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<p dir="ltr">Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.</p>

<p dir="ltr">After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.</p>

<p>The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.</p>


VOLVO

<p>The Volvo S60 is good value as a used car, thanks to its comfort, pace and quality</p>


Used Volvo S60 Saloon 2000 - 2009

<p>Volvo might pack plenty of punch into its turbocharged engines, but that doesn't mean they're heavy on fuel. All but the S60 R will turn in more than 30mpg in mixed driving conditions, while the diesels top 40mpg.</p>

<p>The S60 is also a little easier on insurance than many of its rivals, with even the S60 R AWD sitting in group 18 - many of its rivals are two groups higher.</p>

<p>Maintenance costs are good, too. Volvo dealers' labour rates work out considerably cheaper than most of its executive rivals', and there are plenty of independent Volvo specialists out there capable of looking after an S60 at lower prices. Warranty Direct's information shows that an S60 costs less to repair than its rivals.</p>

<p>The only word of caution is that the front tyres take a bit of a pounding from the engines' power, so check these out and budget for a new set on a regular basis.</p>

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The Volvo S60 is good value as a used car, thanks to its comfort, pace and quality

<p>The D5 is the one to go for, thanks to its punchy five-cylinder turbodiesel engine. We'd opt for the 180bhp version (upgraded to 185bhp in 2005), because it has plenty of overtaking oomph while still being refined when cruising. It also returns economy of around 42mpg - very respectable given that it's no slouch.</p>

<p>You'll also find some bi-fuel cars (running on petrol and cheap LPG), although these offer less performance and economy than the D5 models, so we'd stick with the diesel. All the petrol models are strong performers and came with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard. There was also an optional auto 'box, which is smooth and effective.</p>

<p>You may be tempted by the S60 R AWD model, which has four-wheel drive and a 296bhp engine to make it the fastest model in the range, cracking 0-62mph in 5.7sec. However, it also has Volvo's active ride technology, which makes the ride much too firm.</p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Effortless long-distance capability</li> <li>Strong standard specification</li> <li>Low running costs</li> <li>Comfortable driving position</li> <li>Comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system</li></ul>

<p>Executive cars are often the choice of company car drivers, so factors such as CO2 emissions (which govern your monthly tax bill) are just as important as cruising refinement for those long motorway journeys, a plush cabin and (whisper it) the image of the badge on the bonnet.</p>

<p>The good news is that there are options for all budgets and tastes.</p>

Executive

<p>Front tyre wear is a problem common to all S60s because the powerful engines drive the front wheels; it's easy to get through a set in 12,000 miles, so allow for this in your budget.</p>

<p>When looking at a D5, make sure the engine idles smoothly. If not, it can be a sign that the injectors are packing up, which is a pricey fix. The petrol engines can also suffer from a lumpy idle, but this is more likely to be the air mass sensor and that's a cheaper problem to rectify.</p>

<p>There have been reports of problems with the central locking and the cruise control, but these are about the only problems owners have reported.</p>

<p>Finally, take a good look along the sides of the car because the S60 has broad, flat flanks that are prone to knocks in supermarket car parks.</p>

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<p>Compare the Volvo S60 with its rivals on price and the Swede delivers more power from its turbocharged engines for the same cash. Even the entry-level 2.0 T comes with 180bhp, while you can opt for more potent 210bhp, 260bhp and even 296bhp models, while diesels come in 163bhp and 180bhp forms.</p>

<p>For all of this grunt, the S60's engines are not as refined as those of its German rivals. The S60 also falls a little short of the refinement and agility of a BMW 3 Series, but revisions in early 2006 improved the ride quality and introduced some sportier styling.</p>

<p>What there's no question about is that the Volvo provides a large and comfortable cabin that's packed with all of the safety equipment we'd expect. The driver is treated to a fine seating position for all-day comfort, while the rear seats can cope with six-footers and the boot is big.</p>

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Used Volvo S60 Saloon 2000 - 2009 reliability

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Used Volvo S60 Saloon 2000 - 2009 review

Front tyre wear is a problem common to all S60s because the powerful engines drive the front wheels; it's easy to get through a set in 12,000 miles, so allow for this in your budget.,When looking at a D5, make sure the engine idles smoothly. If not, it can be a sign that the injectors are packing up, which is a pricey fix. The petrol engines can also suffer from a lumpy idle, but this is more likely to be the air mass sensor and that's a cheaper problem to rectify.,There have been reports of problems with the central locking and the cruise control, but these are about the only problems owners have reported.Finally, take a good look along the sides of the car because the S60 has broad, flat flanks that are prone to knocks in supermarket car parks. 

What to look for when buying a Volvo S60 2000 - 2009, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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