[Lewap88]

Hi all,

This is my first post here, I hope I am adding this in the correct category and not repeating an old question. If I'm mistaken, I apologize for the trouble and would appreciate being redirected to the correct thread.

I am planning to buy a 2023 S60 T8 but every now and then I keep hearing about post-2020 cars (in general, not only Volvos) having more issues, breaking down more often and in general being less reliable. Presumable due to chip shortages hitting pretty much every corner of the market. I am curious, what is the experience from owners of these newer models and how do they compare with the older ones?

I would greatly appreciate your help, the car seems to fit my needs perfectly (quiet, good audio, comfortable, reasonably dynamic, can drive to work and back on battery), so I wouldn't want to be disappointed due to reliability issues. I am curious if buying a used 2020 one might be a better idea.

 

[philipm785]

The 2023 S60 T8 has been substantially improved and simplified vs. the 2020 version. The supercharger was eliminated, the electric motor was upgraded to almost double the power, and the battery pack was expanded so that the usable capacity is 2x the 2020 model. Both are great cars, but I'd suggest that the scale of the mid-cycle refresh on the models from late 2022 onwards tips the balance. Also, although the new car is more expensive, the 2023 model now qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax rebate (so long as you buy BEFORE the new inflation / green energy bill is enacted, in which case new conditions may apply). So long as you qualify, you can have a new one for not a whole lot more that a good quality used one.

One other thing to keep in mind is that the 2023 models have the whole infotainment system replaced with the Google Android automotive platform. This brings pros and cons so worth looking at the differences.

 

[Pacjo]

I just took delivery of my '23 S60 T8 Recharge. My first full charge yielded 51 miles in Pure mode with a MPGe of 130. This is my first PHEV and I've been used to 15 - 22 MPG on my '18 Genesis Sport. There are many differences to be sure, but the tax rebate and credit totaling $8000 between Sate and Federal programs made t a god choice. I test drove a '22 R-Design before finding and deciding a loaded Plus model in Thunder Grey with a black interior. On the downside of the '22 v '23 discussion, my wireless CarPlay dongle worked on the '22 with USB-A but not on the '23 with only USB-C. An upside is that the wired CarPlay shows full screen on the '23 rather than in half screen mode on the '22.

I'm enjoying the car, but have found the Volvo App to be nearly useless in providing any remote services. V.2.3 seems to be at fault and looking forward to an update to fix it. After following some suggestions from Volvo Customer Care, I was able to remote start the car (which they call pre-conditioning) after doing a modem re-set (holding the front defrost button for 60 second with the car on, and logged out of the app). Now I find the app asks me to add my car again and gets stuck on the second screen for pairing (even though the car shows the phone and keys are paired). I's my only disappointment, albeit a huge one.

I'm still learning the "finer" points of it's operation - modes, settings etc, so reman hopeful!

 

[Pacjo]

I just took delivery of my '23 S60 T8 Recharge. My first full charge yielded 51 miles in Pure mode with a MPGe of 130. This is my first PHEV and I've been used to 15 - 22 MPG on my '18 Genesis Sport. There are many differences to be sure, but the tax rebate and credit totaling $8000 between Sate and Federal programs made t a god choice. I test drove a '22 R-Design before finding and deciding a loaded Plus model in Thunder Grey with a black interior. On the downside of the '22 v '23 discussion, my wireless CarPlay dongle worked on the '22 with USB-A but not on the '23 with only USB-C. An upside is that the wired CarPlay shows full screen on the '23 rather than in half screen mode on the '22.

I'm enjoying the car, but have found the Volvo App to be nearly useless in providing any remote services. V.2.3 seems to be at fault and looking forward to an update to fix it. After following some suggestions from Volvo Customer Care, I was able to remote start the car (which they call pre-conditioning) after doing a modem re-set (holding the front defrost button for 60 second with the car on, and logged out of the app). Now I find the app asks me to add my car again and gets stuck on the second screen for pairing (even though the car shows the phone and keys are paired). I's my only disappointment, albeit a huge one.

I'm still learning the "finer" points of it's operation - modes, settings etc, so reman hopeful!

* Update *
With the help of some technical specialists at Volvo and some independent research. I can now say the App is finally functional! I’m also pretty happy to report my most recent charge yielding a 60 mile pure electric range! ️


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[philipm785]

Update: It turns out that there is a reasonably widespread issue with recent T8 powertrain models. The high voltage coolant heaters have been failing in relatively large numbers and Volvo is at least 1 month behind in filling orders for replacements. Some people are in line for their second or third replacement.

Failure of this part means that you need to run the engine in order to have cabin heat. I'm not sure if it effects conditioning of the battery pack. It certainly doesn't render the car undriveable, but it's a serious enough issue that I thought it worth coming back to this thread to update.

My own new S60 has this and a few other failures, so I'm speaking from experience.