I have an 86 740 non turbo with 330,000 miles. It's in good shape, but is sneaking up on it's third tranny (rebuild). Wife's mother wants to give us a 99 S-80 with 60,000 miles on it. She can't conceive that anyone would drive a car with as many miles on it as our GLE(she trades in her Subarus when they hit 20,000!!!). Are there any inherent problems with the S80? Do the require premium gas? I sure I'm letting my emotional attachment for the
740 enter into the decision, as I've had the car since it was new.
The S-80, I've discovered, is the "worst car since the Gremlin" in the words of one owner! The failures are many, the repairs expensive. But, as it was a gift (and beautiful) we're going to store our 740. It was a no brainer, which for me is critical.
For some reason I don't think your mother in law would give you a lemon of a car (unless you did something to piss her off... but even then her daughter would still have to drive it too). The S80 had a few outspoken owners who got a bad car it seems. After talking with a mechanic at my Volvo dealer he said the S80's are actually good cars... a few software updates later... he said it took a few years to work the bugs out... till about 2001/2002. He said the people who bought the original 850's probably spent more money on them, because of A/C failures and some early transmission problems. Now that's just one mechanics opinion, and there are more 850's then there are S80's sold... so who knows, he seemed to really like them, and pointed to his S80 in the parking lot, not sure of the model year, said it's been great tho, and that the majority of owners come in with just oil changes to do... and the odd software update :-).
Remeber, no one is outspoken when the car is flawless... only when something breaks, and a lot of times it's because of owner negligence or stupidity.
Actually, she bought the car from someone down the street. She figured that all Volvos are great based upon our experience. Anyhow, it's a done deal. She bought the car, and now it's ours. I hope it runs as good as it looks. The PO had everything done to it, service wise and update wise.
I just replaced the first small bulbs on my 4 year old S80, the right brake light (the first headlight went out last year). Haven't lost any positional lights after 62,000 miles.
Had an 84 760 Turbo, Loved it. Over 200,000 miles on it. LOVED IT!
Till it got hit by a drunk driver, and repairs would have exceeded even an enthusiast's wallet, prolly' 2-3,000 US to restore to it's glory. It was a very clean and straight 5 speed turbo, fairly rare around here. Extremely rare when searching for one, I found out.
Then I bought a 99 S-80, only because it was the nicest one I saw at a dealer lot while looking for an older 760/760. (Hard 2 find a decent older one, they're all being driven by people who won't sell them!)
I admit I wasn't terribly excited at first look, (the S80) but driving it convinced me. Very tight, responsive, yet feels like you're gliding in a leather couch when just cruising, which is what driving is all about.
The s80 had about 60,000 miles on it, and I have only had it about 4 months now.
No repairs to date, none at all. Not bad for a used car, of any make, in my book.
It's a different car for sure than the older models/design, but it's a real pleasure to drive, and performs very well , I have to say.
It's quick, easy on the gas, and did I mention it's very quick especially for a non turbo.
It does have many electronic features, and as with any car with all the toys, will no doubt have more things to keep up on in the future.
I am still hunting for an older model, but am very pleased with the S80 right now.
The stereo, although that should not be a major buying point for anyone/any car, is superb in this one. All the driver controls are laid out nicely, and of course safety on this model is state of the art, with side curtain airbags and all.
Have not had the pleasure of changing bulbs yet, but I do hear the headlamp assemblies are time consuming and expensive to change when they require it. (Is it really true the front bumper has to be partially disassembled for the r/r of the headlamp???)
My advice, enjoy the S80, I think a majority of the owners of the S80's are pleased with them; remember not all Volvo owners are in the newsgroups, and you mainly hear the bad news because a lot of people in here are looking for help.The people who have no problems are too busy driving around to check us out..
Glad your new (used) S80 is treating you as expected and that you took the time to chime in. Usually owners only speak up if something breaks.
As far as the front headlights is concerned, yes, it's true, the front bumper needs to be un-bolted to replace a headlight. Of course headlight bulbs can be replaced with no tools in under 2 minutes. The big job is necessary if a rock breaks a headlight lens. Just one of the quirks of a car with a very streamlined and integrated front end. Some owners use the vinyl headlight protection film to avoid this expense.
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