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OK, I just got a call from Warranty Gold and they've spoken to the claims administration company and the dealership and they've insured that the software downloads are covered. It looks like my out of pocket costs are going to be nada!
-rollie
How many miles are on your car now? I'm curious how they fixed the engine smoke on hard acceleration and which oil seals needed replacing to fix the oil leak.
Mike
2000 S80 T-6
My T6 is just a few hundred miles shy of 60,000. I'm not sure how or what exactly was fixed since I'm not getting my car today afterall. The dealership called to tell me that the tech who was working on the car got something in his eyes from an open hose / nozzle and had to go to the hospital for an eye flush. I just got back from the dealership with a loaner. I was told I should expect a call from the dealership on Tuesday to get my T6 back. I'll try to remember to post a reply on the repairs then.
Thanks.
-rollie
My '99 T6 has over 60K now and I can't help thinking about the next one.
Thanks for any help! And happy 2003 to you all! You all give us/each other lots of help and support! rld.
I've read a review of car-based Nav systems, and Lexus was the winner by a long shot (largely cuz theirs is touch-screen based). BMW and MB were dead last, with Acura and Infiniti in the middle. (Volvo was not part of the comparison).
Appreciate your thoughts.
(PS Please spare me the "Navigation systems are a waste of money -- get a map" discussion. I KNOW they are a waste of money, but that's not my question...)
A few shortcomings however; The supplied USA maps are not complete and in rural areas you will find roads (addresses) missing. When navigating thru these areas time estimates are off. Even though it knows the main roads, it estimates very slow travel speeds for them, so if you are trying to find the fastest route, unless you are on an interstate hiway, it may ignore some of the better roads in these areas and take you a long way around.
Also, some built-up areas remain unmapped so check on Navigation Technologies' website to see if the city/town you need is covered.http://www.navtech.com/index.jsp
I also wish it would learn a short-cut, once traveled over, but there seems to be no learning function built in.
There are some minor errors in the maps, usually at intersections.
My screen is too dark until the unit warms up, but after that the automatic brightness control works fine.
Overall it is a decent performer and the annual updates($$$) should hopefully bring the expected improvements.
Appreciate your thoughts (without the usual tirade about the waste of money...I love my Nav system and wont consider another car without it...)
Thanks
However, the sales manager called me the other day and said that he had talked to Volvo, and that Volvo would give me a $5,000 voucher good toward the purchase or lease of a new 2003 S80. Of course, the dealer is only offering me $15,000 for my car with brand new Bridgestone Potenza 940 tires and in excellent condition. They tell me that because my car is a 1999 it has little value. They also say that the new S80's have no reliability problems. Consumers Reports does not seem to agree with that statement. But I would get a new car with a new warranty if I take them up on this "deal".
I'm not sure that I want to tie myself into a 4-year lease on another Volvo given my past experiences, but the $5,000 offer has to be considered.
Here are my questions to those who have 2001-2003 S80 2.9 vehicles. Have you had any problems like those in the 1999-2000 model years? Does anyone know when the S80 is scheduled for restyling? I don't want to end up driving a new car for 4 years at the end of its current design.
Thanks for any input!
Volvo placed 5th in the total survey, 1 point ahead of Honda.
Volvo has made alot od under the skin changes on the S80.
The new car is quicker,looks better and has better features than the 99 version.
The S80 will get new front bumpers and rear view mirrors in 2004, as well as a slightly different instrument cluster.
A full redesign isn't scheduled for at least 3 more years.
Also, ask about free scheduled maintenance since you currently own an S80.
The 2002 and 2003s are way better than the 99s. You'll likely be happy with it, and it'll be under warranty.
Then, buy a Lexus or Honda in 2007!
Question: should I be concerned with the electrical system of the car and NOT purchase an otherwise reliable car? Or do the light bulbs have that low of a lifespan. I have about 30,000 miles on the car.
Thanks.
-rollie
Dave
I am the "proud" owner of a 2000 S80 2.9, and am in the 33rd month of a 39 month lease. My lease ends in mid-August 2003, and am counting the days until I can turn the car in.
Recently (within the past 2 weeks), the power steering on the car has been making a LOT of groaning and wheezing noises. This problem occurs randomly, but always starts when I first start up my car in the morning and usually lasts until I turn off the ignition or park it for the night. I am wanting to blame the cold weather for this (I live in Boston, and it seems the average high temp. for the past month has been 15 degrees). However, I am starting to think it is more of a defect or suddenly-occuring problem. I am taking my car in on the 27th to get it fixed.
In addition, the driver's door lock has taken on a life of its own. It won't unlock itself automatically. I have to either use the key to open it or yank it open with my hand. I can no longer use the remote to arm or disarm the alarm; it has to be done by using the key in the door lock. This problem will also be looked at on the 27th. This has also been the latest in a series of door lock problems I've had. Each time I've taken it in to the dealer, they always say nothing is wrong. Hopefully, this current problem won't suddenly fix itself before I take it in.
Anyway, with all the problems I've had with this car - power steering, door locks, door seals disintegrating, car surging or slipping out of gear, etc. - I am glad I have less than 6 months with this car. Hopefully nothing major will occur before then. I am also hesitant to lease/buy another Volvo, thinking the problems I've had with the S80 will happen with the new car.
Mike
A big plus for the Volvo is the placement of the NAV. It's near the windshield, where you can glance at it without taking your eye off the road. I get tired of the audio, so I just turn it off and use the visuals. The screen could be a little bigger, but it's okay. I chose Volvo over Lexus GS (in '01) due to 1) NAV screen placement, 2) Lexus forced other controls (radio, AC) to the NAV screen, which seemed awkward, 3) S80 more spacious and 4) no radio controls on Lexus steering wheel (unless you sprang for the GS430).
Does anyone have a K&N air filter installed? I have a 2003 s80 2.9 and was wondering if I would benefit from installing one. Not unhappy with the power of the car, but if I can get more, why not? Will it void my warantee?
Dave
With any oil soaked filter you run the risk of getting oil in the mass air flow sensor, which will kill this expensive part. This has been reported as a problem on Volvo BBs. I tend to trust Volvo to supply a filter which will give the engine maximum protection. Why take a chance?
Thanks.
Dave
Dave
I went to my local volvo dealer (where I leased the car from), to discuss getting out of the lease early and getting into something may be a little slower then a T5. That day they had gotten in a 2000 S80 2.9 with 30,000 miles on it. My rep. said that she will be certifying it and if I am interested will give me first crack at it (I have been with the dealer for almost 13 years now). Here are the options:
17" wheels (the higher end T6 looking wheels, lots of spokes on them).
Homelink
The upgrade traction control
moonroof
leather
Cd changer in the trunk
she is seling it for $22,900 and is willing to go as low as $21,500.
Is this is a good deal? I will probably finance it through volvo finance just to make it easier getting out of my currently lease (which has another year left).
What do you all think?
AS
Dave
www.swedespeed.com
www.vvspy.com
swedespeed probably has more information but they're both good volvo site.
Dave
I just bought a 2000 2.9 S80 with 25000 miles for $21000. The prices for this car on the net and at dealers run about 25000....so it sounds good especially with the CD player in the trunk.
In comparison - mine has all the same options as the one you discussed - except the trunk CD player and since the car seems to be a reliable car with a great warranty - go for it - that price is good.
Check the available cars on this site to compare prices...you will be happy with the dealers price
Good luck
Neal
Maybe when the lease is up i'll start looking at another used volvo...
AS
Actually if your gap is between $1-$2k then I wouldn't worry. Dealers are dropping several thousand off lease pay off costs at turn in with almost no negotiation. Why take the risk of another used car when you can keep the one you have and know for a decent price?
Good luck.
-rollie
I've just bought a used S80 T6, and drove it for couple weeks!! Loved it and luckily without any problem with the trans yet :P
I'd like to know the average price for changing transmission fluid, and can I have it change in regular shop instead of dealers? What do I need to be aware of?
Thanks!!
Looks like a ripoff if I do not want moon roof.
Dave
You may already be aware that you can't get significant service for the S80 outside of a genuine Volvo dealership (even independents can't do it from what I've seen.) The reason is that any significant service to the S80 (and newer Volvos, Mercedes, Lexi, etc.) requires a hook up to one of two specific mainframes that maintains chassis specific software configurations for each car. Just to replace common components in many instances requires a software download for the item to be recognized in the Closed Area Network.
If you still have some sort of short term Acura guaranty I would highly recommend spending a couple hundred dollars at your local Volvo dealer for a thorough read out of issues, sofware patches / upgrades, etc. that your car might need that should be covered by Acura.
Perhaps over time more independent shops will be able to afford the Volvo VADIS interface. I've heard it's a 6-figure investment so it will be prohibitive for all but a handful of shops I believe.
Good luck.
-rollie
On 3 separate occasions, when making a right hand turn only (freeway cloverleafs), the car emits a severe rumble / growl, along with a severe vibration. It has happened twice to me - the first time, I was convinced I had an instant flat. The car has the 17" Arrakis wheels , so I thought that the rim was certainly toast. I pulled to the side of the offramp, and the noise and sensation of a flat went away. I checked the tire pressures at the next station (does anyone else think these tires always look low?) and had 32 psi all around. Thereafter, it happened to me one other time, and just last night my wife described the same symptoms, again on a freeway cloverleaf. It scared the hell out of her. Any ideas?
Thanks
I again would like to stress the importance of getting your car hooked up to a VADIS interface which I believe can only be done at a Volvo dealership at this point. (Ask you independent if they have the system.) It may cost you $100 or so at a Volvo dealer but believe me - any problems your Acura dealer misses through lack of ability to talk to the car (and EVERYTHING inside your car is connected through 2 data buses and about 18 computers) will be VERY costly to fix on your own dime. Due to the nature of multiplexed electronics it can take several steps (and you'll pay for each) through a repair protocol for any issues you discover after your 30-day warranty has expired.
If you have ANY doubts about the need to get your car checked with a VADIS interface please go to www.brickboard.com, www.vvspy.com, or www.swedespeed.com and ask some knowledgable owners (and be forewarned - these are places where people go when they have problems with cars --> it's not representative of the ownership experience.)
Good luck.
-rollie
1999 S80 T6
Thanks!!
www.swedespeed.com
www.vvspy.com
www.brickboard.com
These are the big 3 of Volvo forums but their are many others out there as well.
Good luck.
-rollie
I would appreciate any comments/recommendations on 1. Advisability of ext warr for this car 2. If so, which company.
It is my wife's car and will only be driven about 9,500 mi per year. Have bought ext warr on Ford products in past and they have paid off. This is our first Volvo. So far, the car is great.
hitting any rough spots on the road. Happens while traveling. What fixed it?
Thanks,
Your radio probably has 'News', 'TP', and another button that escapes my mind. If any of these buttons have been pressed (and they will persist even after you turn the radio off until you push them again) your radio may auto tune to another station at random times. The 'News' button tells the system to scan the radiowaves for a news alert and when it finds one to tune your radio to it. The 'TP' button tells the system to scan for a traffic protocol alert (e.g., road closure or other problem in the vicinity) and tune to it when found. It's all part of these RDS radios (in addition to things like an ability to have the system search for radio stations by genre, etc.)
Unfortunately in the U.S. some stations actually have equipment compatible with these systems but don't actually use them often if at all. It's not uncommon for example to have a 'TP' alert for a specific station because they're broadcasting the appropriate code even though they're not actually discussing anything related to traffic.
Check you LCD display and see if 'News', 'TP', or the other option (weather?) is listed. If so, turn off this button if you like. I've been using these features on my T6 since 1999 and rarely has it been of use in the U.S. (except a couple of times in bumper to bumper holiday traffic as I approached major bridges on an Interstate for example.)
Good luck.
-rollie
rdollie@att.net
That is a heckuva lotta miles for a 4 year old car! Should I be concerned? What could possibly be wrong that I did not notice? This car would be our "number 3" car which will mainly be used by my wife to travel back and forth from work. She has a Land Cruiser, but it is too big for downtown. We may use it to go out of town on occasion, but to sum it up it won't be our daily driver. Would you buy it?
The car had leather, CD, sunroof, etc. it was pretty loaded except for the Nav package. What do you think??
Thanks!
JQ3
The earliest '99 S80s (VIN #'s less than 16,000) in particular were prone to recalls. Fortunately these problems have been solved (the O-ring fix took several tries before they settled on the right part.) As long as this particular S80 has been maintained and you take it to an independent garage (e.g., some other dealership or independent Volvo shop) to get it checked out I would go for it.
The service interval for this car is 7,500 miles. Major service is typically needed every 30k or so. Check the costs for these services at a couple of local dealers to make sure you're comfortable with it (the average maintenance costs for these cars over 5 years is a fraction of what it would cost for a much cheaper Camry or Accord according to Edmunds but you should still be aware of what you're getting into.)
Good luck.
-rollie
rdollie@att.net
1999 S80 T6
2001 V70 T5