Got a S60 on loan while my A4 is repaired yet again and we are quite taken with the 260 but fell if we were to change a s80 might be a better option for u. We are thinking about the turbo I think the T-80? it's right around 47K with equiv options to my Audi?

Anyone here owns one of the new models and how have they been for reliability? Is there a new model comming out soon (as in radically different) or is the 2002 pretty much where it's at?

Finally anyone here owned a Audi and now owns the S80 and can give me a run down on the why you dropped the Audi and prefer the S80? I'm getting real pissed with my Audi having had two Audi's now with reliability problems and am looking to put my money elsewhere.

Badmyan

I have had a S80 2.9 2001 for 2 years. You would be jumping from the frying pan into the fire by switching to the Volvo as it is a piece of junk. Can't wait for the 36 mo lease to expire (10/03) so I can run over and buy an e320 MB.
Hope my warning came in time!!!!!

Shoes - you gotta drive the new E500! What a superb automobile! Run to your Mercedes dealer and try it out!

Even if I went with a Volvo, I sure wouldn't pick the cruiserweight. If you like the new style Volvos, you'd be happier with an S60T5 (get the rare, soon-to-be-issued 300hp S60T5R AWD if you really like to throw it around - money, bragging rights, speed). But if I had that kind of money, I'd stay close to home and get the twin turbo Audi S4, or consider a BMW 330ci. The ultimate speed/sport sedan? Maybe the M5....bigger car, bigger ego boost, bigger price, same 4.8 sec 0-60 as the S4.

I say all this, and I'm very happy with my S70T5.

David
(98 S70 T5SE Black, misc mods (mostly lighting), red calipers) (92 940GLE)
(Previous: 86 240DL / 88 745T / 94 945T)

Intresting response.

I was not aware of the S60T5 300hp and have pretty much made our minds up on a S80.


Out of intrest I owned a 2002 Audi S4. I had it for three months and would never buy another.

>I owned a 2002 Audi S4. I had it for three months and would never buy another.

Overrated, then? Like AWD, perhaps. Or because of AWD? If I had the AWD S60T5R, I'd pull off the driveshaft to the rear axle and run it FWD most of the year. But really, what I want is a good, tight RWD car.

Based on your history, I can't imagine what you see in the S80. You could combine the 80 and 60 and get the late model V70T5. You get the nifty Porsche engine on the S80 platform in a car that looks better (and sportier) than the S80.

(Listen to me. I hate the new styling....and here I am providing buying advice.)

even though the transmission reverse wouldn't at 39K miles.

AoA (Tischer in Silver Spring MD) put in a new transmission from Ingolstadt in only 7 weeks.

Sounds bad but they gave us a new 3.0 Avant and after awhile (when they beat up on the salesman who had it) we got a newish (3Kmiles) S6 Avant to drive for a couple weeks. I really didn't care WHEN they got the new trans in.

We've had minimal trouble with the V8 A6 although it did have the typical teething problems of a new model (couple cable problems with electronic trans and the sulphur/gasoline sensor issue).

I would agree the issue may well be the dealer attitude, sometimes the chemistry between the owner and the particular dealer/service department is bad. Tischer is a Porsche/Audi/BMW dealer so they're used to dealing with a...ummm, perfectionists so they seem to do all right.

One thing you should do is investigate the local Volvo dealer.
The dealer often makes the difference between a happy and not
so happy Volvo owner. If the dealer is also your Audi dealer
then you could probably make that call. I suspect large volume
dealers have some pull with Volvo North America and might have
better warrant service.

I have two Volvos, a 95 855 wagon and 98 S70 T5. Both would be
considered previous generation (to current lineup) (the
basic designs probably date from the late 80s when they first
fired up the CAD systems). I've had many minor problems but none
that ever left me stranded. Dealer has always met my expectations,
too. Powertrain on Volvo's is very good and reliable (although
the S80's had some major transmission issues early on). It just
seems too many little things fail on these cars.

In general, I'd say us Volvo owners have love/hate relationships
with our cars. We mostly love em but wish they were better.

As for the S80, initial quality was a problem. New ones seem much
better and the same platform is hosting their newer cars (the new V90,
etc.). If the dealer is good, and you like the car, then I think an
02 S80 T6 should be on your short list of cars to buy. (An 02 S80 probably
has better quality then my 98 S70T5M and I'd seriously consider another
Volvo.)

Also, I've not heard of an S80 replacement anytime soon. The V90
is due very soon and is a SUV/Crossover/Big wagon/not so big SUV
(however they classify it) based on the same chassis with a few more
engine and seating options. http://www.volvospy.com/ has some stuff on
upcoming models (how about an S60R with 300 hp, 6 speed and haldex AWD).

Ray N

I have an S80 01 2.9. You mentioned early transmission problems and ours seems to have persistent quirks. Do you have any specific info on what these issues are and if they are now fixed through software upgrades?

/Don

I agree with Bob. I've owned Volvos for the past 34 years and have watched them go from decent, reliable cars to something akin to a dumpster. As for Volvo's version of customer service, don't hope for much. After owning 11 different Vovos over the years, I've come to the conclusion that the newer models are merely thrown together with almost no attention to sound engineering or detail. Last year I got rid of my '98 and went to Toyota. Now I can actually leave town without the fear of vehicle failure looming in the background. Volvo has joined the ranks of the Detroit gang and has chosen to treat its customers accordingly.
--
Roy Olson

Roy

Couldn't agree more. I have an old reliable 87 740 turbo wagon owned since new with 265K on it and it finally left me on the side of the road last week but my guy says we can resurrect it for another 5 years. As to the S80 2.9 2001 can't wait for the lease to expire as it isn't put together even close to as well as the old tank. I have nightmares about exceedingly my warranty mileage before the lease term expires!!!

/Don

I uderstand where you are comming from. My experecne with AoA has been very similar.

I think the A6 is more closely comparable to the S80. The turbo version would be the S80 T6. I've tried the A4, too small for me. I don't know if the S80 is any more reliable than the A6. There have been some reliability issues with the early S80s at least. Various years of the S80 as well as the A4 and A6 are on Consumer Reports "Used Cars to Avoid" list.

I wouldn't consider the S80 because no stick shift is available. I'd personally choose the BMW 530i (NOT the V8 540i, it has the same issues of over-complexity as the A6 and the S80), the SAAB 9-5 or the Lexus GS300/GS430 if I could stand to drive an automatic, which I can't.

As to Fjord customer service, my car broke down this week and is out of service waiting for a part. Notwithstanding that it's a part that really shouldn't be back-ordered, I have the loan of an S60 this week. Nice of them. There IS hope!

-Punxsutawney Phil

You obviously have too much free time on your hands to even consider this move. Apparently you also have too much discretionary income.

Buy the Volvo and you'll be treated like a Ford owner. That what you're lookin' for?

I was lonned a Volvo and we are very taken with it. Time on my hands depends on how you look at life I gues. In qhat little time I have outside of work I don't enjoy spending on the side of the road waiting for my car to be towed, or spending time at the service explaning what the problem is this time, or checking on when my car will be available. I expect to be able to make a 10 mile trip without being stranded at the side of the road.

Like everyone else I have to make my car payments but I am fortunate to own a vey large pecentage of my A4 which allows me to get out of it and into somthing else.

Would I like to be treated like a ford owner.... I don't know how they treat there customers but is cannot be any worse than AoA/VAG.

I don't know anything about the Audi but if you're planning to buy an S80 (either), don't buy a '99 as that was their most troublesome year.
The '02s are by far the best and least problematic S80s and would get my vote. '02s have improved electronic throttle modules whereas it's been a bit troublesome in previous years and it's not a cheap part if out of warranty. '02s are not seeing all the previous years suspension or trans related problems either.

I'm thinking of buying new, but I have to say all of the replies are kind of concerning. We love the S60 we have been loaned and the All Road we had last time was really nice. Both lack power and the cost difference between my A4 and the S80 T6 is very close - 3K difference fully optioned. I have a lot for equaity in my current car so making a change should not make to big a difference to my payments.

I have in the past driven a BMW and did not like it's feel, also I did not like the Lexus dealer much.

Really taken with the Volvo and I'm glad I posted. I don't need more trouble and maybe I will go the Honda or Toyota rotue instead now. I will look around some more.

I was coming down 301 in Fla between Jacksonville and Ocala on Friday night.
Something Japanese hit a mini van head on. The ocupants of the mini van were
out of their vehical and walking. NOTHING was moving in the white hunk of metal in the middle of the road. The front bumper was up to the fire wall. The front passenger door was over lapping the rear door. Police were just pulling up to the accident so I saw no need to stop and help. Who ever was in that car was either already gone or was critically injured. I don't care what any one says that Japanese cars are just as safe as other cars. I have seen too many in accidents over the last 20 plus years and they haven't improved that much.
Yes they are reliable but how much is the safety of you or your family worth?

People like you (previous message)who try to present a point of view by scaring hell out of others are a shining example of the fact that even total morons can post here. Take what you read with a grain of salt. Some idiots have their own axe to grind and others are just plain stupid! Look to crash test statistitics for your info - not some jerk's so-called personal observation. Many "Jap" cars are just as safe as Volvo. The day is long since gone when Volvo can make exclusive claims in this area.

I think I can help here. 90 Audi 200 Turbo, 2 93 Audi 90's, 1 96 Audi A6 and now a 2000 S80T6. I had great luck with my Audi's but I did have a number of reliability issues but usually only after 100000 km. Two major ones were a new transmission at 5000km on the A6 (it was defective), and a new steering rack at 35000km on my wifes 90. No big deal, it was under warranty and they served me well otherwise. I bought the S80 in March with 35000km. I too was concerned about reliability but I got a fantastic deal and I couldn't pass it up. In the 1/2 a year that I've had the car I can issue nothing but praise. It now has 50000km on it and has been reliable, comfortable, powerful, and I find it still great looking. It provides everything I need in an car, I absolutely love it. If it continues to hold up, I will definitely consider Volvo again. I usually keep my cars for about 200000km. I am slightly concerned about the computers and technology and plan to purchase an extended warranty before my current manufacturers warranty is up. I feel the same way about all modern luxury cars though. Used parts are few and far between and have prices which reflect that fact. I shopped Lexus ES/GS series, Merc E320, and BMW 5 series and the Volvo came out on top. The price was the real deciding factor, but I've come to appreciated the seats more than anything else. My first Volvo, from the 1960's (had a humpback like a 49 Ford) served me well for 10 years and over 300000km until one day I needed to change a tire and the jack went up but the frame stayed put. Good luck with your decision, I've been extremely happy with mine.

Thanks SFB, it's exactly what I was looking for. I will get back once I make up my mind a decide what I want to do.