QuestionI have a general pre-purchase question about the 2003, 2004 and 2005
Volvo S60’s reliability. How reliable is the turbo? Also, can the transmission
be repaired/rebuilt for less than $3000?
This is where I’m coming from:
After my 2002 Audi A4 1.8T came out of warranty I took it to an independent
master mechanic. He looked me square in the eye and told me to sell it. He
said the sludge issue (and other engine problems) with the 1.8T is not only
related to owner oil change negligence, but also engine design, oil capacity,
and the fact that the turbo gets so hot it glows. Also, the CVT transmission is
a liability and would have to be replaced at $8000 minimum (can’t be rebuilt).
He said I might not be happy keeping it long-term.
I’m not opposed to spending money to maintain and fix things on cars.
Transmissions break, it sucks but it happens – but I’m used to spending
$1500 to $2500 to fix it and moving on with my life.
How is the turbo on the S60? Do they fail often and take the rest of the
engine with them? Or can it be replaced/repaired for a reasonable amount of
$ if it blows?
How is the transmission? Can it be repaired or is the S60 a complicated and
expensive machine?
I would like to keep a car after the warranty expires.
Thank you
AnswerMark,
Reliable is so far ok, that is to say the cars have not been out long enough to tell how they will compare to earlier models. The turbo itself is very good, they stand up well.
Everyone that I have spoke to recently about Trans exchanges have been $3000.00 to $4000.00 range. The system is easy to build and install on the assembly line, being front wheel drive and all. The complete subframe engine and Trans go together fast at the factory. Then it comes to the techs out in the field and pulling a Trans got tough, Trans rebuilders say they can not get parts to rebuild them. All that totaled up means big repair bills. Last one I had needed a fuel pump and sender assembly because it was leaking into the rear seat area cost over $700.00. That is way too much for something like a fuel pump. All the rear seats need to come out, there are cover plates that come off to gain some access to the fuel pump and the pick up goes from the right side to the left so both come off and the wires along with the pick up string across so you fish it across inside the tank. The car is made in such a way working on it in the shops is tough and time consuming, making repairs expensive. I would but an additional warranty to cover it a long time after the factory one runs out.
