Volvo S80

[LuisaandMartin]

Thinking of buying a S80 D5 to tow our 2006 Sprite Major six,currently use a Daihatsu Fourtrak,but will be getting a company car with new job,so need to replace Fourtrak and wifes Picasso with one car.Would appreciate any thoughts from S80 owners

 

[Guest]

I have an S80, albeit only the petrol model. It has hauled our lump of a caravan all over Europe without a hitch and will be doing the same again next year. I get 20mpg towing. The diesel has more grunt than mine and will tow anything, just about. The diesel will give 25mpg towing as an average, solo is of course around 40 mpg. It is also one of the most relaxing cars to drive especially in auto form. The boot is huge and the rear seat folds down giving dare I say it, as much if not more space than in most 4x4's.

The only weakness, if you like, is the front suspension. Bushes usually need replaced at about 3 years as the weight is pretty heavy.

Just ensure that you get SE spec and a full Volvo service history. Also look at fitting Nivomat shocks to the rear, it makes all the difference for towing. A Volvo detacheable tow ball is also nice, but the total package will cost you around

 

[Guest]

I assume we are talking secondhand here. If it is a new one you fancy, then it is the new model and info is scarce as yet.

 

[gavin_5121842]

Hi Scotch Lad,

you said you "hauled our lump of a caravan all over Europe without a hitch"

How on earth did you manage that one??

Gavin

 

[MalcolmL]

Hi Scotch Lad,

you said you "hauled our lump of a caravan all over Europe without a hitch"

How on earth did you manage that one??

Gavin

He used binder twine, of course!!!

 

[Guest]

Now there is a thought. But you do get a fancy little bag from Volvo to put the tow HITCH in when not in use. Keeps it nice and clean.

Reminds me of the Titfield Thunderbolt when they attached the train using a farm chain.

 

[Val & Frank]

He used binder twine, of course!!!

His wife kept him straight !!! elf and safety wouldn't let him use rope. It's the memory that's going. Having said that it took me ages to take the al-ko lock off the van wheel the other day. Unlocked it OK but it just would not release, borrowed a hammer to tap it loose, still to no avail. Then I remembered about the locking bolt screwed to the chassi No wonder she in doors says I should not be let out on my own!!!!!!

Frank & Val

 

[LuisaandMartin]

Hi scotchlad,thanks for your advice,yes we will be buying used,have a friend in the trade who will get us one,dont know if we want man or auto,used to tow our elddis wisp with a 740 td auto estate,which was a bit slow on pickup,but was a lovely drive even with 200000 miles on the clock.Is the SE the best model to go for.

 

[Angus1]

Make sure you get a D5, and not the earlier model with the Audi 5-cylinder which is rubbish in comparison.

 

[Guest]

SE has the onboard computer, automatic air quality control and more 'toys' You can also get a 'winter pack' which includes heated seats and headlamp wipers. If you ever see an Executive model at a half decent price then you get everything including the kitchen sink and the fridge in the back seat.

As mentioned the 2.5 is the Audi diesel, which is fine, but not a patch on the D5. Don't touch the 2.9 model unless you have a big bank account.

Have a look at:

www.volvoclub.org.uk/forum/index.php

for much more information, and a lot of crazy messages.

 

[LuisaandMartin]

Looks like the SE model is the one for us then,will probably try to get a manual if possible and with a bit of luck a towbar already fitted.

 

[Guest]

Obviously you will test drive any prospective purchase, but I do suggest try the auto as well, you may be pleasantly surprised.

If there is a tow bar already fitted then that has good and bad points. It might not be a good towbar in the first place as there are quality, and poor quality suppliers. It may not be wired correctly. It also indicates the previous owner towed (ok, I know that is obvious) but it may have been a horse box which definitely can add some wear. If the car you buy is from a Volvo dealer then all this will have been checked for you, if it is an independent, then maybe not so. This of course applies to any secondhand car, not just a Volvo. A towbar, fitting etc from Volvo is