2015 Volvo S60

[Vratenza]

Funny thing is that non of the international market have volvo been on their list of reliable cars.

You get smattering of infiniti, toyota, lexus models and one or 2 merc and even audi models.

 

No jag, no bmw no landrover, and definitely no volvo....

 

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/pictures/here-are-the-10-most-and-least-reliable-cars-according-to-consumer-reports/18/

 

 

http://www.consumerreports.org/car-reliability/the-most-and-least-reliable-cars-by-class/

 

 

Maybe people are just stuck with the former glory days of volvo = tank like robustness and indirectly associate (rightly or wrongly) it with built quality and reliability.

 

Volvos have improved by leaps... But competitors have improved by bounds.

east41st, on 23 Mar 2017 - 10:40 AM, said:

 

Yes, volvo is high on reliability amongst the conti.

[east41st]

Maybe people are just stuck with the former glory days of volvo = tank like robustness and indirectly associate (rightly or wrongly) it with built quality and reliability.

 

Volvos have improved by leaps... But competitors have improved by bounds.

 

I can only comment based on personal experience on reliability.

Look wise is a different story. Audi A4's interior is definitely a lot nicer and luxurious.

[Protege]

Recently I have a low coolant issue on my Volvo. They found a very very small leak at the radiator. Parts quoted by a local workshop (Not Agent) before labour is around $1.3K. OEM radiator is about $800. I check back with my previous regular workshop when I was driving a VW, they specialize in VAG cars. Audi radiator is about $600 average before labour.

 

 

 

 

Volvo is solid build and it has better certain safety feature( safety collision assist) compare than Audi .

Volvo is better value  than Audi , you get S60 T5 for price of A4 1.4

but Audi has sleek feature compare with Volvo ( Phone Carplay, etc )   

looks  is really perception .. let only your eyes tell you with one you like better .

 

Interesting comment about spare part ?care to share about your comparison  ?

 

[Mcf777]

For Volvo parts, i usually look for the guy (Danny) at the Volvo forum.

 

All original parts. And prices 20-40% cheaper than Unico.

 

Ensure u have the parts numbers. Easier for him to buy.

 

N he deliver direct to yr place.

[Protege]

Can you share when did you last bought from him? I found posts from 2014 that mention Danny is no longer selling Volvo parts.

 

Anyway I am letting my car go soon. No need to find Danny.

 

For potential owners of Volvo, do also note that Volvo has poor resale value vs most "branded" Contis and be prepared to be lowball by dealers when you try to sell. Some do not even want to offer as they worry they cannot sell. I just experience it earlier this month and a few friends of mine has the same experience over the past year.

 

 

I did a quick check on the Volvo forum and

For Volvo parts, i usually look for the guy (Danny) at the Volvo forum.

All original parts. And prices 20-40% cheaper than Unico.

Ensure u have the parts numbers. Easier for him to buy.

N he deliver direct to yr place.

 

[Theoldjaffa]

i used to drive the S60 (first gen 2.0T) before my current car.

 

i can safely say Volvo's seats are among the best in class. the leather used is also plush and nice. build quality is good. ergonomics is good. i still like their floating console concept and the old school dialpad.

 

among it's competitors now, it's a sleeper. i don't think you can find any other 2.0T at this price that is faster (stock to stock) at the 0-100.

 

reliability wise, there's a few niggles with mine. But mine's the first gen 2010 model with the old Ford engine and Powershift gearbox. the main 2 issues is with the powershift (occasional gear juddering at gear 1) and i keep getting Low Battery warning even after i changed battery.

 

the new ones should be better, with better software, new engine and new 8-speed gearbox.

 

the OMV is rather low (surprisingly) given the equipment levels, but ultimately it's the depre that matters.

 

resale wise, it won't be as good but it won't matter if you plan to drive the full 10 years.

 

there aren't many performance mods available too. 

 

all in all, Volvo is an understated car. 

 

personally, i feel if you can wait, wait till the Run Out Offer comes. the last batch of S80 was on clearance at pretty good prices too.

[Lala81]

If just based on looks alone. The ageing S60 still looks better than the A4.

 

In the flesh, the A4's butt doesn't look like it belongs on a executive saloon. Looks like someone stuck a A3 butt on a A4 body.

 

The worst looking compact premium saloon among the 3 usual germans.

[east41st]

If just based on looks alone. The ageing S60 still looks better than the A4.

 

In the flesh, the A4's butt doesn't look like it belongs on a executive saloon. Looks like someone stuck a A3 butt on a A4 body.

 

The worst looking compact premium saloon among the 3 usual germans.

 

Ya, I find the design is looking more and more VW and losing its previous premium feel. 

[Theoldjaffa]

If just based on looks alone. The ageing S60 still looks better than the A4.

 

In the flesh, the A4's butt doesn't look like it belongs on a executive saloon. Looks like someone stuck a A3 butt on a A4 body.

 

The worst looking compact premium saloon among the 3 usual germans.

 

agree.

 

and i find the interior to be bare and spartan instead of premium.

 

the infotainment screen sticks out like a sore thumb. the whole cockpit is not integrated, looks "bits and pieces" and the overall feel doesn't "flow".

 

the leather is hard. the seats are not padded enough.

 

the only saving grace is the VC (but at an extra cost)

 

 

the A4 B8/8.5 is so much better looking and integrated. except the steering wheel.. the B9 fares better in this aspect.

 

 

Photo Source: sgcarmart

[Wolfverine]

Based on experience with both marques, they are equally ok in reliability. I know the A4 1.4 has a promotional price of about $151k now; is the S60 T2 or T5 priced around there as well? Do take note of the features/accessories that come standard for each to make an informed comparison!

 

The Drive E engine from Volvo is a marked improvement from the past and the power delivery is there although not as refine. The 1.4 TSFI is also quite perky and I thought it was a tad more refine; in addition, I felt the insulation of the A4 was relatively good for this category.

 

De note that S60 is EOL and the new model will be launch as noted by a few posts above. The A4 on the other hand was launched about a year ago in Singapore. Looks wise, I must say they both look pleasant but unexciting; not something that will cause someone to do a double-take .

 

Happy Shopping!

 

Thanks for info.
Still considering whether to go with S60/V60 or new Audi A4 as my existing COE soon to expire on June this year.
From the information gathered that Volvo is more reliable than Audi and give less problem

 

[Starwings]

Volvo is solid build and it has better certain safety feature( safety collision assist) compare than Audi .

Volvo is better value than Audi , you get S60 T5 for price of A4 1.4

but Audi has sleek feature compare with Volvo ( Phone Carplay, etc )

looks is really perception .. let only your eyes tell you with one you like better .

 

Interesting comment about spare part ?care to share about your comparison ?

Thanks for the comment and input.

I almost sign on Audi A4 as now they even extended up to 5 years warranty. The most important consideration if I go with Volvo is safely. Nowadays people driving behavior very hard to predict. Who knows one crazy fellas may just drive on anti-direction out of nowhere.

[Theoldjaffa]

Thanks for the comment and input.

I almost sign on Audi A4 as now they even extended up to 5 years warranty. The most important consideration if I go with Volvo is safely. Nowadays people driving behavior very hard to predict. Who knows one crazy fellas may just drive on anti-direction out of nowhere.

I'd think all conti cars in this category are safe. There is no "safer" car per se.

 

The difference is active safety features. Collision prevention warning, lane departure etc.

 

Volvo used to be at the forefront but others have caught up.

 

So what I'm trying to say is driving an Audi doesn't make you less safe inside.

 

When a trailer comes crashing, whether Volvo or Audi the occupants will likely kena jia lat jia lat.

[Starwings]

i used to drive the S60 (first gen 2.0T) before my current car.

 

i can safely say Volvo's seats are among the best in class. the leather used is also plush and nice. build quality is good. ergonomics is good. i still like their floating console concept and the old school dialpad.

 

among it's competitors now, it's a sleeper. i don't think you can find any other 2.0T at this price that is faster (stock to stock) at the 0-100.

 

reliability wise, there's a few niggles with mine. But mine's the first gen 2010 model with the old Ford engine and Powershift gearbox. the main 2 issues is with the powershift (occasional gear juddering at gear 1) and i keep getting Low Battery warning even after i changed battery.

 

the new ones should be better, with better software, new engine and new 8-speed gearbox.

 

the OMV is rather low (surprisingly) given the equipment levels, but ultimately it's the depre that matters.

 

resale wise, it won't be as good but it won't matter if you plan to drive the full 10 years.

 

there aren't many performance mods available too.

 

all in all, Volvo is an understated car.

 

personally, i feel if you can wait, wait till the Run Out Offer comes. the last batch of S80 was on clearance at pretty good prices too.

Thanks for the solid personal experience on S60. Much appreciated.

I don't borher with the resale value as I intend to keep it for 10 years. May be it's true what they used to say - it built like a tank. Strong and long lasting.

Hopefully I would be able to pick up a good bargain if I wait the run out offer.

[Alanzax]

I had the same difficulty in choosing the S60 and A4. I liked the interior of S60 more than A4 but the infotainment system is a generation behind the A4. Also, the current S60 EOL and dun particularly like to go for the last batch. However, really liked the D4 instead of T2 for the power and torque.

 

Anyway, cut the story short, still chose A4 due to my wifey. But the S60 came very close.

[DC1977]

I had the same difficulty in choosing the S60 and A4. I liked the interior of S60 more than A4 but the infotainment system is a generation behind the A4. Also, the current S60 EOL and dun particularly like to go for the last batch. However, really liked the D4 instead of T2 for the power and torque.

 

Anyway, cut the story short, still chose A4 due to my wifey. But the S60 came very close.

very competitive among the contis! 

 

but volvo FC is quite high lo.....body heavy!

[Latio99]

Hi any bros know what are the freebies Volvo offer beside car mats and solar films. Thanks

[Eyke]

Hi any bros know what are the freebies Volvo offer beside car mats and solar films. Thanks

 

they have all sorts of accessories for the car, so just browse through and see which one u'll like to request:

 

http://accessories.volvocars.com/en-sg/S60(11-)/2017

 

eg. i requested sports pedals, sunglass holder, boot cargo pockets/nets.

[Kangz]

I'd think all conti cars in this category are safe. There is no "safer" car per se.

 

The difference is active safety features. Collision prevention warning, lane departure etc.

 

Volvo used to be at the forefront but others have caught up.

 

So what I'm trying to say is driving an Audi doesn't make you less safe inside.

 

When a trailer comes crashing, whether Volvo or Audi the occupants will likely kena jia lat jia lat.

That was what I used to think - with almost every conti out there scoring 5 stars including the humble Renault, the competition has caught up. Well, at least till 2013 when IIHS introduced the small overlap test, where only 25% of the car made contact with the barrier. This is not unlike crashing into a tree, which certainly took some lives here over the years. Let's just say it did cause some embarrassment for some premium conti makes, but not Volvo. Even the prev generation xc90 that's been on sale for a good 10 yrs in 2013.

 

So has the competition caught up? Yes sure when the usual run of the mill crash test is concerned. But when a curve ball is thrown, one is able to sieve out the pretenders.