 42,000 miles only. I find it amazing that all these things are worn or broke on a $40,000 car. I drive good, just hadn't taken it in for two years. I used to love Volvos.... Not any more. Beware, as my estimate to repair all is over $12,000. (so now I have no dash lights, turn directionals,, gauges in dash-- a safety hazard as all do not work.)"

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Great vehicle - even 10 years later

By Cary (IN) on Tuesday, January 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 76,000

Pros: "Styling, Great Highway car, Affordable, SAFE"

Cons: "Turn radius, Dealership Maintenance costs"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Volvo has a great style, inside and out. Even 10 years later, people comment on style, condition, and how well it is aging. My only complaint with this car is that it has a horrible turn radius. It's like Volvo paid close attention to all details, delivered an excellent car, but forgot that turn-radius is important. Looking for a new car, but cannot find a car with the styling, capability, or price that comes close to my 2003 Volvo. With only 76,000 miles after 10-years, I anticipate many more years before I buy something new."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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The perfect Colorado car

By quarterback (CO) on Monday, October 08, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 94,000

Pros: "styling, fun, great for bad weather"

Cons: "small back seat, back window"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned this car for 8 years... buying it in 2005 with only 9000 miles on it. I have abused this car more than any car deserves... my parents live out on a farm in Northeastern Colorado and I hunt the plains for deer, pheasants, etc... I drive this car anywhere - rutted dirt roads, icy roads, slush, snow, etc... In the winter I'm driving it up to the mountains to go skiiing. I pass everybody going up the mountain with the turbo power and all wheel drive handling... I have had friends drive it and were blown away. I've replaced the tires and windshield wipers - that's it! I continue to get 30 mpg on the highway and around 24 in town... solid. It hugs the road in all conditions better than any car on the road. The only negative is the rear window...which is a little small but you get used to it and of course it creates the aggressive stance that makes the car so attractive. They haven't changed the style much since 2003 and so my "old" car looks very similar to the new ones hitting the road.... just a great car."

13 people out of 13 found this review helpful

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My fave car I've ever owned

By Migono (LA) on Sunday, August 05, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 63,000

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"After having 2 Jeeps stolen in NOLA (1 of which was brand new off the lot and only owned it for 6 months), I wanted something that wouldn't get stolen yet stylish and affordable. I bought a gently used Volvo! I've owned it now for just over 4 years. It's been perfect with the exception of one small digital glitch. The dealership fix it and was covered by the warranty. Trying to decide if I should keep it till it dies or trade it in. It only has 63k miles. This is the kind of car that I could keep forever. Buying a Volvo is worth every penny!!!"

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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