My first Volvo less then 17 years old

aahmes57 · Post by **aahmes57** » 27 Feb 2018, 07:34

Hello folks,
I'am hoping for some guidance for a possible purchase for my daughter of a 2005 S80, 101k, AWD, 2.5T, for $4950. Looks really clean, non smoker, garage kept. So he says. One owner well maintained. Black/Black. Pre-Pkg. Is there anything in this model and year that I should pay particular attention too? Awaiting the vin so I can see exactly what it is.
Appreciate any guidance.

Thanks John

Post by **Rattnalle** » 27 Feb 2018, 07:39

The awd system is a weak point. Personally I'd avoid cars with awd but if it fits otherwise just make sure it actually works and then do oil changes for it. It's not a service point but should be done anyway, like the transmission.

Other than that the model specific problems were mostly worked out by 05. The engine is solid and very nice to drive and some early electrical issues are sorted.

Post by **Rattnalle** » 27 Feb 2018, 07:44

Oh and the seats from the P2 S80 are probably the best Volvo has ever made.

Post by **June** » 27 Feb 2018, 08:27

Rattnalle wrote: ↑27 Feb 2018, 07:44 Oh and the seats from the P2 S80 are probably the best Volvo has ever made.

Yes the 1999-2006 S80 seat is the best Volvo seat. More comfortable in my opinion than the new XC90 S90 Inscription seat. The 05-06 seat had the seat bottom adjust up down independent of the seat back allowing the lumbar support position to be moveable.

Control arms, axle boots, break assist pump motor, alarm module are some other weak points. I agree old AWD should be avoided. Also with all Volvo engines the PCV system must be checked and timing belt service if not done by the dealer seen on Carfax or with recipes from Volvo assume job incomplete. Jo tire store cannot be trusted to have completed the timing belt service correctly. It is cheaper to do timing belt service again than risk the wheels and tensioner have not been replaced with quality parts and a jumped belt taking the engine out. What I am saying is the price should reflect the need of a timing belt service unless Volvo has done the work or a mechanic you happen to use and trust remotely worked for the previous owner too and completed the service. Personally I prefer the T6 to the 5, but I am the minority.

Some of the nice options if you can find one equipped are the 8XX stereo, HID headlights, air quality monitor, CCCC, and most of all for a female the heartbeat monitor equipped alarm. My 2002 S80 T6 had all those options and my 2004 S80 T6 does not. I miss every one. The navigation system and phone with On call are not supported any more so are useless. With the heartbeat monitor sensing alarm prevents children and pets from accidentally being locked into the car and a perpetrator from hiding in the back seat. Any living thing inside the car sets the alarm off. Anyway looking at used S80 1999-2006 those are some options worth looking for in potential S80 cars. Good luck! June

Post by **Rattnalle** » 27 Feb 2018, 08:35

The 6 is more powerful for sure but the 2.5T with an automatic is still a relaxed yet powerful enough engine to drive and its very well paired with the automatic. It needs a few more revs to come to life than the six though.

aahmes57 · Post by **aahmes57** » 27 Feb 2018, 09:26

Thank you for the Advice. I guess I'm a little disapointed about the AWD (daughter has to have) But it fits.
I have an appointment tonight. Of course the T-belt has to be done Thanks. I'll do that if I buy it. Like you said, you know it's done and done right with the right parts. Thanks for the tip on the AWD oil change. Never thought of it.
Thanks
John

Post by **Rattnalle** » 27 Feb 2018, 09:29

AWD is for off road vehicles

. But as long as the system works it's OK. It can be repaired if it doesn't but make sure to adjust the price accordingly.

Post by **June** » 27 Feb 2018, 10:09

Rattnalle wrote: ↑27 Feb 2018, 09:29 AWD is for off road vehicles . But as long as the system works it's OK. It can be repaired if it doesn't but make sure to adjust the price accordingly.

Also consider with AWD tires must match wear wise. My 98 V70 had endless trouble with the AWD after a tire blew when the car was a year old less than 15K on the odometer. The new tire with the three original tires destructed the AWD. I had warranty, but after the original problem it seemed the system had endless trouble after that. Also here in Florida durring the summer the transmission puked it's fluid if driven at highway speed above 75mph more than a half hour. I think the AWD was too much for the automatic in hot weather. Volvo could not fix that problem and is primarily why I bought the 2002 S80 T6 in the end of 01 to get away from the 5cyl transmission problem plaguing the 2001 and presumably 02 at that time. Simply I will never own a AWD EVER again. I would feel different if I lived where AWD was needed regularly, then only new and I would be really careful about tires and service. June

Post by **Rattnalle** » 27 Feb 2018, 10:26

The newer systems are supposed to be much more forgiving when it comes to different tyre wear than the old ones.

Post by **June** » 27 Feb 2018, 10:42

Rattnalle wrote: ↑27 Feb 2018, 10:26 The newer systems are supposed to be much more forgiving when it comes to different tyre wear than the old ones.

Is a 05 the "new system" or old like my 1998 was? If the 05 S80 has the type on my 1998 V70 GT Cross Country I felt he should be warned to be careful about mismatched tire wear while looking at the car and what not to do if a tire needs replacement in the future. My dealer tried to tell me last year what you are saying about the 2017 S90 T6 which only comes AWD and not to worry how the new AWD system is forgiving. Truthfully they can keep it, and I don't want a T5 to get FWD I had that bad of a experience with AWD. Really it is a pleasure to drive my 2004 S80 T6 FWD even all these years later. June