Early 2000's Volvo S80 - good car or not?

[McLovin]

Say, a 2001 S80.

Are these decent cars? Reliability, common problems, etc.

[speeder]

I'd go over to Brickboard and ask, but from what I know they are decent cars. Not bad looking. The problem that I've seen on 2 of them is blown turbos, or more accurately blown turbo oil seals that require quite a bit of labor $$ to remedy. Not a very large sample but that's my experience w/ them.

[gecc]

Not Volvo's best work. My buddy who is a servi e adviser at a Volvo dealership told me don't own one that is out of warranty.

[McLovin]

Thanks.

Any specifics on the problems?

This would be the non-turbo version. Not for me, but the potential buyer isn't interested in any kind of turbo.

[coldstart]

There is a good reason they are cheap to buy.

My parents had a 1999 S80 T6 that they bought new with a 7-year warranty. They had over $15,000 worth of warranty work down with the main items being the transmission (which went with me driving on the highway) and the front suspension. Lots of computers and computer issues. The gauge cluster went. The list of issues went on.

These are not just anecdotal problems (transmission, gauges, etc.) and are well-known among that generation of Volvos. As such, the market has priced them accordingly.

Do your research and buyer beware.

[Laneco]

I've seen more than one spit the transmisison at between 80 and 100K.

Way, way too early for a repair of that cost...

angela

[Joe Bob]

I had the v70 turbo wagon, 2003. The wife cooked the turbo....never listened to me when I said to idle it down in the driveway and the front wore out at 40K.

[mikester]

I have a 2000 V70 with I believe is pretty similar. Mine is non-turbo and I refer to it as my beat-up old Volvo.

It runs well, a few minor problems here and there but mechanically sound mostly. There are some minor suspension issues (spring seats, noises when turning hard and slow). The engine and tranny seem good (knock wood).

The most IRRITATING thing is the electrics, the switches and door locks and what not. I'm having to go through and replace them all. Otherwise, not a bad car. I've waffled on if I'll keep or not - fact is it is easy to work on and I could get another engine or tranny if I needed too for not an unreasonable price.

If I knew what I know now would I buy it again? Not this one I guess.

[jcommin]

I had one. Nice looking car. It was great until the warrenty expired - expensive to maintain. Lot of front suspension and transmission problems. Traded it in.