[noslenwerd]

Hello,

I am on the verge of buying a 2004 s60r from someone on this forum and had a few basic questions. I searched but could not find any good info.

- how much does the "sport" R body kit cost unpainted?
- any major differences between 2004/2005 s60r models? cosmetically or performance wise?
- any major performance differences between auto manual?
- how reliable are volvos? do they last pretty long? maintenance expensive?

Reason for these questions is the two I am considering are..

2004 black/nordkap/auto/sport kit/59k miles/$13k
2005 black/nordkap/manual/no kit/87k miles/ $14k

Thanks ahead of time!!

 

[GiRaff3]

Re: About to buy s60r, a few questions (noslenwerd)

Quote, originally posted by noslenwerd »

- how much does the "sport" R body kit cost unpainted? - any major differences between 2004/2005 s60r models? cosmetically or performance wise? - any major performance differences between auto manual? - how reliable are volvos? do they last pretty long? maintenance expensive?

The sport kit is expensive as hell. I cannot remember exactly, but somewhere in the $3k + range IIRC.
2005+ Rs have color matched molding, which is really nice.
The 5 speed auto (geartronic) is neutered with less torque than the 6 speed manuals.
YMMV with each R out there. One with a warranty is highly recommended as there are typical failues that are very costly w/o one...

 

[PhilUp]

Re: About to buy s60r, a few questions (noslenwerd)

- any major differences between 2004/2005 s60r models? cosmetically or performance wise?

Cosmetically 2005 models have painted moldings and interior has more aluminum trim. 05 and up also have better 4C hardware and software. The 05 and up auto trannies are better, I think it's even a 6spd vs. 5spd in 04. Manual trans unchanged in all years. 06 and up have precharging in the Haldex. Not sure if all this info I just stated is 100% correct. I have a 04 MT and didn't really pay attention all that much to the changes. In summary look past an 04.

- any major performance differences between auto manual?

04 autos are majorly torque limited in 1st (and 2nd?) gears making the 0-60 times in the auto almost 2 secs slower than manual.

- how reliable are volvos? do they last pretty long? maintenance expensive?

Honestly this car will be a nightmare out of warranty. Angle gears are notoriously weak and expensive to fix. I've had mine resealed and it's leaking again. I've been through several steering racks already. Suspension thankfully I have not had major problems but several members here have already been through expensive strut/shock replacements. The engine itself seems to be pretty bullet proof as it is an tried and true design. Some people have been experiencing strange boost/stuttering problems though.

Honestly if I were you I'd look elsewhere. Mods are limited and very expensive even compared to other European brands. A reflash for the TT BMW engines run a fraction of the cost of ours. Parts are expensive and costs just went up. Volvo's fate as a company is questionable, might get sold to China. Competent dealers for service are far and few between. Knowledgeable indies even more far and few between. On the other hand, you will have this forum with very knowledgeable and the remaining die-hard Volvo enthusiasts.

 

[VolvoLT]

Re: About to buy s60r, a few questions (PhilUp)

Quote »

The 05 and up auto trannies are better, I think it's even a 6spd vs. 5spd in 04.

04-05 GT is a 5 speed, 06-07 GT is a 6 speed.

 

[cmurphy2266]

Quote, originally posted by noslenwerd »

Hello, I am on the verge of buying a 2004 s60r from someone on this forum and had a few basic questions. I searched but could not find any good info. - how much does the "sport" body kit cost unpainted? - any major differences between 2004/2005 s60r models? - any major performance differences between auto manual? - how reliable are volvos? do they last pretty long? maintenance expensive? Reason for these questions is the two I am considering are.. 2004 black/nordkap/auto/sport kit/59k miles/$13k 2005 black/nordkap/manual/no kit/87k miles/ $14k Thanks ahead of time!!

1)The sport kit for 2004
http://www.trademotion.com/par...=4814

the sport kit for 2005
http://www.trademotion.com/par...=4814

2) The major appearance differences are that the 2004 has black rub strips all around, and all around the bottom, and the 2005 they are painted to match the body. The 2005 has the updated interior. The 2005 has a aggresive 4C system.

3) The manual makes you more of a man. It is also much better since the R didn't get the 6-speed auto until 2006, the 2005 has the 5-speed slushbox that can't handle the horsepower.

4) The R model does have it's problems. You'll definitely hear it from the R crowd. Just search "angle gear", and look at the prices to replace the shocks. Taken care of it can be a very reliable car. Repair costs are expensive. Older Volvos would last forever, most 850s have at least 250k on them, and still running strong. Even older, and they're last forever. The newer "P2" Volvos can last a while with proper maintenance.

My Advice: Keep searching and find an '04 or '05 with low miles, in a manual tranny. Spend a little more, and you'll be much happier. Don't buy an R with 90k miles on it, because it's already high millage, and before you know it, it will be 100-130k.

Any more questions, and i'll be glad to help
http://********************/smile/emthup.gif

Oh, by the way, you have a lot of great swedespeed members around your area. Get to know JRL, he can find you a good R, and he knows what he's talking about, so he'll know if it's a good one.

 

[hoagrod]

Don't buy an 04!!! 2005's and up have 6 disc cd changer and this is the only reason you should buy newer than 04.

 

[JARMO]

Re: (hoagrod)

Only buy a 2004!!!! It has a hidden menu in the HU that blows away all later YM.

 

[TWMn]

Save your money and look for the latest model year you can afford with a Volvo CPO warranty. '07 was the last year out.

 

[scootss60]

Re: (cmurphy2266)

Quote, originally posted by cmurphy2266 »

Older Volvos would last forever, most 850s have at least 250k on them, and still running strong. Even older, and they're last forever. The newer "P2" Volvos can last a while with proper maintenance.

Well, there's at least one on here that has 250,000 on his '04 VR. Minus the annoying quirks of these vehicles, I think it's safe to say the P2 R series are just as rugged as the 850s, but none of these will ever be as tough as the Volvos with the red block engines.

 

[cmurphy2266]

Re: (scootss60)

Quote, originally posted by scootss60 »

Well, there's at least one on here that has 250,000 on his '04 VR. Minus the annoying quirks of these vehicles, I think it's safe to say the P2 R series are just as rugged as the 850s, but none of these will ever be as tough as the Volvos with the red block engines.

Yeah, it's the 1 example. Trust me, the P2 Volvos just aren't as reliable as the X70/850 Volvos.

 

[JoshV70_]

Re: (cmurphy2266)

I beg to differ with this. There are several S60's/V70's well into the high 100k miles that are still running great. Engine wise they use the same basic whiteblock design which are known to go for many miles. The suspension components have evolved, but are still rather similar. In the end it comes down to how the car has been taken care of.

 

[scootss60]

Re: (JoshV70_)

Josh - I think both you and cmurphy have a point.. The white block series in the P2 cars is an excellent, and refined version of the 850's I-5. And I would agree that care & proper maintenance has a lot to do with how an R or any vehicle holds up. But, given all the BS with the wheel bearings, angle gears and so on, there is a reliability concern especially for long term P2 ownership. I had 2 850s and didn't have an ounce of trouble - and I know one I sold to a friend is on the road running strong at 220K with only suspension problems and sensor failures which is typical for later Volvos. The first S60 I owned, a natural-aspirated 2001 base model, had several reliability issues, a sign that some of Volvo's vendors were experiencing quality control issues. But, the P2 Rs have so many positives, if the question is do they outweigh the negatives - especially over the long term? Yes.

 

[JARMO]

Re: (scootss60)

Quote, originally posted by scootss60 »

Josh - I think both you and cmurphy have a point.. The white block series in the P2 cars is an excellent, and refined version of the 850's I-5. And I would agree that care & proper maintenance has a lot to do with how an R or any vehicle holds up. But, given all the BS with the wheel bearings, angle gears and so on, there is a reliability concern especially for long term ownership. But, the P2 Rs have so many positives, if the question is do they outweigh the negatives - especially over the long term? Yes.

Didn't the 850/x70 had a crappy evaporator, leaking rear-seals ... noizy endlinks ....
With the block there is NO problem then and now, just the other crap so dealers can make money

Didn't US-Volvo-dealers went on a strike because the Amazon was too good build and they couldn't earn money in aftersales

BEWARE OF WHAT YOU WISH, YOU MAY GET IT

 

[JoshV70_]

Scoot,

The question of reliability starts to go out the window once people modify their car beyond factory specs which I see happening in this community (as well as others). As an example, wheel spacers no doubt lead to premature failure of wheel bearings. Wheel bearings also get replaced on 850/X70's as well. When people start modifying engine software, you are now are pushing the limits of the drivetrain more than they were designed for. It happens to a large amount of people that decide to alter their car (whatever car that may be).

Regarding your 2001 S60, first year models always have their kinks. Happened with the 93 850's as well hence progressive changes that occurred throughout the 850 era (just using this model as an example).

My R (which the original poster is interested in purchasing) has been a fantastic vehicle (compared to my prior Volvo's that were also great).

 

[JRL]

Re: (JoshV70_)

Both Josh and I have 2005 6 speeds you should consider.
Both seem to be excellent cars, they have different options so look at them carefully, but you wouldn't go wrong buying either one

(Well I KNOW you can't go wrong buying mine as it's a great R)

http://********************/smile/emthup.gif
MINE:
http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=120027

 

[JRL]

Re: (JRL)

I didn't see this:

Quote, originally posted by noslenwerd »

Hello, Reason for these questions is the two I am considering are.. 2004 black/nordkap/auto/sport kit/59k miles/$13k 2005 black/nordkap/manual/no kit/87k miles/ $14k!!

I would seriously consider one of ours.
Mine may cost you about 2 grand more but it also has exactly 2000 LESS miles
(worth exactly two grand more) and it's FULLY serviced and ready to roll with a new PA inspection and with everything needed taken care of!

(BTW it feels either like it has a brand new clutch or this one was driven with perfection)

 

[Token]

Re: About to buy s60r, a few questions (noslenwerd)

Quote, originally posted by noslenwerd »

how much does the "sport" R body kit cost unpainted?

It doesn't come as a Sport Kit, but instead in seperates. Boston Volvo can help you out here. Its expensive but worth it in my opinion.

Quote, originally posted by noslenwerd »

- any major differences between 2004/2005 s60r models? cosmetically or performance wise?

2005+ models have better Haldex AWD setup. Something called Instant Traction.

Quote, originally posted by noslenwerd »

- any major performance differences between auto manual?

This car should be bought as a manual. Period.

Quote, originally posted by noslenwerd »

- how reliable are volvos? do they last pretty long? maintenance expensive?

They are as reliable as you're going to get. Don't believe the hype about Japanese cars being bullet proof, they're not. I would say Volvo were more reliable than the Germans but thats my opinion. It all depends on how YOU drive it.

2004 black/nordkap/auto/sport kit/59k miles/$13k
^ My choice - BUT personally I would want something less than 40K miles. Even if it costs a grand more.

 

[JRL]

Re: About to buy s60r, a few questions (Token)

Quote, originally posted by Token »

2005+ models have better Haldex AWD setup. Something called Instant Traction.

Err, 2006's have instant traction, (the entire Volvo AWD line up)

 

[Token]

The 2005's here with the body coloured bumpers have Instant Traction.

Did they make a model inbetween with painted bumpers and no Instant Traction?

 

[JRL]

Re: (Token)

Quote, originally posted by Token »

The 2005's here with the body coloured bumpers have Instant Traction. Did they make a model inbetween with painted bumpers and no Instant Traction?

Of course ALL model year 2005's. moldings make no difference, you are incorrect

If this car was registered in Britian in 2005 it's probably is an 06 model. In Europe they apparently do that, register the year the car was sold and registered, NOT the model year, so that would be a fairly early 2006.
If it's a real M-Y 05 it does NOT have I/T