My 2000 S80t6 has been literally the BEST and WORST car I have ever owned. After many years and MANY thousands in repairs I finally have the Volvo it should have been when I bought it new. It took 2 years and close to $4,000 to finally get Volvo to replace the ETM (Electronic Throttle Control) under a recall. I had to pay for all the repairs (caused by this module) along the way until Volvo finally replaced the module for free. This was at about 80K miles. At 95K miles I spent $5,000 for a new transmission. I have owned Volvos for 30 years and am very used to the maintenance costs. I am also used to Volvos lasting MUCH longer before needing repairs like these. Like most of you, I am sure, I bought the S80 thinking it would be like the Volvos of the past, bullet-proof and tank-tough.

I guess I am a loyalist at heart, and in spite of my experiences with the 2000 model, I am thinking of buying another. Instead of new, this time I am considering used. I understand Volvo worked out these two big problems I mentioned (and I hope others I am not aware of) in the the later years of this car. I am not looking to spend a lot this time and was wondering how the years 2002-2005 were for this car.

I absolutely love my t6 now. The last few years she has been a dream. I am looking to hand my 2000 off to my daughter and (loyal to Volvo I still am) was wondering what are the best of the older s80's to consider. I might be an old man before I think about buying their flagship model brand new again. But I am willing to risk a little and get an older (thinking 2002-2005). (Just remembering the years gone when buying a used Volvo was never a risk...)

Thoughts on what years (2002-2005) are less problematic than the 2000 would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any replies, advice and/or insight.

Darren

 

2005+ with the 5 cyl low pressure turbo is your best bet.