21st Sep 2005, 16:02
I own a 99 S80 T6. I purchased it a few years ago at 45000 miles under the Volvo Certified used car program. Thankfully, the program included an extended warranty, which I used extensively until it expired earlier this year.
The list of repairs I have had to do on this car is extensive, including (but not limited to) major turbo work, front suspension, O2 sensor, computer, and a complete transmission replacement at 70,000 miles.
All were covered under the extended warranty - don't buy a used s80 without it. Actually, don't buy a used s80 - period!
I have now started hearing the dreaded brake pedal hissing noise, indicating that the brake booster unit wants to be replaced. You won't believe how much they want to fix that little problem.
The word is out on the low build quality of the s80, and a laughably low resale value reflects this. So I guess I'm stuck with this car and its ongoing repairs until either the cost or the aggravation becomes too much for me.
Owning the s80 has been a tremendously disappointing experience. It has completely soured me on Volvo, a company I once admired for the quality and durability of their products.
10th Oct 2005, 01:43
Does anyone know whether the problems with the 1999 Volvo S80 are worldwide? I've heard they have been problematic in the USA. I'm in NZ and just bought a 1999 model, it was originally from Singapore. A reply would be great if anyone knows. Thanks.
10th Oct 2005, 22:28
I just spent $3000 in 2 months to fix my 99 Volvo S80. Now, another problem again. The steering wheel makes a screeching noise when turned to the right and the left. I really hate to spend more on this car. Wish someone can give me some suggestion.
4th Nov 2005, 17:01
I purchased my second Volvo early this year after wrecking my 99 Volvo V70. So I decided to cross over to a sedan version of my V70 and bought a 02 Volvo S80. A big mistake that was first night I drove it home it cut off and dragged home. I took it back to the dealership and had all of the spark plugs, ignition coils, and complete mechanical review. My sales representative assured me this would not happen again. Two months later I was back in for O2 sensor replacement. A month after that visit I was back in for Transmission, Front Strut, Gear Selector Module, and O2 replacement. Then just a few weeks ago my Volvo went into the shop and has not been back out, this time it is the Turbo and Catalytic Converters. I know once this car is out I am going to take a big loss and get rid of this nightmare car. Making a grand total of 35 days in service, $6000.00 in mechanical service, and a rental bill of almost $759.00 as of tomorrow.
6th Jan 2006, 13:37
I have a 1996 Volvo 850 GLT and a 1998 V70. I have been extremely pleased with the 850 and consider buying another Volvo. I came across a 1999 S80 T6 with 57000 miles and reasonably priced. I was going to take a look at it, but decided to look for information on the car. I am glad I saw this web page. I do not even have to look at the car. Thanks.
17th Nov 2006, 23:45
I just traded in my S80 T6 after 154,000 of the most painful miles I've ever experienced with any car I've ever owned. This is clearly one of the least reliable cars ever built in the history of the automobile. I paid over $34,000 in repairs outside of the new car warranty! I almost bought the darned thing twice. It's criminal that Volvo elected to leave their mistakes in the garages of the people who bought their flagship car. By the way, I bought a Mazda and I haven't been back to the dealer to have it repaired after 9,000 miles. What a treat!
30th Jan 2007, 18:23
Really glad I did some research and found this page. Sounds like a great deal, and I love Volvo's. Really sucks this is a lemon.
31st Jan 2007, 02:50
I really hate people who read a few reviews and then slate the whole range! The Volvo S80 is a very good car and this includes reliability. However - people only generally moan on these sites. Also think - in the UK, the S80 is a premium car and the general clientele for this particular model would never look at a site like this! Let alone comment on it! It may be different in the USA as it may have a different target audience. I have heard far more good about this car than bad. ALL cars have the potential to go wrong (READ BMW and MERCEDES SITES!!!) - but the S80 make a fantastic value for money buy. Try one and if you like it, buy it!!! Please remember if we all took what we read as granted - FORD, etc will be out of business!!! Go with your gut instinct.
31st Jan 2007, 08:30
2000 s80- Thank god I have some auto knowledge or I would be shelling out major bux for this car- which I already have until I got wise/concerned about the cost factor and what exactly makes these cars tick. I am stuck with this car so research pays off.
Not a car enthusiast car (if you like to work on them). Think of car as one big PC that has glitchy OS and have fun rebooting. Seriously-THINK REBOOT.
Pull the fuses and let it sit for a half hour when the dummy lights come on. Make sure you follow the schematic inside fuse box under hood. This may alleviate some headache no guarantee.
I find the car runs a bit better every time I reboot.
My opinion- do not buy!! For the money, a loaded Camry would be the choice. Probably could get two!!!
31st Jan 2007, 08:54
People who own Ferrari's, Rolls Royce's, and other exotics post on this site, so what makes you think the driver of a garden variety Volvo is so above it? Please.
I strongly suspect anyone who is trying to censor the facts about a certain model knows it has problems and doesn't want potential owners to know.
And that means you are probably a Volvo dealer.
1st Feb 2007, 19:48
In the past 24 months I've spent over $7,000 on routine maint on a 2000 S80... this car does not even have 70,000 miles on it. Book value is about $6,500. and now the power steering has failed. This is the worst car/expense experience I've ever encountered. Growing up on the 1980s it was not uncommon to hear people speak proudly of their Volvo's w 100-150-200K miles... it's clear to me Volvo quality and service no longer merit the premium associated w the brand.
I will never buy another Volvo.
- Drew2595@gmail.com.
14th Sep 2005, 19:52
I have a 1999 Volvo S80 T6 it's all about problems this car never, but I like this junk because you end up fixing it for big $$$$ and you'll never find a solution about the problems on this car. The throttle body is not good and they can not find the problem's on this car.