Brand new to the Forum: I've never owned a Volvo, but we're looking to add a 2nd vehicle to the family, in the $5,000 - $10,000 range. I've spotted a 2001 S80 2.9 at a local used car dealer - 85K miles, and nicely equipped for $6,995. This would appear to be a pretty fair deal, below KBB. Are there any known issues with the S80 I should ask about - things to watch out for? I've not seen the car in person, just the on-line pics, but I think I'll give him a call tomorrow morning. Any guidance is greatly appreciated! Thanks! ---PARider, (Jay).

 

Lots...

I own a 2001 S80 and my experience is been poor. I wish it were my car, but posts in this and other forums tend to point to similar issues. Every time something goes wrong, immediates posts come back "well known issue here's how to fix it". Here are some very common problems

1. strut mount bushings. tend to go out around 60K (mine wen out at 60K, I did mine for $100, volvo wanted $400)
2. ABS modules fail around 80K, (mine went out about 100K, i fixed mine for $150--internet guru Victor Rocha, Volvo wanted $1500
3. Oxygen sensors: may not be common but mine went out around 70K--that was a $950 day at volvo.
4. Electronic throttle modules tend to need cleaning every 30K or so, I just did mine for $4, last time was $400 at Volvo
5. transmissions are terrible. mine i still OK. This year is OK, 99 are very bad
6. lots of little plastic parts (like the gas filler door), break all the time after 6-7 years
7. sunroof break (metal strips fall off, headliner jams).
8. bla bla bla

Now... I though this car was very good until about 60-70, then things started breaking quite frequently.

If i were you i would not buy an S80--maybe even Volvo altogether. Many other more dependable cars out there.

I'm sure other volvo owners will chastize me, but these are common issues.

Hope this helps.

 

Mustang; Thanks for the reply - that is a big help. It might be why I'm seeing Accords & Camrys with higher mileage listed at higher prices - reliability! I will proceed with caution. ---J

 

what to look for ? a car thats not called VOLVO

 

All kinds of electronic problems in the S80 from 99 to about 2006. Get yourself a nice Cadillac. I'm switching back after I get the bomb (2000 S80) paid off.

 

Guess I better put in my two cents and jump on the anti-volvo bandwagon... I own a 00' S80. Like mustang said, the struts are a pain in the @%#. The driver side interior door panel broke to pieces on me and is held together with a U bracket. If you are still interested in Volvo, just avoid the 99'-03'/04' range... Horrible quality.

 

Not to mention the difficulty of repair when compared to the older models. Look a the steering rack in a 850 then a S80 and let me know which you would rather replace...

The V70 and S60 are much better IMHO.