2004 Volvo S60 SE Base review from North America

At my first visit to the dealer for warranty work, the car needed a new blower motor, as the old one (which wasn't very old IMO) was making terrible noises (similar to when the blower goes on an old 240... anyone who's had one knows what I'm talking about)

While there, the dealer also noted broken sway bar links, so these were also replaced under warranty. They also took the liberty of replacing the front strut mount, and a couple of bushings since I was complaining that the winter steel wheels I was running, were scraping the calipers (even though this was the right size and wheel size according to Tire Rack).

A few months later, the car's blower motor started making the same noises (Incredible! This thing wasn't even 5,000kms old and it's making noises again!) Volvo parts used to last a very long time... this was not the case.

Tires would rub when making sharp turns (which was necessary since this car turns like a land yacht!). This car came with stock 235/45/17's and they rubbed like crazy when I replaced them. I've chatted with other Volvo S60 owners who've run 225, or even 215's and all complain of the rubbing!

Constant electrical glitches plagued this car. Not the type that would render the car undriveable, but the type that would make you think "why is the car doing that... it never did that before"? Bulbs were eaten on a constant basis, and the headlight bulbs on these cars aren't cheap!

One thing that I really hated, was the over-abundance of electrically controlled items, like the climate control system for example. Why on earth would they make it so complex?!?!?! Sure it works fine, but once one of those motors fail in the dash, you're running back to the dealer in -20C temps to get them to fix the car ASAP! The old Volvos' were simple, easy to work on, and easy to understand... I dunno what Volvo's trying to do with these later cars?!?! Sure they work great when their running, but after that they are just a headache, especially with the prices of replacement parts!!!

These cars are nothing in terms of reliability like the old RWD ones were

I had mistakenly purchased a fully loaded SE version of this car. They aren't very popular, as most opt for the turbo version (which I should have too!) The only features I didn't have were the 5 speed auto, and turbo.

After owning the car I've realized that even though the car is comfortable, especially on long drives, and has a fantastic interior (save the creaks and groans you won't find on comparably equipped 3 or 5 series BMWs) they really aren't worth the premium that most private parties are asking for them. Sure they might be cheaper in the US, but up here in Canada, they are priced similar to a BMW (which out handles the Volvo on every turn). Volvo owners seem to think that their repairs are investments and will somehow reverse depreciation!!

After renting several Volvo's for long distance trips, I think I'll go back to renting. Sure they are pricier to rent, but at least I don't have to pay the crazy high repair bills when unnecessary electronics fail, or when the complex suspension components fail.

If I ever had a highly disposable income that I could justify the expense, I'd opt for the turbo with a 5 (or 6 speed) manual. They move like freight trains!

Overall they are nice cars, but don't get the NA versions... they're TOO SLOW especially when you consider the heavy weight of the car. And you won't be saving much at the pump either, considering how much more fuel the car has to consume to keep up with the turbo's (or traffic for that matter).

After the 2 trips to the dealer for 1,000 CAD each time, I decided to sell this liability before the warranty ran out. I sure hope the next owner has better luck with this tank on wheels!