Best years for S80's

Melissa-K · Post by **Melissa-K** » 16 Jun 2014, 23:27

Title says it. I'd really like to get an s80 so I'm trying to narrow down my search. I know to stay away from the early 2000s and the T6 ones. Other than that, which years do you guys like?

matt5112 · Post by **matt5112** » 17 Jun 2014, 04:02

The V8s seem pretty good, but the transmissions can still develop issues. The downside there is they are not cheap to rebuild.

You can fix the 4T65e for 2000-2500. I do really mean fix as in 200 000+ mile rebuild. The electrical was better in 2002+ as the abs module and etm were replaced with a better design. Be aware, the better units still fail. The cem is prone to overheating in the 2004 and earlier cars. The newer P2 cars had the cem in a spot prone to water damage.

In short, P2 still has all of that suspension and electrical concern, but P3, doesn't have as much modification options compared to P2.

Post by **chrism** » 17 Jun 2014, 08:23

Rule of thumb: The years/models you see for sale the most are the worst cars.

When we were looking at S80s a few years ago, the advice I got from our local independent Volvo repair shop was to steer clear of any six cylinder cars and steer clear any dual turbo charged cars. At the time that meant the only option was the 2.5T which meant 2004 or 2005 and newer. We ended up with a 2005 which has been a good car. Although not 100% flawless, I'd have to say the few failures we've experienced were well within reason given the age and mileage at which they occurred. Mostly we've just dealt with normal maintenance issues like worn rotors and PCV servicing.

I'm clueless as to the later years with the 3.2 liter engines, etc. But generally Volvos tend to improve with each newer year of a given configuration. If I had to go out today and replace our S80 with another S80, chances are I would forced into looking at the P3 unless I stumbled across a P2 so that was just so well cared for that "couldn't say No", but the chances of that would probably be slim at best. I would probably avoid the first year or two of any configuration. Also, I don't know your budget. The challenge is that we don't know which years will end up being the "good ones" until they've been on the road for several years. Talk to some Volvo-only mechanics - they know which ones are lemons. Then you have to search high and low for one that's been well cared for. And then you find that nobody wants to sell a car that's working well. Hence the rule of thumb at the beginning of this rambling. Good luck!

Post by **jimmy57** » 17 Jun 2014, 09:35

late P2 S80 5 cylinder or 2008 or later P3 S80. P3 is better than P2. Front suspension issues with any bushing or sway bar end links is rare. Brakes last longer generally with the exception that some get sticking electric parking brake and will wear rear pads prematurely.

Post by **chrism** » 17 Jun 2014, 10:15

Jimmy57,

Do you know what the last year was for the 2.4/2.5 family of engines in both the S80 and S60? (Assuming that engine may have been used later in the S60 than the S80 for instance.)

Post by **Oly_850** » 17 Jun 2014, 11:00

The 1999 - 2002 models have weak transmissions that give out around 150k, aside from the electonic throttle module weakness, and the maintenance / expense of dual turbos, the 2.8 6cyl is a fine engine nearly identical in every important respect to their 5 cyl cousins. If you want to just buy one, put gas in it and drive it, I'd stick with 2003+ as a starting place. If you're a glutton for punishment or just want a project, you can pick up early models very cheaply.

Post by **matthew1** » 17 Jun 2014, 16:32

chrism wrote:And then you find that nobody wants to sell a car that's working well.

... why I always recommend asking why they're selling, when looking at a car. It can seem nosy, so I just phrase it "If you don't mind, can I ask why you're selling?"

More tips in MVS Volvo Buyer's Guide.

Post by **jimmy57** » 17 Jun 2014, 17:59

chrism wrote:Jimmy57,

Do you know what the last year was for the 2.4/2.5 family of engines in both the S80 and S60? (Assuming that engine may have been used later in the S60 than the S80 for instance.)

The 5 cylinder "white" engines are still in use in 2015 Volvo S60 P3 and V60 in North America. The P2 S60 used it through its last year, 2010,

Post by **Oly_850** » 17 Jun 2014, 18:57

One note on white engines:

The B5254 2.4L 20v was designed specifically for the 850 and came to America in 1993. These units were designed to last 'at least' 200,000 miles according to the Volvo design team reports. Unless abused, or pushed WAY beyond design limits, the only thing I've see go horribly wrong on these motors are broken timing belts (sorry, change it will 'ya?), and headgaskets from poor cooling system care. There's the usual accessory stuff like starters and the like, but that I've seen, these motors just keep going. If you do a valve job and headgasket @ 150k with your timing belt, you'll be sick of the car before it fails you.