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We flew Delta (Philadelphia to JFK to Brussels) and Sabena (Brussels to Goteburg). What was bad about the travel was a scheduled 6-hour layover in Brussels that turned into a 9 hour and lost luggage on the return trip. At least we were able to go into Brussels during our layover.
Goteburg was very nice, beautiful weather, lots of outdoor dining, and sunset was about 11:30 p.m. You will enjoy your trip.
Yes, you understood right. I did pick up a 2001 on July 4. However, the catch is that they will not deliver it until August 1 becuase it is a 2001.
Sorry I missed your question about where tey put me up. They put me up in the Hotel Gothia. It may not have been as nice as the two Radissons but it was fine. They have a large breakfest buffet included in the price of the room. It also has a bar/restaurant on the 18th floor. The rate for the additional nights we stay was even less then what the Volvo travel agent quoted me. The only negitive was the room came with two single beds. We asked and we were told that they only had one room in the hotel with a double bed.
Volvo booked my wife and me at the Best Western Elite. I think the Gothia was full.
One more question. How long does the factory tour take? We want to see the factory but it is closed on the day we pick up the car. We can take the tour when we drop off the car, but I want to make sure it is worth it to sacrifice touring time. We would have to be at the factory by 1:00.
Any thoughts?
Broeux
Geoff
Broeux
My wife and I enjoyed the factory tour. If going on the tour means giving up seeing something that you really want to see then skip the tour.
In Goteborg take the Padden (toad) both tour. It is about 30 minutes and will give you a nice view of the city and some history.
There is another boat ride out to an island fortress, I would skip that.
There was an excellent restaurant near the Novotel Hotel. I do not remember the name but I think it began with an "s". It was highly recommended in the Foders Scandinavia Travel book and the people at the hotel desk thought it was the best one in town. It was a little price but good.
This is what I learned. The shorter the person, the closer the seatbelt comes to the neck area. However, this can be eliminated by raising the seat position up. If your wife is over 5' tall, I suspect she did not know how to adjust the seat up. It raises quite a bit when the lower adjustment lever is held in the up position. I imagine she was just tilting the seat back, the seat itself or sliding fore and aft. Let her have another try and make sure the seat is fully raised.
16" 2.9
16" T-6
17" T-6
I did not test drive a 2.9 with the 17" wheels. There was a noticeable difference between the T-6 and 2.9 16" wheels, and a clear difference in ride with a further increase with the 17" wheels.
From this, I would say that the tires are the primary problem here - the T-6 uses firmer, wider performance tires in both the 16" and 17" wheelsets. I was led to understand, but cannot verify, that the shocks and springs in the T-6 are somewhat stiffer than the 2.9, which will also increase transmitted road texture noise. If anyone can verify this I would be in their debt.
As to whether road noise should be an issue, for some of us, yes it is. It is also a reasonable criterion for comparison, because Volvo wishes us to compare the S80 against the 528i, MB320, and Audi A-6, and GS400 - ALL of which have better smooth road noise levels and the 528i and GS400 which have very good rough road noise levels.
Luxury sedans, whether sporting or not, are expected to have very high levels of noise isolation relative to mid-range sedans.
Now - why did I choose a Volvo instead of a Lexus or a BMW? I'm tall-and the Volvo (and A6) were the only ones that fit me. Rough road noise-wise, they're a toss up - and considering I got my S80 at under $34K on Euro delivery against $40K+, the Volvo won. But yes, I would have appreciated it if Volvo had spent another 100lbs or so on sound isolation and suspension knock isolation.
Suggest you go to URL http://www.volvocars.com/overseas_new/,
click on "Traveling to Europe" then click on "S80." This will give you the breakdown of standard equipment and options for the 2001 OSD S80 including the "Head Restraints, rear, outer, foldable with dashboard switch."
Volvo North America or your dealer should provide this sort of info, I think. Hope I've helped you.
As I have no little children (just big ones!), I would like to have the fold down head rests 'activated' if possible. The Volvo service mgr at the dealer told me the seats were wired for the headrest fold down controls, but he did not believe that this could be done by the dealer (only by the factory). Does anyone know if this is true? It would seem to me that if the seats still had all the wiring that it would simply be a matter of getting the right head rests. Anyone know?
I am constantly amazed at the number of comfortable positions this car can adapt to even though I'm 6'4".
I think Volvo shoulder harnesses do come closer to the neck than other cars. I imagine this is a safety feature to minimize the possibility of rotating out of the harness in a 3/4 frontal collision.
The "helpful" grab handle attached to the ceiling is constantly banging me in the head when I turn to look over my left shoulder, and often even with lesser movements. I've sort of learned to avoid it, but besides the sore spot on my head, I think it is truly a hazard for additional head injury in a collision (I'm an ER doc so maybe that's why I'm sensitive to this.) I realize that the magic curtain is supposed to come down and protect against this, but I don't want to wait until it's needed to test this questionable notion. By the way, I'm only 5' 11".
The dealer has been sympathetic but of no help. Likewise, "Volvo Central" is absolutely uninterested. For a make that markets itself so heavily regarding safety, and for a 40K car, I am really very disappointed. Note that previous models of Volvos (and other car makes) simply do not have these hand-hold things on the driver's side, or they fold down against the ceiling.
I have made innumerable calls and tried to get some third-party outfit to remove this handle (which is easy) and put up some blank plate that doesn't look gross (apparently next to impossible). At this point, my wife drives "my" S80 (she's short), and I drive "her" Suburban (which doesn't have a hand grabber on the driver's side, but does have one on the passenger side--much farther from the passenger's head as compared to the S80).
Has anyone out there successfully dealt with this problem? As far as I'm concerned, it's not quite in the league of the famous Pinto Exploding Gas Tank, but it is a dangerous design flaw.
DobiGil
dobigil, I'm surprised you're still having this problem. To date, I think you are still the only person who has had a consistent issue with banging their head on the handle. I'm the same height as you and have never come close to hitting by head. Out of curiosity, what is the length of the inseam of your pants? (Before the wise guys get funny I'm wondering if your torso is disproportionately long?) Also, have you moved the seat down further to give you more headroom?
Thanks.
-rdo
rdollie@mediaone.net
I recently took our 2000 S80 T6 to Northwest Volvo in Lynnwood, WA for the 7500 mile service and specified synthetic oil. The total came to $130 plus sales tax.The service was $79, oil $42 and filter and gasket was $9.
I'm 6'4" and I've driven my T-6 almost 26,000 miles without ever having a problem smacking my head on that handle. Perhaps, you have your seat a little too far up? Could you sit further back and use the adjustable steering column for a more comfortable fit?
Thanks for your replys,
DobiGil
This is my first post to this website. I leased an S80 2.9 back in May from Boston Volvo Village (Highly recommended!) and have been in love with it ever since. I have already put over 2000 miles on it. It has been a joy to drive.
Although it is a while before I take it in for the 7500 mile maintenance, there have been a few problems that have appeared since Day 1:
1. Sucking noise behind dash. This occurs either when I accelerate from a stop or during normal driving. My roommate says it is probably a loose hose somewhere. Lately, it has been doing this every few minutes for 3-5 seconds each time.
2. EXTREMELY sensitive brakes. Although I appreciate how well these brakes work, I don't think they should be this sensitive.
3. Roll back on hills. This has almost gotten me into a couple of nasty situations. When I go to put my foot on the gas pedal after being stopped on an incline, the car will roll back at least a foot, if not more. Most people on here said that that is normal, but I would like a second opinion.
4. Revving of engine while stopped. I have noticed on several occasions that the tachometer will move up a notch or two while I am stopped in traffic. I have been told that this may be due to the A/C cycling but would like a second opinion.
5. Brakes squeak a bit. I have noticed this during normal driving. I know that the brakes can't be worn down after only 2500 miles.
6. Thud in steering wheel. On occasion, the steering wheel will make a thud either when accelerating from a stop or coming to a stop.
7. Lights in ceiling flickering. My roommate noticed that when the defroster is turned on, the lights up top will flicker slightly.
Thanks for any help you may have. I am not sure if I should have these problems looked at immediately by the guys at Boston Volvo or just wait until the 7500 mile maintenance.
Mike (tennberg@yahoo.com)
About those rubber mats, after we had already sealed the deal on the car here, I suggested to the salesman that he should give us a set of those mats as our "commission" since I did all the work in researching OSD and completing the order form with VCNA guidance (our dealer didn't know much about it!). The salesman called the parts counter and ask how much they were: $93. Surprisingly, he ordered them and had them waiting for us when we picked up the car. I never put them in until we hit a rainy spell here a couple of weeks ago, where it was raining every day. Now I love the look, feel and functionality of them. The rains stopped, but the mats are still in. Maybe for "dress-up" occasions I'll put the carpeted mats back in!
Broeux
The brake feel is overly sensitive. It doesn't get better or worse with time.
Several people have complained about a thud (or thunk or click) in the steering column. It's a repair item that should be fixable.
BHT
It appears leather is in the base price, but not the sun. the security pkg does not list homelink, but hlink is nowhere else either.. maybe extra and dealer installed? the coin holder is gone? the rear headrest folddown is back and real wood for the dash. outside mirrors newly linked to driver seat memory.
Would like comments on the arrakis and drive /sound. I drove a 17 and a 16 t-6 about 8 months ago at regular street speeds, and did not appreciate a noticible difference. The dealer suggested they are less comfortable and the tires are about 2.5x the cost of the 16's for replacement.
thanks,
Geoff
Thanks!
I couldn't tell much difference between the 16 & 17 inch wheels. 17's might be a tad louder.
The nav system works pretty well. Its biggest flaw in my mind is the poor visibility of the display (which pops out of the dash) in sunlight. But the voice commands (once you have programmed your destination) works well and you don't really have to see the display (although it would be nice to have a better view). On several occasions, I have found minor programming errors, but all in all I am very happy with my decision to get it (especially when in a strange city and trying to find my way around).
I would also recommend getting the remote programming hand held unit so a passenger can program the unit as well. Otherwise the driver has to do it all. The remote is a $79 option (as I recall). Some reported getting it 'with' their systems (but I didn't in March '00).
So, bottom line IMHO, the nav system is a very useful but pricey device...
Good luck!
After this service, my wife took our son to Space Camp. Our average mpg sored to 19.8. We do mostly city driving. For the record, I would buy another 2.9. I researched the MB and BMW, the only other cars considered. The Volvo is the best value for me. (So far.) Thanks, again for the great infomation. We see a lot of S-80 in NE Atlanta.
Javasea
Send my you email address if you need the doc.
Paul
Broeux
Just curious, waiting for the lease on my damn truck to run out.
Second thing: how long did you stay in Goteborg? travel the countryside (or other countries) as well? the whole idea sounds terribly exciting and can't wait to go next spring.
Thanks for the input.
Mark
I was planning a trip to Canada or Europe this summer, so the OSD made sense. I really wanted an s80, but was a little concerned about some of the problems with the 99's. I found out I could get a 2001 through OSD, so hopefully the 2001 will have most of the bugs taken care of. I will be getting a newer model, a free plane ticket, a hotel room, and use of my car in Europe. And, I get the car for close to dealer cost with no haggling.(although the wait is killing me!) If you really want to save money, I'm sure most dealers will give you a price at or below invoice on a 2000 in the coming weeks.
My salesman never told me about the OSD program, but I can't really blame him. He had never sold a car that way, and did't know much about it. (I had to get the 2001 pricing sheet from OSD and help him write up the order) After I brought it up, he was as excited about it as I was. BTW, you have to buy the car through a dealer. You can order it online but Volvo will assign you a dealership. There are two in my area, so I went with the salesman I liked the best, and the dealer that had the more reputable service dept.
I'm sure rollie, broeux, keithpa, etc. can help you out with the Gothenburg specifics, as they have helped me.
I must confess however, that I am genetically equipped with a seat belt positioning aparatus which keeps the belt centered, comfortably located onto my left shoulder...and truck drivers highly amused.
I am told such devices can be augmented as necessary by appropriately trained medical professionals.
(Sorry I just couldn't resist
I'll behave myself now.
Gina
p.s. We've had the car 10 days now and I have my 1200 miles logged in at varying speeds and conditions. Can I punch it now???
Yes we saved money on the OSD program. How much I am not sure since I do not know the 2001 price, but I figure around $3800 including the sale sales tax savings. The base price was $37850 for the car (including the leather seats and sun roof which was an option in 2000 for I believe $1200). You have to buy 15 days insurance/registration but that is offset by not having to pay destination charges.
I found out about it through the internet (volvocar.com) and not from my dealer. However, they (Pitcairn Volvo in Langhorne, PA) were great through out the whole process. I ask my salesman if he/dealership got less money for the OSD and he replied he made very well. Since this was his first OSD, and he is very interested in doing it for hinself, he asked us to take notes on the experience so he can tell others.
We arrive on Sunday, picked up the car on Tuesday (4th of July), and departed on Thursday. However, the owners of 4 of the 5 other cars picked up that day were making a vaction out of it. We also met several people who were returning there car after making a vacation out of the trip and even a couple who were moving to the UK for 18 months before returning to the US. Before we departed we were already taking about the "next time" (when we pick up a cross country for the wife) and making a vacation of it. We thought about making a vacation out of it but we had planned to go to Italy later this year, a place you DO NOT WANT TO DRIVE your own car, based on my business trips to Sicily last year.
You are right about "the whole idea sounds terribly exciting." I highly recommend it.
You mentioned that you are leasing a truck, I understand that they will do the OSD on a lease. As far as purchasing a car the only problem with the whole process is it take about 3 months to do everything. By that I mean you have to order the car 60 days in advance, pay for it 30 days in advance, and it take a couple of weeks to ship and receive it. If you can live with that it is a great deal.
I can testify to what you said about Orrefors and Kosta Boda. We bought as gift Kosta Boda Votives that sell for $38 in Bloomingdales and Strawbridges. We bought them at a major department store in Goteborg for about $17.40, and we got the 14% VAT back making the total cost <$15. We also saw other Kosta Boda that we have at considerablely less then what we paid for it.
Emachine, chin up! it will be sitting in your driveway in no time at all! (although I fully understand the pre-Christmas type of jitters you are experiencing).
Based on your rather good experiences with your respective dealterships, I think I will place the order with a salesman that I have been able to connect with here in NY.
We arrived in Göteborg on Sunday, picked up the car Monday, then left on our tour Tuesday morning. On the return trip, we dropped the car off at the factory in the morning, then departed Sweden at 5 AM the next morning, so we didn't spend much time in Göteborg; just exploring on foot in the two areas of the two hotels we stayed in. But we enjoyed the time we did spend there, especially the fantastic buffet breakfast at the Radisson SAS Scandinavia!
I learned about the OSD program on this forum, before ever going to the dealer; good thing, too, because the dealership's management and most of the sales staff had just changed hands, and no one there had handled an OSD sale before, though they were familiar enough with it to know it was a good thing for them. They were eager to make the sale because there is very little work on their part--in our case almost no work, as I researched the whole thing and actually completed the order form with VCNA's help--and they make a nice commission.
We wanted to really see the country, so we toured south to Växjö first and explored the crystal factories around Hovmantorp, Lassebo, Kosta, Johanfors, Orrefors and Nybro. From there we went on to Kalmar, where there's a nice Castle and Cathedral to see. Then we worked our way back north to Stockholm, a beautiful city where we spent the most time, as there is much to see. From there we traveled back toward Göteborg, stopping to see Vadstena castle, then on to Jönköping, where we spent one snowy night. From there it was a short, snowy trip back to the factory.
The trip was interesting, and well worth it. We had some very memorable encounters. The OSD experience at the factory was smooth. We were even taken to a nice lunch in the executive cafeteria in a Volvo limo. Everyone was helpful and supportive. I would very much like to repeat the experience in the future and see more of the country and possibly travel over to Denmark this time.
A cyber acquaintance of mine near Stockholm is complaining a lot about "cold, rainy" weather right now. They do get a lot of rain. But this is the best time to go. Temperatures are mostly in the 60's. I'm envious of everyone who is Sweden-bound right now.
If I can be of help with any other information or tips, give me your email address, and I will correspond.
Broeux
I think you might be / have been / taken for a ride on the charge to activate the remote!
After I ordered the remote from our dealer in March this year (getting the part # online from forum), I installed the battery (included) aimed the remote at the display and ziiiiippp - the screen came online and activated just fine!
Nothing was ever said about a required S/W download - and I find it silly that one needs to pay for S/W download to activate the remote.
I called my Dealer service department (Volvo of Richardson) in Dallas to ask about such a download; none had heard of it.
I'm not saying you've been told you need to do this; but my experience shows otherwise.
Good price on the remote tho! Mine was in the $80 range (dealer cost +/- a small commission).
Phil
In addition to the checkup; we're asking them to fix:
o two trim items (the speaker on the passenger door, as well as the door handle trim are coming off)
o the upgraded radio (HU-801) is making some nasty scratching sounds through the speakers on ALL CD"s when we activate the Dolby Pro Logic. In the "3 Channel" or "Off" position; everything sounds fine. This just started after they replaced the unit 3 weeks ago (the CD's were skipping or fading out during parts of songs).
I hope we've not been jinxed with an Audio Gremlin in the car now.
Tip of the Week
---------------
The ONLY other thing to watch out for (and a $300 lesson for us) is to ensure you do indeed get non-metallic film when you tint your windows.
Our Volvo's NAV system was rarely finding any satellites for a period of 2 weeks; (we thought it was attributed to the solar flare up).
Taking the car into the shop, after 10 days there with VNA, a slew of Guru's and even 6am conference calls to Sweden - they genius' finally figured out the tint we had on the rear window was metallic and inhibiting the NAV antenna in the rear window.
(and I was *assured* when the car was tinted that there was not a dither of metallic in the tint... harumph)
After the tint was removed - ZING - 8 satellites reappeared on the status screen. Problem solved; except I had to pay another $300 to REMOVE and Retint the Volvo's windows.
Live and Learn!
Phil
Tint - Philxornes did you keep the metallic tint on the rest of the windows and just replaced the back? or did you remove it all? I want to tint mine with a very high quality tint, without having the problems with the interference. Just looking for a light shade to get the UV protection, no limo tint for me? Anyone have any good tint experiences?
OSD - Yes we two were planning our next trip before we even left Europe last October. What a way to buy a vehicle, hard for me to buy a car locally after that experience. I hope I am still as enamored with my car in 3/4 years when we go to buy a new car for my wife and get rid of the "Incredibly reliable" Toyota Avalon we have had since 96. She has her eyes on the early pictures of the V55 SUV (or whatever the latest number they are using is)
Aaron
P.s. Has anyone put any more thoughts into creating a Volvo S-80 Internet users group? I know Brouex and rollie(Where have you been rollie?) had mentioned it once. Anyone have the desire to still do this?
Broeux
Broeux