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Comments
/Don
cps@orlandorelocation.com
We will have to decide next year whether or not to buy out the lease and would be very curious to see how things turn out with your discussions with Volvo.
/Don
Exterior styling A+. still one of the nicer looking cars on the road.
Interior styling A. quality of materials is OK and design of interior is pleasing to the eye.
Reliability B+. a few recurrent repair issues, but all solved eventually under warranty.
Service A+. Have received excellent service from Volvo of Cerritos.
Safety A Feeling of security easily felt.
Road Noise F Insulation on car is terrible and completely unacceptable. Annoying wind noise around drivers window.
Summary - A beautiful car while parked, but I hate driving this car and would not recommend it to anyone. This is Volvo's largest sedan and the amound of road noise is comparable to many unacceptable American cars. Probably unfair to compare to Lexus or Infiniti for sound level, but the people at Volvo could have done a much better job of insulating this "luxury" vehicle. I will never drive another one.
I have never been in any type of accident and have taken impeccable car of this car. (prompt oil changes, using the best tires (on the proper rotation schedule) only put premium gas in it .)
At 65,000 miles we started experiencing a stumbling in the engine, surge, hesitation, power loss, and will not start on the first attempt (this piece is still true today, have never been able to get this fixed)
At 68,000 miles returned to shop for the same issues as at 65K.
At 72,000 miles encountered the “emission system” light and paid for “general electrical” repairs. We were told that the gas cap was being placed on crooked.
At 74,000 miles back in for the “emissions system” warning light, shop was able to “cold start” vehicle (we haven’t) and also noted that the correct message displayed when start failed (so did they get it cold started or what?)
At 78,000 while in for regular lube & oil service they check all fluids and noted that brakes did not need replacing.
At 83,000 the “transmission slipping” light came on, they checked fluids and turned off light.
At 86,000 the “emission system” warning was again reset. We were told that the gas cap was being placed on crooked. However, Rob and I both checked the cap before taking into shop, it was not crooked.
At 89,000 replaced the cooling fan and EVAP Valve
At 90,000 the LF ABS Sensor needed to be replaced.
At 96,000 The “transmission” warning was traced to bad left front wheel speed sensor and was replaced. The top engine mount was replaced to prevent engine from knocking. They inspected the brakes for the sound made when barking and turning and replaced the HUB Axle Bolts and installed new ball joints.
At 97,000 we experienced a severe pull to the right and took back to the shop and it was determined that the inner tie rod socket was gone, so that was replaced and the Module was replaced. (don’t recall the name but it was $672.00)
Each repair was a major expense and I did not list all the times the “emission system” warning light has come on and had to be returned to the shop to be checked and shut off.
When we purchased this car from the original owners who had the car serviced regularly as well, I anticipated some maintenance requirements, but not to this extent.
The Volvo repair center keeps pointing to my miles. However I purchased the Volvo because of its reputation as an exceptional quality machine. I thought that with proper maintenance, this would be the last car I would ever need to purchase.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
I have 99 S80 2.9 at 54000 miles. I just had suspension problem costs me $1100... Other than that it is the quitest car and the most beautiful car I have ever afford.
We are going to dump ours at the end of the lease and keep our old 740 and my advice is you should do the same.
For LOTS of info on these cars try brickboard.com's S80 discussion board.
Thanks.
-rollie
rdollie@att.net
-rollie
I had to replace entire suspension systems. Fortunately, I had extended warranty from the dealer. So it did not actually cost me anything except I had to carpool for 7 days including Labor day weekends. A loaner car was not covered... They told me it would cost $1100 without the extended warranty. My S80 is at 54000 miles and its manufacturer's warrnty expired at 50000 miles as you know.
It is very strange having a bad strut. It was original Volvo strut. I also have 11 years old Mazda that I never had problem with a strut... None of people around me had any strut problem before. I thougt it was just ball joint...
As it relates to #995, when I recently got it back from the dealer mechanic (they had for two weeks), they informed me that the software upgrade for the electronic control module was not covered by the warranty. This upgrade was needed to fix a cold start idle problem. When I called the warranty rep, the rep agreed that the only way to fix the problem was to upgrade the software, but said the warranty would not cover it because it was not a replacement part, and that software upgrades were not covered. How did you do it?
On #1008, I am beginning to think I am starting along the same path. I have 61,000 miles, and I don't think I should be experiencing problems like thumping from the suspension (replaced sway bar links), sub frame noise (O rings installed), check engine light (replaced electronic throttle module and ETM software), ABS stability control sensor light (replaced the RF ABS wheel sensor), and various rattles that never seem to get completely fixed. Are others experiencing the same problems?
Finally, my AM radio reception is very weak. Anyone else experiencing this? How do you increase the reception?
So far, so good.
I tried, "turn ignition key to position I, push in and hold the odometer reset button (use your left hand), move the ignition key to position II, wait until you see the service light blinking, then release the odometer reset button." It did not work.
Also, for 2002 models, the procedure is slightly different: Turn the key to position I.
Press and HOLD the trip reset button while watching the trip display. When the miles reset to zero, turn the key to position II while holding the trip reset. Continue holding and watch the trip display. When the original mileage display returns, release the trip reset. Turn the key off, then back on and start engine. Service reminder should now be reset
I have had a recurring problem that my tech guy can't seem to fix. Every so often, my entire dashboard instrumentation goes black after I receive every warning light knows to man includng brake failure, engine light etc. The first time it happened my dealer sooposedly replaced something on the computer board but now it has happened again three times. Has anyone else seen this problem??
1st 8K saw the front suspension ball joints and
a torn (!) motor mount replaced, and the driver's seat snubber added to cure excessive rocking. But that's it.
I would agree with others on the net - that I'll be looking elsewhere for my next ride. A great freeway cruiser, but not enough road noise isolation, and basically boring handling dynamics. We'll see what the 2004 A6 looks like - or that 300HP HYBRID drive sports sedan Acura claims to be bringing to market in 2005. Fancy that - a "green" luxury car that's fun to drive! Earth-friendly technology years ahead of the quintissential safety-green car company!
Also, does anyone have an opinion on the Michelin HX MXMV 225/50-17 tires that ame on the car? Wear, wet traction, etc.?
Thanks!
The Trico holders do not have the plastic spoiler affixed to the driver's side, but I don't think I will drive at speeds in the USA where it would be helpful. I have not noticed any loss of wiper effectiveness at 75mph.
Have you used any snow tires?
1. Increase acceleration whether in 1st or 4th gear
2. Better steering and cornering. Car feels lighter to handle than the 2000 model
3. Same sound and features in stereo system
4. Back seats folds down (not sure of 2000 model)
5. Cruise control functions more accurately (does not drift +/- 2mph going thru mountains)
6. Same gas mileage(Chicago to North Carolina - 27.6 mpg@ 65-70 mph. Hoping to improve with age
7. Gas latch door must be activated to open from dash. Locks when car speed reaches 10mph
8. Easier to wax due to removal of black mountings
9. Garage opener standard equipment
10. Will continue to use synthetic oil (changed after 3000 miles)
Can anyone offer specific advice on how to get Volvo to buy all of these problems back? I know that I need to write a letter to Volvo, but has anyone had any luck doing this. Remember, this will be the second S80 they are taking back.
Also, my stock Michelin tires (MXM4) are almost at the end of their service life after 50k of driving. I like the handling and grip of the MXM4 but it is quite noisy at speed. Any recommendation on replacement tires? Would Bridgestone be a good choice (the RE-series) or I should just stick with the MXM4? I live in San Francisco so any dry or all-season tires will serve me well.
Thanks!
As per warranty, the cost versus repair. The price quoted is steep for 2/3 years of insurance. If normal maintenance is performed, another 30k miles should not be a problem.
My S80 is a wonderful riding auto with 64k miles. The only issues I had was a bad window switch (covered) and bulb replacements. Save the money.
Obviously it is a cleanser so keep it away from your paint. Just rinse liberally with a garden hose. Trust me, this works and it costs less than 2$!
I thought it was funny that the owner of the Volvo dealership and two of the mechanics confessed to me that this model is a real headache for them. The owner said that the market is incredibly soft for this particular car due to the eceonomy and it's bad reputation. The mechanics said they would never buy the S80. Amazing, huh?
My advice ***** Don't buy the S-80!!***
Item: my '01 S80, T-6, w almost 50k miles BTW, has been nearly totally trouble-free. No problems of any real significance - i.e., spiders clogging up gas vent tube, stuck CD player. Otherwise car is super comfortable, has more passing power than I need 99+% of the time, quiet, has the best car sound system (Pro Logic)I and most passengers have ever heard, delivers over 30 mpg on long trips, is perhaps the safest production sedan in the world, and, again, has been extremely reliable. I also know of several/many other happy S80 owners. Sorry if you were one of the unlucky ones who got a occasional lemon. Or maybe - just maybe - a possible cause of your problems had more to do with your particular dealer/ service staff/ mechanic(s). For years, I've only bought from dealers with established reputations for quality service.
Item: my '01 S80, T-6, w almost 50k miles BTW, has been nearly totally trouble-free. No problems of any real significance - i.e., spiders clogging up gas vent tube, stuck CD player. Otherwise car is super comfortable, has more passing power than I need 99+% of the time, quiet, has the best car sound system (Pro Logic)I and most passengers have ever heard, delivers over 30 mpg on long trips, is perhaps the safest production sedan in the world, and, again, has been extremely reliable. I also know of several/many other happy S80 owners. Sorry if you were one of the unlucky ones who got a occassional lemon. Or maybe - just maybe - a possible cause of your problems had more to do with your particular dealer/ service staff/ mechanic(s). For years, I've only bought from dealers with established reputations for quality service.
For what it's worth, I have 56,000 essentially carefree miles on my
2001 S80 2.9. I have followed the Townhall discussion since I bought
the car and have experienced none of the nightmares reported for 1999
and 2000 models--most of which had to do with electrical systems and
the T6 transmission.
I had a problem with headlights burning out until Volvo installed a
circuit which reduced line voltage. And I had a problem with
linkage-wear on the front suspension, which was taken care of by a
three hour service call under warranty. Other than that, I have had no
significant problems.
What sizes do I buy (and perhaps a brand name as well) ?