Hey guys,

Looking to replace my 2006 Saab 93 with a Volvo. Torn between a 2015 S80 or 2016/2017 S60.

What are your experiences with the later model versions of the S80? Like 2013-2015? Was the 2015 the last version made before the Chinese redesign?

Let me know.

 

Hey there,

I was just recently in the same position as you. I went from a 2003 S80 (2.9L that I drove to 252,000 miles) to a 2014 S80 (T6). So hopefully sharing my experience and understanding from what I researched in making my buying decision, can help you make a decision.
**Important note: My experience is with North American Volvo offerings with gasoline engines as an owner, so others may have more insight depending on your market.

I bought my 2014 S80 T6 (Platinum) at 57,500 miles and here's why:

1. Carfax report - One owner, driven on average ~7,500miles/year, scheduled maintenance/oil changes were done at the dealership until end of warranty. Post warranty scheduled maintenance done at a mechanic that only serviced Volvo or Saab up until I purchased the vehicle.

2. Volvo has been always slow and methodical to introduce changes to their vehicles inside-out until the Chinese redesign. The 2014/2015 model year was pretty much the pinnacle of Volvo refinement before the redesign. The T6 Engine being the prime example, it had been around for over a decade as an inline 6 cylinder + turbo engine that Volvo had methodically refined.

3. In 2015.5/2016 Volvo released new engine designs, which they confusing pushed out under the old designations with the addition of 'E-Drive'. As a generalized example; The inline 6-cylinder turbocharged (T6 of years past) which put out *x-amount of horsepower* became the *x-amount of horsepower* T6 (4-cylinder turbocharged and supercharged engine).

4. The more tech you put onto a car is just one more thing that can fail. You invest in a Volvo to last, you spend on an Audi or BMW to drive.

5. Can I speak for someone owning a 2016+ Volvo? No. But what I can say is that the track record of what you can get before then speaks for itself, as long as the car is well taken care of, and you don't need all the latest bells and whistles, you're getting good vehicle.

 

Wow. Thanks for that great reply. I am in Canada so I am looking at North American models, too.

So you think the best bet is a 2014? The 2015-2016s already have the newer or changed engines?

Your post was really helpful. Thanks a lot!

 

Good advise there - when going used, maintenance history is a key differentiator. CarFax will report on all dealer service (at least in the US) and registration (ie single private owner, lease car, fleet car, multiple owners). Not sure about the option of importing a US car north into Canada but if that's an option, then you can also shop southern US cars that have not experienced a cold, salty winter. In terms of seeing the difference between model years, google for resources like "volvo modular engine WIKI" etc to see what engines appear in which models. When shopping, make sure the seller provides the VIN - and ask for a CarFax report. The VIN can be decoded to tell you the engine model as well.

 

No problem!

Yeah they started putting the newer engines in on the " 2015.5" or newer cars. Not saying there's anything wrong with those newer engines (that I'm aware of), but I tend to err on the side of caution when it comes to the first few production runs of anything new or drastically different. Let other people find the teething problems so to speak!

So yes best bet would be a 2014 or 2015 (excluding 2015.5) to know you're getting a solid vehicle!

 

That so cool. I take by your nick you like fantasy novels, too? LOL. Can I see pics of your sweet *** Volvo? You can post here or email them to me at vonmarburg.k@gmail.com I love S80s!!!!