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Volvo S80

2415 messages,  Last post on Feb 16, 2013 at 4:05 PM

You are in the Volvo S80 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Volvo S80, Sedan

Messages Page 110 of 242

#1089 of 2415 Re: Should I Buy...? by gerry14

Nov 07, 2002 (10:41 am)

Depends on who you ask. Recent discussion in "XC90 vs. MDX" forum indicates that general opinion of S80 reliability is still low. However, my experience does not support that opinion . Following is a note I posted on the other forum a week or so ago.
 
     For what it's worth, I have 56,000 essentially carefree miles on my
     2001 S80 2.9. I have followed the Townhall discussion since I bought
     the car and have experienced none of the nightmares reported for 1999
     and 2000 models--most of which had to do with electrical systems and
     the T6 transmission.
 
     I had a problem with headlights burning out until Volvo installed a
     circuit which reduced line voltage. And I had a problem with
     linkage-wear on the front suspension, which was taken care of by a
     three hour service call under warranty. Other than that, I have had no
     significant problems.

#1090 of 2415 What Kind of Wipers ? by kmcbride

Nov 07, 2002 (3:50 pm)

I own a 99 2.9 and am wanting to replace the wipers. I notice that each wiper is a different size, but can't find the specs anywhere in the owners manual.
 
What sizes do I buy (and perhaps a brand name as well) ?

#1091 of 2415 Wiper replacement by n0v8or

Nov 08, 2002 (6:42 am)

You can view the Trico replacement wiper selection catalog at:
http://www.tricoproducts.com/new/part_locator/index.cfm
Entire your model and year, and the proper sizes will be displayed. For S80, driver side length is 24"; passenger side is 22".
 
The Volvo replacement blades (refills) are very expensive and I found them to be of poor quality. Unfortunately, they are a special width and aftermarket blades will not fit unless you replace the entire wiper (holder and blade). The good news is that a set or replacement wipers from Trico is less than half of the cost for Volvo refills. I paid $15 each for "exact fit" #22-9 (passenger) and #24-9 (driver). Replacing the factory holders took 15 minutes. Now I can buy replacement refills for less than $3 each, and they are easy to find.

The Trico holders do not have the plastic "spoiler" on the driver's side to increase downforce at high speeds. But I cannot detect any difference in performance at 75mph, which is the fastest speed I ever travel.

#1092 of 2415 wipers by pete86

Nov 08, 2002 (8:30 am)

I couldn't stand the volvo wipers any longer due to chatter etc. Went to Autozone and bought Bosch Micro Edge and they are working out great. No chatter no noise. I bought the most expensive Bosch $12 and $16 but what a relief from the Volvo wipers.
 
I own 2000 s80 which has been great except for a few minor problems at the outset. Have 65000 miles. Changed Michelin's at 57,000 and bought Bridgestone Potenza as result of comments on this board. They have been great but we'll see how they handle snow.

#1093 of 2415 wipers by n0v8or

Nov 08, 2002 (2:15 pm)

pete86, your experience matches mine exactly. The Volvo wipers were ineffective and annoying even when new. Noticed it at the first rain after buying the car. Chatter was so bad that the windshild was left with an array of vertical lines with uncleared areas in between.

#1094 of 2415 Reliability on 2002 S80 2.9 by penguinpower

Nov 11, 2002 (8:49 am)

I have read through the messages for the last 12 months or so and see many comments about poor reliabiity on the S80, but most of them seem to be on the 1999 and 2000 models.
I was out driving several vehicles last week and had not been considering the S80. The dealership I was at has Audi, Jaguar, Volvo and the saleman mentioned that Volvo is offerring incentives to move out the remaining 2002 models. The rough price we are talking about is about $1k less than the TMV for my area with the options that are included and just barely gets into the high end of my price range.
I am intrigued by the safety features ( I have a 7 year old son), I like the ride and feel of the car (I fit much better than in an A4)and it has a distinctive look to it.
I guess it is the opportunity to get more car than I thought I could afford that intrigues me. At the same time, there is a reason they still have a half dozen of these sitting around the dealership.
Your comments are 2002 reliabililty are appreciated.
Thanks.

#1095 of 2415 by kirstie_h HOST

Nov 11, 2002 (6:34 pm)

A journalist from a wire service is looking for comments about heated seats - do you really love them, or really hate them, or really hate having to pay for them in an option package? Please send your thoughts and daytime contact info to jfallonedmunds.com by Tuesday, November 12 at 2pm Eastern.
Thanks!

#1096 of 2415 Wipers! by rollie

Nov 12, 2002 (5:08 pm)

Wait a second, on my '99 T6 the initial wipers were Bosch MicroEdge blades. I replaced them with MicroEdge Excel blade refills and they were a perfect fit (I've since not been able to find refills in this size and have had to buy entire new blade assemblies.) I never had a problem with any chattering with my original or replacement wipers.
 
Did later S80s get cheaper original wiper blades?
 
Thanks.
 
-rollie

#1097 of 2415 Re: 1056 and 1057 by doctordick

Nov 12, 2002 (5:31 pm)

My original blades also never gave any trouble. I replace blades in Oct. or Nov. for the rainy season, with Bosch replacements, which have also not given any trouble. (my vehicle is a '99 T6.)
 
As to heated seats, my lady wouldn't let me get a car without them. We first had them in a '87 760 we picked up at Gotenburg and drove in Europe for a year. She loved the nice warm seats in the European cold winter! And I enjoyed the warm tush too. I have come to like them as much as my wife and like air conditioning, wouldn't have a car without them.
 
Still love my T6 too. rld.

#1098 of 2415 safty/car seat (also posted on the S60 board) by essweb

Nov 13, 2002 (8:02 am)

What kind of car seat for a new born would you say offer the same kind of safty like Volvo to its passenger? Would it also be something Euro?
 
Co-worker here just crash his minivan up north in Michigan, all adults are fine, but the 9 month old baby suffer terrible injury on his jaw, possibly due to the impact to the car seat.
 
I guess when people decide to pay $35K for a safe car, they should also pay more and get the best car seats.

Messages Page 110 of 242

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