Discussion on the Volvo S80 T6 (input needed)

pssstue said:
With what I have read about the S80 since it was introduced, I would never consider buying one. I do think it is aesthetically pleasing but. . . nuh uh, no way.
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Any particular reasons?
 
GSRstilez said:
Any particular reasons?
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I knew you'd ask :) It's been a few years since i wrote them off. Anything I would come up with would be a game of technical telephone. I'd suggest doing some reading in this forum or this here. The first link being a more mature, less horsepower influenced group ;)
 
pssstue said:
I knew you'd ask :) It's been a few years since i wrote them off. Anything I would come up with would be a game of technical telephone. I'd suggest doing some reading in this forum or this here. The first link being a more mature, less horsepower influenced group ;)
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Thank you :).





Looking myself, I'd rather have a 525i or 530i (whichever would be in my price bracket). What vehicle did you end up deciding on?
 
Good thread :bigups I’m currently looking at a new Audi S4, however the Volvo S60R peaks my curiosity. I’m interested to see what everyone has to say about Volvo . . . PROs/CONs, reliability, maintenance, and service.
 
Knockwurst said:
Good thread :bigups I’m currently looking at a new Audi S4, however the Volvo S60R peaks my curiosity. I’m interested to see what everyone has to say about Volvo . . . PROs/CONs, reliability, maintenance, and service.
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Personally, I read a lot about the S60R. On paper it is stunning IMO. However, it got terrible ratings and one reviewer actually reccomended a Legacy GT (new one) instead of it...a $15k less car.
 
GSRstilez said:
Personally, I read a lot about the S60R. On paper it is stunning IMO. However, it got terrible ratings and one reviewer actually reccomended a Legacy GT (new one) instead of it...a $15k less car.
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I read that as well. ‘Over-hyped WRX’ read another. Despite being an Audi/VW fanatic, I'm curious nonetheless.
 
I ended up with a 97 4Runner Ltd. which I later sacrificed for my current driver, a 2004 Express Cargo (see homepage) . At the moment I do not have the luxury of another vehicle but if I were to pick up another Volvo I would look at the 2004-5 V70R. Refined, limited, hauls arse. Tint the windows, maybe chip it, dog fits in the back. I also like the feel of the textiles used in the newer Volvo cars. Safe.
 
I'm not a Volvo guy so I can't speak about the particular car. I can give a little advice though and for the most part I think you are on the right track. Don't worry about new verses used. I had always been a new car guy but during the past 20 or so years it's made a lot more sense to buy used. I also think you are doing the right thing by focusing on what options you have for the money you want to spend. IMHO people don't really consider all of their options but focus too much on a specific year, make or model. I'd also stick to your guns about what you want and not get sucked into a families vision of the ideal car. My wifes family loves Saturns and for our first car together we bought one but when we decided to move on and switch brands you'd think I was changing citizenship!



Be smart and assess what that money will buy carefully. In many instances we narrow our focus too quickly and miss out on options and opportunities.



A couple of examples: My wife and I picked up her '96 993 with 65K miles for $25.5 you can check out the pics in my gallery. It's in fantastic condition. The list in '96 was over $71. Now my wifes family would have bought a brand new loaded Saturn and the kid next door would have picked up a year old 350Z. All for about the same money.



Similarly, last month I bought a '99 Police Interceptor with 110K for $4500 because I was in a rush and needed a new daily driver. I love the car and it suits the purpose perfectly but last week when driving around town I saw an '82 BMW 633 CSi that a gentleman was selling privately. It was the classic shark with 65K original miles, a lot of updates, and in absolutely gorgeous original condition inside and out. He was asking $4800. Had I seen the car earlier I would probably not have been able to pass it up.



So take all that for what it's worth and good luck!
 
GSRstilez said:
I'm sorry, what kind of car do you drive again?
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I really wasn't trying to be rude at all with my previous posts. The car just isn't all that exciting, and there are newer used cars at that price with less miles that are more fun to drive and less to upkeep. However you don't have a luxury nametag (although I don't know many people that consider Volvos luxurious) plastered on them.
 
Knockwurst stick with the s4 idea! It is in another league to the volvo. I have driven a s4 and its an awesome car.
 
Sean, I have a 94 850 that I have owned since I was 16. Im 22 now and there are no problems with it what-so-ever besides some wear and tear on the leather. I have never ever had a major, or even minor mechanical issue with the car. Although the S80 has the Straight 6 I have heard that they are pretty much the deal, as long as its not the first or second model year. It will probably not be as sporty as you would like, but theres still some stuff you can buy for it. If you go to www.ipdusa.com it is one of the few places that has alot of performance stuff for volvos.
 
kilodawg said:
I'm not a Volvo guy so I can't speak about the particular car. I can give a little advice though and for the most part I think you are on the right track. Don't worry about new verses used. I had always been a new car guy but during the past 20 or so years it's made a lot more sense to buy used. I also think you are doing the right thing by focusing on what options you have for the money you want to spend. IMHO people don't really consider all of their options but focus too much on a specific year, make or model. I'd also stick to your guns about what you want and not get sucked into a families vision of the ideal car. My wifes family loves Saturns and for our first car together we bought one but when we decided to move on and switch brands you'd think I was changing citizenship!



Be smart and assess what that money will buy carefully. In many instances we narrow our focus too quickly and miss out on options and opportunities.



A couple of examples: My wife and I picked up her '96 993 with 65K miles for $25.5 you can check out the pics in my gallery. It's in fantastic condition. The list in '96 was over $71. Now my wifes family would have bought a brand new loaded Saturn and the kid next door would have picked up a year old 350Z. All for about the same money.



Similarly, last month I bought a '99 Police Interceptor with 110K for $4500 because I was in a rush and needed a new daily driver. I love the car and it suits the purpose perfectly but last week when driving around town I saw an '82 BMW 633 CSi that a gentleman was selling privately. It was the classic shark with 65K original miles, a lot of updates, and in absolutely gorgeous original condition inside and out. He was asking $4800. Had I seen the car earlier I would probably not have been able to pass it up.



So take all that for what it's worth and good luck!
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I whole heartedly agree :clap:.



My current budget for a new vehicle (in May) is $35-40k. I have changed my mind more times than I care to admit. I've bothered more people on the forums for "Thoughts on your vehicle". I have really stepped back recently and weighed out what I want in a vehicle. The market is huge and there are a lot of great buys out there. I wish this current situation was different but its hard to sway the potential in-laws when your trying to be very nice at the same time. Its not really worth arguing over to me, ya know :)?





Corey Bit Spank said:
I really wasn't trying to be rude at all with my previous posts. The car just isn't all that exciting, and there are newer used cars at that price with less miles that are more fun to drive and less to upkeep. However you don't have a luxury nametag (although I don't know many people that consider Volvos luxurious) plastered on them.
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I understand what you are saying, however, styling is entirely subjective. While maybe not exciting to some, not many vehicles have the lines that a Volvo does. That rear 1/4 panel design is pretty much one-off to Volvo. I used your Accord as a reference because I personally think its boring and there are a ton on the road. However, I know its very reliable and has a nice resale value. Many people just dislike my car (overdone, too bright, too low, too loud, etc), but I like it for what I use it for. I could go on and on and on...everybody's logic behind purchasing is different.
 
Sean,



A few years back, before I bought my A8, I looked at the S80. I decided against it for a few reasons:

1) Quality is below par. Not my opinion, but seems to be the consensus from the Consumer and Auto mags/ websites. Even in discussing with owners who had had only a short time, they seemed to have had lots of issues with repair, electrical systems, and more than anything, as they age, according to what I was told, they just seem to pick up lots of squeeks and groans.



2) As a buddy from Nottingham told me when discussing someone's recent purchase of a high line used Euro car," Then again, it's not the cost of buying that's the issue, is it." I've owned Saabs and Audis, and have confirmed with BMW, Benz and Volvo owners, nothing is cheap to fix. Most get over it by being lots of fun to drive, so you don't mind spending the bucks. However, never saw the S80 called "fun to drive". As my Audi mechanic, who also works on Volvos told me, "They'll run forever, of course, there is a cost associated."



If you are going to spend $35K plus, there is alot of cool stuff out there. If you are going to spend, I believe you mentioned $14K, there's still some cool stuff out there. Buy what makes you happy. Just know what you are getting yourself into and budget for repairs upfront.



My 2cents, YMMV.
 
GSRstilez said:
You tell me :). I've mentioned everything I know about it, but I don't know if there is a better buy for what we are looking for (midsize sedan in the same class as the S80). I'll take a look at prices for a 530i again, but I don't think a deal like this would come along on one of those.
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I think the S80 is a great all around car, but the styling seems outdated somewhat and it doesn't strike me as particularly exciting or powerful.



What does Liz think?



To answer your question, there's no question that I would go for something like this . As you mentioned, in all likeliness there are many of these TL's choose from on the pre-owned market. The example listed has a comparable (to the Volvo) 42k mi, and it's also a year newer. I believe performance is on par with or *better* than the S80, and to be honest, it's much more hip than the Volvo.



I also can't see how you could go wrong with a Lexus ES300.



The above vehicles are not outrageous to service either. Something like an A6, another option, might be (i'm not too familiar with late model Audi reliability). I've seen quite a few in the $13,500-$16,000 range with 40-55k miles, 2001's. Here's a nice one.



Good luck! :wavey
 
What happened with the ZHP?



Volvo's have come a long way, but they are not "drivers" cars like BMW, mercedes, audi,etc. All depends on what you are looking for.



A good deal is hard to pass up but 49K miles to me can spell out maint and repair $. You are out of warranty and maint items will be coming up soon.



Personally, I believe all used car values are down and on the low side so with enough work you can prob score the car you want at a nice price. If you go for a 2-3 yr old BMW and get a CPO'ed one you are getting one of the best 6 yr 100K mile warranty's in the industry.
 
If your looking to spend $40k you could get into a brand new 3 series! Func ars to drive too and being new you have full awarranty and maintenance included too! Heck for $40k you could find a CPO'd M3, noe THATS a fun car to drive!!!
 
Oh man, mish mosh :).





To clarify, Liz will be purchasing in the $15k range rather soon and my limit is $40k in about 3-4 months (yep, I get the payment). DK, BMW is still on the board for me, don't worry :).



As of now, her parents are rather ademant about this car. They are doing a check with the local dealer to see how the car has been in the past for maintenance. It has a lot going for it... orig owner, low miles, garaged, and serviced at probably the best Volvo dealer in CT. Plus, Liz's family has owned 3 previous (2 of those currently) Volvos.. I think if nothing else, Liz's mom will jump on this car for her and Liz will look for a CPO'd S60 T5...That would be optimal IMO. Personally, I like the S60 a lot more.



Thank you again, everyone, for all of your feedback.
 
I vote for the Bmw 530/525...I am being a bit biased though. My family owns a preowned 2001 model and there have been no problems whatsoever. It was also rated the most reliable car ever by consumer reports in 2001. If your looking at a comparable model with the Volvo in terms of power, then you should really take a look at the 540 because the 525 is a bit underpowered.
 
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