2001 S80 Is It Worth Taking A Chance?

Post by **MoVolvos** » 30 May 2014, 17:02

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I am posting here also since this is where I post the most and this section seems to get more views... Move or delete as necessary at the discretion of the Moderators. Thank you.

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Original owner and wife have 7 cars so they are downsizing. They just want it gone so no info on the problem(s). Is this worth taking a look at for a friend who will drive it from the train station to her work (3 miles) and back to the station to park overnight. Any input would be appreciated!

Volvo S80 (mechanic special) - $1000 (walnut creek)
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/4485097403.html

Blessings,
BKM
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Post by **matthew1** » 30 May 2014, 17:24

Search for my posts on my dad's S80 here.

(I usually laugh when I see the words "mechanic's special" on CL ads. More often than not, it's a last jab before scrap. I've seen everything but "Currently, it's on fire," but I'll probably see that soon too.)

Honest question, not rhetorical: how many owners choose to sell without getting a quote/details?

Post by **cn90** » 30 May 2014, 17:25

People always advise me to stay away from 2001-2003 S80 thingy.
Stick to 2005-07 S80 with 2.5T engine.

$1000 seems cheap, so you have extra cash to fix ETM and all that jazz.

Post by **matthew1** » 30 May 2014, 18:56

It's a little earlier in the life... 1999 MY. S80 debut.

On the flipside, it's got great ride characteristics. The suspension is quiet, composed and directs the car down the highway with grace. The car wants to eat highway miles by the hundreds. I suspect it would be a very good road trip car. The ride difference between it and my 850 is immediately noticeable to me.

My dad gets 24mpg around town... not "city", but mixed.

Post by **matthew1** » 30 May 2014, 19:06

Some helpful links:

... all found in the Volvo Buyer's Guide, which is a section found in the Volvo Repair Database.

Post by **kahl** » 30 May 2014, 19:08

if the car is a non turbo it may be worth inspecting. read the codes and see where the problem lies. also see what maint needs to be done such as TB, tranny fluid and suspension. these S80s can bite so be careful.

MyS40T4 · Post by **MyS40T4** » 30 May 2014, 23:18

Hi BKM

My 2 cents worth...

I think the question you need to ask yourself, is do you feel lucky? Well do ya BKM?

If you were doing the maintenance yourself and it's been reasonably well maintained in the past (documents to back it up and signs of it being cared for under the bonnet), then yes, it might be worth a chance. As mentioned by others, the gearboxes are weak and at 137k miles, it might need some big $$ spent to maintain it even if it's doing short distances. I bought a 2000 T6 with fewer miles, no codes and in reasonable condition/service history and it's still needed a bucket load spending on it. It came with a new ETM, recon turbos, timing belt done etc.

Given my time again, despite how much I love driving it, I'd run away and buy something newer/less troublesome!

Cheers,

Chris

Post by **MoVolvos** » 30 May 2014, 23:51

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

by boosted5cyl » 07 Jun 2011, 20:22

If you are looking for ANY kind of older "luxury" car. You have to pay to play, theres no way around it. Pay in time or money, the choice is yours, either way it's rarely cheap.

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The car is for a friend. I can't spend her money nor do I have the time to be her mechanic. Thanks everyone for all the input and 2 cents. From everyones experience the car would seem like a dream to drive that is when it is running. I am really tempted to offer $500 and buy it for myself but at last neither time nor money is readily available at my disposal. Don't feel lucky so I will have to PASS!

Blessings,
BKM
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Post by **Oly_850** » 03 Jun 2014, 17:43

Early S80's can be money pits because of the transmissions, especially the turbos, but if you have time and cash to throw at it, it's worth like $4k in good run in shape. $500 is a great deal if the body is straight. That said, it's a project. I'd buy it in a hot minute, but I'm into it, have the tools, cash and time to fiddle with it for six months. You probably should walk. Spend $2500 on a 1997 - 2003 V70/S70 and you'll be a happy man. Mostly because your girlfriend won't kill you.