Can't seem to find the darn thing on a recently purchased 2002. Also, I see the most recent oil change was with synthetic oil. Can I just switch back to regular oil?

The filter is on the passenger side of the engine. There is no belly pan to take off. You can reach it lying on the passenger side of the car - helps to turn the wheel, can't remember which way, but there's only two ways to try. Going back to conventional oil is fine. As someone said, check the manual. There's nothing wrong with synthetic oil, it's just isn't necessary. With conventional oil and regular oil changes the engine life will far exceed the rest of the car - this is either the good news or the bad news.

Sorrry, but I totally disagree with this advice "There's nothing wrong with synthetic oil, it's just isn't necessary. With conventional oil and regular oil changes the engine life will far exceed the rest of the car - this is either the good news or the bad news."

First if you have a turbo, dino oil will die quickly from the extra heat.
Ask all these folks with clogged PCV systems and oil seperators if they are using dino oil. Most likely they will say yes. For the few $$ involved syn is the easy choice. That's my $0.02!

I'm also looking to get an '02 S60 with 52K on it. I don't know if it's been getting synthetic oil or regular oil. Should I just go ahead and change it now and start with synthetic? What grade? I live in Florida and the car will be driving 50% highway 50% city driving.

Thanks.

Your best bet is to look in the owner's manual. There is a chart near the back which will list temperatures and oil weights. Probably a 10W40 if you have a turbo.
Remember, your temps seldom exceed 95F, while we get a few 100F days in July.

Klaus
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(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

NO!!! You must use synthetic, check the manual. Unless you want dirty oil separators and other ills. 5K miles between oil changes.

Klaus
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(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

So synthetics and conventional oils won't mix properly? Not sure I'd know there was synthetic in the thing except that there's a sticker on the windshield saying the last oil change was 5W-30W synthetic.

The oils will mix OK. In fact they sell synthetic blends. But the pure synthetics are perferred by many on this board, including me, and by many of the manufacturers. They offer better protection, longer life.

Yeah, it is $5-6/qt but we consider it cheap insurance, and a lot of us buy the best oil filters we can find (Volvo, Mann).

Sorry, I didn't mean to come across that strongly, or did I? Synthetic is far surperior than that pumped from the ground and will maintain is viscosity better, keeping your engine cleaner. It is possible to mix the two without harm, but why bother?
These cars like to rev freely, unlike the old push rod American engines, and the oil passages are very small. Some cost conscious owners wait for 7,500 or more miles between changes. It is also worthwile (to some engineers) to just change the filter and replenish the quart of oil at the cange interval time. Worth a thought.

Klaus
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(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

I think on your model year you have to remove the engine protecting plastic moulding under the engine. Then it will be visible. I believe 8 or so screws to get it off.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.