2000 S80 Non-Turbo 6 cyl

Post by **rmmagow** » 15 Sep 2014, 08:32

2000 Volvo s80 sedan 145,000 miles. Nice clean car, new timing belt, throttle body
and more. Needs nothing. Comes inspected.
Not a turbo.

Is this a decent car like this? Quasi-reliable? I know this small Volvo only dealer/repair shop. Car looks pretty good. I am not terrified by the car but am asking a general question at to its trouble spots. To be used by my wife for mainly in-town driving and once a week by me for 100 mile commute.
Thanks

Post by **regent** » 15 Sep 2014, 08:44

Needs nothing... right now. How about a few thou down the road?
It sounds like a nice offer after all (depending on price) but I'd still ask them a few questions about mounts and suspension work, brakes, power steering, transmission, oxygen sensors - all maintenance records if available - if it's a reputable stealership this kind of info should be readily available

jbkeene · Post by **jbkeene** » 15 Sep 2014, 09:06

I have the same with 125k miles.

had to replace the throttle body (was a known problem by Volvo) but had exceeded the 10-year, 100k mile free swap out program.

It runs great if maintained.

Post by **kahl** » 15 Sep 2014, 09:28

These cars have a horrible reputation, WTBS I have a 2000 S80 N/A and it has been great. With the info you posted it appears to be in good shape. The only item I would have done is the changing of the transmission fluid. the dealer charges me $250.00 for a detergent flush.

There is a reason I see these S80 s in near perfect condition in bone yards. Though my car has been great I sometimes feel that I am sitting on a time bomb. If the price is good it may be a bargain.

Post by **rmmagow** » 15 Sep 2014, 10:44

Does the tranny fluid change work the same? Drain some out, replace, repeat a few times? I'm guessing it is the 3309 type fluid and just so happens I have a case in my garage. They may have done that already. They are known for great mechanical work, guy and his son.

Post by **kahl** » 15 Sep 2014, 11:09

What I have done is completely different from a drain and fill. Both of the tranny hoses are coupled on to a machine. With the car running this machine pumps in some kind of magical Volvo detergent. After 10 minutes of running the new tranny fluid is pumped into transmission. This procedure has been done every 30 K miles.

The transmission is a GM. I would consult the owners manual for the correct fluid specification. The turbo S80 seem to eat these transmissions up on a regular basis. Not so much for the N/A S80 but an ounce of prevention is a pound of cure.

jbkeene · Post by **jbkeene** » 16 Sep 2014, 10:22

I would drop the pan and change the filter.
filter kit comes with new pan gasket and filter

refill with fresh oil, drive for 6 months, and then flush

IPD provides a great flush kit to change the fluid 100%...which is what you want

I'm using the proper formula Castrol synthetic now...smooth as butter

you will see all kinds of warnings on this forum about doing what I did with the synthetic, but I've had no problems

I wouldn't use 3309...needs to be DEX III or equivalent

Bearly Bear · Post by **Bearly Bear** » 16 Oct 2014, 09:47

"proper formula Castrol synthetic"...

Can you be exact ? I have heard lots of advice, some good some bad, some f*%#g hilarious, just want to be sure about what I tell the guy to put in, as well as any "Friction Modifiers".

Thanx

Post by **jimmy57** » 16 Oct 2014, 15:18

GM gearbox used Dexron/Mercon fluid. The simpler,cheaper stuff. It will says meets specs for transmissions requiring Mercon or Dexron I, II, or III.
The fluids that meet the more recent and more stringent specs is usually listed for Mercon/Dexron III also.

Post by **rmmagow** » 20 Oct 2014, 11:17

So this is a drop-the-pan type tranny? Pretty easy to change fluids and filter then. Only GM tranny I ever worked on was in an S10. I changed fluid in it every 50K or so and the truck ran to 250K before rusting out.