Volvo Reliability
07-20-2008, 07:09 PM
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Volvo Reliability
Don't hear much about Volvo's on this board. I'm looking for a sedan for my parents in the 5-10k range and saw a 2002 Volvo S60 on craigslist for way under blue book value, cheaper than any Camry or Accord. The outside styling is better and the interior can't be compared IMO. But how is the reliability? I heard that some of the S60's have transmission problems, is it true? Any other sedans you guys could recommend?
07-20-2008, 10:03 PM
#2
I too looked into volvos, love how they have everything I like about euro cars: smelly leather, bold styling, good attention to detail, etc. But I've read into the s60s and they do have their share of problems, nothing life threatening like an engine, the auto trannies on the T6s (or was it t5, keep forgetting) are suppose to be glass, but the lower range are suppose to be rock solid. But, electrical problems as usual. But considering the price, leaves a lot of room for repairs.
Of course if you read through under the hood type forums, you're going to get problems galore, but ud get that reading through our forum as well, doesnt make teh S an inherently problematic car, so I'm still trying to decipher it all. Unfortuantely, not many volvo enthusiasts on these boards who could give us a meaningful perspective since enthusiasts are more in tune on what's a reasonable amount of problems, lol. Hopefully one will chime in.
But I do know the old volvos (like 80s and such) run forever, I mean 200K+ with only oil changes and gas.
Of course if you read through under the hood type forums, you're going to get problems galore, but ud get that reading through our forum as well, doesnt make teh S an inherently problematic car, so I'm still trying to decipher it all. Unfortuantely, not many volvo enthusiasts on these boards who could give us a meaningful perspective since enthusiasts are more in tune on what's a reasonable amount of problems, lol. Hopefully one will chime in.
But I do know the old volvos (like 80s and such) run forever, I mean 200K+ with only oil changes and gas.
07-21-2008, 05:02 AM
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My parents had a 780 (the decent looking coupe designed by Bertone) and that thing was pretty trouble free for 200K miles until they sold it. I don't have any personal experience with them but they seem like pretty solid cars.
07-21-2008, 05:42 AM
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I have heard nothing good of volvo reliability. I have a friend and between him and his parents they have owned 5 volvos and they've all had problems, especially his Mom's S80, that thing has left her stranded on the highway more than 4 times.
07-21-2008, 07:12 AM
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I believe the older cars were quite bulletproof. 400s, 700s, etc.
But with regards to the FoMoCo generation of cars...starting with S80 and such, I'm not so sure. That said, if your getting an S80 for a good price, just have it inspected by someone who knows Volvo's intimately and get their opinion on it.
Even if they don't have the greatest track record for reliability, doesn't mean that the car won't be fun to own. Half the time, the problem lies with owners not doing the required maintenance and service on these euro-lux vehicles for some reason or the other (cost or laziness or both).
But with regards to the FoMoCo generation of cars...starting with S80 and such, I'm not so sure. That said, if your getting an S80 for a good price, just have it inspected by someone who knows Volvo's intimately and get their opinion on it.
Even if they don't have the greatest track record for reliability, doesn't mean that the car won't be fun to own. Half the time, the problem lies with owners not doing the required maintenance and service on these euro-lux vehicles for some reason or the other (cost or laziness or both).
07-21-2008, 07:32 AM
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I have heard nothing good of volvo reliability. I have a friend and between him and his parents they have owned 5 volvos and they've all had problems, especially his Mom's S80, that thing has left her stranded on the highway more than 4 times.
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07-21-2008, 07:55 AM
#9
Originally Posted by derryck,Jul 21 2008, 07:32 AM
If they keep having all of these problems why do they keep buying Volvos...this makes absolutely no sense?
From what I've been reading it's really hit or miss, some say that they're comparatively reliable, about what you'd expect from a euro lux car. Others say they're horrible. I dunno, it's like asking what do you think about the previous gen acura tl or v6 accord of teh same vintage, people will say rock solid, others will say tranny issues.
07-21-2008, 10:42 AM
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Originally Posted by TheDonEffect,Jul 21 2008, 11:55 AM
agreed.
From what I've been reading it's really hit or miss, some say that they're comparatively reliable, about what you'd expect from a euro lux car. Others say they're horrible. I dunno, it's like asking what do you think about the previous gen acura tl or v6 accord of teh same vintage, people will say rock solid, others will say tranny issues.
From what I've been reading it's really hit or miss, some say that they're comparatively reliable, about what you'd expect from a euro lux car. Others say they're horrible. I dunno, it's like asking what do you think about the previous gen acura tl or v6 accord of teh same vintage, people will say rock solid, others will say tranny issues.