posted by
someone claiming to be Eric from Texas
on
Sun Jul 25 00:54 CST 2004 [ RELATED]
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Hello All,
I am about to purchase a 2000 Volvo S80 T6 with 31,000 miles on it, and I'm starting to get a little concerned. First, I read the Edmunds Reports and owner feedback, and a majority of it is from owners with horror stories about the vehicle reliablity (it almost has none). I read about owners replacing struts, transmissions, electrical issues, air conditioner, fuel pump, etc. with less then 40K miles on their cars. Furthermore, to fix the problems are so expensive compared to Infinity (nissan), or Acura cars.
When I test drove the car, the air conditioner was not working, and this S80 was at a MAJOR Toyota dealership in Dallas. In addition, the "Check Engine" light came on after about 3 hours of driving around. The digital message center came on an indicated that something with the "emission system" needed to be fixed. When the light came on, I checked the oil level, and it was about half full. By the way are ALL S80 so HOT when your opening the hood? As I placed my fingers under the hood to move the latch, you could feel the intense heat from the engine.
Since it is not under warranty (it's been 4yrs, 1 month since the inservice date), I would appreciate any help...
1. What are the parts or systems that typically go out on the S80 T6 (brakes, transmission, fuel pump, struts, etc) ?
2. What things (parts, etc..) should I make sure that my optional extended warranty cover... that I am going to buy...
3. If I buy this S80, am I looking at years of cash outlays in repairs?
4. What items on the S80 should I have checked by a Volvo mechanic (Before I buy) to make sure that it was taken care of, and what are the costly parts that I should have checked to make sure they are in good shape?
THANK YOU ALL FOR READING AND REPLYING. I don't have a lot of money, and would like to have a nice car that will run well if I change the oil every
4. I Don't have the funds to put into a car that will need ongoing repairs. Have to all found that these cars are not made that well?
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I'm gonna follow suit with everyone else. Don't buy a 99 or a 2000 S80, unless you feel the need to put an independent shop's number in your speed dial, and pay for the master tech's children's orthodontia. However, with the low mileage, you do qualify for an extended warranty through quite a number of companies. On anything 99 or newer, I tell all my customers to purchase an extended warranty. On the S80...go at least 2001.
Chris
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posted by
someone claiming to be Gary
on
Tue Jul 27 00:15 CST 2004 [ RELATED]
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........."unless you feel the need to put an independent shop's number in your speed dial"
Realize that independant shops don't have VADIS carts thus can't DL software or properly access, diagnose problems. They are also not likely to have S80 and later education or experience thus are likely to be clueless trying to diagnose most S80 electrically related problems.
Most '99 on up Volvos require dealers only for anything besides basic maintenance.
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Many independents DO have VADIS, do perform downloads, and do offer diagnosis of the later model cars. Say hello to one of many. All that is required is a kickass computer, the VCT2000, the cables, and the subscriptions to either iVADIS, or VADIS, and WSDA (download capability). Further, seldom does any dealership have several techs that have attended Volvo school on the new models. It's just too costly. Those independents who wish to learn about the new cars buy the training manuals and the training videos. Don't just assume an independent doesn't have the technology or the education. The school of hardknocks doesn't hand out A's easily.
Chris
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KBB gives a retail price of $22,765 for a '00 S80T6 with 31k, I'd presume with the AC working and not with a whole bunch of warning lights on.
Carsdirect.com gives a price of $23,960 for a NEW Toyota Camry SE V6 with complete with leather, sunroof, seat heaters, side curtain airbags and stability control.
I love my Volvo but I have a lot of metric tools, a tame mechanic, enough disposable income, and I like tinkering with my cars. A used S80 out of warranty is not something I'd actually spend any of my money on.
But I would recommend a Toyota Camry SE V6.
-BTC
'98 V70T5M, 146k mi.
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posted by
someone claiming to be Vic
on
Sun Jul 25 04:32 CST 2004 [ RELATED]
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You've already seen problems during a short test drive, read a few horror stories and you're here asking?
Please, do yourself a big favor and run, don't walk away from THAT car. Like another suggested, buying a Volvo dealer certified used car will give you added warranty coverage BUT there is a $50 charge for each time you're VIP insurance is used and that does get to bother some people. If you buy a '99, '00 S80, you will be on a first name basis with those who work at the dealers service department SO unless you live close to a Volvo dealer or don't mind frequent drives to get there and back, don't buy one.
Buyer beware:
Most certified used cars and those found on other dealers used car lots today are lease return cars. They've flooded the market. Be aware of the fact that most who lease cars do almost NO MAINTENANCE to those cars SO you might not want to own one as a second car owner, especially w/o an extended warranty.
The '02 on up Volvos have an improved electronic throttle system which has not been problematic so if you want an S80, get one that's newer than an '02 from a Volvo dealer.
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Stay away from the early models, '99-00.
Lots of electrical gremlins, and costly to repair since it has a lot of electronic modules that can only be dealer serviced.
Current owners are trading them in with low miles for something different, because the warranty is about to end and they know the maintenance history of this vehicle.
Be careful, lots of them super clean low mileage S80 out there. Wonder Why?
--
'88 240, '92 745, '98 v70 John, Tampa Bay
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You say the car was at a Toyota dealer? Get one of their cerified vehicles and you'll be much better off in the long run.
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