Volvo S60 (2000 - 2008) 2.0T S 4d (00) (2001/51) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I've had lots of "old man" jokes, but at the end of the day, it's a fully paid up member of the premium badge club, and gets a lot more respect from colleagues than my former Mondeo. I couldn't care less personally, but if it wore a private plate, it would pass for a £20k car.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

See above. Comments are always positive when they've been in it though. Everyone comments on the seats, performance and engine sound.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, but next time I'd probably go for the T5.

What are you likely to buy next?

I think it might be time to try a BMW.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,500

When did you buy the car?

February 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

£2500 for a 6 and a bit yr old solidly built, quick, expensive feeling, well equipped family saloon seemed like a good deal to me.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

A friend was selling it, and he'd maintained it regardless of cost. I'd always admired it since he bought it. I needed to replace my car at the time, he offered me a deal, so I took it.

What was the dealer like?

Not applicable

What's it like to drive?

Driving experience is dominated by the lovely 5 cylinder engine which sounds hushed at low-medium revs, and growls and howls like an old Audi Quattro at high revs. It's responsive, gutsy and super smooth. Steering lacks feel, and car understeers earlier than expected, but it's all very safe as you would expect from a Volvo. Fantastic brakes and surprisingly liberal traction control. Seats put most lounge armchairs to shame and really are "all day comfy".

What's it like to park?

Horrible. High rear screen and invisible boot make it difficult to judge. Mine has aftermarket parking sensors, which help a lot. Steering and clutch are both light though.

Have you had any problems with the car?

I had to replace the top engine mount, which is a common fault on these Volvos - so much so that the new parts supplied are heavily modified. It's an easy job, and the part costs less than £50 even from a Volvo dealer. Other than that, it's been faultless in the 11,000 miles I've done. Had its 132,000 mile service and that's been it.

What's most practical about your car?

The massive boot, although the opening is narrow.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The car is riddled with nice touches. The option to turn the lights on with the remote fob is superb when parking in unlit places. The illumination of the ignition lock, the bulb warning that tells you specifically what's failed, the pop out cupholder, the truly awesome stereo system - all make life that bit more pleasant.