Item: Used Volvo S80 Saloon 1998-2006
Author: Steve Huntingford

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<p dir="ltr">Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.</p>

<p dir="ltr">After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.</p>

<p>The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.</p>


VOLVO

<p>The Volvo S80 might not have the 'right' badge for the class, but it's still a very impressive car</p>


Used Volvo S80 Saloon 1998-2006

<p>If you can set your badge snobbery aside, your money will go an awful lot further on a Volvo S80 than it will on the equivalent BMW 5 Series or Audi A6. You'll end up with a much better-equipped car, too.</p>

<p>The petrol engines can cover 12,000 miles or go for a year before needing a service, while the diesels are on slightly shorter, 10,000-mile intervals, which isn't too bad - especially when you consider that Volvo dealers charge less than their BMW and Audi counterparts for servicing. However, independent Volvo experts tend to be slightly more expensive than those who specialise in used BMWs and Audis.</p>

<p>As long as you stay away from the group 33-rated T6, insurance costs are reasonable, too; diesel engines are particularly good news with just a group 27 rating. The D5's official 44mpg should put a smile on your face, too, but the T6's claimed 25mpg is less appealing.</p>

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The Volvo S80 might not have the 'right' badge for the class, but it's still a very impressive car

<p>The best engine choice for the Volvo S80 is the D5 five-cylinder turbodiesel. It was introduced in June 2001, but in S trim only, and its good fuel economy and strong, 163bhp performance made it a big hit with customers. A more powerful version was introduced in May 2005.</p>

<p>Don't be put off by the S badge, because even the base S80 is a well equipped car, with climate control, side airbags, anti-lock-brakes, remote central locking, alloy wheels, CD player and an electric sunroof. But, if that's not enough, SE (available from August 2001) provided leather, a trip computer and front foglights.</p>

<p>Other than the D5, you might consder the five-cylinder, 140bhp 2.4-litre petrol, but it can feel overwhelmed when the car is fully laden. The 170bhp version provides more punch.</p>

<p>The early 140bhp 2.5 diesel is okay, but not as good as the D5 which replaced it in 2001. Two versions of the 2.9 V6 petrol are available: one with 200bhp, while the other has 272bhp, but we wouldn't bother with either.</p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Effortless long-distance capability</li> <li>Strong standard specification</li> <li>Low running costs</li> <li>Comfortable driving position</li> <li>Comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system</li></ul>

<p>Executive cars are often the choice of company car drivers, so factors such as CO2 emissions (which govern your monthly tax bill) are just as important as cruising refinement for those long motorway journeys, a plush cabin and (whisper it) the image of the badge on the bonnet.</p>

<p>The good news is that there are options for all budgets and tastes. If rear space is crucial and you’re willing to put up with a less-than-premium badge, the Skoda Superb is tough to beat, while if you want a premium badge on the bonnet then the BMW 3 Series is consistently one of our favourites in this class.</p>

<p>And don't think you're limited to just petrol or diesel-powered choices in this class,&nbsp;because at the top end the Tesla Model 3 is well worth considering for its long range and engaging driving style.</p>

Executive

<p>As a manufacturer, Volvo enjoys a reasonable reputation for reliability, with strong showings in recent JD Power Customer Satisfaction Surveys. So, it comes as something of a surprise when you click on to www.vosa.gov.uk and find a list of recalls as long as the queue round the block for the next iPhone.</p>

<p>There are too many to detail here, but some deal with major concerns such as possible fuel leaks, suspension failures and seatbelt anchorage problems. So, ensure that the car you're interested in has had all of the necessary work done (a Volvo dealer should be able to tell you).</p>

<p>Also, beware of diesel engines that are reluctant to start or produce black smoke under hard acceleration. Also listen out for rattles, which can mean that the exhaust heat shield has worked loose, although that's not too serious a problem.</p>

<p>More worrying are leaking oil coolers on automatic gearboxes - the units are mounted low down and can get damaged by speed bumps.</p>

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<p>Few cars make long-distance journeys as relaxing as the Volvo S80. The larger engines are all refined and provide the S80 with decent performance, while wind and road noise are nicely suppressed. With a comfortable chassis, it really does waft you along as the miles fall away.</p>

<p>What the big front-wheel-drive saloon won't do is encourage you to leave the motorway and take the twisty route. The steering is dull and body control poor; even the high-powered T6 doesn't have a chassis sharp enough to do its performance justice.</p>

<p>It's better to sit back, relax and enjoy the big, comfortable, supportive seats. The dashboard may not be the most exciting, but it's logically laid out with plenty of stowage space. Rear passengers have limousine-like levels of leg room and the boot is massive - and bigger still once the rear seats are folded.</p>

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Used Volvo S80 Saloon 1998-2006 review

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