[toronto_man]

I am looking to buy a new car. I absolutely LOVE the S80 T6, however I have been very disappointed to hear that the 1999 S80 is a "lemon" (the 2000 model are above my budget). I am therefore considering a 00 or 01 Passat GLS.

I am looking for a car which is roomy, powerful engine, and most importantly fun to drive.

My question is the following:

a) is it safe to say I should avoid the 1999 S80 T6 ?

b) can any one offer some advice and experience with the passat?

Thanks for your help.

 

[GrecianVolvo]

quote:

Originally posted by toronto_man:
I am looking to buy a new car. I absolutely LOVE the S80 T6, however I have been very disappointed to hear that the 1999 S80 is a "lemon" (the 2000 model are above my budget). I am therefore considering a 00 or 01 Passat GLS.

I am looking for a car which is roomy, powerful engine, and most importantly fun to drive.

My question is the following:

a) is it safe to say I should avoid the 1999 S80 T6 ?

b) can any one offer some advice and experience with the passat?

Thanks for your help.

No one (that can be taken seriously, anyway) has claimed that a 1999 S80 is a lemon. No one could even claim that at least half of the 1999 S80s are lemons. Find a 1999 that its last 6 digits of the VIN are greater than 042000 and you should be more than OK. Get a complete history of any service campaigns performed at a Volvo Retailer. If you do not have that, get the VIN and have your local Retailer print you a list or find out from them who was the original Retailer. Then call THEM and have them send you the complete history.

The VW is a nice, accomplished car but it cannot hold a candle to any S80 T6. It's like comparing a Toyota Camry to a Lexus GS400 or a BMW 5-series. Totally apples to oranges.

Yannis

 

[toronto_man]

Yannis,

You are so right!!! I went to check out the Passat this weekend, and very quickly turned off by it. The driving was...ok, but the interior was very uncomfortable.

Thanks for the advice about the VIN numbers for the S80. I think I have settled myself on the S80...there is no car like it!!

 

[vinmanC32]

I had one and although I had my share of mechanical difficulties, it was by no means a lemon. I have heard that they were problematic and the consumer ratings are all very poor. But as an owner, I cannot verify any of the reports since my car did very nicely for the 36k miles I put on it.

 

[VDubGuy]

Well, I only stopped by here since I bought an old 760 (and like S80's). BUT - I do happen to have a Passat.
Its a 99 GLX, and, frankly, I think it is one of the most beautifully assembled cars for the price. We have a GLX (all the goodies) with the V6. The V6 is a good performer with the automatic or 5 speed. the 1.8T is a very tunable engine - chipped, they can return 225hp. But, I found/find the 1.8T automatic is a bit sluggish off the line. On the highway, its fine.
It is very comfortable for me, at 6'8", whether on front or back.
If you would like a similar forum, check out http://www.clubb5.com
By the way - we bought the Passat after driving: V70, Lincoln LS, 300M, A6, an ES300. thet otal package- room, build quality, etc. could not be beat!