Any Advice On What To Check Before Buying a 2000 S80?

ideffects · Post by **ideffects** » 02 Oct 2011, 01:16

Hey Everyone,

I'm new here and to Volvo's & I am looking for some advice on what things check before buying a 2000 S80 6T with a 100,000 miles on it. What are the common expensive downfalls of this car and what to be weary of?

Also, the seller is being upfront stating the car just begun leaking from what he thinks is the valve cover(I will inspect closer when viewing) and he was going to bring it to a mechanic before selling. He also indicated that he might be flexible on the price due to this. I do work on my own cars and boat and have replaced valve covers before on other engines. How difficult is this job and could it be an indication of a larger problem?

Thanks for the suggestions!

Post by **Juan62** » 02 Oct 2011, 02:21

Welcome to Matthews Volvo Site/Forum;
Be objective...
1. Oil Cap rubber seal (bad). Replace. Check for Fram Trap (PCV) system/kit, vacuum hoses, radiator hoses, (fluids for appearance), TB, Serp belt and components (last time changed), AC and Heater (does it work), electrical switches (interior), suspension, brakes, engine and tranny mounts...will give you an idea of what to expect after purchase.

Post by **matthew1** » 02 Oct 2011, 04:07

Yes, welcome, IDE.

Go here https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/search.php and search with keyword S80 and author matthew1. My dad has a '99 S80. You have to know what you're getting into.

Esnoyer · Post by **Esnoyer** » 02 Oct 2011, 09:53

I purchased an 02 S80, Kept it for 1 month.The computer never quit showing problems ,mirror , sun roof, windows, check engine light came on all the time,it seemed every warning light that car had would come on,each time no fault found,
Dealer cancelled the lights, but it just kept happening..I traded up to my 03 V70 which will be my last Volvo..
I raced both my first volvo a 544 as well as the 122 Amazom ,Never had the problems as I have with my last 2 cars

Post by **Matty Moo** » 04 Oct 2011, 01:59

I won't beat around the bush.

Don't do it.

filichino · Post by **filichino** » 15 Oct 2011, 03:48

I seriously regret that I purchased a used 99 volvo S80 T6. Multiple problems began to happen, failed throttle (which costed me over $1000 in towing+parts+labor), SRS failure and ABS failure. In the one year that I have owned this car the dashboard now looks brighter than my xmas tree due to all the CEL codes it flags. To repair most of these issues at the dealership will cost me close to what I paid for the car. Don't buy it, just my two cents.........

Post by **fazool** » 15 Oct 2011, 07:54

Apparently there are probs. My former boss was aghast I would buy a Volvo. He has a similar vintage S80 and said it was a total lemon.

Post by **dcarlson12** » 15 Oct 2011, 22:23

Ah come on guys, tell what you really think and don't beat around the bush.

I bought a 99 S80-T6 with just under 100,000 miles on it.
Didn't do any research ahead of time and probably would not have bought it if I had.
The previous owner who is an executive with a large electronic gaming company had owned it after buying it off a lease. He had taken care of a lot of stuff both in and out of warranty. eg. ETC, ABS module, strut/spring seats, etc. He liked it so much even with all the money he had spent on repairs that he bought a new 2008 S80 V8 AWD, so go figure.

I paid $7900.00 for it in 2008 which think was about $1000 too much at the time considering that I then had to almost immediately do the timing belt which I did along with the water pump, idlers and tensioner just to be safe.
Have spent about $2000 at the dealer for stuff that I would NOT consider needing normal replacement if the car was designed properly. eg. leaking turbo lines, replaced ignition tumbler and 'PCV' system.
Other items were left wheel hub after bearing started to howl, siren module, lava lamp/self dimming mirror, timing belt et al, brake rotors and pads on front but these latter are items which I would expect to need replacement on any 12 year old car so I am a bit forgiving.
I must say that if had not purchased the Diagnostic Tool PPC from BSR in Sweden to check and reset the CEL and other DTC's I would not be able to afford sending it to the dealer considering the numbers of times such lights have come on.
The trouble is that the car is so damned comfortable and kicks butt in other ways that I have put up with all the annoyances. We later bought a 94, 96 and 97 850's based upon the comfort and features of the S80. I am scanning Craigs list for an 850 with low mileage and would be in a dilemma as to whether I should sell the S80 and buy an 850, if I were to find one. It is a love hate relationship and I think the next big failure would be the transmission which would likely cost about $3000 to have rebuilt. It will be a hard decision if and when that time comes.....
Don't know if I have been any help with making your decision. Just remember it will be an 11 year old car so don't expect it to run and feel and be as reliable as a Japanese 'tin can'. It will feel great to drive and when it runs it will run well but reliability?????