What types of problems have you had with a 2001 Volvo S60 T5?

Question

I just made my last loan payment on a
2001 Volvo S60T5. I have 95K miles, but I've kept in good shape and it still rides nice. I'm trying to decide to whether to keep it, and I'm wondering what kinds of repairs I can expect. So, I was hoping some owners out there would comment. Thanks. Bob

Answer 1

you are due for a timing belt and i recommend replacing all tensioner and idler components including the water pump [it is timing belt driven] my reasoning for this is these cars will go 300k plus miles if kept up; the next timing belt will be at 190k miles and this is just too long for these components to last without risking failure of any one or more parts.
this is a valve bending engine that requires special tools and procedures to repair [ i have found it much cheaper to purchase a certified warrantied used engine than to repair a belt damaged one] this goes back to you can pay me now or pay me a whole lot more later.
if you decide to cheap it out and just replace the belt you should probably sell or trade the car before 150k miles

Answer 2

If it is out of warranty and it drives nice, it's time to get rid of it. They have problems with steering and electrical. They are expensive to fix. I used to work at a Volvo shop as a service adviser and that is just a couple of problems with Volvo cars since Ford bought them.

Answer 3

The T5 turbo should not be run on regular gas. It is tuned and set up to run on premium and needs it to keep everything working properly. You will not like the result of running the car on regular gas. It will cost you much more than the money you put into running premium.