Live from Afghanistan

Vernh59 · Post by **Vernh59** » 08 Mar 2011, 05:16

Hey everybody,
We are about 55 days from heading home and I am torn between fixing up my 99 S70 (236K miles) or getting something newer. I have been looking at the S80 as I believe it is a larger car and the (dare I say it) BMW 5 series. Don't get excited, I am not looking for a comparison between the Volvo and the Bimmer. My question is about the S80 vs. the S70. I am interested in size, comfort, dependability opinions.
As always, thanks in advance.

Post by **precopster** » 08 Mar 2011, 05:44

Hmm. The S80 has greater size, but you'll need a bigger wallet to keep it on the road. Lots of computers buzzing away bbbbbbzzzzzzz..

Try this survey site and have a look:

www.carsurvey.org

Post by **jblackburn** » 08 Mar 2011, 08:06

Whatever you do, don't buy the T6 S80 - they have terrible transmissions that are paired with a torque monster of an engine. The models after 2002 are better - but avoid the 99's and T6 motors entirely. The 2.5T (light pressure turbo 5-cyl motor like you have in your S70) and 2.9 (I6) are good engine options.

Pretty much, the newer you go with these, the better.

The 5-series is also a very nice car - but maintenance is VERY expensive on them and they're not the most dependable cars on the road.

Vernh59 · Post by **Vernh59** » 10 Mar 2011, 23:58

precopster wrote:Hmm. The S80 has greater size, but you'll need a bigger wallet to keep it on the road. Lots of computers buzzing away bbbbbbzzzzzzz..

Try this survey site and have a look:

http://www.carsurvey.org

Wow, according to the survey's it sounds like the S80 is the biggest POS that Volvo ever made. Is that the reality or typical forum type perception? Meaning most people don't post to a forum because everything is perfect on their car.

Post by **precopster** » 11 Mar 2011, 05:30

The user survey is from an average cross-section non mechanically minded non-DIYer buyer paying dealerships way too much for their parts and expertise. Also remember that many of them bought the car new and expected a lot of reliability for their hard earned cash.

I would buy a S80 for the right price, but I am in a position where I have collected some tools and expertise in some aspects of the Volvo whiteblock engine.

Without MVS I wouldn't touch one. With MVS and the great info resources this community is sharing I feel that the answers are all there if the need arises, again at the right price.

Post by **boosted5cyl** » 11 Mar 2011, 08:40

I have a '98 V70 T5 and a '99 S80 T6. The S80 is a gamble for sure, proceed with caution. Despite this, I love mine. Its insanely comfortable (even in the back), quiet and goes well into triple digits without batting an eyelid. An e39 wouldn't be any more or less expensive to maintain IMO.

Vernh59 · Post by **Vernh59** » 11 Mar 2011, 13:17

boosted5cyl wrote:I have a '98 V70 T5 and a '99 S80 T6. The S80 is a gamble for sure, proceed with caution. Despite this, I love mine. Its insanely comfortable (even in the back), quiet and goes well into triple digits without batting an eyelid. An e39 wouldn't be any more or less expensive to maintain IMO.

This is what I am trying to figure out without asking a Volvo forum "which you like better." In the looking I have done from 8000 miles away it seems that the S80 has some issues. I am a pretty fair wrench and can follow instructions. I have done several things to the S70 I am driving now. I looked at some key parts and found they are pretty close to the bimmer in cost and I am sure labor cost is too. It looks like both can be high maintenance.
The S80 looks great and I guess I will drive both when I get back. In the meantime, I will keep looking and asking. It does pass the time.

Post by **shiloh51933** » 11 Mar 2011, 14:05

Vernh59 wrote:
boosted5cyl wrote:I have a '98 V70 T5 and a '99 S80 T6. The S80 is a gamble for sure, proceed with caution. Despite this, I love mine. Its insanely comfortable (even in the back), quiet and goes well into triple digits without batting an eyelid. An e39 wouldn't be any more or less expensive to maintain IMO.
This is what I am trying to figure out without asking a Volvo forum "which you like better." In the looking I have done from 8000 miles away it seems that the S80 has some issues. I am a pretty fair wrench and can follow instructions. I have done several things to the S70 I am driving now. I looked at some key parts and found they are pretty close to the bimmer in cost and I am sure labor cost is too. It looks like both can be high maintenance.
The S80 looks great and I guess I will drive both when I get back. In the meantime, I will keep looking and asking. It does pass the time.

The S80 is a little bit more involved then your S70 but if you can handle all the maintenance/repairs of your S70 then you could probably handle the S80 with some help here and there. The idea of a twin turbo sounds good but if I was looking for a twin turbo in a luxury vehicle with a bit of size then I'd be shopping for an Audi S6...oh wait I am looking at S4's/S6's. Ive been looking at everything from R model V70's/S70's Volvo's, V70xc's, S80 I6's, Infiniti G35X's and the Audi's. I'm not selling my 850 or anything, I just want a third ride.