10k: 2005 Volvo S60R
The 2004-2007 Volvo S60R is a modern hot sedan designed to compete with M3, AMG, S4 and other fast sedans, but it was a bit slow and unexciting. However, it now has depreciated to be downright cheap and we think they can be a hoot if prepared properly. This 2005 Volvo S60R is for sale in Chicago, IL for $11600, via craigslist.
The S60R is a hopped up version of the Volvo S60 sedan and comes standard with a Haldex all-wheel drive system, turbocharged 5 cylinder engine and 6 speed manual transmission. It has all the right ingredients to be a winner, but it has been accused of being a bit soft and slow. But at this price you could justify replacing the shocks with Bilstein Sports, adding a custom tune to the ECU and replacing the rear anti-roll bar with the fattest piece you can find. You won’t be able to overcome the front heavy 60:40 weight distribution but an up sized rear anti-roll bar will give it the ability to turn in properly and be tail happy.
The S60R is powered by a B254T2-R 2.5 liter inline 5 cylinder turbocharged and intercooled engine putting out 300 horsepower and 295 ft-lbs of torque. It is the same engine as in the V70R wagon we featured last Thorsday, but the sedan is a bit faster due to a small reduction in weight.
We can only assume that this S60R would be fantastic to drive across a leafy road in autumn – tail out, with all four wheels scrambling for traction on a cold morning. The S60R should continue to depreciate for a few more years, but the most you can loose is less than you lose when driving off the lot in any brand new Volvo – so we think these are a good deal in today’s market. Add a little suspension tuning and this car will be a fantastic Daily Turismo.
See another inline-5 turbo powered car? email us here; tips@dailyturismo.com
A little too dressed up and blacked out for my tastes, and I'm generally wary of clairvoyant sellers ("clutch is in excellent condition could last another 100,000 miles with my style and type of driving").
Also interesting: the seller chose to replace the timing belt/serpentine belt/idler pulley/tensioner at 75,000 miles, but suggests the next owner wait a total of 125,000 miles until the next replacement ("good for another 105,000 miles" plus the 20,000 miles since the last replacement).
I still think Volvo should get some sort of award for the R manual shifter design. Maybe it's just me, but given the mileage, mods and price, for my money I'd prefer to hold out for a lower mileage stock R wagon.