What used years, models to avoid? Topic is solved

850TurboTurtle · Post by **850TurboTurtle** » 23 Jan 2017, 16:45

I'm looking to get a $2000 second vehicle, and I'm looking at 99-2002 era used volvo sedans. In that range, what would be the most reliable volvo sedan, statistically? What engines or trannies to avoid? I'm open to S60 or S80.

Here in the Seattle area you can find a few good looking vehicles from that era every month.

Thanks for the advice.

mydamnvolvo · Post by **mydamnvolvo** » 25 Jan 2017, 08:24

For reliability, no s80, and no awd.I would get a 99 S70 if you can find one. Or go up to 2003-04. It'll save you the transmission.

Post by **matthew1** » 25 Jan 2017, 09:24

850TurboTurtle wrote:In that range, what would be the most reliable volvo sedan, statistically?

See http://www.truedelta.com/ They've got numbers. (The owner used to post here, soliciting us to give our data on our Volvos, as owners. I let him because it was very infrequent, and he was polite and linked back to MVS.)

850TurboTurtle · Post by **850TurboTurtle** » 09 Apr 2017, 22:39

Well, I found an S80 with dealer service receipts and decent miles in really good condition, so I bit. (The owner even had a volvo branded battery which tells me he did everything by the book.) Only $1500 but it needs a little work.

Anyways, thanks for the input! I had to jump quickly because our other car is dying fast, otherwise I would have caught this advice and looked a little further == but I like that truedelta link. Thanks Matthew.

Post by **June** » 10 Apr 2017, 01:01

850TurboTurtle wrote: ↑09 Apr 2017, 22:39 Well, I found an S80 with dealer service receipts and decent miles in really good condition, so I bit. (The owner even had a Volvo branded battery which tells me he did everything by the book.) Only $1500 but it needs a little work.

Anyways, thanks for the input! I had to jump quickly because our other car is dying fast, otherwise I would have caught this advice and looked a little further == but I like that truedelta link. Thanks Matthew.

Not to worry, I have driven S80 cars for years and found these cars to be safe and reliable. Don't worry about the rubbish people write on here about the "bad transmission " as I have owned two without any trouble. My current S80 T6 is now 13 years old with 135k and runs flawlessly with it's original engine, transmission, ac, and turbos. It seems suspension problems are common with age and mileage, abs pump or module failure, and a alarm module sounds like it also fails due to a international battery. My personal car has had the gambit of front suspension parts and the front rubber break lines need replacement in the last year where as the 12 years before were completely trouble free. Enjoy knowing you have a well built safe car, June

Legofan · Post by **Legofan** » 11 Apr 2017, 19:42

850TurboTurtle wrote: ↑09 Apr 2017, 22:39 Well, I found an S80 with dealer service receipts and decent miles in really good condition, so I bit. (The owner even had a Volvo branded battery which tells me he did everything by the book.) Only $1500 but it needs a little work.

Anyways, thanks for the input! I had to jump quickly because our other car is dying fast, otherwise I would have caught this advice and looked a little further == but I like that truedelta link. Thanks Matthew.

Good choice, what kind of mileage does it have? This will help us get you in the right direction with maintenance and repairs.

850TurboTurtle · Post by **850TurboTurtle** » 12 Apr 2017, 18:09

It's got 143k, recently had new Mass Air Meter and turbo control valve, new tires at 128,000 miles, PCV Breather box. I'll be doing the strut mounts and control arm bushings because dealer said they needed them. I'm also planning on a new tranny filter and fresh fluid just to make it a little happier for the next 100k.

Any other ideas?

Legofan · Post by **Legofan** » 12 Apr 2017, 19:13

850TurboTurtle wrote: ↑12 Apr 2017, 18:09 It's got 143k, recently had new Mass Air Meter and turbo control valve, new tires at 128,000 miles, PCV Breather box. I'll be doing the strut mounts and control arm bushings because dealer said they needed them. I'm also planning on a new tranny filter and fresh fluid just to make it a little happier for the next 100k.

Any other ideas?

Timing belt is overdue, have it replaced.

850TurboTurtle · Post by **850TurboTurtle** » 12 Apr 2017, 19:50

Ah, timing belt sticker in engine compartment says replaced at 118k. Should be good for another 100? Prev owner had receipts from dealership so I assume volvo certified parts. Even the battery is volvo brand, so I think he was an OEM kinda owner.

Also, the current problem is the throttle body module, causing reduced engine performance every 10 minutes, so naturally I'll be replacing that with a new Bosch OEM unit.

Legofan · Post by **Legofan** » 12 Apr 2017, 19:59

Ah, ok good, sounds like you'll be fine. As for the transmission, the dexron turns brown over time as it oxodizes and becomes acrid. Your 4T65EV-GT will thank you for doing a fluid exchange. I can also recommend a shift kit while you're in there. It'll make shifts crisper and help give it a longer life. You'll just use the accumulater parts.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008XO9ATC/re ... 7yb1Q6395D