Looking to buy 2002 or 2003 S80

[gjrSD]

I am new to the forum and wanted to ask advice on purchasing an S80. I am looking at the 2002 and 2003 S80 with 80k to 100k miles. I don't have a lot of extra money for repairs. I know they ride great and are safe, but are these reliable?

[Choguy03]

Welcom to MVS!

Volvos are great cars, but if you need to take them in to get fixed, things get expensive. If you are not a big time diy'er, cars around that mileage will need a timing belt replaced. It is $700 job, so ask when you buy the car if that has been done. That is expensive maintance, but must be done. Keep that in mind. And if you are a diy'er, we are here to help.

[yuckuJackD]

In case you could spend some more money, search for a 2004+ S80 ...

[boosted5cyl]

Proceed with EXTREME caution. The S80 is a great car........when its running well. Very comfortable, nice looks, acceptable handling, decent fuel economy.

However.....
The pre 2004 S80's are arguably the most complicated and least reliable cars Volvo have produced.
The T6 offers great power and torque, so much so that it munches transmissions to the tune of $2000+ a pop.
The 2.9 is pretty aneimic but munches transmissions less.
ETMs fail, expect to haemorrage $500 + labour there.
PCV system gets clogged probably $300 to get that done.
Timing belt, as mentioned will need to be done. If it has, make sure you get documentation that the tensioner, ALL rollers, the dampener and the water pump were done also, otherwise fuhhgettaboutit, it will need to be done again!

My advice, if you are not a DIY'er, look at a 2004+ S80 or another vehicle. I would say that a T6 that's at 100K and has not had a transmission replaced\rebuilt would be precarious, chances are you will be left with a bill for a replacement during your ownership. Look for a yellow as opposed to white sticker on the underneath of the inlet manifold. Yellow sticker means that the ETM was replaced so that should buy you some time in that regard.