Hey all! I'm back after like a year and a half, sold my '98 s70 GLT last year because I had to, no choice. It had 290xxx miles and still was chugging strong. So now comes the time for me to buy the wifey a baby car (we just found out we're pregnant with our first!). And I figured nothing better or safer than a volvo, so I'm back in the market. I REALLY like the looks of the S80 just curious of your opinions on it? (can't afford a new one, so I've been scouring craigs list for like a '99-'04 and have found quite a few ranging from $2800 to $4300 with average of 140xxx on them. Most of them have had the timing belt service done already. Anything I should really look for? common problems? Average life span?

Sorry for the long post,,,, here's two examples of what I'm looking at.

2000 Volvo S80 2.9 Great Shape Fully Loaded

2004 Volvo S80

 

STAY AWAY from the '99 models.

Besides that, those cars are priced 1/2 of what NADA says they are worth... WHY? Get either one inspected first.

 

Early gen s80's had a rep for some issues. Might want to research that. In general esp the T5 platform drivetrain has a rep for a longer than typical life. My 98 has 199k miles and is going strong.

 

Yeah I loved my s70's reliability, I just love the s80's design. It's purdy, I can't lie.

 

ten four, I plan on thoroughly inspecting anything I look at.

On a cool side note, I found my s70 2 1/2 years ago on CL for $1000.
talked the guy down to 600, drove it for a year, then sold it for $1100.
Thought I did pretty well, lol. I doubt I will be so lucky this time around!

 

What are some main differences between the s40 models and s60 s80? they look almost the same.

 

Off the cuff and from memory (recommend you research it), the s80's had T6 drivetrain vs T5. (five cyl vs "new for volvo" 6 cyl). Early gen 6 cyl had some bugs from what I've heard. Early s60s only had T5 not T6 option. I believe a fully loaded s60 and s80 had all the same options available and installed. I owned an early gen s60 t5 and thought it was great. S60 cabin is obviously smaller than s80, but still not bad. At 6'2" no one could sit behind me though. With seat adjusted to fit me, no room behind. Adjusted for me, I looked to the left and was pretty much even with looking at door post. Personally I liked the look of the s60 and thought the s80 looked like they'd taken the s60 design and then pulled on both bumpers to get the s80. For me, the s40 seemed like the same operation in reverse where they squeezed it. And if I remember correctly, the s60 was what they designed first, then developed the 40 and 80. If I did it all over again, I'd probably get the s80 from a cabin space perspective. The s60 I owned handled well enough for a fwd non-sports car. And it had plenty of pep. Tracked well enough at high speed. From a comfort perspective, all of these models (all volvos) have the absolute best seats of any car manufacturer. Not only do these seats start out that way new, but they stay that way even after holding your butt for 200k plus miles. Volvo should probably start making bed mattresses.

 

I'd agree with that 100%. I have driven as long as 19 hours non stop in a Volvo and had no physical fatigue at all. I think the S70 seats are even better. Rode in a S60 once or twice, it was nice but it was for short trips.

 

I love going to Edmunds.com, type in a model and year and then click on "Customer Reviews." You will find a bunch of posts about any model and specific year. That's how I decided upon a 1998 vs. 1999/2000 and a 2002 vs. 2001. I ultimately bought a '98 V70 GLT.

Why sticking with the trunk instead of a wagon? Just wondering...

 

I like Cars.com for the same reason. I actually think that Edmunds uses Cars.com data to fill their reviews.

I finally decided to get a wagon after years of pushing sedans. I liked the elegance business stance of the sedans. There had to be a good reason to get a wagon for me. Sleeper factor, this the T-5R.

 

Have an '05 S80. At 50 k it really hasn't had any problems but it is low miles. But it drives considerably different than the 40s or 60s I have driven. Not as sporty as an S70 but a really nice ride. Good town car and a really great road car, IMHO.

 

It's really simple, small, medium, large. Small is usully tight and economical, medium usually sportier and easier to use for family and road. Large is to deliver luxary first then power. The fact that its Volvo means you get the basics - safety, comfort, reliability.

 

I guess I've just never really liked the looks of wagons. Thats pretty much the only reason. Thank you guys for all the replies!!

 

Volvo wagons look like old grandma cars, unless you put some slick wheels on them and some kind of spoiler/ skirt kit.

 

Ok you said stay away from the '99 models right? Well I think you just proved yourself by me finding this one here. WTF??? Why so cheap!?! It's SOOO tempting!!! (click below)

GREAT 1999 VOLVO S80 T6 V5 LEATHER**ROOF**RUNS GREAT

 

Man, I know she looks good, real sexy and all cleaned up, but I promise you, some guy is saying "I hate this *it%h! She is bi-polar or something. Just walk away. They even put the address in the ad like they hope you come steel it. I have relatives that live in Passaic NJ and I wouldn't walk a block from their home. Just keep it moving and you'll be alright.

 

I find reliability is most important. So I stay away from most 1999-2002 70 series models and feel better about the reliability of 70's built 2003 and on.

 

There are no really, really, great deals. Period. If the car is selling way under book value then something smells funny especially if it's for sale on craigslist. There are plenty of ways for unscrupulous sellers to have a salvage title changed to a seemingly good title. And there have been plenty of cars flooded and done in by Hurricane Irene in the last year. My father bought my sister a car years ago down the Jersey Shore. It was a flood car. Really, really great deal. Had lots of electrical problems and everytime she went over a bump sand fell out from under the dash. Buyer beware.