I'm not a Volvo guy but I drove an '99 S80 T6 yesterday and loved it. However I've heard some mixed reviews on the first year with recalls and everything. I don't want to buy a car that has to be brought in to the shop all the time. It's at a Volvo dealer so it's certified with a 6 year 100K warranty. With 59K we've agreed on $24,200. Is this a good deal and do you have any recommendations?

Thanks,

John

I cannot speak for the deal that you are getting but can talk a bit about my 99 S80 T6. I purchased it with 34K miles. Since then I have had a shimmy in the front end that gets worse as my tires wear down. I had to have the driver side window put back on track. I had to tighten the driver side door hinge. I had to have the sunroof adjust because it was not closing correctly. I have had the top motor mounts replaced. I have a bad ABS module that I am about to replace ( Can someone tell me where this is located on the car?) The other thing is that the plastic "crap" right above the doors fades quickly.

I drive alot of highway miles and love the comfort of the seats and all of the amenities (sp?). I have had to do more little repairs than I would have expected. I previously drove a Honda Accord and hated the seats. I can say however that I never had to do anything to the Honda except change the oil. As much as I love the power and comfort, I doubt that I will be in a Volvo next time around. Good luck!

I did the same thing recently (bought a 99 S80 T6, 55k miles, $24k, 100k mile warranty, car is very clean, in excellent shape). My car has had all the recall items, retrofits, etc. done. I do most of my own maintenance, I figure the warranty will cover me for anything big.

If you like the car, it's in good shape, and you feel good about the deal, go for it. Be sure you get the maintenace records, though, to be sure that the recall items, retrofits, etc. have been done, and that the car has had decent care.

I have had several 940-class Volvos, and I don't mind doing as much of my own work as my tools and expertise will allow me to do. Generally, the people who are at the complete mercy of the dealer will have less positive things to say about this car (I hope I don't have to eat my words later!!!).

Don't do it - at any price. You lose.

If you look at the UK JD Power consumer survey for 2001, you'll see the S80 comes 16th out of some 150 cars surveyed.

I have only owned my S80 T6 for a few months but overall have had few problems and I think its the best car I've ever owned.

I phoned the previous owner who had it from new when I got the log book back and he similiarly had very few problems and only changed because of a new company car.

Dont be put off by some of the negative stuff on here - They've had their problems but overall a good buy, especially with the later models.

People who have had bad personal experiences are always going to shout louder (& post forums!) than the majority who are happy with these cars, its only when surveys like the aforementioned come out that you are going to get a more realistic picture.

On the contrary, I believe that the reader should take into account both perspectives on the car (of course it is up to him/her). If the reader only wants someone to help him/her feel good about his predisposed notion, I suppose that he should consider only the positive touchy- feely "I love my Volvo" replies. I posted specific facts about my experiences with my vehicle which seems pertinent to the question raised. If I were on the board as a potential buyer, I would like to hear both perspectives. I do agree that someone that says "The cars sucks" and provides no data concerning any specifics is essentially useless. My opinion on the Volvo is this, I have owned various different cars. I have done all of the dealer servicing of the Volvo and have had many nuisance type problems. These alone are not of GREAT concern. What does concern me is that when little things go wrong typicallly larger problems are to follow (we'll see I'm taking this thing to 200-300K if it can hold up). I believe that the later models are more reliable since the design is more tested. If the reader is considering a 99, beware that it could potentially have more problems than a 2000 or 2001. Hugs kisses to all you "ignore the reality" people.

Is the price you are quoting US dollars?

Yes, USD. Why?

Two things. First, I was curious because here in Toronto, a 99 S80 T6 goes for around $31,000 CDN.

Secondly, it my observation (or opinion) that Volvo mechanics in the States don't seem to be able to get the job done, when it comes to servicing the S80! I base this on the number of disgruntled posters, who seem to be US based, who have to repeatedly bring back their S80 for the same repair. This is contrary to my experience and a couple of other Canadian S80 owners who posted positive experiences. It is also based on comments from discussions with the head mechanic at my dealership, who related stories about US mechanics at Volvo mechanic testing/competitions.

Please note that this is my observation and opinion only, and I have given you my reasons for reaching the conclusion. It is not intended as an insult, merely one observation.

I am very happy with my 1999 S80 T6.

Cheers,

interesting comment about Canadian vs. American mechanic competitions. How many mechanics you got up there in total? Three or four? Only tools in the box are pair vise grips and an adjustable wrench....

Was this remark called for?

I would offer 20K with all four tires replaced, and walk out. I bet you get a call the next day from the Salesman saying it's a done deal!

It's generally agreed upon by Volvo fans to stay away from '99 S80s...their poor repair record says it all. The S80 otherwise is a great car...just get a newer model...any year.

NEW 2002 S80T6

From Cars Direct.com

MSRP Price: $43,725
Invoice Price: $41,389

"Guaranteed" price: $36,689

You can often do better if you're a sharp negotiator.

About the 1999s which are the first year of S80 production, for the first couple of years of any new Volvo model the buyers wind up being unpaid test drivers for the factory. Both anecdotes and logic would suggest that they're further along on the learning curve with respect to bolting them together now.

Consumer Reports has the '99-00 S80 on it's "Used Cars to Avoid" list.

I've had S80s a service loaners and I think they're awfully nice but I would not buy a '99 S80 myself.

Good luck!