2001 Volvo S60 SE 2.0 turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An understated and subtle luxury performance machine

Faults:

The N/S/F passenger door would unlock itself almost immediately. This was fixed by the dealer under warranty, which was quick and 1st class too. Faulty modulator was to blame.

A couple of front and rear bulbs replaced, but I expected that because they're always on.

General Comments:

This is the best car I've owned yet! It's spacious, the interior feels huge in the front, not so good in the rear, but still very good. The leather upholstery is of excellent quality. The stereo system is amazing, full Dolby Pro Logic makes any music sound brilliant. The seats are the most supportive and most comfortable I've ever sat in. The car feels safe and powerful with it's 2.0ltr 5 cylinder turbo engine... which has been given the PPC upgrade and now delivers 227Bhp over the original 180Bhp. The engines and transmission units on these cars are massively over-engineered so can quite comfortably handle the power increase.

Excellent purchase and I definitely recommend buying one. Now.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th April, 2004

14th Nov 2004, 15:37

I had the same central locking problem on the R/L door.

The top engine mounting broke twice and the front lower arm bush on my T5 was found to be in a bad condition. Everything mentioned here were replaced FOC. Top CLASS!!

But, I don't think they can solve my final problem.

The "soft-feel" coating on the so-called titanium plastics is starting to peel off.

I don't know if it is true, but according to an established mag. the T5 variants need to be revved regularly in order to maintain the 250bhp.

TIP: turn the starter key to the ACC stage (the last stage before cranking), prod the throttle 3 times (to the max) and start the car. It will now rev its heart out every time you slam the throttle.

16th Jan 2005, 13:21

Just bought an S60 and am curious about your performance upgrade. Where did you buy it from and how much did it cost. What difference has it made to your performance and economy? Thanks.

3rd Feb 2005, 08:09

Mine is the PPC version. You buy a device which connects to the car via the OBDII port, on the S60 this is located in the driver's footwell, upper right corner. Turn it on, press "tune" and wait two minutes. The ECU programme is overwritten with a new map and hey presto! A good 50bhp increase.

Always use the likes of Optimax or equivalent if you upgrade it.

FYI 0-60 comes in low 7's now. The lowest ever is 7.3, not bad.

11th Feb 2005, 00:41

Just bought an S60 and having owned many cars over the past few years it is by far and away the best and most comfortable car I have ever owned!

I would be very grateful if you could let me know where you bought your PPC upgrade from (been searching on the net with no luck). How much was it and what impact does it have on your mpg figures?

Many thanks.

12th Apr 2005, 06:31

Apologies for the delay! Just read your comment today (12/04/05) - here is the direct link...

http://www.partsforvolvosonline.com/default.php?cPath=28_270_419

Cheers,

Marc.

2001 Volvo S60 T5 2.3 turbo from UK and Ireland

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

Performance is stunning in a straight line although it's not particularly good on twisting roads. The high-pressure turbo doesn't kick in until the revs get above about 4000 but you'd never know it - 0-60 in about 6 seconds according to the manufacturer's spec. You'd be mad to try any other than very mild acceleration without the traction control switched on.

Comfort is extremely good, but the low profile tires tend to make the ride a little hard. My Saab 900 was much less bumpy on normal roads.

Visibility is poor - you have to use the mirrors for reversing as you can't see around the head restraints from inside.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th April, 2004