[abulukas]

I am communicating, via phone, with a dealership that is offering me a 2004 T6 Elite for $10,900. It has 46,525 miles and seems to be in great shape, but I'm kind of concerned after reading at msn.autos.com about the Engine Intake Valves, Leak Detection Pump and Crankcase Ventilation Hose which seem to be very problematic for this year's car. The carfax states that two years ago the dealership addressed oil leaks twice within a 2 year period. I know this is my first post, and you probably see this all the time, but what do you guys think? I'm not made of money, far from it, and I would be going over budget on this car just because it seems to be such a great deal. They have been using AMSOIL, as I can see by the photos at the dealership.

I am currently in the Middle East and won't be able to see the vehicle prior to buying it (kinda scary) and the sales manager told me that she's had alot of interest, but noone has locked it in yet.
Thanks for the help!

 

[Volvo_Captain]

Re: '04 T6 Elite Possible Purchase (abulukas)

honest advice.... don't do it! if you are looking for safety, a new Camry has better crash test ratings. if you want luxury and reliability, get a Lexus.

If you just have too much money and want to kill the time, get a Volvo with lots of extra parts handy.

 

[Dextrobrick]

Re: '04 T6 Elite Possible Purchase (abulukas)

AFAIK the S80 isn't known for problems with its engine's intake valves, leak detection pump and crankcase ventilation hose. Whoever wrote that on msn.autos.com is freaking full of sh!te.

That said, not all S80 T6s are problematic. Speaking of which I'm going on my fourth year of driving an '02 S80 T6 and not only has it never left me stranded anywhere there hasn't been one freaking single problem I couldn't fix myself using my DIY knowledge and skills.

That said, depending on how awesome the previous owner's driving and maintenance skills were (both can affect the 4T65-E transaxle's effective lifespan) a pre-loved S80 T6 could either be a satisfying drive or a freaking nightmare.

I'd personally recommend holding off on purchasing the car until it is inspected inside and out. If it's not possible to inspect it before purchasing it then just don't buy it. This should apply to *every* used car model there is as each has it share of mint condition pristine as well as freaking unloved POS examples--including the likes of, say, Camrys and Lexuses.

 

[Volvo_Captain]

Re: '04 T6 Elite Possible Purchase (abulukas)

asking for reliability questions will only get you bias answers on this board. consumers are smart nowadays. there are reasons why you don't see S80 very often on the road.

in case if you wonder, no, I'm not a smart shopper. i learned my lesson the tough way.

 

[abulukas]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the input. I'll have to wait until I'm in the States to see for myself, I believe. Thanks again, your insight was really fantastic.

 

[the kid hartford]

volvo captain your posts read like someone who got burned on a POS volvo and is now trying to "school" everyone to stay away from them.
stop trying so hard my friend........
abulukas, do what you feel comfortable with. It doesn't sound like your comfortable with this purchase, so don't!!

 

[cdauerer]

Re: (the kid hartford)

If it was me, I would look for a MY05-06 S80 2.5T. Good prices, not thirsty and quite reliable.

With all due respect to Volvo Captain, the Volvo S80 is one of the safest sedans on the road, by any measure. The aisan manufacturers are very good at "testing well", but Volvos are built for crashes in the real world.

 

[Volvo_Captain]

Re: (the kid hartford)

just telling the honest truth from personal experience. there is no shame of telling people that I (or we) spent money on $hit.

 

[Volvo_Captain]

Re: (cdauerer)

Quote, originally posted by cdauerer »

If it was me, I would look for a MY05-06 S80 2.5T. Good prices, not thirsty and quite reliable. With all due respect to Volvo Captain, the Volvo S80 is one of the safest sedans on the road, by any measure. The aisan manufacturers are very good at "testing well", but Volvos are built for crashes in the real world.

I've no doubt S80 is safe. However, I'm very curious to know why some don't trust crash test results. The tests are staged to allow all safety devices to perform at the optimum level. Vehicles that can't even perform well in a mock up situation, they certainly won't do well in "real world" crashes.