The True Cost of a Volvo S60R (high mileage)

Today I'm sharing the extensive amount of maintenance I've done over the 1 year of owning this high mileage (164k) Volvo S60R
Follow my car Instagram: / wheelemverb

[@munkieluva]

$3000 isn't that bad when you compare it to the annual cost of a new car loan or a lease. Also, you got a lot of the big jobs done under that $3000. Ideally over the next year it will cost less.

[@chrisirving8390]

Or just the tax on a new vehicle

[@chrisirving8390]

There a cool car

[@ASDASD34RDFS]

It will not be cheaper. It will only get more expensive as more expensive parts start to break. Bad steering rack? Drive shafts? Clutch? Haldex service? Brake calipers? Any of the normal issues volvo had on these such as different modules, solders starting to corrode, suspension? When you got to replace that 4c suspension and calipers you are looking at an easy 2800 dollars for calipers alone, and suspension I don't even want to guess how much.

[@AquaLady153]

thats just for the parts. Imagine someone with no tools or experience and has to rely on shops

[@jorgevillagomez5908]

Most will not do the maintenance on it. So the reality it's closer to 5-6k for most. They are not easy to work on.

[@justin10054]

Car ownership really only makes sense if you're a car enthusiast. It sucks that people who don't care about cars have to spend this kind of money to keep a depreciating asset running because there's really no other way to get around in most parts of America. It would be nice if there were enough trains and buses for non-car people to use which would free up the roads for those of us who like cars. Being a car enthusiast is much more enjoyable when you're not stuck in traffic all the time.

[@wheelemverb]

Fully agreed. It’s an insane amount to spend for someone who is simply looking for transportation

[@worldhello1234]

Normies usually buy cheap "throw-away" cars like Hondays or KIAs. You pretty much always "pay through the nose" for performance cars like this.

[@kw9849]

@@worldhello1234 Modern Hyundai's are actually pretty solid, if really bland.

[@alfonsosantos4011]

Kid ur a legend. Best video I've seen on Volvo Rs. And the uniqueness of having one is worth every dollar. GOD BLESS

[@GtrrzPhoto]

Putting good money into an older car will save you so much more in the long-run, I put work into my em2 civic and it’s almost at 200,000 miles with the AC blowing ice cold, no issues at all. Keep up the great work man

[@TheKreattion]

Its a lot of money up front, but if you own this car for years it wont be so bad since you'll be spending less in the next few years. Its always best to do preventative maintenance because you can never be too sure about a car. Owners can lie, happend to me. Bought my 850 and was told it just needed a steering rack job to stop a leak and it would be a good dailly, engine blew up just as I pulled up in my driveway.

[@daedalus_20v]

Very realistic "first year" experience for buying a higher-mileage used European sport sedan, and I appreciate that you didn't over-dramatize the (significant) cost factor, but the inconvenient truth is that when people buy a brand new car, they're still paying all this money for maintenance... it's just called a "warranty" and rolled into the price tag.

[@vogel2280]

I did the same math on my car and it is not really fair. The previous owner postponed maintenance and picked a very specific moment in time to sell it. On the other hand you just invested in the car because it is new to you and you want it maintained properly. Not that there will not be maintenance issues that cost some more, you won't need another timing kit for the next 110.000 miles. Once you're done with the backlog, maintenance cost will be cut in half.

[@ParadoxSypher]

Coming from Honda/Acrura, I've been a big K series guys all my life. I've been looking to get a daily and was looking at manual euro wagons like v50s, v70rs, 3 & 5 series. And well, no manual v50s around me at all, and no v50Rs near me under 14k lol. Stumbled upon the s60R and having been doing my research, this was really helpful and I really enjoy your videos style.

[@NikonNotCanon]

Got my Manual AWD S40 from California, and it is the best car I've ever owned

[@thenewvirus6855]

In my opinion for a car thats almost 20 years old and has 165k on it $3k in maintenance (minus the exhaust too) is a dream. Clean OEM+ build and love to see someone making Volvo content since recently just got a facelift AWD s40 R design as my first volvo.

[@danielbr92]

Loving the car videos Willem!

[@stefanzlatanovic7521]

You are amazing mate! I love the videos, really well shot and explained. I enjoy seeing people working on their cars with such passion. It is really nice of you to explain everything in detail on how much money and how you replaced the parts. I am officially a big fan! Keep it up

[@lifelong5425]

Any R (manual) that can be restored by parts alone is a must have...Project, fix when funds available, get trusted Volvo help....but, you have a gem of a car. My 04 X C 70 2.5 T AWD is at about 185,000 km's, and as needed, gets the appropriate repairs. The fact that you have done so much yourself is a bonus...I'm not fortunate that way, and accept it is it comes.....Volvos...for life...the granny look is the dead fall many make when they see a Volvo ahead...tough on them...

[@RajSharma-uv4nx]

Great video!! Thanks for sharing your experience with the S60R. This is truly an iconic car for Volvo!! Keep it going for as long as you can!!!

[@qvarfoto]

This is great stuff Willem! I came here from your film photo channel but since I live in Sweden and used to be hugely into cars I figured I'd enjoy Wheelem's Volvo vids too, haha. Well I wasn't wrong! Looking forward to the next one, hey. Cheers dude

[@futc.photography]

I am enjoying these videos so much! love that you've started this channel. Really love that you are so honest and transparent about your mistakes and the whole process throughout this video series, I'm always a bit scared to make mistakes because youtube comments can be brutal 😂

[@victorsabala2108]

love to see you do more with the S60R love to see go big turbo

[@firstlightfishingco]

Video was very well done! I enjoyed it and it was very helpful

[@RobbyJHope]

I'm so excited for the next episode!

[@chrisalarcon17]

Yo I watch your photography channel didn’t know you were into cars too that’s hella sick, love the s60r

[@gavinmcknight9206]

great oem build ! also… working on volvos might suck, but the reliability is worth it

[@Fat_Petrolhead]

Nice video and great car!

[@roheetpatel8378]

Awesome info When I got mine all fluids were changed including the M66 transmission gearbox. The collar sleeve was replaced as there was play between the teeth and I got the collar sleeve from the revised 2006 S60 V70R version. My angle gear was ok but mine was a 2005 model. I'd track spec sway bars were good. Hd end links as well The only thing I did not get around to were the top strut mounts. This is where your video is helpful. Did not even think about the vvt hubs. Not a bad total cost. Enjoy it bro and thanks for the video. Did you poly bush the transmission mounts?

[@friction3474]

Loving the s60R vids!

[@wheelemverb]

Thank you!

[@itsjustpino8257]

Mine has 220k miles and I just had a custom stage 2 tune done by my guy here in San Diego. Just keep up with maintenance and you'll be chillin (for the most part). I spent 4k on the car and have prob put about 5ish into it with mods and maintenance.

[@wheelemverb]

Love that!

[@AwakeDude911]

someones getting a new engine soon !

[@paulmagner5511]

Keep up the good work

[@AzarAlKilani]

First of all I am very proud that finally there is some youtube video uncovering the details of such lovely car, I have one as well with the same color, but orange for the interior, I don't mind selling it for you for Auto Spares if you want, We have owned it for 12 Years now, and We would like to go for the new designs, I am based in UAE and its a bit annoying as I am the only one who owns such car in the whole middle east region.

[@Sandslash19]

Wow, great job with all the maintenance. I wish I knew how to do all that my self.

[@patrickgagne8795]

You can. YT videos to do anything. Buy a decent tool kit, get a cheap or even free car and learn. It’s great to be able to do your own work and the ladies love a man that can 😅

[@amari5126]

Thank you for making this video

[@martialonzo]

Keep em coming!!! Learning so much from these videos 🔥🔥🔥

[@usernamesunknown2197]

Oh man he’s just like me, I bought a clapped out R but oh boy do I love it. The spaceball is very fun! But holy cow has it been an experience.

[@W4LT3Rego]

nice video again! unrelated, but do you remember where your sweater is from? thanks!

[@marknelson5929]

A most interesting review of the realities of owning one of these great cars. I'm looking at possibly buying one here in Australia, they are fairly rare here but have spotted a local 2003 car with 53,000 miles from new it's an auto and seems to have been very well looked after BUT they do seem to need a lot of work as you say. I here that the engine can suffer from cracked liners, the rear diff prop shaft can fail making it a FWD car and the adjustable electric dampers are a common failure point...! Decisions decisions...

[@AwakeDude911]

can you turn a wrench, or do you have deeps pockets? 2 choices choose ONE !

[@Trstn.H]

When am I gonna see you pull up to a car meet in this baby 👀 we need more Volvos at these LA/OC meets, you know I see you out there with Chazzy

[@sidlazzar1002]

It’s beautiful! I love Volvos and Saabs. I just bought a 03 s80 2.9 for 3,640$ It needed a new catalytic converter right off the bat. But I knew what I was getting into, Volvos need tlc more than other cars but so worth it tbh. I want a v70r eventually

[@ThatRcThing]

Just a killer video once again! Glad you still want to work on the old gal lol

[@brauhmaudio8388]

Very nice work...

[@clausvandenbrink7955]

Nice video. Also nice that people keep machines rolling as long as they can. But, WARNING what I'm going to say will hurt, at some point you need to let it go.

[@OneWayToMachines]

Great info thank you

[@danielerickson4893]

I bought a (auto) 2000 V70R in January of last year. Done most, but not everything, myself; I haven't counted up how much I've spent though. From memory, I've done: head gasket, valve stem seals, and a bunch of other seals, PCV breather box (not the whole system that goes around the block), throttle body (very pricey, very common to fail), timing belt, tensioner, pulley, water pump, MAF sensor, some silicone hoses and stuff, and I had a shop replace the front lower control arms and sway bar linkages (still have to do tie rod ends, which I have). It already had a RIP kit and external ATF filter on it when I got it, as well as some other silicone hoses. I've got to replace the PNP Switch as well as change the ATF (cycle it out, definitely not flushing it), got some more silicone hoses to install, as well as the tie rod ends, like I mentioned, and probably some other stuff I'm forgetting. I've thought about doing a manual swap, and I still might, but I've heard that the manuals aren't the greatest feeling, and some people who typically prefer manuals actually preferred the R's auto. So idk, maybe I will. Also I bought it with the rear driveshaft taken out, haven't looked it into it at all, idk if it's the angle gear collar or something else, but for now, it's fine being FWD.

[@danielerickson4893]

It's around 190k miles, and I got it in the middle of North Dakota (there are hardly any Volvos here, let alone one of the rarest year R's-supposedly around 500 came to all of North America for MY 2000). Hardly any rust, they were very good at rust prevention, it's pretty much just on the hardware under the car, mostly exhaust hardware.

[@danielerickson4893]

Also, I will probably be shimming the block soon (2.4, which has the same bore as 2.5, so it's prone to cracking), and eventually getting a tune, probably from Hilton, hopefully this year or next. My year also came with the 19T (I believe the only year, and the R's the only model of any car to come with it from the factory, but it's commonly upgraded to on many cars: Volvo, Saab, BMW, Subaru, Mitsubishi, etc.- stuff with the Mitsubishi TD04 turbos), it also has the green injectors (largest Volvo put on, which I believe '04 had as well).

[@jpecc8314]

Super inspirational

[@michaeldecandia8077]

Good video! You are are lucky at 3k lol. I replaced just about everything. I hardly use mine. But it is super reliable now. When i take it out of the garage, i know it will be q great ride! Chexk mine out

[@isakeriksson1183]

Like the car, love the shirt.

[@Kanaarek]

ive got s60 2.0t 2006 and s60r is my dream car bro

[@atikovi1]

Just wait until the engine block cracks.

[@nuttyjunior]

Got to shim it

[@puppymew]

Damn, guess I don't feel so bad. I ended up putting $16k in my $4000 04 XC70 that I've owned going on 3 years. Control Arms, Radiator and Thermostat, Camseals (done twice because the first mechanic fucked up my car), rear shocks, tailgate struts, engine mounts, timing belt and water kit, brakes and rotors, a new key lol, and probably some other shit I forgot. I love the car, but honestly a Volvo probably wasn't a good car for someone who didn't have the space/knowledge to do the labor himself. Once I did get the space I did all my oil changes myself. I gave it to family and it's gonna need a new rack and pinion, probably the left turn signal switch cleaned as it's not activating half the time, and the passenger interior door handle broke. I absolutely adore Volvos just not a big fan of the massive touchscreen in the new ones. Maybe one day I can get another one.

[@kimegekjr5971]

Next you probably need to do the PCV system ;-)

[@robertmassucci1]

you look like a ten year old. I'm totally impressed with your maturity. Success is guaranteed

[@linusandhiscamera]

dude....another heater...cannot wait for the next video bro!!!

[@wheelemverb]

Thanks man 🥹

[@geebes2112]

Keep up the good work! Love to see it, they’re such cool cars. Do you have a GX too? All the great cars!

[@christopherfey3280]

Just put about 6k in to mine. All suspension. Full bolt ons. Tuned. I'm on 260k miles

[@ElementL116]

Drop in bucket overall...wait until the modding bug bites... bought my 07 brand new 17 years ago and 190k+ now most of which were tuned/modded. Darton sleeved, block, pistons, rods, head work, EFR turbo, custom tune, etc... it adds up quick! IPD and FCP are great resources for this platform.

[@turtle2nasty779]

I can verify this information. Wish I was able to do it myself would have saved so much paid 4K for my 2004 automatic then paid around 8 in maintenance 😩 but I am a pretty big fan of the car just wish it was easier to work on like my old gs. Highly recommend this car tho

[@fortressfrazze3777]

Well done you fix that all yourself. With all that fixed you probably can drive many miles before some new major service needed. I my self live in Sweden homeland of Volvo cars. Here there is and where even more Volvos before so the parts is cheap. And there is endless of better used parts you can find. But all cars like your R Volvo is more expensive to fix than a standard car. Also the extra power takes its toll.

[@student8165]

It cost me 25k to fix that car and still driving it. Sound amazing, looking for a full bodykit R

[@spikeds60]

I bet shop prices would be even more actually.... :D Still, especially for an R, not a terrible expense, took me a little more just to get my T5 back to solid

[@granthertzing3548]

When cared for these things will go forever. I bought mine with 180k and it hit 190 last month. I’ve had almost zero issues besides automatic transmission issues, but that’s almost inevitable with these cars and high mileage.

[@dannybailes3948]

It’s funny I watched this video before I bought my R. It has cost me far more than $3k but I have did a lot of upgrades.

[@That1Bronzie]

I got an on 04 s80 T6 n it's badass

[@bobsykes]

You left out the entire engine replacement from this list. 😇 You're not kidding though. I bought a used Mercedes C-class sedan that has pre-paid service and warranty for seven years, and I loved it all that time. Then at eight years, $800 to $1,200 per year for routine maintenance, the thing only had around 60,000 miles, was the norm. I drive a Honda now. I love this series, and it is fantasitc to see you enjoying this kind of work in this day and age.

[@wheelemverb]

Haha different Volvo but yes the list on the engine replacement V70 can go on for a while too 😅 I think someday when I don’t have a garage I’ll do the same :)

[@Viscosity-cb3xl]

The older cars that are looked after particularly old Volvos is not a bad decision. Unique older sports Volvos like the S60, P1800 and 850 are going up in value. Newer cars on the other hand are depreciating in value rapidly.

[@specv_jonathan]

Im thinking of getting one, has 180k miles. Owner has done all the general maintenance does have a few things that needs work but nothing major. Would it be a good idea to buy it? Im just looking for a daily driver atm. He’s asking 9k

[@kylemontano228]

Where in California are you located man? Im in SoCal and have had my R for about 1.5 years. I’ve probably put like 10k into it (some stuff I didn’t diy and labor adds up) and I’ve learned so much about cars throughout my ownership. I will never sell it, these things are a blast man! (Ps, I suggest ditching the 4c for coilovers, I love my bc racing coils)

[@kylemontano228]

Also I just did my timing belt last week and I noticed that my exhaust side vvt hub is wiggling too! Still gotta replace that

[@wheelemverb]

Honestly worth it! Los Angeles

[@melvyn_ivy]

End of the video: ‘the secret ingredient is crime’

[@bren.nan_]

i have an 07 auto with 188k, i love it

[@xollerx]

One would think it's cheaper to service a Volvo here in Sweden compared to USA, but as with most things (parts, service) it's actually cheaper in the US. An oil change + filter at a Volvo dealer here in Sweden costs around 280 USD. I paid 190 USD for transmission fluid change. Almost spend as much as I paid for the car just the 1st year. Of course would be cheaper if I had done everything myself, but then never put gas in a car 1 year ago so a steep learning curve for someone who starts out knowing nothing about cars. Lesson learned, it's expensive to own a car unless you're a mechanic, and even then, well... it's not free 😂

[@fergusferguson4782]

Timing belt, water pump, pcv, plugs and coils. $5,000. Needs new front and rear suspension, and then brakes soon. Easily another $5,000+. And I still have error codes with a misfire on cylinder 1, an oil leak on the turbo charger, brake pedal position sensor error, an intermittent headlamp fault, small head gasket oil leak, and so on. Goes back to the shop, again, on Tuesday. For what I am looking at I could have bought a new Corolla, and skipped the stress entirely. 108k miles. Oh. I forgot the blown $440 speaker that I can't find used, and the $600 problem with the rear vision mirror backing breaking down. I'm thinking if I can just get it free of error codes for five minutes I might just sell it and buy a Toymota.

[@charlesblerzbo1616]

With these cars, you MUST do the majority of the work yourself. If not, you'll be financially violated. You'll still pay a lot if you do the work yourself but it becomes feasible.

[@fergusferguson4782]

@@charlesblerzbo1616 If you have the skills, tools, hoist, and can turn yourself into a pretzel. I'm lacking.

[@charlesblerzbo1616]

@@fergusferguson4782 True. And if you can't do those things, it's just a bad idea to own these cars. For the cost of repairs, you can get yourself a nice used Lexus and enjoy yourself.

[@fergusferguson4782]

@@charlesblerzbo1616 2019 Corolla. 46k miles. Reported as total loss. Coolant flowing from under car. $13k. 2017 36k miles. Accident. $18,000.

[@fashiongrunge]

I used to have the 2008 S60 T5 for about 7 years...one of my favorite cars but the maintenance did kill me

[@AwakeDude911]

yes it always has the hood open my 06 s60 always needs something

[@nuttyjunior]

Do you have any problems with coolant and oil leaks? I noticed mine loses oil and coolant slowly but doesn't burn the oil. I got a bore scope test done at a local shop and they didn't find anything, they were Volvo specialists too. They worked on these models a lot.

[@AwakeDude911]

cam seals or head gasket leak ,my s60 looses both and it burns them but still runs fine and the hoods ALWAYS open so i check them every few days ...

[@lx4118]

Diff oil need replacement so do the other fluids

[@michaelweinman9051]

We have a Volvo 240.. A 1993. Thinking of selling . in Los Angeles area. Del Rey.

[@roheetpatel8378]

Is a good state you can do mods as you see fit.

[@spooky_leftist]

Oh man! My s40 has a thump going over bumps! Probably the same issue!

[@fatfalcon3434]

Dude, 6k for an s60r? You Americans are lucky. In Europe they're selling them for like 15-20k.

[@realreviews1745]

I have a 2007 S60R auto and it has cost me about $1k a year to maintain with 110k miles

[@walther89]

idk bushing thing is depends where you buy and when, but this kit i alone 400max tho...yeh no kidding, but doing dose kinds of MODS yes they are expensive expect the oem ones are cheap, owning a car in longrun is expensive, driving it and owning years is worth tbh

[@noahkang2417]

What happened to this S60R? Did you sell it in favor of the V70R?

[@UncleMichaelable]

A new car is far more expensive than putting money into an older one.

[@Swat_Dennis]

Mate of mine bought a V70 2.5 Turbo from ‘98 Dropped 2500 on it. Within the year he had to dump… 4500 into it. Hasn’t run 140K miles

[@Dex2020]

Hello, I own a c70 2000 convertible, with a blown head gasket with less mileage you may want to check yours as well. Dexter

[@bren.nan_]

have you done the PCV?

[@geekonometry]

You at least maintain the car, in my country the people buy em cheap, skimp on all the maintenance and drive them until they break, then fix it as cheap as possible and sell it off to the next sucker

[@davidhayes3366]

ID LOVE TO SEE YOU take a S60R and put the complete drivetrain on a 2002 V70 wagon! Yes I said it. Not a V70R, a V70 FWD wagon. Convert it. What do ya think? Crazy or genius I dunno

[@spincity850]

Love this new channel dude, so good - no idea where you would pay over a grand for a timing belt change though, that's a 5 minute job, sure a few seals on top maybe a bit longer but that's a 1 hour labour time tops, 100 quid In the uk at the max for that.

[@roanlo1213]

Timing belt and water pump is usually around $1k no matter where you go in the US (sadly)

[@spincity850]

@@roanlo1213 he didn’t replace the water pump. It’s the belt. It’s on a tensioner; wrench it loose, wrap it off. wrap on. 5 min job done. Seems like garage prices in the us are a total piss take either way

[@wheelemverb]

I did replace the water pump too. Any reputable Volvo shop generally won’t do it without the water pump because they know you’ll be back for it 10k miles later. There’s extra complexity on these as well because the cams have to be locked from the back side of the engine. The quote also includes cam seals which are necessary too if you wanna do it right. I’m sure you could find someone to just do a belt and pulley if you wanted for significantly less. But I’m planning to own the car for a lot longer and I guarantee it would be coming off many more times for the other services that weren’t done if you’re just doing a belt

[@spincity850]

@@wheelemverb oh I stand corrected then I didn’t hear the water pump part. Makes slightly more sense but a grand plus is still seemingly quite pricey even so. No idea why garages are so spenny in the us. :(

[@saidimon]

What you do with your old car, it is exactly what I do with my old 26" bike 😹🙈! And guess what?! I do not regret at all as well 👌🤤💸💸💸...

[@hi_how_are_ya_]

I always assume these cars v70r v70 t5 s60r s60 t5 would go up in value over time, especially with the right maintenance done

[@AwakeDude911]

its why i say if you cant turn a wrench or dont have super FAT pockets then these aren't for you. and the best quote ...IF THE HOODS NOT OPEN its not a volvo ! i have a 06 S60 so the hood is always at a 45-degree angle. today it get a ball joint its already had 3 done on the same side but it wants another one WHY ..its a volvo and yes im using FCP parts !

[@ReaperVolvo]

all the seals werent neassesary actualy , just make sure u get premium gas.... and frequent oil changes, no hard revs on cold engine, they last for ever

[@user-si8jt1qe4x]

Found a nice Volvo for about 8,000. Wasn't a manual sadly.

[@paulmagner5511]

My man am a Volvo xc70 owner did the same thing to my car

[@itsmephil2255]

At 164k on the clock, you couldn't even join the Volvo high milage club, I think membership starts at 200k There are some owners with the gold 1M mile badge

[@stoveguy2133]

Changing a strut mount is not hard.

[@landbowlamdo4414]

i onw this car aswell and can atest to how frickin expensive it is

[@mfairbank]

Stop buying IPD branded parts or you’ll be doing the job again. Their upper torque rod mounts fail prematurely, go back to the square mount and get a Powerflex bushing. Also had their “HD” upper spring seats and within 5k miles the inner sleeve had separated from the bushing.

[@0be1Gordon]

The reason I sold mine

[@esvete9787]

Are you into Saabs?

[@scrambaba]

$6000? That‘s crazy cheap!

[@jarellsigue4694]

$1200 for a timing job? pls tell me which shop

[@AwakeDude911]

$650 for mine in NY

[@juniorechavarria7512]

Coming from a N54 this don’t sound bad😂😂😂

[@fergusferguson4782]

So, you can do all this work for the price of a 2016 Corolla with 200,000 miles, four owners, and three accidents.

[@davidr8309]

😅 I took the R and AWD off the back of my 04 V70R. No need to make the tuner kids in the mountains feel any better about their poor suspension decisions.