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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 116 of 242

#1151 of 2415 Offer from Volvo by bucky1

Jan 18, 2003 (11:55 am)

I have a 1999 S80 2.9 bought new in October 1998 with 44,500 miles on it. It is out of warranty. While I love this car (my 4th Volvo) it has been a "lemon" since day 1. At 28,000 Volvo replaced the transmission. A third transmission is being installed as I write this, and Volvo will not do anything because the car is out of warranty. The dealer won't even let me use a loaner car while mine is being fixed. I am pretty burned out on Volvo, and my dealer.
 
However, the sales manager called me the other day and said that he had talked to Volvo, and that Volvo would give me a $5,000 voucher good toward the purchase or lease of a new 2003 S80. Of course, the dealer is only offering me $15,000 for my car with brand new Bridgestone Potenza 940 tires and in excellent condition. They tell me that because my car is a 1999 it has little value. They also say that the new S80's have no reliability problems. Consumers Reports does not seem to agree with that statement. But I would get a new car with a new warranty if I take them up on this "deal".
 
I'm not sure that I want to tie myself into a 4-year lease on another Volvo given my past experiences, but the $5,000 offer has to be considered.
 
Here are my questions to those who have 2001-2003 S80 2.9 vehicles. Have you had any problems like those in the 1999-2000 model years? Does anyone know when the S80 is scheduled for restyling? I don't want to end up driving a new car for 4 years at the end of its current design.
 
Thanks for any input!

#1152 of 2415 Re:New S80s by volvomax

Jan 19, 2003 (12:27 pm)

According to JD Power the 2002 S80 had the fewest initial quality defects of any new Volvo.
Volvo placed 5th in the total survey, 1 point ahead of Honda.
Volvo has made alot od under the skin changes on the S80.
The new car is quicker,looks better and has better features than the 99 version.
The S80 will get new front bumpers and rear view mirrors in 2004, as well as a slightly different instrument cluster.
A full redesign isn't scheduled for at least 3 more years.
Also, ask about free scheduled maintenance since you currently own an S80.

#1153 of 2415 VolvoMax -- Get the New One by hightoptennyrx

Jan 22, 2003 (11:27 pm)

If I were you, I'd take their $5,000 and apply it towards their current lease special on a new one.
 
The 2002 and 2003s are way better than the 99s. You'll likely be happy with it, and it'll be under warranty.
 
Then, buy a Lexus or Honda in 2007!

#1154 of 2415 Go for it! by cmnott

Jan 23, 2003 (11:33 am)

All manufacturers have lemons and Volvo is no exception...but there was laos a reason why I got my S60 T5 a year after introduction so they can iron out the bugs. At this stage, The S80 has been refined countless times and has now surpassed ALL European marques in initial quality and yes, even Honda.

#1155 of 2415 Should I buy? by hollebeek

Jan 30, 2003 (2:28 pm)

I have never owned a Volvo before but am looking at a 99 S80 T-6. It seems to have every option but has 96,000 miles. The dealer is asking 14,900 but I'm sure will take less. Is volvo's reuputation for long mileage cars true or should I stay as far away as possible.

#1156 of 2415 Does burning out light bulbs portend an electrical problem ??? by 2000s80

Jan 31, 2003 (6:09 pm)

I am nearing the end of the 3 year lease on my 2000 S80. To date, it has been a very reliable car and I am think about buying it at lease termination. My only concerns is that it goes through light bulbs (specifically front headlights). In two and half years, I must have gone through 6 or 8 bulbs. Yeah, I've heard the DRL line ... however, never had that occur in my other DRL equipped cars.
 
Question: should I be concerned with the electrical system of the car and NOT purchase an otherwise reliable car? Or do the light bulbs have that low of a lifespan. I have about 30,000 miles on the car.

#1157 of 2415 2000S80 by rollie

Jan 31, 2003 (7:53 pm)

If you've been getting these replaced by the dealer (they're replaced free for a portion of your warranty) I would change dealers quickly. If you've been replacing the bulbs yourself you need to tell your dealer because there is a free fix that involves a new wiring harness for the headlights. It's a quick repair and seems to be quite effective as I've not seen many complaints about headlights since this fix came out a couple of years ago.
 
Thanks.
 
-rollie

#1158 of 2415 hollebeek by dmarcus48

Jan 31, 2003 (8:21 pm)

My understanding is that 99 was a horrible year for the s80, many problems. Everything I've read says stay away from 1999 s80's. After 1999 they're fine. Plus 15000 on a car with 96000 mile seems like alot.
 
Dave

#1159 of 2415 Power Steering, Door Locks, and Other Gripes by tennberg

Feb 18, 2003 (12:10 pm)

Hi everyone,
 
I am the "proud" owner of a 2000 S80 2.9, and am in the 33rd month of a 39 month lease. My lease ends in mid-August 2003, and am counting the days until I can turn the car in.
 
Recently (within the past 2 weeks), the power steering on the car has been making a LOT of groaning and wheezing noises. This problem occurs randomly, but always starts when I first start up my car in the morning and usually lasts until I turn off the ignition or park it for the night. I am wanting to blame the cold weather for this (I live in Boston, and it seems the average high temp. for the past month has been 15 degrees). However, I am starting to think it is more of a defect or suddenly-occuring problem. I am taking my car in on the 27th to get it fixed.
 
In addition, the driver's door lock has taken on a life of its own. It won't unlock itself automatically. I have to either use the key to open it or yank it open with my hand. I can no longer use the remote to arm or disarm the alarm; it has to be done by using the key in the door lock. This problem will also be looked at on the 27th. This has also been the latest in a series of door lock problems I've had. Each time I've taken it in to the dealer, they always say nothing is wrong. Hopefully, this current problem won't suddenly fix itself before I take it in.
 
Anyway, with all the problems I've had with this car - power steering, door locks, door seals disintegrating, car surging or slipping out of gear, etc. - I am glad I have less than 6 months with this car. Hopefully nothing major will occur before then. I am also hesitant to lease/buy another Volvo, thinking the problems I've had with the S80 will happen with the new car.
 
Mike

#1160 of 2415 re: 1146 Navigation System? by mrjaws999

Feb 19, 2003 (4:50 pm)

I have the NAV system on my '01 S80. It was CD-based that year. As far as I know, virtually all manufacturers' NAV systems use Navtech's database (on the CD or DVD you get) and software. So the performance is pretty similar (though a DVD will cover a much larger area - more data). As with all systems, they're not perfect in terms of road selection, but they'll get you there.
 
A big plus for the Volvo is the placement of the NAV. It's near the windshield, where you can glance at it without taking your eye off the road. I get tired of the audio, so I just turn it off and use the visuals. The screen could be a little bigger, but it's okay. I chose Volvo over Lexus GS (in '01) due to 1) NAV screen placement, 2) Lexus forced other controls (radio, AC) to the NAV screen, which seemed awkward, 3) S80 more spacious and 4) no radio controls on Lexus steering wheel (unless you sprang for the GS430).

Messages Page 116 of 242

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