Hi all. I am looking at a couple of used cars, and was looking for some input. One is a 2005 S80 2.5T FWD sedan with 80,000 miles, the other a 2006 S40 T5 AWD sedan with 110,000. Price for each is around $6,000, and they are both clean cars from reputable Volvo dealers. Are there any major issues with either type of car? Does the S80 ride better (not stiff or "sporty")? Any other thoughts? Thanks.

 

These cars have significant service requirements at 100, 000 miles, however, because of their age those same things should be done anyway. Timing belt, water pump and a host of less expensive repairs as well. (These things are not specific ti Volvos and many cars will have similar needs at this age and mileage)Since this is a dealer, they should have been done or completely checked, find out where you stand with them.The AWD option obviouly has greater - and more expensive needs due to more parts, more complexity.

You can research this yourself, seems a bit high but for clean, freshened up and serviced cars that you intend to keep for a while may not be beyond reason.

Again, I would assume most, if not all, Volvoi dealers would drive them intyo the service bay and really go over them - selling crap reflects badly on them and if they were taken in trade most will wholesale the lemons. It is possible that they were traded in by customers who had their cars serviced there as well - ask for the histories.

the 05 S80 had the problems associated with earlier cars. BUT they are both 15 YO cars.
Compared to? Volvos tend to ride 'sportier' than many makes, this is consistent with their European heritage where that sort of handling is preferred. They are not Corvrtte/Porche stiff. The S80 is softer than other Volvos, in fact I saw that as a criticism when they were new. Still, you would not mistake them for an Impala or a Town Car.
Quite honestly, they are significantly different cars aimed for different markets. The S80 was thier top of the line sedan- smooth, roomy, dignified. Able to traverse long distances at speed without tiring you out. The S40 is for a different crowd I looked at one once when the wife and I were looking for a car for our beginning drive, in the end we simply gave him our S70which was roomier (faster), and we felt, a nicer car to take to college out of town in a few years. (it saw 2 boys through high school,and the younger one through college and med school. Couldn't have asked for more). If I was looking for a commuter or grocery hauler the S40. If I live in some polar Hell where I had to deal with snow/ice on a regular basis I would get the S40. If I was looking for a general car that I woulf hop onto the freeway daily ot I was taller than avg or simply wanted a nicer ride I would go with the S80.



These are my opinions - someone with more knowledge will chime in eventually!

 

Thanks for the info. I was to slow on the S80. It only lasted a couple of days. Not many cars like that in MN. I do live in a "polar hell". Been here all my life, but this winter, I am ready to move somewhere warmer. My wife says we stay put until the daughter graduates high school. Oh well, we only have winter 5 months of the year )

 

Have a sister that lives in Wayzata, MN. Beautiful in the summer but you couldn't get me to live there in the winter at gunpoint! (And I grew up in Colorado.)

Sorry about missing out on th S80, I'm a big fan. Still, your weather makes AWD very attractive. I would try this (on any car)get all "bundled up". Then get in and out of the car. Can you do so with relative ease? If not, it will become a real PITA over time.