Hey guys, I currently drive a 96 850 and maybe looking to upgrade. Wondered how the s80 in this year or in general compares to the reliability of the 850. I think this is a pretty good deal but wanted your opinions please! Thanks

Here is the link:

ONE OWNER 2001 Volvo S80 **MUST SELL**

 

I would keep the 850.

 

Reasons why? Just curious

 

I would take a well maintained 850 over a 1999 to 2002ish S80 any day for reliability. Then with that one specifically, who knows the history of that engine. Why did it need a head gasket at such low mileage? Just sounds like a can of worms. I wouldn't consider that an upgrade at all.

 

Ok, thats what I wanted to know. Thanks

 

Even with 54K miles on components and no lights or leaks, I would still run because of rust. Any 15-17 year old car in Pittsburg PA will have rust up under where it gets costly.

I just replaced struts and got an alignment. I could have paid a lot more and got more car for the money. In my case, it was rust free on this one car.

 

I got an 01 S80 2.9 a few months back, $500.00
I'm doing the cylinder head, every one of the intake valves are bent.
Timing belt was good, all marks were lined up.
Found the advancer on the intake cam to be bad.
Other than that the car is really clean inside and out.
I'm going to have a very nice 114k mile car when done, has new shocks, brakes, tires. When done will be able to add new intake cam, timing belt, water pump, and accessories belt.
I would have give the car a good once over, or pay a tech a few bucks. They are very nice comfortable cars.
My neighbor has an 04 S80 Turbo, the 6 cylinder is very smooth with a lot of power.

 

Just one owners opinion. I own two 2000 S80 2.9 and i am not pleased with several items (problems). Timing belt broke on one at 109,000 mi. Why should a part as important as this fail at 109? Power window failure on two windows, the krappy plastic glass inserts that ride the flimsy metal motor operated frames are junk. Futhermore two sunroof failures as well as broken shock mounts, just to name a few. The head gasket is an easy fix but as previously suggested "why a HD failure at low miles".

 

The timing belt is due at 105,000 miles. So that would fall under lack of proper maintenance.

Spring seats are a wear item.

 

The point of the stated opinion is why would there be a need for (proper maintenance) of an item as crucial as a timing belt. The engine should have been designed with a chain instead of a belt. My Silverado chain was still strong at 437,000 and my Volvo broke the belt at 109,000. Timing belts are a bad idea and an unnecessary workload.

 

Timing belts are used on many cars. Complaining about the design instead of following the maintenance of the vehicle is pointless. The use a belt for a reason, it's up to the owner to maintain it.

 

The gentleman asked for members opinions. To devalue my opinion is pointless. It's not your place to degrade others. If my opinion to the member (which he asked for) is a negative because of stated problems, it's between he and I. If you like timing belts, good for you. Find something useful to do with your time.

 

Your opinion was complaining that something failed that you were supposed to maintain. You didn't mention that it was your fault for not properly maintaining the car. So if the OP isn't familiar with the maintenance schedule, they might think "Wow, there is really a problem with these timing belts" when really, there is no problem except an owner not maintaining the car and then complaining about it.

 

There is a problem with these timing belts. There is a problem with ALL timing belts. It should NOT be a maintenance issue. The engine should be designed with a chain instead of a belt. You are not understanding my opinion (which you derisively call complaining). A engine component as important as timing should not depend on a belt that has to be maintained. You don't have to agree and you can be fond of the component as manufactured, but I don't, and shouldn't have to read your "complaining" of my opinion. Disagreeing is one thing but insulting is another. And before you respond with a reason chains cannot be used, I know better, my first wrench turn wasn't last night. Anyway, moving on, I now know why there are so many topic viewers but so very few willing to post. Who would want to have their opinions impugned.