Cheap S80 for sale, but is it worth it?

[cmblackburn]

The 2.9 NA also has the 4 speed GM. Why worry about a possible transmission problem?

Yes, but it doesn't have two turbos bolted to the back of it.
The problem with using a 4T65EV-GT in the T6 is that the clutches simply cannot handle the torque output of that engine. Volvo knew this going in but it was the only automatic they could transversely mount behind the i6.

[mydamnvolvo]

How much? I would also try to drive it and look under it if necessary. If she really needs a car, and this one does not suffice, look for a late model 850, 960, or 2003+ Volvo.

[RocketUSA]

Ok, went to look at the vehicle. This is a family owned foreign auto repair shop with a good reputation. They've got multiple generations working there, and have been in business almost 30 years at that location. They said it only needs catalytic converters, and otherwise is in good shape. They said they're not interested in doing the repairs themselves because it's just not worth their shop time to do it, they'd simply break even. So, they're selling as a 'parts car' only, as they can't legally sell a car with faulty emissions. I'd have to tow it. They're asking $600, but I'm betting I could talk them down from there as it's been listed for a while. Most Volvo owners around here wouldn't be interested in a "tow away" car. I asked how hard it would be for me to do the repair myself, and the mechanic wrinkled his nose and asked if I had a lift. I said no, and he said yea, it would be tough. But, I'm a shade tree mechanic who's used to crawling around on the ground, and he's a mechanic who's gotten used to a lift. Not sure though, I've never changed a catalytic converter.

[Legofan]

It`s worth remembering that not every single T6 will have a transmission problem. The T6 does have a failure rate higher than normal, but not everyone will have an issue. If you do the expense for a replacement is much less than trying to buy a car with similar attributes. ie. BMW, Audi or Mercedes. Don`t even think one of those will not need something super expensive replaced.

Unless the car dies for another reason first, or someone does drain and fill services on a regular basis (30-45k) I think they all WILL die. It is just a fact of the compromise in design and the nincompoop marketing ploy that will spell their doom. However, they are still comfy, safe cars for the right drivers. And going in with knowledge is the best strategy.
If I were to buy a T-6, I'd look for a crashed parts car to get a spare trans from. I have saved the original from my XC90 for that reason. (haven't rebuilt it yet, but it's on the radar!)

And to quote an MVS sage-The most expensive Volvo you will own is the one you buy cheap

But-OP that only applies to the twin-turbo cars, the N/A cars are within the parameters for the particular transmission.

All transmissions die, that's a pretty reasonable assumption. You only hear about the ones that die here, never the ones that last. Mine has 141k, no issues. Some die around 75k, it's not a great transmission but, to call them all bad is not realistic. That said, a replacement from Triple Edge is less than 2k w/upgrades.

I love my 01T6 and yes, it's had it's very frustrating issues that have been resolved. I'm not going to sugar coat it though, these older P2 cars can get expensive to fix.

[Legofan]

Just be careful a lot of parts especially electronic parts are not super expensive but almost always require some sort of programming by the dealer.

Ah yes, of course. The dealer wanted $400 for an extra key due to not only programming, but buying the software that would be programmed. Highway robbery, in my book.

Excellent points, thank you both.

Call around, I got a new key fob w/programming for just over $200. I got quotes as high as $500. Reasonable numbers would be $110 for the remote, $75 for labor and $35 for the software.

Get used to buying software for anything you add to the car BTW.

[Legofan]

Ok, went to look at the vehicle. This is a family owned foreign auto repair shop with a good reputation. They've got multiple generations working there, and have been in business almost 30 years at that location. They said it only needs catalytic converters, and otherwise is in good shape. They said they're not interested in doing the repairs themselves because it's just not worth their shop time to do it, they'd simply break even. So, they're selling as a 'parts car' only, as they can't legally sell a car with faulty emissions. I'd have to tow it. They're asking $600, but I'm betting I could talk them down from there as it's been listed for a while. Most Volvo owners around here wouldn't be interested in a "tow away" car. I asked how hard it would be for me to do the repair myself, and the mechanic wrinkled his nose and asked if I had a lift. I said no, and he said yea, it would be tough. But, I'm a shade tree mechanic who's used to crawling around on the ground, and he's a mechanic who's gotten used to a lift. Not sure though, I've never changed a catalytic converter.

At this price I would pass, I'm about to get a parts car for $500 and strip it. I would never think of getting it driveable. Whatever you think it might cost for the converters, double that price. In the end, you might be buying a $5000 parts car.

[RocketUSA]

At this price I would pass, I'm about to get a parts car for $500 and strip it. I would never think of getting it driveable. Whatever you think it might cost for the converters, double that price. In the end, you might be buying a $5000 parts car.

It's driveable, only a "parts car" in name, and I found the catalytic converters for $200. I don't see this ballooning to $5000, but I get your point.

[June]

As you can see this is not a popular model on here, due to the USA built transmission. In my eyes that is not the concern here if the fluid is not burned, has chunks floating, and is known by driving to be good now. It is a safe cheap car. My real question is why are the cats bad? They don't just go bad, but must be damaged by a improper running engine, or be submerged in water while hot. I learned the latter in Tampa in the 80's when my houses neighborhood would flood regularly up to the bottom of the car doors and my car kept having the chunk inside the converter bust and rattle. I went through several converters before I found out not to drive in high water while the system is hot. So unless flooded roads are common where you live, I would have to wonder what is not right with the engine management systems to wipe out the converters.

You did hear it run, or better yet drive it? How did things look under the hood? It is true to take the car to Volvo Service is expensive, my dealership charges $140 per hour. Really aer any brand's dealer cheep? June

[oragex]

They don't just go bad, but must be damaged by a improper running engine, or be submerged in water while hot. I learned the latter in Tampa in the 80's when my houses neighborhood would flood regularly up to the bottom of the car doors and my car kept having the chunk inside the converter bust and rattle. I went through several converters before I found out not to drive in high water while the system is hot.

Never thought about this, great info

[RocketUSA]

That's a great point. I might just ask the mechanic if he's got any ideas what happened. I might go back today, but still wavering.