The wife and I have owned Volvos for the last 33 years - all RWD so far. The current wifemobile, a 1990 740 with 180,000 miles, has served us well but is starting to look a bit rough both inside and out. Mechanically it could use some drive train repairs to return it to a smooth, quiet cruiser again. Also, a couple minor problems under the hood recently have caused some no-starts and the wife is becoming skeptical about it's reliability (although those seem to be cured now). Bottom line - - she's starting to check out newer cars.

A modern-day replacement to the 740 appears to be the S80 non-turbo. But I hear some unfavorable opinions about that car. Seriously, what's up with the S80? Is it nothing but trouble? Is it OK if you avoid certain years? What types of issues can be expected?

I'm able to perform nearly all the required wrenching on the 740. Would I be held ransom by the mechanics if I owned an S80?

I'd appreciate any comments, opinions, and advice.

I have owned Volvo's since 1967. I presently have a 2004 S80 with 85K and have only replaced a wiper washer motor(which was a Ford product) and a fuel door spring. It gets about 30 MPG. The wiper blades are hard to find because Volvo choose to use a blade with an odd ball attachment. Since Ford bought into Volvo I don't think they are the cars they used to be. As a matter of fact I drive a Toyota - the Volvo is my wife's car. The Camry is one of the best cars on the road and I think it will give me better service than the Volvo. I think Volvos are over priced, over rated and I don't think they are worth it anymore.

Thanks for all the comments. Our local Volvo independent shop tells me to steer clear of the older 2.9's and look at the 2.5 turbo instead. He also said to try stay in the newer years like about 2003 and up. We drove a 2005 with the 2.5 turbo powerplant last weekend and I was surprised at the get up and go. It drove real nice, smooth, and quiet. It had 65,000 miles but appeared to be very well cared for. I could live with it.

Are they all low pressure turbos?

A 2005 Lexus ES330 also caught her eye, but the only one we've driven so far appears to have lived a pretty rough live. It had some sort of front wheel balance issue that made it drive like a cheap Asian car. Also the Carfax revealed some sort of previous accident damage and a history of being auctioned about three times. We need to find a nicer one in order to make a more fair judgement.

Wish us luck. I'll let you all know what we end up with.

New Volvos from 1999- are just the name. The cars are no different than the majority out there. The problem is that Volvo wants to make a luxury car for the price of a Toyota. I would buy the Toyota because there are not gimmicks and pretends.

Hi Chris,

One additional thought about the S80--turning radius is much larger than on the 240 series cars, so it takes some getting used to. Because I drive the 245 almost every day, it's sometimes a little weird parking wife's S80 (when she lets me drive it).

Hope this helps!

Steve A-

Hey Steve,

The turning radius is due to the S80 being FWD. All FWD cars have a larger steering radius than RWD cars.

It takes some getting used to, but you won't really notice it after a while....

Calvin,

Thanks--it's especially true of FWD cars with engines mounted "sideways," as my old SAAB and Audi were much better than the S80. I just wanted to remind Chris so it wouldn't be quite the surprise for him that it was (is?) for me . . . .

Thanks again,

Steve A-

Steve,

I do appreciate that observation. The tight turning radius of the RWD models is definitely something I've enjoyed over the years. You've got my curiosity up - I think I'll see if I can find specs on both the 740 vs S80.

Hi Chris,

Like you, our Volvo experience was all RWD (68 122S, 76 240, 83 245GL [now with V8], 83 245 Diesel, 83 244ti, 91 244, plus various 240-series strays, cast-offs, etc.). After driving our 245GL for 19 years--and two breakdowns in two months--wife deserved a new car.

Over a period of 2-3 weeks, she test drove just about everything from Acura to VW. I was really surprised when she picked the S80, as it was car I'd never considered. She picked out a used/"program" car, 2005 S80 2.5 with the low-pressure turbo, with about 20k miles on it--we got it for less than a new Accord. Wife loves the car--and it has really grown on me too. Comfortable, very quick for its size, and pretty good mileage too (she averages 21-22 mpg around town, and we usually see 30-31 mpg if we can keep it under 75 on the interstate).

As far as problems, steering rack was replaced under warranty--other than that, it's been pretty much bullet-proof. So far, MX is relatively easy--air filter is easier than on the 240s, though oil filter requires a special wrench (Assenmacher Specialty Tool is a great one). Not looking forward to doing a timing belt or a water pump though. Also, no Bentley manual (I'm using a 2005 VADIS disc I got on ebay--good info, but clumsy to use).

Currently repairing damage from a fender bender--parts are expensive, but I'm very impressed with how the car is put together. Doing most of the work myself (inner/outer tie rods, downlinks, headlight, strut, etc.), though body and paint will be sublet.

Hope this helps--let me know if you have any other questions.

Best regards,

Steve A-

Volvos are bricks.

Volvo, for life.

http://www.crashtest.com/volvo/ie.htm

Nissans are reliable, BUT.....

http://www.crashtest.com/nissan/ie.htm

The S60 is now on Consumer Reports best bets in used cars list.

http://autos.yahoo.com/consumerreports/article/best_and_worst_used_cars.html

Beyond Volvo, for economical realiability and safety, check out an '02 or later Honda Odyssey (prior to '02 had transmission problems).

http://www.crashtest.com/honda/ie.htm

Good luck.

Calvin

2000 V70 (96K)
2000 Honda Odyssey (151K)
1998 S70 (171K)

I too have pondered this question and have come to the conclusion that it isn't so much model years with the S80 but drivetrains. Certainly 2.9s got better over the years but the 2.5Ts were always good. They started in 2004 and ran through the end in 06. By 06 they had dropped the 2.9 altogether so everything was 2.5T. The 05/06 2.5Ts had a better (and indeed very good) EPA rating (21/30) than the 04s (18/28). The 05s still had 16 inch wheels standard then the 06s got 17 inch. To me this points to an 05 being the best year, but a matter of personal choice on wheels. These cars aren't cheap, yet, mid to high teens, but almost certain to go down as the best S80s. They have the engine and transmission that served the S60s so well. Just a whole lot more car than a Nissan in my view.

Thanks for the background on that model. As with so many other models, it sounds like they matured with age. Unfortunately, my budget will likely restrict me from persuing the later versions, in which case I may have to look at other brands.

Did I miss something? Why not the 850 or S70? Cheap (relatively), plentiful and pretty darn nice. Don't abandon Mother Volvo just yet.

-Will
--
850 / Mini

True statement.

Although most 850's I see for sale are getting pretty long in the tooth, I have given the later S70 some thought. Plus the 850/S70 series has now had several years to get the bugs out.

Good put. Thanks.

Look what I found:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/car/767240751.html

I don't like the wheels but the 5 speed sounds good.

Klaus
--
I still miss my 164 and my 854T. Just driving a V70R :)

The 1999 S/V70 was the first year for no cable throttle and individual coils. The ETM is covered for 10 years or 200K miles, and guess what? Next year is 10 years!
I happen to like the 1998, just normal Volvo problems and no electronic headaches. Just yesterday my daughter got a P0442 - small vacuum leak in evap system, not bad for 153K miles.

Klaus
--
I still miss my 164 and my 854T. Just driving a V70R :)

"...P0442 - small vacuum leak in evap system..."

Try smearing a little vasoline on the gas cap seal.

The white S70 looks pretty hot. I just don't think the wife would go for stick shift, etc. I would think someone would snatch that one up fairly quick.

Thanks again.

At this point restricting yourself to say an under $10k S80 is probably not a good idea - too risky, some other brands more reliable in that price range.

Please stay away from 1999-2002 S80s. The 2.9L 6cyl is not the best for mpg anyway. The S80 was the testbed for a lot of electronics, which tend to fail regularly.
If you HAVE to stay with Volvo, I suggest the S60 starting in 2002.

Otherwise, test drive a Nissan Maxima. If you can find a used one with less than 150K miles! They also come with manual trannies :) Or an older Lexus 300 something.

Look around on autotrader.com If you use Craigslist.org , be very careful about the seller which might not be private party - title does not match owner.

Klaus

--
I still miss my 164 and my 854T. Just driving a V70R :)

Hi Klaus. I like your suggestion of Maxima, and I am looking around. 6 speed is nice, and the mileage is decent. Something later than the '90s wouldn't be bad either! But lower than 90's on the odo. Win-win.

I've never used C-L, and I have a question about what you wrote. What type of situation are you referring to regarding title? I came across an ad that claimed "By owner" but the body says "I'm selling for a friend." That sounds fishy and I thought of your post.

Being naiive, I am wondering what kinds of schemes I am going to run into. The obvious rule of thumb is deal with the owner, but I am curious.

Thanks for any advice, Don

If there are scammers, they are on CL. You have to watch out for flood damaged cars, cars that came from out of state, owners with multiple cars for sale, etc. Never buy from someone you cannot trust.
There are a lot of "brokers" that advertise like they are the longtime owner. Make sure you see the title before giving up any money.

As in any transaction, you have to trust the seller. When was the last time you trusted a used car salesman?

Autotrader.com is probably better than CL because they charge to place an ad, but you still have to trust the seller.

Klaus
--
I still miss my 164 and my 854T. Just driving a V70R :)

I guess it goes without saying to not pursue an ad in which someone says "I'm selling for someone else."

I have both bought and sold using AT, and both went very well. Then I went back to the well and tried to find another 850 (first was only 10 miles away and was my 854T), After a few years, a few wasted trips (one 500 mile round trip on Greyhound with $ and insurance card in hand - layover on return in Grand Central New Year's 12am - 5am with the drunks) I gave up trying to repeat the feat. As you are aware, finding a 12+ year old car in good shape is very difficult.

I sold a 2 year old car to someone 1500 miles away sight unseen for my asking price on AT.

Thanks for the response Klaus. I'll keep looking and keep your warning in mind.

Don

What you really need to get over your 1995 850, is a Minni Cooper S. Fun, fast, and great on gas. Better yet, a 1965 1275cc Mini without body rot!

Klaus
--
I still miss my 164 and my 854T. Just driving a V70R :)

Thanks for the input. Making the jump to FWD is a tough one. I don't know about Nissan, but I have thought about the Lexus 300 series - Toyota quality with a few extra creature comforts. If I had my druthers, I'd find a low mileage 940 (dream on) and hope that it's age hasn't gotten the best of it.

Yes, we've spent a bit of time on Auto Trader already.....

The best place to "test" drive cars is at a dealer, especially at this time of year. Just stop at a Lexus dealer and ask to check out a 300. Then go to Nissan and drive a Maxima SL. Then go to Volvo and test out the S80 or S60.

You kknow what you are getting with a 15 year old 940/960T, a lot of work. Heck, even my 1998 V70 is starting to show age at 10 years. You will be surprised at all of the new safety features you don't have on the 740. Of course, the mechanics have gotten more complex with computers driving everything. But I think the Japanese have better dash controls and longer reliability.

Klaus
--
I still miss my 164 and my 854T. Just driving a V70R :)