I'm writing to ask if the 2005 S 80 that was given to me with 113k is a lemon. It needs some work but I am picking up things on the internet to the effect that this car overheats easily and cooks its own wiring to death, ought to have a 87c thermostat instead of 92c but 87c isn't found anywhere, or that the fan relay should have an override switch so the driver can leave the fan on according to his/her discretion. Maybe I should cut a hole in the hood and put an air scoop in like the old muscle cars of earlier Detroit. Any experiences with temperature on this model ?

Thank you for your time

Go to a dealer if you have to, but get the correct thermostat.

The aluminum 5 cylinder CAN run cooler than old time engines - with thermostats that fail open, in winter this engine can actually get cool on the highway.

The lower value thermostat is used for the turbo because there is more stuff in the engine compartment and more power means more heat. The turbo itself is a chunk of heat.

Make sure all the under body parts are present, like the belly pan and air guide - the engine compartment is probably streamlined for cooling as well as performance.

Do you have maintenance records? Is the service book stamped?

We have owned 11 Volvos for 4 drivers - in 20 years we only had one lemon.

We bought it off a nice young couple and later found out that the only maintenance it had gotten was oil changes at Jiffy Lube.

We sold the car at a loss after two years - everything went wrong with the car.

Even a free Volvo that has not been kept up can prove to be an expensive deal!

Thank you all for your notes. The lack of maintenance means in this case that the brakes, rotors, struts, spring seats, broken right side mirror (new motor is $239 after new $90 mirror glass ) rear shocks , all of these things are original at 114k. It needs a timing belt right away according to some responses and I thank you for that info and I'm studying how to put the belt in . (the local mechanic doesn't want to do it claiming booked up and offering no dates ) The motor mounts were worn as well as the top stabilizer mount) But it's an incredible road machine and I live in a state with huge distances. Again thank you all

Hit the junk yards for body parts, like a new mirror with glass already in it and the same color.

Yes, do the Tbelt/tensioner/rollers immediately. Access is through the right front wheel well. Lots of youtube videos.

Brakes are easy. Struts a little harder, but not by much. If you replace the mounts, get heavy duty version - same for end links.

This is a highway cruiser! The T5 engine will do nicely. If you have electronic climate control, find a good temperature setting and leave the blower and vent setting in AUTO mode, year round. No need to move the temp dials, the system will cool the cabin as fast as it can, like magic.

The 5 cyl is the best of the S80s. Be glad. Look for a timing belt sticker, or if you know where the car was maintained, call them and ask for service records. If it wasn't changed at 120K miles, now is the time to replace it, the tensioner, and rollers.

Struts are not hard, but shops charge $1000 for OEM parts/labor.

I will first change the temp sensor and the thermostat. Then I will look into the relay. I do not a car similar to yours but does are the items that control the temp in the engine.

Six cylinders were the problem, not the Five cylinders. Should be a good freebie!

it seems like a very fine ride. It's just that no-one wanted to replace the factory struts , the timing belt , or any other maintenance items and now its going to bust if someone doesn't deal with that deferred maintenance

My wife also drives a 2005 S80 2.5T. At about 135,000 miles it has been a good car thus far.

As you probably know, the timing belt service was due at 105K. The old belt is 7-8 years old so don't push it. FCP has a good video on Youtube that walks you through the replacement procedure if you're not familiar with it. Also check out the crankcase ventilation system to make sure it's functioning properly. FYI - the original hose that runs from the top of the engine, down between a couple of the intake manifold runners, to the oil separator box, likes to split open just above the box. Generally this causes sort of a "hot oil" smell when you are sitting and idling. The replacement hoses are slightly redesigned.

Good luck with the car.