Volvo V60 - Volvo V60 R Design - Considering buying

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Sat 9 Jun 2018 15:59
Volvo V60 - Volvo V60 R Design - Considering buying - hoppyposh

Hi All,

Seen a nice looking volvo v60 for sale here:

www.dr-cc.co.uk/mobile/cars/volvo/v60/1.6rdesigndr...0

Anyone had one or know if it's a good deal?

Thanks,

Lee

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 9 Jun 2018 17:23
Volvo V60 - Volvo V60 R Design - Considering buying - craig-pd130

I've had two: a 2011 D3 with the 163bhp 5-cylinder diesel, and a 2014 D4 with the new 2 litre VEA diesel.

I really like them, but the one in your advert is a D2 with the 1.6 litre diesel. That engine is simply not strong enough for a car that weighs 1650kg: it has a narrow torque band and gives mediocre performance at best. Because it's hauling a big car around, it isn't very economical either.

Go for a D3 or D4, they are very satisfying to drive and have plenty of punch and go. The three things to look for when buying a Volvo are:

1) Full Volvo main dealer service history

2) Full Volvo main dealer service history

3) Full Volvo main dealer service history

R-Design spec is nice but the ride is a bit harsh on the wheels and tyres you get with that spec. SE spec cars ride much better.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 9 Jun 2018 18:52
Volvo V60 - Volvo V60 R Design - Considering buying - Avant

I had a V60 - like Craig's second one, a D4. I respected it but never really got to like it. I came to it after three Skoda Octavia vRSs, and maybe I was 'spoilt' by their lively acceleration and very good compromise between handling and ride (great handling, ride a little on the firm side). In comparison the Volvo had good acceleration - nothing to complain about - but lifeless steering and handling, and ride still on the firm side. Mine was an SE and it wasn't much softer than an R-Design.

BUT - you're looking at a car that's coming up to seven years old. My V60 gave the impression that it would last for ages, and you could be on to a good thing, subject to Craig's spot-on proviso about service history. With FSH a V60 could be a good buy, although as he says the D2 is underpowered - this is a solid, heavy car.

The price sounds high, but I'm no expert. Look at Cars for Sale on this site, and Autotrader, and compare with similar cars of that vintage.

What's your annual mileage? If < 15,000, you're better off with a petrol: and if so, I'd steer you towards a Toyota, Mazda, or Honda, as V60 petrols are few and far between and the 1.6 petrol is similary underwhelming.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 9 Jun 2018 22:22
Volvo V60 - Volvo V60 R Design - Considering buying - badbusdriver

Am i not right in thinking this engine is the same PSA unit which has been nicknamed 'diesel of doom'?. If so, i'd be inclined to avoid it anyway, not because i think they are as bad as that name implies, but there is no doubt they are EXTREMELY sensitive to correct servicing. Not just regarding intervals (going by what i have read, they need to be serviced more frequently than the official guidelines) but also the type of oil (I was told by a dealer that it is essential the correct specification oil was used).

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 10 Jun 2018 10:17
Volvo V60 - Volvo V60 R Design - Considering buying - hoppyposh

A fairly comprehensive no on that one. What about this Toyota Avensis.

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20180515653...7

Ultimately I just want something reliable with a big boot as a family car.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 10 Jun 2018 10:35
Volvo V60 - Volvo V60 R Design - Considering buying - SLO76
“A fairly comprehensive no on that one. What about this Toyota Avensis.”

This thread shows just how important it is to do your homework before buying, you’re doing the right thing by coming on here to ask. The Avensis is a solid big car but the 2.2 diesel has a poor reputation. The pre facelift 2.0 D4-D on the other hand is a longlived thing again if looked after. Later post facelift cars use BMW diesels which are known for timing chain issues. Watch also for problems with that daft electronic parking brake and factor in a high likelihood of failure at some point which will cost £600-£700 to put right.

What sort of mileage will this car be doing? Will it be mostly local or distance and will it be doing any towing? Also what is your maximum budget and how are you financing it?

Edited by SLO76 on 10/06/2018 at 10:37

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 10 Jun 2018 11:23
Volvo V60 - Volvo V60 R Design - Considering buying - hoppyposh

Max budget is £7500. Probably only going to cover 10k miles a year, mixed distance but can't find any petrols and need one fairly soon. Many thanks for yours and everyones help. Found a 2 litre which looks a better deal.

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20180214371...0

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 10 Jun 2018 18:02
Volvo V60 - Volvo V60 R Design - Considering buying - SLO76
As robust as the Toyota can be I’d be wary of splurging £7.5k on a car with a six figure mileage. It could be ok but equally it could be a money pit plus it’ll be hard work to sell on again. I think you’d be better lowering your ambitions a little and looking instead at one of the many Vauxhall Astra, Kia Cee’d or Ford Focus 1.6 petrol estates available near you.

Modern diesels are too complex and can be a total liability as they age especially with your limited mileage in mind. But i did spot a few petrol options within range that would be worthy of further investigation. The Volvo V60 needs to be a manual as the Powershift gearbox is a nightmare on these but the 1.6 petrol engine has no real vices and should run and run if looked after.

Auto Trader:

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20180501607...4



Auto Trader:

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20180525684...1



Auto Trader:

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20180419570...8


Auto Trader:

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20180525687...8


Auto Trader:

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20180412549...2


Edited by SLO76 on 10/06/2018 at 18:11

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 10 Jun 2018 10:30
Volvo V60 - Volvo V60 R Design - Considering buying - SLO76
“Am i not right in thinking this engine is the same PSA unit which has been nicknamed 'diesel of doom'?”

Correct. It is the later and updated version but still failure rates on the these are far far too high to even consider one with 70,000 miles up. Spend more and get one with a Volvo 5cyl which will be fit for half a million miles if looked after.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 10 Jun 2018 11:37
Volvo V60 - Volvo V60 R Design - Considering buying - MGspannerman

I have had both a V60 and currently an Avensis estate. I enjoyed the V60 but then it was the D5 with 215bhp and went like a rocket. I certainly agree about the D2 and with the V60 off the agenda the Avensis is a good choice. It is much roomier that the V60 and being a Toyota has all the inherent reliability that the name implies. I also had the 2.2 diesel engine in the Rav4 I had before the Avensis. Once they had sorted out the head gasket/liner problem it was OK, but no ball of fire. The 2.2s around now are probably OK, but personally I went for a petrol. The petrol auto I have now is everything I want. The petrols are simple and long lived, if properly serviced they are good for 150/200k and just keep going. It is worth checking out user reviews on this and other sites to get a more complete picture. Keep an eye on autrorader, from time to time some very nice looking cars come up - full toyota history, no more than average miles and few or even one owner. A suitably looked after car could easily be a very good buy. Low on charisma and kerb side bragging rights, but maybe like me that is of no interest.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 12 Jun 2018 16:49
Volvo V60 - Volvo V60 R Design - Considering buying - Scirocco

The V60 R Design looks great, but as an S60 owner mine has had a few problems and Volvo dealer rates are high.

Commonly there can be problems with keyless locks (if fitted) and windscreen bonding. To check the locks just try and unlock and lock each door with the fob in your pocket, it's not the end of the world if they don't work as you can still use the fob in the traditional way but you'd want a dealer to fix them before sale. The windscreen can be checked by pushing on the top of the windscreen from inside - if it moves it needs to be removed and resealed.

A petrol would be better for the mileage you do but they're rare, especially in R Design trim. I've got the 1.6 T4 180 - it's ok but lacks torque and needs to be worked hard. Wanted the T5 but they're even rarer

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 12 Jun 2018 21:09
Volvo V60 - Volvo V60 R Design - Considering buying - hoppyposh

Thanks everyone. I've asked a couple of local garages to look out for an Avensis for us. I also drove a Peugeot 308sw on a 15 plate which I was impressed with. Are those belts or chains on those?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 12 Jun 2018 21:14
Volvo V60 - Volvo V60 R Design - Considering buying - gordonbennet

Thanks everyone. I've asked a couple of local garages to look out for an Avensis for us. I also drove a Peugeot 308sw on a 15 plate which I was impressed with. Are those belts or chains on those?

Avensis, the sensible choice, about the only issue that might raise its head is the electric parking brake, so make sure that gets serviced and lubed as needed regularly.

Yes the parking brake switch is in a stupid place (about as ridiculous as where Volvo artics have their pointless EPB fitted) and it works opposite to almost every other vehicle on the road, ie push on pull off, however they seem to work well enough automatically.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 19 Jul 2018 14:22
Volvo V60 - Volvo V60 R Design - Considering buying - Wayne Dibbley

Hi All,

Seen a nice looking volvo v60 for sale here:

www.dr-cc.co.uk/mobile/cars/volvo/v60/1.6rdesigndr...0

Anyone had one or know if it's a good deal?

Thanks,

Lee

Hi Lee,

Did you get a V60 in the end?

I have a T3 (1.6 Ford engine) and it has plenty of power for the size of the car, despite what others say. Ideal for me at 11k miles a year.

Can recommend if you can get one!

Wayne

Reply | Report as offensive | Link