Any opinions on a 2000 s80 Looks like they are lemons.

archie777 · Post by **archie777** » 03 Jun 2011, 19:25

Ive read a lot of nasty reviews and was wondering if this car is as bad as people say.
Transmission issues, throttle body issues, brake controller issues.

I have owned 3 volvo's previously (88 240, 1990, 740 16v, 1994 850) and most routine maintenance I do myself.

Any opinions would be appreciated.

Post by **jimmy57** » 03 Jun 2011, 19:32

t6 has many more gearbox issues and the ABS module solder joint issues hit sooner on those. 2.9 will have the ABS module failures too.
Throttle works 200K on many with no problems but on many they fail far sooner.
Which version is the one you are considering?

archie777 · Post by **archie777** » 03 Jun 2011, 19:51

Thanks for the reply.

Its the non turbo. The ABS issue is already there. I know it can be fixed for 150 by some guy in the states. I might attempt it myself. I am an electronics technician. Will keeping the throttle body clean help with the issues?

VolvoS80Texas · Post by **VolvoS80Texas** » 05 Jun 2011, 16:04

We bought a genuine certified used Volvo s80, nonturbo from the Austin, Texas dealer at 35,000 miles at the end of 2001.
We currently have 200,000 miles.

We have not had the usual problems associated with the S80 - no transmission or brake problems.

It had a lot of problems early on, but since about 80,000 miles it has been a very reliable car, not to mention fun to drive.
It has recurring cosmetic problems which is very aggravating in a higher end car, and the dealers have not been very sympathetic.

Problems:
1. Certified pre-owned supposedly came with free loaner if it needed service. The Austin dealer from whom we bought it was experiencing either too many Volvos for service or did not allocate enough loaner cars, so when we had unscheduled breakdown maintenance, we could not get the loaner car. They said we needed to schedule our maintenance so a loaner car would be available.
2. Dealer put new Falkner (spelling?) tires on went I bought it, but the alignment was bad and they were ruined after only 20,000 miles. Recommended 16" V rated replacement tires had no mile warranty are were expensive at about $1000. I buy less expensive lower speed rated tires now and have gotten good life and performance.
3. electrical - left us stranded on the road about five or six times. Each time either limped to the dealer or needed a tow to the dealer for several days of service.
At about 140,000 miles, the car went into limp home mode and needed dealer service for a computer upgrade.
4. Paint job on the narrow part above the doors faded badly
5. Cosmetic - many:
a. sun roof has two metals bars glued to the glass that both came off at different times - dealer said it was a glass issue that is not covered by warranty - they said others who had the problem just live without replacing which is what I did since it was very expensive to fix. So far, I have not seemed to miss them other than there is a rattling noise every so often (I think they are harmonic vibrations dampeners).
b. Gas filler door hinge broke. Fortunately, I found it. Went to dealer and had to by a new hinge since they would do nothing other than sell me the part and install it. I installed myself.
c. plastic molding on front seat belts where they came out of the walls broke
d.ashtray cover fell off
e. drink holder cover fell off
f. 12v accessory behind front seat broke
g. a few other items I cannot recall.
6. Dealer routine service is very expensive - $600+ to change oil and filters. I do most of my routine stuff and take it to Non dealer Volvo service shops for things beyond me.
7. Brake jobs by dealer are expensive - $600+. I do my own.

Neat features:
radiator fan runs after turning off car to cool engine and preserves engine oil.
battery is in trunk away from the heat, so only one new battery over 10 years.
Engine has 200,000 miles and still running well.
fun to drive, sporty looking, good gas economy, paid for.

My mother-in-law used to sell Volvos, and my wife was impressed by the Volvo safety record, so we were originally very favorably disposed toward Volvo and they had an opportunity to have a customer for life, but as you might imagine, we would be hard pressed to pay top dollar for a new one, particularly after the poor dealer service. Even with all the problems, we still have the car, although I drive it and not my wife.
I would consider a used one if the price was right and I knew the specific history was good with the intention of getting work done by a non-dealer qualified shop.

Post by **jblackburn** » 05 Jun 2011, 16:31

T6 = crap. Avoid at all costs.
2.9 = solidly built, but they do have electrical issues.

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 05 Jun 2011, 16:45

My buddy got a new T6 in 2009. It has a little over 80K miles on it. The only real issue was the transmission and since I was already aware of that problem and that Volvo had a "quiet campaign" he got a new transmission with mods. No problems since 2003, Personally, I love the T-6 as long as it is a clean, problem free car. I'd buy the old one if I found one like my buddy's. It's the most comfortable car I have ridden in (back seat) and driven. Not exactly a road racer but definitely a solid and comfy highway cruiser with fantastic accelleration.

Post by **matthew1** » 05 Jun 2011, 17:50

SimLyons wrote:Not exactly a road racer but definitely a solid and comfy highway cruiser with fantastic accelleration.

Exactly the description I'd use for my dad's '99 S80 T6. It's very quiet and smooth.

My buddy got a new T6 in 2009.

You meant 1999, right?

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 05 Jun 2011, 18:03

Absolutely right! What happened to all those years???

Post by **boosted5cyl** » 06 Jun 2011, 10:10

jblackburn wrote:T6 = crap. Avoid at all costs.
2.9 = solidly built, but they do have electrical issues.

Pretty misleading post. Both cars are "built" the same and have the same electronic underpinnings. T6 has two turbos and more torque than the tranny is really built to take. That doesn't make it "crap", just means you need to be careful about what you buy and inspect throughly. No different from any car in that respect IMO. A 2.9. thats had its nuts thrashed off it is not going to fair any better than a T6 that's been cared for. Personally I'd rather shop around for a good T6 than take an anemic 2.9, but thats more subjective opinion than anything else.

I will say this though: any S80, especially prior to 2004 is a risky buy if you plan on having a garage or mechanic to repair or servicing. I think this is the biggest factor. If you are a DIY'r a well cared for S80 (regardless of motor) can be good value. If you dont plan DIY'ing it might not be the best choice of car.

Post by **yuckuJackD** » 07 Jun 2011, 06:05

Same opinion as boosted5cyl's.
I'm a DIY'r and thats the perfect car for me (2.9). Just love it. Love it for driving, love it for maintenance. My family loves it, too.
2.9 engine is with HUGE resource. You need to be a little stupid girl to damage it deadly... errrr i'm not sure that even this will be enought...
Speaking about problems .... well tell me 1 another 10 years old car with less problems.