So, I'm a traditional Honda "fanboy." I've been in the market for a new sedan and I saw that I can get a used S80 for 10-12k with somewhere between 70k-100k miles. I drove a few of them and I've been swayed. However, being new to the brand, I don't really know what I'm looking at or nor do I know what to look for when I'm testing the used ones.

Here's what I know
-The 4C suspension is expensive
-I want the base 3.2 Engine

Here's what I want to know
-How's long term reliability?
-Should I be scared of high mileage
-What are known maintenance issues??
and lastly, what kind fuel do I need to put in the 3.2?

Here's some I'm looking at in the Dallas/Houston areas:

Cars for Sale: 2007 Volvo S80 3.2 in Arlington, TX 76012: Sedan Details - 388377223 - AutoTrader.com -3.2 w/ Climate Package | 80k Miles | $10,900 Dallas

Cars for Sale: 2007 Volvo S80 3.2 in Arlington, TX 76012: Sedan Details - 358280532 - AutoTrader.com -3.2 Base | 92k miles | $10,900 Dallas

Cars for Sale: 2008 Volvo S80 3.2 in Houston, TX 77057: Sedan Details - 362078255 - AutoTrader.com -3.2 Base | 95k Miles | $9,600 Houston

Cars for Sale: 2007 Volvo S80 3.2 in Oklahoma City, OK 73112: Sedan Details - 367499696 - AutoTrader.com -3.2 w/Climate and Dynaudio | 91k | $9450 OKC

2008 Volvo S80 3.2, $7,995 - Cars.com -3.2 w/BLIS | 106k | $7995 Dallas (my favorite)

2007 Volvo S80 For Sale in Euless, TX - CarGurus -3.2 w/Navi, Climate and Dynaudio | 108k| 11900

Sorry I know this is a lot, I just have no idea what I'm looking at.
Thanks so much

 

If you're looking for one with that kind of mileage, odds are you're safe from the major issue those engines have had which is oil consumption. Aside from that and the leaking brake vacuum pump (not costly to repair, and not hard to do yourself), they have been pretty reliable. They run on 87 octane. The owner's manual recommends 91 but it is not required.

 

So if I go for the V8, are they're any known issues with the 4.4?

 

If you research, you'll see balance shaft issues. However, those are only on early V8s in the XC90 so don't worry about it. They do leak and I've seen numerous idlers and pensioners fail.

 

Alright, thanks a bunch. Guess I'll just have to take whatever I'm serious about to the Volvo tech.

 

Yeah, a used car inspection is always a good idea when you find one you're serious about.

 

Looked through your list, all very beautiful cars.
Things to look for
1: With the higher mileage - has the timing belt been changed, this is expensive but if it fails - your giving up your 1st born.
2: There is a bushing on the front suspension, lower control arm, it sits sideways and will crack and need replacing, usually happens with higher mileage cars.
Also on the front strut, the top rubber bushing mount, as it comes up through the front fender to, that will fail.
3: I had problems with the sun/moon roof sliding cover and the roof itself.
4: The radio, if it fails, and it will. It is tied into the cars computer so a dealer has to replace it so the computer can be reset to recognize the new radio.
5: There are numerous sensors that control everything on the car.
The sensors covering the lights on my cars, and cams, "failed"
6: The computer "ECM" "ECU" may also fail.
These are some of the things I and my neighbor have had.
I went back to my HONDA.
But I also have again fallen for another Volvo - The cylinder head needs to come off, 125,000 miles
Honda, 160,000 miles - Everything works, car drives great.
If you do get the Volvo, I'm sure you will enjoy it. They are beautiful cars and they drive wonderfully.

 

1. There is no timing belt.
2. The strut mounts are not the same as the P2. Neither are the control arms. The control arms do fail, but not nearly as common.
4. Not very common with the exception of the AM.
6. I have never seen an ECM fail on a P3. Very, very rare on any Volvo actually. I don't know if I've ever replaced more than one or two.

 

So I test drove the 2008 S80 w/BLIS and the dealership was very up front with what it needs and didn't even want me to buy the car and suggested I look at other Volvos. The dealer seems very trustworthy and were taking the car to their service department today. It needs a catalytic converter, two new headlights or just new bulbs, left door lock peg and the trunk release pad ok the trunk is broken. The tires are in good shape and they all match, leather wasn't bad. BLIS was a cool feature and I liked how the mirrors folded in. It's listed at $7995 but seeing all that's wrong with it I see it as a good opportunity because I know what's wrong and I don't have to guess. What do you think?

 

Car looks clean and I bet it drives really nice.
However it does have a few problems, I would be asking "what's next".
Lights being out, my neighbors 2004 S80, "HID headlights cost her $580".

 

I have an 07 3.2 with the adjustable suspension and love it. 140,000 miles and zero issues except normal maintenance which I do myself, brakes, etc. I use synthetic oil and change much more often than they recommend. The only thing I'm going to do this year is get new struts which are quite expensive because they're adjustable. BTW, ES6T is correct, there is no timing belt.

 

UPDATE: I found a really nice T6 AWD with Adaptive Cruise and I'm really tempted, anyone know about the reliability of a 2009 T6 with 140k miles?

 

I'm staying away with the first gen. Volvo of Dallas serviced the car and said everything checked out.