Should I buy this 07 V8 S80?

gtopaul · Post by **gtopaul** » 08 Mar 2015, 10:27

Looked at this silver w/black interior S80 V8 yesterday with 88k miles on it. It has some light scratches (like from bushes) on one door but otherwise nice cosmetics. I assume it has the sport package since it has the 18" Zubra wheels, three suspension modes, and ventilated seats. It also has some strange cruise control option with something on the dash that lights up red. The car has horrible Kumho tires that look relatively new but the dealership obviously rotated them so the scalloped sections on the outer tread are running backwards now and causing serious tire noise. Question; is tire wear problematic on the AWD cars? Dealer has discounted for a new set of tires. Question; the cars has no spare. Has a place for the spare but nothing there not even a donut. Did the car originally come with run flats, hence no spare? I really like the car and the price is $10k with my 01 V70 T5 as a trade in (good shape 132k miles). Car seems to drive well and the suspension modes do noticeably change. Any other problem areas to look for? Thanks.

Post by **jimmy57** » 08 Mar 2015, 12:58

AWD volvos don't have tire wear issues as far as scalloping the tires. Tire manufacturers recommend cross rotation unless the tire is asymmetric tread. Cross-rotate will often wear the scallop away and the tires will get quieter.
Loads of new cars come with nothing but an air pump and the sealant can (fix-a-flat). Just looked at my neighbor's new 2015 GT mustang with performance pack and it has no spare, only the pump thing. No spare doesn't mean t was originally fitted with run-flats. Run-flats have to be replaced if punctured since the distance covered when low is not trackable. Fixing one that has been run flat can result in torn up body work when it shucks tread later.
The car could have adaptive cruise. The grille will have a noticeable rectangle plastic panel in it that covers the radar unit. The radar will adjust speed if someone change lanes if cruise is on. That option also includes collision avoidance where it will autobrake if someone stops in front of you. On 2007 it will not brake down to 0 mph, it makes you take over.

gtopaul · Post by **gtopaul** » 10 Mar 2015, 20:22

Bought the car. It does have adaptive cruise, sport package, comfort package, and air pump instead of spare. Tires are aweful Falken M&S and I've already ordered another set of tires. The keyless entry is pretty neat. Someone mounted a Garman on the dash so I have to figure out how to remove that.

gtopaul · Post by **gtopaul** » 20 Mar 2015, 07:56

I installed a new set of tires but still a little surprised about how much road noise there is at 10 - 20mph. The steering is also very heavy also at low speeds. My wife finds it difficult to maneuver in parking lots but loves the PCC and BLIS. Will take to the dealer next week to see if anything is amiss that would account for the road noise or is that just normal (hope not). Also need the DRL's turned off.

Post by **jimmy57** » 20 Mar 2015, 12:33

Isn't there a steering effort adjustment in the menu available through the "MENU" button that will ahow info on the ICM screen?
go here to find owner's guide if you do not have one in the car: new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/2007/2007_S80/07S80_00.htm

click "menus and messages" to get a brief blurb about what is available in that settings menu

Does the road noise at that speed vary with the pavement type or is it the same on coarse or smooth surfaces?

unrelated to anything you listed here but VERY important: get the serpentine drive belt system checked. The pulleys that the belt runs over can have bearing failures. If not noticed the failure can break the timing chain cover $$$$$

gtopaul · Post by **gtopaul** » 20 Mar 2015, 13:41

Thanks for the heads-up on the steering effort. It was set on the most effort so reset it to the lowest effort and it's much better. The road noise does vary by road surface but is present on both rough and smooth surfaces.

Post by **jimmy57** » 20 Mar 2015, 17:50

I have suspicions of a bad wheel bearing. It is a bearing only on that car and not a bolt on hub assembly.
edit:
The parts listing I looked at shows a hub like the older cars. I have had one apart that was an 2009 that wasn't a bolt on. There is a chance a 2007 is a bolt in but I really believe the catalog is using the wrong photo.

gtopaul · Post by **gtopaul** » 20 Mar 2015, 19:28

Wheel bearing is a possibility I suppose but most bad wheel bearings I've come across will modulate when steering side to side and get louder with increased speed. I read through some old Motor Trend road tests of this model and there was mention of a lot of road noise compared to other vehicles in this price range. They said Volvo was aware of the problem and was redesigning the suspension bushings. Might be something I'll have to live with (or the wife since it doesn't seem to bother her as she keeps the stereo cranked up).

Post by **jimmy57** » 21 Mar 2015, 09:35

The thing that does need to be checked is the serpentine belt system. The pulley bearings can fail and break the timing chain/front engine cover $$$$$$

gtopaul · Post by **gtopaul** » 21 Mar 2015, 10:09

What's the approximate cost fo the belt and pulleys? I changed them on my BMW last years as it was about a 15 minute job but haven't looked into the Volvo yet.