2003 Volvo S60 SE 2.0T - Mile Muncher
Discussion
As I'm not expecting this thread to be a labour of love like my other cars' I'm going to get straight to the point.
As my mileage is starting to increase again, I've decided that instead of piling the miles on my M135i, it makes sense (emotionally, at least - perhaps not financially) to take advantage of the fact that a recent house purchase has allowed me to now have two cars and pick up a distance shed.
Having spent a couple of weeks trudging local Facebook Marketplace postings with a budget of "as little as I can get away with" and ruling out a few different cars, I've now found myself the custodian of this after handing over £1500.
It's a gold-on-beige Volvo S60.
- 2.0 5 cylinder turbo petrol.
- 6 owners over 96,000 miles
- 1 key
- no service history
- spent February 2020 to March 2022 sitting idle
- absolutely filthy
What could possibly go wrong?
As my mileage is starting to increase again, I've decided that instead of piling the miles on my M135i, it makes sense (emotionally, at least - perhaps not financially) to take advantage of the fact that a recent house purchase has allowed me to now have two cars and pick up a distance shed.
Having spent a couple of weeks trudging local Facebook Marketplace postings with a budget of "as little as I can get away with" and ruling out a few different cars, I've now found myself the custodian of this after handing over £1500.
It's a gold-on-beige Volvo S60.
- 2.0 5 cylinder turbo petrol.
- 6 owners over 96,000 miles
- 1 key
- no service history
- spent February 2020 to March 2022 sitting idle
- absolutely filthy
What could possibly go wrong?
We owned one of these about 8 years ago. It had 159k on it with two owners and it was fantastic. The engine ran like a Swiss watch, the interior was rattle free, the trim looked like new, the seats were super comfy, the heater was excellent and the audio sounds good. Two things to look for. Firstly, they are heavy front wheel drive cars so budget for a suspension refresh, particularly bottom arms as they are almost service items. Also listen for a faint whistling sound which varies as you apply the brakes. If you hear it the servo is leaking. The part is Volvo only and was about £300. Fitting requires supporting the engine as a mount needs to be taken out to give clearance. It is a bit of a PITA bit not impossible. Great cars and I will have another one day.
First order of business was to replace the front brakes as the drive home didn't really give me any confidence in them - they were pretty scored and also an MOT advisory.
There are three different sizes of front brake discs on these, 286mm and 305mm for the standard models and 320mm for the R models. In what can only be described as a mental faculty failure, I forgot that I was running a shed and not my somewhat cherished M135i.
Went to the local Volvo dealer and got them to find out which disc size I needed based on my VIN and had them get the front discs and pads in. An expensive mistake I would soon come to realise as I was hit with a bill for £250 upon their arrival - OE versions (Brembo discs, ATE pads) are available on Autodoc for half the price...
Then booked into my local trusted garage for fitting, alignment, new front indicator bulbs and a code read/clear.
Car was returned with a few items picked up during the work:
- Back box is secured with cable ties
- Turbo has a bit of oil misting (nothing to worry about from what I've read)
- Rear drop links have play
- Rear brakes are pretty scored (I expected this might be called out, I'm surprised they weren't an MOT advisory like the fronts)
- Rear ARB bushes have debonded from the ARB
A further £175 for the pleasure.
Unfortunately the alignment hasn't taken as well as it should have which suggests bust lower control arms, a common thing on these.
Spend thus far then.
£1500 - Car itself
£340 - 1 year RFL
£600 - 1 year fully comp insurance (zero no claims discount)
£240 - Genuine volvo front brake pads and discs
£175 - Labour - Front toe adjustment/alignment, front indicator bulbs, brake discs and pads, code read
So, what else is there on the list now that I've had a week to get familiar with it and have it looked over?
- Rear anti-roll bar bushes need replacing (apparently this can be done without replacing the actual ARB)
- Rear drop links need doing
- Rear discs and pads need doing
- Boot struts have failed
- Steering is a bit vague in the centre (suspect this is also the lower control arms)
- The gear knob has split
- Replacement window switch/mirror adjustment panel needed as the mirror adjustment is broken (but functional, just)
- Stereo knobs have broken off
- The cupholder cover door has broken off
- The heated seats don't work
- The alarm doesn't work (the indicators flash but the siren doesn't go off)
- The car is a bit smelly - it needs a bloody good clean (seats out and everything) and the air con probably wants a regas and a decontamination
- The back box is held on by metal zip ties
- The headlamp wipers don't work
- I want to give it a timing belt change for reassurance
Some of these will be sorted, some I will probably just put up with as I recover from the initial financial shock.
First big test for it tomorrow after nothing much more than a little jaunt down the A1 as it will be doing 95 miles down to Stansted to be dumped in Mountfitchet train station as I go away to the Netherlands for the weekend. Let's get recouping these costs!
There are three different sizes of front brake discs on these, 286mm and 305mm for the standard models and 320mm for the R models. In what can only be described as a mental faculty failure, I forgot that I was running a shed and not my somewhat cherished M135i.
Went to the local Volvo dealer and got them to find out which disc size I needed based on my VIN and had them get the front discs and pads in. An expensive mistake I would soon come to realise as I was hit with a bill for £250 upon their arrival - OE versions (Brembo discs, ATE pads) are available on Autodoc for half the price...
Then booked into my local trusted garage for fitting, alignment, new front indicator bulbs and a code read/clear.
Car was returned with a few items picked up during the work:
- Back box is secured with cable ties
- Turbo has a bit of oil misting (nothing to worry about from what I've read)
- Rear drop links have play
- Rear brakes are pretty scored (I expected this might be called out, I'm surprised they weren't an MOT advisory like the fronts)
- Rear ARB bushes have debonded from the ARB
A further £175 for the pleasure.
Unfortunately the alignment hasn't taken as well as it should have which suggests bust lower control arms, a common thing on these.
Spend thus far then.
£1500 - Car itself
£340 - 1 year RFL
£600 - 1 year fully comp insurance (zero no claims discount)
£240 - Genuine volvo front brake pads and discs
£175 - Labour - Front toe adjustment/alignment, front indicator bulbs, brake discs and pads, code read
So, what else is there on the list now that I've had a week to get familiar with it and have it looked over?
- Rear anti-roll bar bushes need replacing (apparently this can be done without replacing the actual ARB)
- Rear drop links need doing
- Rear discs and pads need doing
- Boot struts have failed
- Steering is a bit vague in the centre (suspect this is also the lower control arms)
- The gear knob has split
- Replacement window switch/mirror adjustment panel needed as the mirror adjustment is broken (but functional, just)
- Stereo knobs have broken off
- The cupholder cover door has broken off
- The heated seats don't work
- The alarm doesn't work (the indicators flash but the siren doesn't go off)
- The car is a bit smelly - it needs a bloody good clean (seats out and everything) and the air con probably wants a regas and a decontamination
- The back box is held on by metal zip ties
- The headlamp wipers don't work
- I want to give it a timing belt change for reassurance
Some of these will be sorted, some I will probably just put up with as I recover from the initial financial shock.
First big test for it tomorrow after nothing much more than a little jaunt down the A1 as it will be doing 95 miles down to Stansted to be dumped in Mountfitchet train station as I go away to the Netherlands for the weekend. Let's get recouping these costs!
Good purchase! These cars will keep plodding on but do need a lot of TLC to dtive their best and even then they are still a bit shonky! I have a V70 2.4t on 158k miles, ive replaced all the suspension on the front and the shocks at the rear. It still makes funny noises now and then but has a certain charm to it.
Cambelt bits are cheap online, dont bother with the water pump if on a budget, the Volvo / Aisin OEM ones last a very long time and usually only recommended to change every 2nd cambelt so nearly 200k (if using the 96k interval)
Have you done a PCV 'glove test'? If you put a rubber glove around the oil filler and start the car it should suck it in rather than blow it up. Plenty to read online about this...
Enjoy!
Cambelt bits are cheap online, dont bother with the water pump if on a budget, the Volvo / Aisin OEM ones last a very long time and usually only recommended to change every 2nd cambelt so nearly 200k (if using the 96k interval)
Have you done a PCV 'glove test'? If you put a rubber glove around the oil filler and start the car it should suck it in rather than blow it up. Plenty to read online about this...
Enjoy!
For anyone reading, I recommend buying shares in Autodoc as it looks like they'll be doing alright out of me for the forseeable. First order placed for £239 on the below:
Used FCP Euro to find out the OE manufacturers of the parts, have tried to stay with them instead of going aftermarket for the small price difference it makes.
Can't say I've picked up on the brake whistling, but will keep an ear out. Thanks!
Cheers for the heads up on the glove test. Done some reading and it looks like I've passed!
Used FCP Euro to find out the OE manufacturers of the parts, have tried to stay with them instead of going aftermarket for the small price difference it makes.
Niffleman said:
We owned one of these about 8 years ago. It had 159k on it with two owners and it was fantastic. The engine ran like a Swiss watch, the interior was rattle free, the trim looked like new, the seats were super comfy, the heater was excellent and the audio sounds good. Two things to look for. Firstly, they are heavy front wheel drive cars so budget for a suspension refresh, particularly bottom arms as they are almost service items. Also listen for a faint whistling sound which varies as you apply the brakes. If you hear it the servo is leaking. The part is Volvo only and was about £300. Fitting requires supporting the engine as a mount needs to be taken out to give clearance. It is a bit of a PITA bit not impossible. Great cars and I will have another one day.
Yeah they really do seem suspension hungry - not the end of the world as even with some bits seemingly needing replacing, it's much more comfortable than the BMW Can't say I've picked up on the brake whistling, but will keep an ear out. Thanks!
Willber said:
Good purchase! These cars will keep plodding on but do need a lot of TLC to dtive their best and even then they are still a bit shonky! I have a V70 2.4t on 158k miles, ive replaced all the suspension on the front and the shocks at the rear. It still makes funny noises now and then but has a certain charm to it.
Cambelt bits are cheap online, dont bother with the water pump if on a budget, the Volvo / Aisin OEM ones last a very long time and usually only recommended to change every 2nd cambelt so nearly 200k (if using the 96k interval)
Have you done a PCV 'glove test'? If you put a rubber glove around the oil filler and start the car it should suck it in rather than blow it up. Plenty to read online about this...
Enjoy!
Thank you! Yeah I've read that the cambelt replacement should be just that, and not a cambelt and water pump replacement.Cambelt bits are cheap online, dont bother with the water pump if on a budget, the Volvo / Aisin OEM ones last a very long time and usually only recommended to change every 2nd cambelt so nearly 200k (if using the 96k interval)
Have you done a PCV 'glove test'? If you put a rubber glove around the oil filler and start the car it should suck it in rather than blow it up. Plenty to read online about this...
Enjoy!
Cheers for the heads up on the glove test. Done some reading and it looks like I've passed!
mholt1995 said:
As I'm not expecting this thread to be a labour of love like my other cars' I'm going to get straight to the point.
As my mileage is starting to increase again, I've decided that instead of piling the miles on my M135i, it makes sense (emotionally, at least - perhaps not financially) to take advantage of the fact that a recent house purchase has allowed me to now have two cars and pick up a distance shed.
Having spent a couple of weeks trudging local Facebook Marketplace postings with a budget of "as little as I can get away with" and ruling out a few different cars, I've now found myself the custodian of this after handing over £1500.
It's a gold-on-beige Volvo S60.
- 2.0 5 cylinder turbo petrol.
- 6 owners over 96,000 miles
- 1 key
- no service history
- spent February 2020 to March 2022 sitting idle
- absolutely filthy
What could possibly go wrong?
Very nice. They are lovely cars if labour intensive to keep them tip top. As my mileage is starting to increase again, I've decided that instead of piling the miles on my M135i, it makes sense (emotionally, at least - perhaps not financially) to take advantage of the fact that a recent house purchase has allowed me to now have two cars and pick up a distance shed.
Having spent a couple of weeks trudging local Facebook Marketplace postings with a budget of "as little as I can get away with" and ruling out a few different cars, I've now found myself the custodian of this after handing over £1500.
It's a gold-on-beige Volvo S60.
- 2.0 5 cylinder turbo petrol.
- 6 owners over 96,000 miles
- 1 key
- no service history
- spent February 2020 to March 2022 sitting idle
- absolutely filthy
What could possibly go wrong?
Edit. Apparently a remap sees these a really good increase in power and torque.
Edited by Carlososos on Friday 8th April 02:01
Good news on the PCV test! Mine was totally clogged and needed replacing (despite being looked after by a Volvo specialist for 18 years!) and its a pain in the backside to do.
I am sure the bits and bobs you have bought will freshen it up no end. I would be interested to hear how you get on with the rear ARB bushes as mine need doing too, i think you might have to burn/cut them off the bar to install new ones? Infact, if they have become detached, like I think mine probably have, then installation should be pretty straightforward. I'll get some ordered too!
With the mileage youre at the car has loads of life left in it and you shouldn't have any driveshaft issues (both mine were leaking from the inner CV and needed replacing)
I am sure the bits and bobs you have bought will freshen it up no end. I would be interested to hear how you get on with the rear ARB bushes as mine need doing too, i think you might have to burn/cut them off the bar to install new ones? Infact, if they have become detached, like I think mine probably have, then installation should be pretty straightforward. I'll get some ordered too!
With the mileage youre at the car has loads of life left in it and you shouldn't have any driveshaft issues (both mine were leaking from the inner CV and needed replacing)
Excellent shed, I had no idea there was a 2 litre 5-pot one of these!
I ran an uber-sheddy V70 for a few years which is now in the hands of my brother. It's had the bare minimum maintenance to keep it running, but we changed the cambelt a couple of years back and it's pretty straightforward as a DIY job.
I believe the alarm sirens fail when the in-built battery (deigned to keep the alarm live if the power to the car is cut) gets old and leaks onto the siren. Mine had the same issue. I never fixed it as I wasn't really worried about anyone nicking the thing
I ran an uber-sheddy V70 for a few years which is now in the hands of my brother. It's had the bare minimum maintenance to keep it running, but we changed the cambelt a couple of years back and it's pretty straightforward as a DIY job.
I believe the alarm sirens fail when the in-built battery (deigned to keep the alarm live if the power to the car is cut) gets old and leaks onto the siren. Mine had the same issue. I never fixed it as I wasn't really worried about anyone nicking the thing
Accelebrate said:
Nice Ovlov!
I've placed a couple of orders with Autodoc recently and have paid no import charges. Weirdly, their prices are cheaper if you use their app, and they also vary daily, Mondays seem to be cheapest.
Will try the app as I've just priced up some top mounts and bearings for my SAAB and they come out similar to SAAB dealership. I've placed a couple of orders with Autodoc recently and have paid no import charges. Weirdly, their prices are cheaper if you use their app, and they also vary daily, Mondays seem to be cheapest.
Good cars these. Had a manual 2.0T a few years ago that was lovely. Bought for 800 ran for a year and then sold for 650 as it needed a new clutch.
Seats where comfy, interior was rock solid and never gave me any issues.
As it’s been said the suspension takes a battering, so will need upgrading eventually, and watch out for the turning circle or lack off.
Seats where comfy, interior was rock solid and never gave me any issues.
As it’s been said the suspension takes a battering, so will need upgrading eventually, and watch out for the turning circle or lack off.
200 miles of service this weekend to get me to Stansted and later back has been accomplished and I'm feeling rather smug about purchasing the Volvo as, despite it's current shortcomings, it was absolutely lovely to travel back home in very late on Sunday night.
The off-centre steering wheel is certainly something I want to get properly diagnosed and sorted out sooner than later as I can see that getting on my nerves (and possibly killing off my tyres road-legalness earlier than I'd like). There's also a barely noticeable wheel wobble so will arrange to have all the old weights taken off and re-balanced unless it's likely to be caused by something else.
Added to the list...
The turning circle is as completely comical as I'd been led to believe, I may have gone around the wrong side of a traffic island when coming out of a really tight corner...
What's not comical is the pretty respectable fuel economy achieved. Pretty happy with that.
And another one for the list - doing some night-time driving late on Thursday, it looks like one of the cluster bulbs is out (60-90mph on the speedo)
Yeah - I watched a DIY video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5s4ufBfKT8) so it's certainly possible to cut them out and put new ones in, will have to see what my garage say about doing it though as it certainly seems fiddly.
The off-centre steering wheel is certainly something I want to get properly diagnosed and sorted out sooner than later as I can see that getting on my nerves (and possibly killing off my tyres road-legalness earlier than I'd like). There's also a barely noticeable wheel wobble so will arrange to have all the old weights taken off and re-balanced unless it's likely to be caused by something else.
Added to the list...
The turning circle is as completely comical as I'd been led to believe, I may have gone around the wrong side of a traffic island when coming out of a really tight corner...
What's not comical is the pretty respectable fuel economy achieved. Pretty happy with that.
And another one for the list - doing some night-time driving late on Thursday, it looks like one of the cluster bulbs is out (60-90mph on the speedo)
Willber said:
Good news on the PCV test! Mine was totally clogged and needed replacing (despite being looked after by a Volvo specialist for 18 years!) and its a pain in the backside to do.
I am sure the bits and bobs you have bought will freshen it up no end. I would be interested to hear how you get on with the rear ARB bushes as mine need doing too, i think you might have to burn/cut them off the bar to install new ones? Infact, if they have become detached, like I think mine probably have, then installation should be pretty straightforward. I'll get some ordered too!
With the mileage youre at the car has loads of life left in it and you shouldn't have any driveshaft issues (both mine were leaking from the inner CV and needed replacing)
Thank you! Yes, certainly sounds like something worth keeping an eye on, will probably check again when it hits 100k and then check every other month or so.I am sure the bits and bobs you have bought will freshen it up no end. I would be interested to hear how you get on with the rear ARB bushes as mine need doing too, i think you might have to burn/cut them off the bar to install new ones? Infact, if they have become detached, like I think mine probably have, then installation should be pretty straightforward. I'll get some ordered too!
With the mileage youre at the car has loads of life left in it and you shouldn't have any driveshaft issues (both mine were leaking from the inner CV and needed replacing)
Yeah - I watched a DIY video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5s4ufBfKT8) so it's certainly possible to cut them out and put new ones in, will have to see what my garage say about doing it though as it certainly seems fiddly.
seiben said:
Excellent shed, I had no idea there was a 2 litre 5-pot one of these!
I ran an uber-sheddy V70 for a few years which is now in the hands of my brother. It's had the bare minimum maintenance to keep it running, but we changed the cambelt a couple of years back and it's pretty straightforward as a DIY job.
I believe the alarm sirens fail when the in-built battery (deigned to keep the alarm live if the power to the car is cut) gets old and leaks onto the siren. Mine had the same issue. I never fixed it as I wasn't really worried about anyone nicking the thing
I think you're right - on both counts, £200 for a replacement siren makes zero sense to me I ran an uber-sheddy V70 for a few years which is now in the hands of my brother. It's had the bare minimum maintenance to keep it running, but we changed the cambelt a couple of years back and it's pretty straightforward as a DIY job.
I believe the alarm sirens fail when the in-built battery (deigned to keep the alarm live if the power to the car is cut) gets old and leaks onto the siren. Mine had the same issue. I never fixed it as I wasn't really worried about anyone nicking the thing
LankyFreak said:
I've got the same engine in my C70, far prefer the beige interior on yours. Old man as f
k
It's already gaining a reputation as my "old man-mobile"... k Accelebrate said:
Nice Ovlov!
I've placed a couple of orders with Autodoc recently and have paid no import charges. Weirdly, their prices are cheaper if you use their app, and they also vary daily, Mondays seem to be cheapest.
Useful info, thank you!I've placed a couple of orders with Autodoc recently and have paid no import charges. Weirdly, their prices are cheaper if you use their app, and they also vary daily, Mondays seem to be cheapest.
Up to 750 miles now, still maintaining that 35MPG average. It's definitely a keeper. I did a run back from Manchester at the weekend (128 miles, a bit over 2 hours) and was completely happy to go to the gym afterwards.
Before I get around to purchasing an aux input for the stereo, I've also bolstered my previously small CD collection for car tunes thanks to trips to a couple of Poundland stores and a charity shop.
This is what's currently to hand, the in-dash 4CD changer is invaluable.
We also have bits, bobs and no customs charges paid on either.
As I've no drives for a few days, plan is to fit the boot struts myself and take it down the garage tomorrow for:
- Timing belt and pulleys change (for peace of mind given I've no history and haev )
- Rear drop links
- Rear brake discs and pads
I'm going to ask them about doing the ARB bushes but it certainly seems somewhat involved and not something in the repair manual so wouldn't be surprised if they take a pass.
Will have them check as to why the alignment didn't take last time also.
Interior detailing pics will also come soon - I've done the floor mats with carpet cleaner and a wet vac (but there is still a ways to go, so I may be investing in a bristle brush drill-bit for further agitation) and will be having the seats out at some point for a proper clean and then a chance to do the carpets as they're minging.
Before I get around to purchasing an aux input for the stereo, I've also bolstered my previously small CD collection for car tunes thanks to trips to a couple of Poundland stores and a charity shop.
This is what's currently to hand, the in-dash 4CD changer is invaluable.
We also have bits, bobs and no customs charges paid on either.
As I've no drives for a few days, plan is to fit the boot struts myself and take it down the garage tomorrow for:
- Timing belt and pulleys change (for peace of mind given I've no history and haev )
- Rear drop links
- Rear brake discs and pads
I'm going to ask them about doing the ARB bushes but it certainly seems somewhat involved and not something in the repair manual so wouldn't be surprised if they take a pass.
Will have them check as to why the alignment didn't take last time also.
Interior detailing pics will also come soon - I've done the floor mats with carpet cleaner and a wet vac (but there is still a ways to go, so I may be investing in a bristle brush drill-bit for further agitation) and will be having the seats out at some point for a proper clean and then a chance to do the carpets as they're minging.
I can wholeheartedly recommend the following Bluetooth adaptor for Volvo headunits:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07VYTXR34/ref=cm_sw_r...
Works perfectly. Best £35 I’ve spent and even the steering wheel controls work with it.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07VYTXR34/ref=cm_sw_r...
Works perfectly. Best £35 I’ve spent and even the steering wheel controls work with it.
mholt1995 said:
Up to 750 miles now, still maintaining that 35MPG average. It's definitely a keeper. I did a run back from Manchester at the weekend (128 miles, a bit over 2 hours) and was completely happy to go to the gym afterwards.
As I've no drives for a few days, plan is to fit the boot struts myself and take it down the garage tomorrow for:
- Timing belt and pulleys change (for peace of mind given I've no history and haev )
- Rear drop links
- Rear brake discs and pads
Rear drop links are a simple 'do at home' job. 5 mins per side.As I've no drives for a few days, plan is to fit the boot struts myself and take it down the garage tomorrow for:
- Timing belt and pulleys change (for peace of mind given I've no history and haev )
- Rear drop links
- Rear brake discs and pads
Re - rear brake discs and pads. There are shoes inside a little drum on the disc - for the handbrake. Replace those as well ! They'll most likely fall apart soon, if they don't fall apart getting the old disc off !
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