Opinions - 2002 Volvo S60 2.4T

"Busslayer" (Busslayer)
03/28/2016 at 11:22 • Filed to: None

So I was looking for a semi-reliable beater for my kids to drive so I can stop driving them everywhere. I was really looking for something like a mid-’00s Focus or Corolla, but came across this at a dealer:

http://www.yourchoiceautos.com/2002_Volvo_S60…

They claim it runs fine and it has 115k miles. I didn’t get to drive it since the dealer wasn’t open. From the outside, it looked great, especially compared to other $3000 cars I’ve been looking at. No rust, only a couple small scratches/dings. The interior looked really good too. The only thing I noticed from looking in the window was the leather of the (automatic) shifter boot was tattered. I am a bit suspicious considering what you typically find in this price range. Is there something about these that I should be aware of.

I was also really hoping to buy something slow and really boring since I don’t really trust my son to have anything that might actually be a little bit fast.

DISCUSSION (11)

Party-vi > Busslayer
03/28/2016 at 11:43

semi-reliable beater

decade-old turbo Folvo (Ford-Volvo)

Be smart about this and get a Honda or Toyota. I work with a woman who drives a 2000 Honda Civic and it looks fantastic. Parts are cheap, replacing components is easy, and insurance is cheap as well.

For Sweden > Busslayer
03/28/2016 at 11:51

If you’re going to go Old Volvo, which is a fine and commendable thing to do, why not an S80?

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Party-vi
03/28/2016 at 11:58

Where I live Civics cost lots to insure due to their popularity with the under 20 crowd.

Busslayer > Party-vi
03/28/2016 at 12:04

Those are they types of cars I've been looking for. I'm actually quite partial to 05+ Focus' as I've found them to be basically indestructible and nearly maintenance free. But after looking at 10-15 year old compacts, this Volvo looked dreamy for the price. But yes, I was hoping someone would tell me the S60 has anvil-like reliability. Unfortunately, I suspect the Volvo is probably not the smart choice.

Busslayer > For Sweden
03/28/2016 at 12:10

I not really out looking to buy a Volvo, just came across it when looking at 15 year old Corollas. That said, this same dealer does list an '01 S80 in their inventory. I didn't see it on their lot though. Would it be a more reliable choice. Since it is just for my kids to drive to school, I'm not to concerned about features or which one is the better "drivers car", just which one is less likely to require costly repairs.

http://www.yourchoiceautos.com/2001_Volvo_S80…

Party-vi > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock
03/28/2016 at 12:11

You should move to America, Jack. We have better beer and looser women. Men too, if your’e into that.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Busslayer
03/28/2016 at 12:23

The non-turbo S80s are pretty bulletproof. I've seen a lot hold up for many hundreds of thousands of miles with the only real wear&tear being the leather arm rest.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Party-vi
03/28/2016 at 12:24

DON’T TALK SHIT ABOUT CANADIAN PRODUCTS. WE HAVE BETTER BEER, SO SCREW OFF.

For Sweden > Busslayer
03/28/2016 at 12:26

I would not buy that particular Volvo unless...

The timing belt has been replaced; the service schedule says to replace it at 105,000 miles.

The transmission has been inspected/rebuilt/replaced. That model year had Opel-built transmissions that were particularly unreliable.

Busslayer > For Sweden
03/28/2016 at 12:36

Ok. I think it is time to scratch old Volvos off my list. Too complicated.

Party-vi > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock
03/28/2016 at 13:04

Does moose-piss really taste better than horse-piss?