About to buy a 2000 S80

p0peye · Post by **p0peye** » 11 Apr 2007, 19:42

I'm about to get approved for the loan that will put a 2000 S80 T6 in my garage and I was hoping that I could get some information here.

I didn't do much shopping but this car stuck out and I had to have a closer look. I was assured that a strut mount was replaced (due to a clunk) and that the timing belt had been replaced (as part of routine maintenance).

It has 98K miles on it, appears to be solid, but here's what I discovered:

1. A tapping (or clicking) sound with the engine running - sounds like valve lash.
2. Oil accumulating under the engine on the right side of the car - around the front of the engine (dealer suggested that it was caused by the replacement of the timing belt)
3. Weak rear shocks.
4. Power sun roof did not operate.
5. Visor mirror lights did not work.
6. Map lights did not work (but the dome lights came on when the door was open)
7. Power door lock button did not work. (however, the keychain remote operated the door locks)

Although some of this stuff seems minor for the price that I'm getting the car for, and the stealer...oops...I mean dealer says that he will repair all that concerns me; but numbers 1 and 2 above throw a flag up.

Now for the questions:
1. Do the I6 turbos have dual overhead cams?
2. Is it possible to "unstick" a sticky valve without removing the heads?
3. Do these motors have a timing belt or chain?
4. Is it part of the Volvo maintenance schedule to replace the timing belt at 100K miles?
5. Am I nuts for buying a car with so many problems?

Thanks for your help in advance...you don't have to answer the last question...I think I already know that I'm nuts, and I'm certain it doesn't have anything to do with buying a car.

Tom

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 11 Apr 2007, 20:40

Tom, these S80's are notorious for problems....up through '01. Avoid this one at all costs. Even if you get what seems to need repairing taken care of, there will most likely be one thing after another.

LaRy · Post by **LaRy** » 12 Apr 2007, 14:01

Reply concerning the following question: A tapping (or clicking) sound with the engine running - sounds like valve lash.
I had somthing similar in my S80 from 2005, just at idling and in neutral (manual shift). Does the car have manual shift gearbox? Then it could be the teeth wheels in the gearbox, they are very tight to each other in neutral gear and are actually hitting each other slightly. This depends on the fact that the engine is not rotating smothly at idling, it has some rapid increase in speed at each firing. Normally a gearbox use to have some damping unit to avoid this, but S80 does not have that damper. Anyway, in my warranty case they changed the clutch and flywheel to another design, and now the clicking sound is gone. But as the Volvo workshop said, it will not break anything or harm anything, it is just a harmless sound.

p0peye · Post by **p0peye** » 12 Apr 2007, 19:12

LaRy wrote:Does the car have manual shift gearbox?

Thanks for the information, but it's an automatic.

p0peye · Post by **p0peye** » 12 Apr 2007, 19:17

MadeInJapan wrote:Tom, these S80's are notorious for problems....

What kinds of problems?

Are they the sort that requires replacement of expensive parts or very costly dealership maintenance?

I'm interested because the wife loves the car...has loved the style since they first came out...and we just got the loan approved. I can't break her heart now.

Also, I'm an experienced mechanic. which doesn't hurt.

Tom

<edited from here>

I'm not certain if you just don't know what I'm asking or the problems you are referring to are quick and/or inexpensive fixes.

I bought a different S80 due to some issues with the other dealer.

Bottom line is that I'm very happy with the car, but would still like to know what the problems might be.

Thanks,
Tom