General: What to check for when buying an S60?

[Ravage]

So it looks as if I should have my S60 in less than a month. I have started to look at a couple with around 60k miles and other than a good clean they appear ok.

So what am I to check for when looking at a 2001/2002 S60?

[John_C]

If you do a quick forum search there are quite a few postings about this which should help, don't mean to be unhelpful but it's easier than typing the info in all over again.

e.g. http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=16438

Cheers,
J

[Ravage]

Yeah I did a search and most tell you what to look for but not how to look for them.

For example the engine mounts, how can you tell from a 10 minute test drive and a quick look under the bonnet?

Same with the other things?

[blues60]

The engine mount that goes on the S60 is the one at the top of the engine, it connects to the brace bar that runs across the engine. If you look at the centre of the metal loop of the mount there should be rubber between the pin running through the centre and the metal casting. If the rubber is broken or perished it needs replacing. It's not expensive(OEM part is £40 or thereabouts) so don't let it put you off the car but use it to beat the price down.
The frontal lower wishbone bushes will give a knocking or clunking sound when going over rough surfaces but this means they are really shot. Mine failed the MOT and were only found by turning the steering wheel with the car on the ground and watching the bushes. You need to be under the car to see if the bushes allow the wishbone to flex in the mountings.
The door lock problem is pretty easy to diagnose. If any of the locks unlock themselves straight after you lock them then it needs replacing. I would lock and unlock any car you look at a few times to see if any are playing up. They are about £160 for the parts plus labour.
Make sure the car engine doesn't "hunt" when idling with the climate on or off. The car should have a dead level idle which will fluctuate a little when the aircon pump kicks in. If the car revs rise and fall erratically then this is an indication of the electronic throttle module at early stages of failure. They can be cleaned out which can sort the problem but bear in mind if it's at a more advanced stage it going to be a £700 part from Volvo plus labour. Again, if the car is a real peach then use it as a bargaining tool rather than walking away from the car.
If I were looking at buying another S60 I would look at plenty and try to get a fully loaded SE spec car as there are plenty out there and DEFINATELY get one with the Pro-Logic hifi, it's the best OEM audio system I've heard. There are loads of S spec cars and I'm glad I held out for a nice SE example.
That's a few things to look for but remember the basic things about when looking at cars which are well documented. Happy hunting!

[akash]

My terminology is totally incorrect but i think you can check under near to where the wheel attaches for any brakes
the reason I mention this is that because the turning circle is so bad, a lot of people "bang" it when turning
after a while, it can break from what I've been told

Otherwise its just the usual, breaks, tears, rust etc

[DaveMitch]

Thanks for the feedback all,

Feel more confident about getting an S60 now; after your responses & looking thru forums, doesnt look like to many issues ( none major) to worry about.

Blues S60; is the pro logic audio the standard kit in the SE? I,m sure it had that logo on the car I,m considering- must agree , it did sound much better than my VW passat.

Does any one know if the volvo integrated telephone can be retrofitted in to the car? ( spend hours driving & on the telephone & am fed up with blue tooth thingy in ear'ole!) .

Thanks
Dave

[King jaffi juffa]

Originally Posted by Ravage

So it looks as if I should have my S60 in less than a month. I have started to look at a couple with around 60k miles and other than a good clean they appear ok.

So what am I to check for when looking at a 2001/2002 S60?

Make sure you check the suspension mounts, shocks, anti roll bar links front & rear , wishbones..

I have the S60 2.0 SE T 01 and have just had replace all those parts at a cost of £1,260.00 , Ive had the car for 4 years tho and quite simply wont change!
And i'm having it resprayed in two weeks ! cannot wait. The stereo system is just fantastic for a standard unit no need to upgrade.. The car is smoooooth and eats the motorway (move over son S60 coming thro) lol.. Just make sure you do the usual checks as you would with any car . and i'm sure you wont be disappointed.... Good luck Fella Njoy your S60

Regards

King Jaffi Juffa

Ruler of Zamunda

Love that film

[King jaffi juffa]

Originally Posted by Ravage

So it looks as if I should have my S60 in less than a month. I have started to look at a couple with around 60k miles and other than a good clean they appear ok.

So what am I to check for when looking at a 2001/2002 S60?

60k ? 01/02 models? thats quite impressive

[mega_angelic]

Originally Posted by King jaffi juffa

60k ? 01/02 models? thats quite impressive

That was posted in 2006 :-)

[keelan]

Originally Posted by King jaffi juffa

60k ? 01/02 models? thats quite impressive

can any one help my clocks are not working at all what can i do to fix