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Volvo S80

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Comments

  • aidanmcaidanmc Member Posts: 5
    I'm looking at the 2006 S80. As you might have guessed ... I'm concerned about safety. Can anyone tell me if the Volvo S80 has the type of engine that folds down and goes under the car (similar to the Audi A6) when in a head on collision? I have no idea what the technical name for this crash safety mechanism is called.
    Your help is appreciated!
  • merckxmerckx Member Posts: 565
    Yes it does...
  • heywood1heywood1 Member Posts: 851
    And the A6 trails the S80 in virtually every crash test rating. IMO, Audi has not kept up with Volvo (and others) in this regard.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    Volvo has had this innovation for 40 years.
  • dmitts03dmitts03 Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know where i can find turbo upgrades for the t6...and around how much they go for.
  • kiiwiikiiwii Member Posts: 318
    the T6 engine is capable to pump out more than 268 HP, but the GM transmission can't handle the load.
  • larryp3larryp3 Member Posts: 20
    Check out this site for your answer.
    http://www.vexedvolvo.org/
  • doctordickdoctordick Member Posts: 36
    Check ipdusa.com. There volvo specialists in portland OR and have been very reliable in my experience. doctordick.
  • scavscav Member Posts: 1
    Hi,
    I need a car and I am searching for quite a while now. Buying a car isn`t that easy for me since I am quite tall and most cars won`t fit my size. Unfortunate, but there a some cars around I can get my 7'2" [non-permissible content removed] in and still drive comfortable. However, I am no Basketballstar yet and most likely that won't happen in the future either. Therefore I can`t afford most of the luxury vehicles I would fit in. (Hummer H2, S-Class and all that stuff)
    During my search I found two cars I can drive comfortably and I can afford. These two cars are the Volkswagen Passat without a Sunroof and the Volvo S80. I have about 12-13k $ to spend and would get a pre-owned car with about 60-80k miles on it. I really love the Volvo because it has very nice seats and it is a little bit roomier for the driver than the Passat. I would prefer the S80 but now we come to the whole point of why I am posting this topic in this Forum.
    I read a lot of Customer reports mainly at Edmunds.com about the S80 and was freightened by all the bad reviews this car gets. It sounds as if every single S80 needs repairs for at least $10k in it`s lifetime. Is it really that bad?
    Would you recommend a 1999,2000 or 2001 S80 with lets say 75000 miles on it or would I be better off with the VW Passat? I don`t want a car I have to drive to the dealership every two weeks and pay $500 and up for repairs.

    I really would like to hear your comments on this topic and get some suggestions from actual owners. Thank you for your help

    Nick
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    Neither car will be cheap to repair if they break.
    A 2001 S80 would be my recommendation.
    Whatever you choose, get a warranty.
  • itravelitravel Member Posts: 1
    I was just forced to replace my trusty 940 with 143,000 due to a car accident(not my fault) :cry: .I bought a 2003 S80 from a dealer. The right front turn signal cover has moisture on the inside. I expressed concern to the charming salesman :mad: but was told it was just due to humidity,change in temps,etc. It is Dec. not likely but...I was a desperate female in need of a car and I loved this one. So...it is still under warranty- should I take it to the dealer or wait and see if it clears up? Has anyone else experienced this problem with this year or make?
    Thanks for any help or guidance. This forum was such a help while I was trying to decide what to buy.
  • dmarcus48dmarcus48 Member Posts: 139
    i've got an 03 s80 and i don't have any moisture inside the turn signal. I'd get the dealer to fix it. BTW, I haven't had any problems with my car.

    Dave
  • heywood1heywood1 Member Posts: 851
    You have zeroed in on two of the best cars for tall people. The Passat (without sunroof) has loads of headroom. Unfortunately, it was only available in low-end GL trim, and lacks many of the standard features of the S-80.

    Neither of these cars have stellar reliability histories, and both will be expensive to repair. That being said, I think the 2001 model year of the S-80 is definitely the way to go ('99 and '00 are too risky). Seat comfort is second-to-none, and there is still plenty of headroom in sunroof models.

    FYI: Last year there was a pre-owned S-80 at my local dealer that didn't have a sunroof. The car had just been turned in from a lease customer who special ordered it. The car had an amazing amount of headroom. You might try and locate one.
  • jk30jk30 Member Posts: 10
    I have found a local dealer that has a '06 S80 AWD. The car has a VIN but will not be finished for a few more weeks. Delivery would be mid to late Feb. The car's options are this... RTI Nav with US disc; Climate Package; Convenience Package; BI-Xenon; DSTC; & Premium Sound. Exterior is Silver w/ Sand leather. The total 'out the door' price is $38,290. T.T.T. are included in this price. Is this a good deal on the S80? I like the car & love the safety features. But I was wondering if this is a good deal with the new 07 S80 hitting the market in the next year???? :) Thanks a million for any advice and/or opinions!
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    It is a good deal considering that the S80 V8 will be over $50,000.
  • lev_berkovichlev_berkovich Member Posts: 858
    Max,
    Do you have a whole projected price list for a new 2007 S80 already?
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    Just based on hearsay, and prior knowledge of Volvo pricing.
    The XC90 V8 base is $45,840, a loaded one is $55,000.
    The base on the S80 V8 should be a couple grand less, but a well equipped one should hit $50,000 easy.
    That will still be alot less than any competitors V8 sedan.
    The S80 T6 topped out @ $48000 in 2004.
  • vtdogvtdog Member Posts: 163
    My '93 850 sedan (non-turbo)just turned 200k and it might be time to replace it. It has some front end issues that will need a fair amount of money to fix and I'm thinking about a s-80 awd. My local dealer is great (at least his service dept is) and my first option would be to get another volvo, but I don't know anyone who had an 850 and now drives a s-80.

    Is there anyone who had an 850 who now has a s-80 who can make comparison as to ride, quality of car, and expected longevity (as you can see I keep em till they fall apart) btw-my old 850 has NO rust and even has the original exhaust except for the final chrome tail pipe.

    Thanks
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    S80 rides a million times better than the 850.
    Ergonomica are much better.
    S80 needs more hand holding and is a million times more complicated than the 850.
    With proper care, an S80 can go just as far
  • lev_berkovichlev_berkovich Member Posts: 858
    Did not have 850, but was cross shopping S70 (last year of production) and S80 in late 1999. They feel like cars from two different manufacturers. S80 is much more comfortable, better looking in and out.

    I've got 108K happy miles, and a car still feels like a brand new one. The body holds very well, no rattles or squicks. Although, I can feel some "softness" in the suspension.
    The 740 that I have purchased used at 95K and now have 125K looks and feels like and old grandma, compare to the S80.
    I hope to keep my S80 2000 for another 3 years (150-170K miles total). No major expenses. I did purchase an extended warranty for about $2000 but I did not even "break even", i.e. the total cost of warranty repairs was less than that. Periodic services at the dealership are expensive, so I am using an independent shop. A friend of mine, working with Sweden cars for 15 years. I found that he knows S80 better than most mechanics at the dealership I have used for a first few services.
  • lev_berkovichlev_berkovich Member Posts: 858
    I am planning to get a new S80 in 2008 through the OSD and hope that I6 will be around 35-37K, as it used to be.
    I've got mine S80 2.9 2000 for just under 35K. The T6 was 40K OSD.
    I am so anxious to see the new S80 "alive". Some latest published pictures look very promising. Was new S80 introduced to the dealers yet?
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    No, the S80 is still officialy under wraps.

    It should debut in March at Geneva.

    Dealer deliveries will commence in the 4th quarter of 2006.
  • kjsmartkjsmart Member Posts: 1
    :confuse: Our 2000 S80 recently presented an interesting problem: ignition key spins in the ignition lock and doesn't engage the starting circuits. Leave it alone and come back to it a bit later and the key and ignition lock work fine. The service center (independent) we deal with specializes in Volvos. They've indicated that the entire ignition lock module will need to be replaced. The part has to be ordered from Sweden (two weeks). They casually mentioned that they currently have five replacement part kits on order for other customers. Is this ignition lock problem an undocumented mechanical reliability "feature" of the 2000 S80? Anyone else experience the spinning key problem?
  • lev_berkovichlev_berkovich Member Posts: 858
    A question to anyone who knows:

    I came across the following dimensions for a new S80
    509.0x189.2x156.2 (LxWxH, in cm), or 200.4x74.5x61.5 (in inches), which puts it well above of all European and Japanese short-base "grand-marque". It is bigger in all dimensions than BMW750, Audi A8, Lexus LS430, Mercedes S350, etc., and just slightly shorter than respective long-base versions (750iL, A8 L, S500, etc.)

    Can anyone confirm?
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    The new car is supposed to be bigger, but I can't confirm the dimensions.
  • heywood1heywood1 Member Posts: 851
    I'd be more than surprised if the new S80 is larger than a short-wheel-base S-Class or 7-series...
  • rambodrambod Member Posts: 2
    Hi

    I have the opportunity to buy a 2002 S80 with 50000 miles for $15000.
    Is this a good buy?

    More importantly since it is out of warranty:
    How reliable is the S80?
    How much do repairs cost compared to std US cars?
    Is extended warranty a MUST?

    I would love to buy this car but am very concerned about failure
    rates and repair costs.
    Please help

    Rambod.
  • rambodrambod Member Posts: 2
    I have the opportunity to buy a 2002 S80 with 50000 miles for only
    $15000.
    Is this a good buy?

    More importantly since it is out of warranty:
    How reliable is the S80?
    How much do repairs cost compared to std US cars?
    Is extended warranty a MUST?

    I would love to buy this car but am very concerned about failure
    rates and repair costs.
    Please help

    Rambod.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    Price sounds fine.
    By 2002 the S80 was very reliable.
    Repair costs are higher than a typical car.

    A warranty is always a good idea.
  • lev_berkovichlev_berkovich Member Posts: 858
    It is very possible, consider that the S80-based Ford 500 is larger than the mentioned cars and have pretty much the same dimensions as the ones that I have quoted (however - that fact could be a reason for the rumors). So what comes first - egg or chicken?
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    You can always change dimensions on a platform.

    Look at the Lincoln MKS, it uses the new S80 chassis and driveline.
  • lev_berkovichlev_berkovich Member Posts: 858
    Max,
    What is this new platform - updated P2 or "super-sized" C1+.

    I have heard rumors going both ways, but you should know by now...

    Strictly a curiosity, I am going to like it either way.
  • westeemwesteem Member Posts: 49
    Those of you who have purchased a new 2005 T6, what did you pay out the door?
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    Neither, Volvo calls their version the P1+ :)

    C1 is the lesser Ford variant.
  • benjaminsbenjamins Member Posts: 56
    I'm considering a certified s80. One with 50,000 miles or less, and I think at least a 2003, but maybe a 2002 (since warranty goes from original date of purchase). I drove an s80 t6 yesterday from a local dealer. First thing, the car was marked as a 2002, but had color-coded trim. It is a light green color. I thought the color-coded trim began in 2003. Is this really a 2003 that they marked as a 2002?
    Also, I'm coming from a RWD 760, so I really found the turning to be boat-like. Even a 90-degree turn felt big. But I can get used to that. Also the steering feel seemed somewhat slow and light. My wife has an 06 s40 and this was definitely slower and lighter. So the steering seemed just OK to me. But what bothered me was the ride. It was a T6 with 17-inch tires, but it did not give a luxury ride over the bumps. The dealer thought that the tires may have been overinflated. I'll have to try a few more T6's, but the ride was unsatisfactory in this car. Acceleration was extremely strong, it's actually more power than I would need. So, I'm not sure if I'll go T6 or 2.9, I'll highway test both, but I'll go with a T6 if the next ones that I test ride well over bumps.

    Any experiences with certified s80s? Any advice? Caveats? Is 2002 a good year (reviews on Edmunds seem mostly positive). 2003? What are things I should make sure are right before finalizing the deal?

    No hurry to buy car. Looking to purchase in 6 to 8 weeks from today.
  • amazonamazon Member Posts: 293
    image
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    It'll have a 235 hp 3.2 liter 6 cylinder (don't know the source) and the 315 hp4.4 liter V8 from Yamaha.
  • amazonamazon Member Posts: 293
    I guess that was old news..... :blush:
  • lev_berkovichlev_berkovich Member Posts: 858
    Do not be upset. It may be an old but great news. I am so looking forward to see it in "flesh and ... metal" soon. :)
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    It is old news, but here is the refresher.
    2007 S80
    311 hp V8, 6spd Geartronic AWD
    235 hp SI6(new Volvo engine)6 spd Geartronic FWD.

    On sale 4th quarter 2006.
    Will be officially unveiled at the Geneva auto show in March.
  • f150stx145f150stx145 Member Posts: 1
    I want to buy a used S80 but seeing all the problems posted here, now I am not so sure. Any advise on which years were good?
  • lev_berkovichlev_berkovich Member Posts: 858
    2001 and up. And 2.5T is GOOD.
  • volvodan1volvodan1 Member Posts: 188
    Keep in mind, most people only post with problems. That being said, I love Volvos, but I would own one without a warranty. Of course I feel that way about all luxury cars. :)
  • lev_berkovichlev_berkovich Member Posts: 858
    We (all my family of 4 with 2 teens) love our Volvos, We own 740, 2000 S80 2.9 and 2004 XC90 2.5T AWD. And we already planning an OSD trip to get our next S80.
    I did buy an extended warranty for both new cars though, however, it is just to buy a peace of mind. I did not break even with my S80 (110K and counting) and we did not even tap into any repair bills with our XC90 (32K).
  • westeemwesteem Member Posts: 49
    Has anyone had problems with condensation inside the headlamp assembly during wet and humid weather? I have a 2005 S80, T6 but the service department will not fix it until I can bring it in when there is condensation. What was the fix for this problem?
  • larryp3larryp3 Member Posts: 20
    Volvo has been fitting a revised lamp access cap inside behind the headlight assy (2 per side) which has a gortex vent built in to release that moisture. This fix has been around for about 3 or 4 years and is included in all production since introduction. The part is a direct replacement for the original which releases with a turning motion.
  • westeemwesteem Member Posts: 49
    Thank you for your response. If this fix has been in production for a couple of years, wouldn't the 2005 model have the fix installed as part of the production car? Could this be caused by another problem?
  • deb16deb16 Member Posts: 1
    I also own a 99 S80 T6 and I also have the same problem! I have brought it in many times also; the light goes on then off now it is on all the time. I also have developed a oil leak for the 2nd time and the ball joints are loose again! the car only has 63,000 miles, :mad: I am about ready to trade it in :cry:
  • tulsahogtulsahog Member Posts: 64
    On a 2003 Volvo S 80 with 18,000 miles, this morning when I stepped on the brake a message in the info center came on as: Check Stop Lamp. It went off when I took my foot off the brake. The "Brake" message light did not come on, so it does not appear to be related to the brakes.

    I assumed this referred to the rear stop light mounted in the middle top of the rear window or to one of the stop lamps in the tail lights. All three are working properly (both stop lights in tail lights and the lamp in rear window).

    Any ideas what this means?
  • tulsahogtulsahog Member Posts: 64
    Called Volvo service and they said this means one of the stop lamps is going out. A higher than normal resistance in the lamp has been detected.

    Guess I will wait until it goes out and then replace.
  • spridelspridel Member Posts: 2
    I purchased a certified pre-owned 2000 S80 with 26k miles on it and drove it mainly on the highway for an additional 50k until I had a catastrophic engine failure that lead to a massive fire and the car being destroyed. Thank God for good insurance, since Volvo basically wiped their hands clean even though the car was still under warranty. They said I did not have the proper maintenance performed, even though I had over $2000 worth of work done at the dealership. I had all the paperwork to prove it and they still did not want to help me and neither did the dealer.

    I can tell you of all the issues I had starting way before the engine failure.....

    1. I had the top strut mounts replaced because of a very loud clunking whenever a bump was hit in the road. This was at 42k miles.

    2. The oil pressure sensor was replaced 3 times between 50k - 62k. At this time they also tried to get me to purchase a new oil pan due to sludge. I told them to clean it out. I am not replacing a part because it is dirty.

    3. The O-ring for the oil pump had to be replaced.

    4. The throttle body unit was replaced due to a TSB.

    5. The headliner and cloth on the pillars started falling off.

    6. The door alarm and key switch failures.

    This is just the start of things and that I cannot remember the rest. It angered me that Volvo did not want to help me with my issues. It is hard to believe that I was wanting to trade this car in on a new S40 or V50....You guys sure know how to dispose of customers. Since you did not want to assist me, I am spreading the word about the a very bad reputation. Thanks Ford...you really ruined what used to be a good car company. :lemon:
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