Well, let me start off by saying that I am new to this forum, and have come here to learn more (and mabye modify eventually) about my newly acquired 1999 Volvo S80. I haven't even owned it two days, and it is so luxurious and comfortable. I am 19 years old, and this car is by far wayyyyy better than what most people my age are getting.

The other thing I like about it too is even though it's a 99, it doesn't look like a 99. Looks like a new car. The previous owner waxed it WEEKLY with Zymol Car wax and detailed the interior monthly. It is by far one of the cleanest kept cars I have ever seen. And I plan on keeping it that way (I'm a fan of Meguiar's products, however hehe). So it looks like it came right off the showroom floor, I kid you not.

Forgive me if I come off as a little ignorant to this car, I am by all means an automotive enthusiast, my Dad and I are resto modding a 1967 Pontiac GTO....but this is the first foreign make vehicle I have ever owned....ever. My speciality is in vintage and late model domestic v8's (Specifically the Pontiac). Pontiacs are another love I have, especially the Pontiac engine, but lately I haven't been happy with any of their new cars (the new GTO was a joke in my opinion...sloppy gearbox...etc) that I started to look into the germans and dutch for a car. Boy, what a HUGE difference! These cars put anything made in America into the dust!

I really do like the car. I have the GTO, but this is my 1st REAL car ever. Haven't solely owned a car until now . It's not exactly my first pick, but my parents wanted me in a Volvo because of their safety reputation, and they bought it for me....and it really is growing on me. Heck, it is SO freaking luxurious, and even nicer than any BMW or Audi or Mercedes in my opinion.

I was a little aggrivated however, as once I bought it...1st maiden voyage was today....my alternator went south. Fortunately, my neighbor across the street owns a local Meinecke and gives me good deals, but I haven't officially been able to use it because not even a mile down the street, it died on me. Had it towed to the shop, aggrivated...and they said I had an alternator that wouldn't keep a charge. Therefore, it's in the shop tonight waiting to get a new alternator tomorrow.

It also has a JVC 12 disc MP3 changer in the trunk, with a headunit right on the dash. Once I get the alternator fixed (going to see if I can go with a higher amperage unit), I'm going to put in 2 10" MTX subs that I bought for it in a ported cabinet in the back of the trunk. The previous owner added the changer, and aftermarket front speakers and amp...but I still need to swap out the back stockers for it to sound right.

Oh, and since my car is Sweedish/German...I named her. Her name is Helga

So here's to my new life with Helga. She sure is an amazing car, I just wish she didn't break down the first time I took it out!

Will get pictures up once I get the car back.

Thanks!

 

FYI on the Alt issue. You can buy the regulator brush pack from the Dealer for I believe like $70.00.

Beats the $200.00 or so for the New or rebuilt Alt.

Some can be swapped in the car and some the Alt. has to be pulled out to be replaced.

Welcome Enjoy it here.

 

Another one sees the light! [sm=smiley20.gif]

 

they are great cars like anyother cars some will have problems but nothing to hard to fix congrats

 

The only thing that nags me about the car is the fact that there is no voltometer gauge in the dash. Only when the battery is really low does the LCD info center give you any info on battery power. I'm going to be running a fair amount of audio equipment (nothing obnoxious) so I bought an inexpensive volt gauge and a mounting plate I'm going to tuck under somewhere discrete to keep an eye that the power in the car doesn't go out on me again.

 

Hi Helga's owner

I own an S40 similar age to your vehicle - I too am a fan of Meguiar's products having the full product range! Full valet every week!

My car is mint! Showroom condition, I took delivery from new on 30 November 1998 - It excites me as much today as it the day I took it from the showroom. Volvo's certainly stand the test of time - enjoy your S80