[speedyovi8]

Hi I’m new here and planning to buy my first car as a university student. Do you think the 2007 S60 is still reliable in 2023? The one I saw is selling for 8.5k Canadian and has 75k miles on it. I’m looking for a AWD Sedan and came up across the S60 but saw a lot of negative comments regarding maintenance and repairs. What are your opinions? Thanks in advance.

 

[chefricky]

It all depends on the condition of the car. The price is high for that car unless it has a stellar documented service history and the body and paint are excellent. I own the same car. I have no negative comments,but mine is 100%.Beware of the AWD system service history especially.

 

[speedyovi8]

It all depends on the condition of the car. The price is high for that car unless it has a stellar documented service history and the body and paint are excellent. I own the same car. I have no negative comments,but mine is 100%.Beware of the AWD system service history especially.

Thanks a lot, I will definitely ask him that and try to negotiate the price if possible. Do you still use the car to this day? And if it was well maintained, how long do you think I could still ride it out?

 

[spiked60]

Thanks a lot, I will definitely ask him that and try to negotiate the price if possible. Do you still use the car to this day? And if it was well maintained, how long do you think I could still ride it out?

Maintenance history is the key here.

If the car has good history, and really only 75k miles, that absolutely could be a solid car. I'm bias but this is the generation of Volvo that has pretty great build quality, and while any 15 year old car can/will have issues, my history has been good.

The awd system adds a few things to be aware of, but if you toss on winter tires you'll have one of the best cars for winter driving in Canada

The one Volvo specific thing to add, is our cars have a ton of computers that require a special tool to be read, so I recommend budgeting another few hundred bucks for VIDA (the software) & DICE (the hardware connector) so that you can really communicate with the car and check/reset things. There are groups on facebook that with a little research can get you a clone and maybe even a laptop for not too much if that's a route you go

 

[Eric T Johnson]

I own a 2005 S60, with 135,000 miles. It runs well, & both the engine & transmission seem to be solid at this time. I live in north Texas, and the car has no significant body rust.
I paid around 4,000 dollars, back in 2017. The car had been in an accident, and was purchased as salvage by the shop that replaced the left rear quarter panel. I would buy another old Volvo, but repairs are expensive, and I would not pay more than 5,000 dollars for the car under discussion here.

 

[speedyovi8]

Maintenance history is the key here.

If the car has good history, and really only 75k miles, that absolutely could be a solid car. I'm bias but this is the generation of Volvo that has pretty great build quality, and while any 15 year old car can/will have issues, my history has been good.

The awd system adds a few things to be aware of, but if you toss on winter tires you'll have one of the best cars for winter driving in Canada

The one Volvo specific thing to add, is our cars have a ton of computers that require a special tool to be read, so I recommend budgeting another few hundred bucks for VIDA (the software) & DICE (the hardware connector) so that you can really communicate with the car and check/reset things. There are groups on facebook that with a little research can get you a clone and maybe even a laptop for not too much if that's a route you go

Thanks for all the info, I really appreciate it but unfortunately I’m not enough familiar with the car computers so I don’t really want to mess with this. I just found a 2011 S60 T6 that has the same mileage (75k) and the car’s dealership asks for 10k. Would you recommend me more this model? Is it more reliable?

 

[speedyovi8]

I own a 2005 S60, with 135,000 miles. It runs well, & both the engine & transmission seem to be solid at this time. I live in north Texas, and the car has no significant body rust.
I paid around 4,000 dollars, back in 2017. The car had been in an accident, and was purchased as salvage by the shop that replaced the left rear quarter panel. I would buy another old Volvo, but repairs are expensive, and I would not pay more than 5,000 dollars for the car under discussion here.

Wowww, that’s great to hear. The thing is, I think you’re right. 8.5k for this is way too much and it’s a risk that I’m not willing to take. However, I just found a 2011 S60 T6 that has the same mileage (75k) and the car’s dealership asks for 10k. Would you recommend me more this model? Is it more reliable?

 

[BenjaminD]

The 2011 is a fantastic car, a big improvement from the earlier S60, but more complex. I don't think either is an unreliable vehicle. There will always be those who say "Just get a Toyota", as if Toyota makes unimpeachably reliable cars ... lots of Toyotas from the last 20 years will rust or burn oil. (My point: every car has issues.)

When buying a used car, you can't afford not to get it checked out by a mechanic ... even something like "your brakes are 70% used" will help you avoid a surprise bill.

A 2011 S60 T6 with low mileage for $10k CAD is a good deal, IF it has been well taken care of. $40 for a carfax report, if not provided by the dealer, can also be invaluable.

 

[Phixion]

Either S60 you're looking at between the 2007 model and the 2011 model has a complex computer system and accompanying modules. But don't let that scare you away, it's actually a good thing when compared to Japanese or American cars of the same years in some aspects concerning diagnosing and calibrating things with the car. That all said, maintenance is going to be key no matter which car you get. The better it's maintained, the longer it'll last you and more reliable it'll be. With either car of the 2 you're looking at, nothing just simply breaks if you maintain it regularly, that goes for almost any car really. But Volvos are pretty solid. The P3 ones (the 2011 you're looking at) are quite good cars. But so are the P2 models (the 2007). I have a 2004 S60, same body as the 2007. Mine has nearly 200k miles on it and I drive it daily to commute to work 60 miles round trip. I've also taken it on 4 different road trips through California, about 1,500 miles each trip without issues. I do all work on the car myself. These cars and the motors in them can last 300k+ miles with proper care and maintenance, and there's definitely people out there with that many miles on them. I don't think you'll be disappointed in either one of the 2 you looked at. But at their price and milage, I'd make sure that the timing belt and water pump were replaced recently, otherwise the price should be about $1000 less if not since you'll want to do that fairly soon and it'll be about that cost CND for that service. If it's been done, the sellers should be able to show you proof by receipts for the work or for the parts. Good luck!

 

[BenjaminD]

Either S60 you're looking at between the 2007 model and the 2011 model has a complex computer system and accompanying modules. But don't let that scare you away, it's actually a good thing when compared to Japanese or American cars of the same years in some aspects concerning diagnosing and calibrating things with the car. That all said, maintenance is going to be key no matter which car you get. The better it's maintained, the longer it'll last you and more reliable it'll be. With either car of the 2 you're looking at, nothing just simply breaks if you maintain it regularly, that goes for almost any car really. But Volvos are pretty solid. The P3 ones (the 2011 you're looking at) are quite good cars. But so are the P2 models (the 2007). I have a 2004 S60, same body as the 2007. Mine has nearly 200k miles on it and I drive it daily to commute to work 60 miles round trip. I've also taken it on 4 different road trips through California, about 1,500 miles each trip without issues. I do all work on the car myself. These cars and the motors in them can last 300k+ miles with proper care and maintenance, and there's definitely people out there with that many miles on them. I don't think you'll be disappointed in either one of the 2 you looked at. But at their price and milage, I'd make sure that the timing belt and water pump were replaced recently, otherwise the price should be about $1000 less if not since you'll want to do that fairly soon and it'll be about that cost CND for that service. If it's been done, the sellers should be able to show you proof by receipts for the work or for the parts. Good luck!

I agree with this assessment. Keep in mind that the 2011 T6 has a timing chain, which doesn't need to be changed, but it will need an auxiliary drive belt change at 150k miles (240k kilometres if my math is correct).

 

[speedyovi8]

The 2011 is a fantastic car, a big improvement from the earlier S60, but more complex. I don't think either is an unreliable vehicle. There will always be those who say "Just get a Toyota", as if Toyota makes unimpeachably reliable cars ... lots of Toyotas from the last 20 years will rust or burn oil. (My point: every car has issues.)

When buying a used car, you can't afford not to get it checked out by a mechanic ... even something like "your brakes are 70% used" will help you avoid a surprise bill.

A 2011 S60 T6 with low mileage for $10k CAD is a good deal, IF it has been well taken care of. $40 for a carfax report, if not provided by the dealer, can also be invaluable.

Thanks for the answer! I will definitely go get it checked by a mechanic and ask for the Carfax report. I have asked the same question on reddit and a lot of people were telling me not to buy it for the reason you listed (that Toyota’s better) but it’s great to hear some positive comments.

 

[speedyovi8]

Either S60 you're looking at between the 2007 model and the 2011 model has a complex computer system and accompanying modules. But don't let that scare you away, it's actually a good thing when compared to Japanese or American cars of the same years in some aspects concerning diagnosing and calibrating things with the car. That all said, maintenance is going to be key no matter which car you get. The better it's maintained, the longer it'll last you and more reliable it'll be. With either car of the 2 you're looking at, nothing just simply breaks if you maintain it regularly, that goes for almost any car really. But Volvos are pretty solid. The P3 ones (the 2011 you're looking at) are quite good cars. But so are the P2 models (the 2007). I have a 2004 S60, same body as the 2007. Mine has nearly 200k miles on it and I drive it daily to commute to work 60 miles round trip. I've also taken it on 4 different road trips through California, about 1,500 miles each trip without issues. I do all work on the car myself. These cars and the motors in them can last 300k+ miles with proper care and maintenance, and there's definitely people out there with that many miles on them. I don't think you'll be disappointed in either one of the 2 you looked at. But at their price and milage, I'd make sure that the timing belt and water pump were replaced recently, otherwise the price should be about $1000 less if not since you'll want to do that fairly soon and it'll be about that cost CND for that service. If it's been done, the sellers should be able to show you proof by receipts for the work or for the parts. Good luck!

Wowwwww, that has to be one of the most complete answer and I think your reply just convinced me of buying it hahaha. So many people on reddit told me not to buy it, but the thing is I don’t think they’re people who had a S60 before and who are experienced like here in the forum. Will definitely ask for the carfax report and maintenance history to make sure these 2 things were replaced recently. Also, when I go see the car, should I be looking at something specific to make sure it’s in good condition or that can only be tell by the reports. Again thank you so much I really appreciate it. This is a great forum!

 

[ZZZZZZZ]

All good advice. 100% correct on maintenance. IRAN (Inspect & Replace As Necessary) is what will keep these going. Don't be afraid of older cars as long as you have a reputable source like SwedeSpeed to assist, and as long as you have a local VOLVO mechanic. What you should do is find that first and know it's got a stellar reputation. These can be costly but rewarding cars to own. I have three P2s: an 02 that I now daily with 140K on it, an 05 s60 that is 171K and a v70R that is 171K. They all have their own quirks but use the same basic systems. The 02 has been with us since 98K miles, the s60 since 50K miles, the 07 since 105K. Comfy, good looks, solid AF. I'd personally go for the P2 (07) if it checked out. There may be users on the forum who are in your area who could look at it with you and give another opinio, or offer a good local shop(s) they rely on.

Wowwwww, that has to be one of the most complete answer and I think your reply just convinced me of buying it hahaha. So many people on reddit told me not to buy it, but the thing is I don’t think they’re people who had a S60 before and who are experienced like here in the forum. Will definitely ask for the carfax report and maintenance history to make sure these 2 things were replaced recently. Also, when I go see the car, should I be looking at something specific to make sure it’s in good condition or that can only be tell by the reports. Again thank you so much I really appreciate it. This is a great forum!

 

[ZZZZZZZ]

There is zero doubt that a Toyota may be the better choice for a University student. Cheaper to maintain. There's always time for a good Volvo after you get a full time job and can afford to put a little more toward something that actually has a soul. 🤣 However - it also has to be maintained. The good thing is just about any decent repair shop can help, but only some shops do WELL with Volvos.

Good luck searching! Prices have begun to come back to normal for used cars. I'm confident you'll find something nice. Tell us what you end up getting!

Thanks for the answer! I will definitely go get it checked by a mechanic and ask for the Carfax report. I have asked the same question on reddit and a lot of people were telling me not to buy it for the reason you listed (that Toyota’s better) but it’s great to hear some positive comments.

 

[SilverStreak177]

Have had my '04 V70 since '07 off of its first lease, and is now at 360k. Runs great, obviously regular maintenance is necessary. For that '07, do a PPI, and replace the things due soon.
If you're local to me, can recommend shops, etc.

 

[SilverStreak177]

It's the black on tan S60 2.5T AWD with the snow brush in the passenger seat, correct?

If so, it is a base spec car — no ABLs, no sport seats, no sport steering wheel/shifter, HU650, no fog lamps, etc.
With 120,000km, it is not worth $8.5k — closer to ~$5k on average, maybe $6.5k if it really is a stellar car with no current issues and all maintenance items are up to date.
Cosmetically, it looks decent. Outside it appears good. It could do with a thorough cleaning inside, but physically is fine (no leather tears, cracks, etc.). I would ask for more pictures than are in the ad now, especially of the engine bay and of the rear seats, along with the service records.

 

[speedyovi8]

There is zero doubt that a Toyota may be the better choice for a University student. Cheaper to maintain. There's always time for a good Volvo after you get a full time job and can afford to put a little more toward something that actually has a soul. 🤣 However - it also has to be maintained. The good thing is just about any decent repair shop can help, but only some shops do WELL with Volvos.

Good luck searching! Prices have begun to come back to normal for used cars. I'm confident you'll find something nice. Tell us what you end up getting!

hahaha that's fore sure regarding the Toyota comment and I'm definitely getting a better model once I get a full time job. Fortunately, I still live with my parents and don't have anything to pay besides my own expenses so that is why I'm really considering the S60. I managed to get 2 internships which helped me saved money and that I invested well. But like all of you said, maintenance is key and I hope the 2 models that I go check out have been well maintained. I also started doing research about good Volvo repair shops and found 2 of them. If anyone lives sees this post and is located in Montreal, feel free to contact me. I will definitely let yall know what I end up getting and hope that I can negotiate for the best price. Thanks again for your reply!

 

[speedyovi8]

It's the black on tan S60 2.5T AWD with the snow brush in the passenger seat, correct?

If so, it is a base spec car — no ABLs, no sport seats, no sport steering wheel/shifter, HU650, no fog lamps, etc.
With 120,000km, it is not worth $8.5k — closer to ~$5k on average, maybe $6.5k if it really is a stellar car with no current issues and all maintenance items are up to date.
Cosmetically, it looks decent. Outside it appears good. It could do with a thorough cleaning inside, but physically is fine (no leather tears, cracks, etc.). I would ask for more pictures than are in the ad now, especially of the engine bay and of the rear seats, along with the service records.

Thanks for your reply and yes the model you mentionned is correct. Will try to negotiate for the price and check what needs to be replaced but it's great to know that yours is still running well! I am located in Montreal. What do you think about the other model I mentionned? 2011 S60 T6 AWD with 75 k miles and selling for 10k?

 

[ZZZZZZZ]

Might not hurt to share the two links. This thread is so limited in exposure, so if you're acting quickly it shouldn't hurt. In the non-affiliated thread, I'm convinced we SELL the cars other people have for sale FOR them. LOL
We can pore over what we see on each car from our screens... but yes, a PPI would be highly recommended.

Thanks for your reply and yes the model you mentionned is correct. Will try to negotiate for the price and check what needs to be replaced but it's great to know that yours is still running well! I am located in Montreal. What do you think about the other model I mentionned? 2011 S60 T6 AWD with 75 k miles and selling for 10k?

 

[speedyovi8]

Of course!
This is the 2011 model (sold by independent car’s dealership) :

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This is the 2007 model (Guy works at a Volvo’s dealership) :

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Let me know of the links work

Might not hurt to share the two links. This thread is so limited in exposure, so if you're acting quickly it shouldn't hurt. In the non-affiliated thread, I'm convinced we SELL the cars other people have for sale FOR them. LOL
We can pore over what we see on each car from our screens... but yes, a PPI would be highly recommended.