My poor old 850 GLT with 330k has an engine problem and may be time to retire her. I have looked at the S60 2005 2.5T and it looks like a very reliable car with decent gas mileage but smaller inside than my 850's back seat for my kids.
I am trying to get a certified Volvo but they are expensive at $20k+ for a good looking one that has a good exterior and good interior. The dealer offers a warranty which is what I need so I'm willing to pay a little extra.
Any thoughts on a 2005 2.5T ?? Should I go with the AWD ?? Can this 2.5T run on regular gas ok???

Any help or thoughts would be appreciated.

Marty

p.s. the 850 is still running on 4 out of 5 cyclinders. God bless her.

Either go for the S80s for the same price or for a slightly cheaper XC70. Both have much more room than the S60. Avoid the T6 engine in the S80 like the plague.
AWD for 2005 models is quite good and reliable since Volvo mated the drivetrain to the computer. No more sliding on those hills, up or down.
I just took a quick look at http://www.bargainnews.com and even the certified look pretty good. With the stock market looking as bad as it is, eventhough it went up some today, the dealers are hurting for cash. Bargain hard! They will come down more than you think.

As a side note, what's wrong with the 850? Is a valve burned? You did get your monies worth out of that one.

Klaus
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Just driving a 1998 V70R :)

Some water came in through the air filter (filter box was loaded with water. Dealer thinks it may have a bent rod but can't be sure unless we take it apart. I just can't sink any more $$ into this. I just blew $1300 on a complete Volvo exhaust 2 months ago (ouch!!). This engine was ready to run to 400k but alas it's time has come. I disconnected the fuel injectot to cylinder #5 so I don't send any raw fuel into the catalytic converter any more and risk a fire. It's still running on 4 cyl and gets me to work every day. Long term I'm not sure how the enine will hold up with tht stress.

Marty

p.s. I heard from some service folks at Volvo to stay away from the S80's. I can make due with the smaller space and enjoy the good gas mileage. The S60 really did drive nicely. Just hope they are as reliable as my 850 was.

The early S80s were a POS, I agree. So was the T6 engine. Those with the 5cyl 2.5L are fine.

The XC70 with the 2.5L low pressure turbo still gets 26mpg+ on the highway, and you get AWD for those snowy days in CT. And more road clearence and lots of room in the second row seats. Plus, if there are crossbars, a nice trunk on top is great for taking kids to college.

Just stick to 2004+ cars.

Klaus
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Just driving a 1998 V70R :)

Avoid the AWD. If you live where it snows a full set of winter tires will serve you very well with FWD.

As for the fuel issue there are a variety of opinions. My Volvo dealer will tell you that due to the knock sensor you can run regular under normal load conditions. I have always run premium. Maybe it's a waste, maybe not. My manual specifies 91 octane so I use it. When I have four people in the car with a car top carrier, canoe and the back of the wagon jammed full of hunting gear I am pleased to be running premium as I cruise at 80 MPH.

Well if it has to run on 91 or 89 octane then it's not the car for a frugal person like me. I drive 25k per year and that would bust my budget. I'll have to check but here in CT we pay $3.40 for 89 octane and although we are getting some relief right now I fully expect gas to go back up in a year or so.
Man I am bummed because I loved the way it drove and the extra power. But the dealer said to stay away from any 2.4 engines as they are way under powered. I will try to find one of those and see if it drives well enough and has enough power. Maybe he was wrong. I will find out for myself. Since I coming from an old 850 glt it definitely can;t be any more underpowered than that.

Marty

I use 89 octane in my 1998 V70R, that means it doesn't like to go over 5K prms which is OK by me. I still get 22 around town and 27 highway at 75mph average.

I lived around Hartford for 10 years. AWD would have been great. The XC70 with the low pressure turbo gives about 205bhp which is very good for merging into traffic, but is not a gas hog. As good as a turbo 850, and the same length but the seating position is a little higher.

I still think the S60 is too small for anyone in the back seats for an extended drive. Plus a smaller trunk space.

But, none of us are going to drive your new car. It is all up to you. I am going on vacation for a week, so have fun shopping. And stop listening to the dealers, YOU are the customer/They want to sell anything.

Klaus

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Just driving a 1998 V70R :)

Marty,

You'll hear lots of varying opinions on the use of premium gas when stated by the owners manual. Read yours carefully, if it is like mine, there is a recommended and a minimum. For my 01 V70 T5 it recommends 91 but the min is 87. I run 87 Chevron, and don't have any issues. However, a lot depends on driving style. I launch very gently, and drive like there was an egg between my foot and the peddle so the low octane gets me by. If I was to drive agressively, or pull a load to the mountains, then I'd load up on premium, because I'm going to need it.

Good luck on what car you decide, wish I could help more, but from all I've read, I'd give a lot of thought to what Klaus has to say.

Jerry
01 V70 T5

I drive a 2001 S60 2.4T and have no power problems and get 29 mpg on the highway. Never use premium gas. Mileage around the city isn't that good, maybe 22 or 23 mpg, but I don't pamper it much.

I wouldn't worry about power with the turbo models, they do pretty well. Power perceptions usually involve the non-Turbo cars. Back seat is small so figuring kids always get bigger, V70 or S80 may be better option.

Really like my S60 but usually it's me or me and my wife in the car. We have an Avalon w/ huge back seat for the kids.