I found one of these S80 and I dont know a whole lot about them, what should I do?

Dark Gray ext., gray leather int., sunroof, alloy wheels, cd, 118k miles. looks and runs good!!

 

Well, you gotta give us more info than that...
What price issues, check engine light? Warning messages?

They are great cars but prepare to PAY for maintenance, especially with pre 2002 models

 

I would stay away regardless, but that's just me.

 

I am looking at S80's also. What is your reasoning.

My daughter just totaled our Saab 9-5. I was thinking that anything was better than that Saab (2001).

 

Search the forum for pre-2002 issues with S80. It is better to get 2002 or newer.

 

I have a 2000 s80 T6 - got it w/50k now 150k - many issues - much was repaired under extended warranty and more after warranty expired - even now looks like it needs a steering pump and motor mount- if I step on the gas to hard sounds like the trany really shudders.

I would not buy this model year - from my experience and what is reported all over the net - like the poster below said - do your research. Maybe the newer ones are better.

 

I have a 2000 S80 T6 and its been the best car I've ever owned. Wonderfully smooth ride, enough power for me, and got a GREAT price.

 

I had a 2000 T6 which developed turbo problems around 77K, now have a 2001 2.9 with 138K, is on a second transmission and is developing ETM issues. Never buying another Volvo

 

I've had 3 Volvos and 3 Saabs among lots of other cars. Currently drive a '04 S80 T6 and we still have a '99 V70 T5. I have exactly 2 complaints about the S80, both of which may be specific to my model and the 2002 - 2006 year range. First my car has the electronically adjustable shocks which are an added complexity that you need to be prepared to pay for. Replacement front shocks are in the range of $600 for the part instead of $125. They work great but develop leaks and typically fail earlier plus they eliminate the option of changing to Bilsteins or Konis for most of us because the computer requires they be there or it will throw a code, which in CA means they won't test your car for smog. My other complaint is that the rear suspension, while comfortable, gets a little mixed up on rough roads while cornering. My handling standards are pretty high though.

In summary I like the S80 for long distance highway driving and actually prefer the smaller, nimbler T5 for around town or on twisty bits. I've ridden in a couple of 200-2002 S80s and have liked their handling better but have heard that they typically have more maintenance issues. The S80 is more expensive to own for sure but I bought mine cheap enough that I'm not complaining too much (yet). One thing I don't understand is why the leather in the Saabs and Volvos doesn't last as long as for other cars. Make sure you think about this because while it seems like a dumb issue it is expensive to replace (even with cloth) and you have to do something about it.

Volvos are safe, but it all comes down to what your individual preferences are, what priority you put on safety, ride quality, road noise levels and how much you are willing to pay for and keep up with relative to maintenance. They aren't the cheapest cars to own but for my money I prefer them to Saabs for sure.

 

This is what is frustrating. You never know how these cars are going hold up. One guy says that he would never ever buy another Volvo and the guy standing next to him has had no problems and loves his.

evoldarnoc....... You did not say what your second car was. Is it a straight S80 or is it the T6. The reason I ask is I just talked to a highly reputable independent Volvo shop in the Twin Cities (that's all they work on) and the shop supervisor told me to get a T6. He said the turbos are a little more maintenance but they rebuild more transmissions in the straight S80 vs. the T6 by almost a ....get this.... 10 to 1 ratio.

Cabikefreak.... thanks for the info about the shocks. I did not know that. Something more to think about.

Edit: Cabikefreak.... I just looked at a few Volvo parts websites (Eeuroparts.com for example) and they don't even offer a shock for the electronic adjustable option. I wonder if that was an option on that car and not all cars have it.

 

That is strange, I would have thought the added torque from the turbos in the T6 would lead to the transmission failing sooner than on the more docile 2.9.

 

eeuroparts can special order parts for you if you call them.. Many things are not listed on the site..

 

Comparing Saab to Volvo -

I have both -

My 2007 Saab 9-3 - no issues, 87K miles
My 2009 Volvo S 80 - new altenator, new condenser, all new TPMS, only 57K miles

Material quality in the S80 much better, esp. the leather, however, i think Saab, in my experience, has the overall better quality. The Volvo is a cruiser, the Saab is more sporty, like Toyota compared to Honda.