Used car tests

Used buyer's guide: Volvo S80

Steep depreciation makes the Volvo S80 a great value second-hand car

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16 Apr 2013

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What to look for

• Leather trim is showing signs of wear, even after relatively low milages, on some early cars.• Bluetooth connection issues are common on older cars, but a software update usually fixes things.• Five-cylinder petrol engines can misfire if oil gets into the distributor via worn seals.

Regular revisions to engines and specifications mean it’s worth going for the newest S80 you can afford. Volvo has regularly cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while adding equipment and improving cabin quality. Extras worth seeking out are the Winter and Driver Support packs.

The automatic gearbox turns the S80 into a relaxed cruiser, but does increase fuel consumption and CO2 emissions – and hence road tax bills. So go for a diesel, even if you can get a good deal on a petrol-powered version, because it will invariably cost less to run.

Recalls

This generation of S80 has been recalled no less than 30 times, which sounds like real cause for concern. But many recalls affected just a handful of cars, while some were for minor issues such as missing warning stickers. However, callbacks also related to serious potential issues such as the engine seizing, the gearbox jamming, power assistance to the steering being lost and airbags failing to deploy correctly – and Volvo says it’s fixed more than 95 per cent of the cars involved so far.

Check out the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) website for up-to-date recall information.

Driver power

Our view:The S80 has never appeared in our Driver Power satisfaction surveys, but numerous Volvos have, so we can draw on that evidence here. The brand’s cars tend to share the same key attributes: running costs are invariably on the high side, but comfort impresses, too. Dealers are OK, but not exceptional.

Your view:Tim Stock from Slough, Berks, loves his 2008 S80 D5. He says: “I wanted something to waft along the motorway in safety and comfort, and the Volvo is perfect for this. “My car has been reliable, it’s loaded with equipment and there’s plenty of space for the whole family, too.”