Review - Volvo S80 '98, Cheap Luxury and Swedish Build Quality

A complete review of the understated 1998 Volvo S80, where we take a look at Every Aspect to see if the S80 is something special? A lot of car, for less then €1500.
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Twitter: / a_carjourney

[@AC-eo1zg]

The 2nd button is the Reduce Guard switch. When pressed it disables the internal mass motion sensor for the alarm and if fitted the level sensors (activates the alarm when the car is jacked up). The W mode on the gear selector isn't a Wet mode but a Winter mode. It causes the car to start in 3rd gear to allow the vehicle to move easily under slippery/ icy conditions. If you ever wondered what the other 5 optional buttons do just for knowledge and info, for all 7 buttons you have: Electric headrest switch, Reduce Guard switch, DSTC/STC switch, Electric child-lock switch, Side Power Folding Mirrors switch, Auxiliary Lights switch and Valet Parking Rear Boot lock switch.

[@garybookless4543]

I was just about to say that

[@TheDrearyveil]

This was one my most reliable cars. I got one that had 150000 km on its odometer and I drove to 250000 km without any hassle. I highly recommend the 5-cylinder petrol engine. The Aisin-Warner automatic gearbox (used also by many Japanese car manufacturers) is really reliable too, if the gearoil has been regularly changed. Quiet, economical for its size, warm in the winter, cool in the summer. Corrosion is not a problem, the swedes protected the vulnerable parts underneath already at the factory. The leather seats, especially the drivers seat might be really worn, but that is probably the only thing that annoys in this car. Sure it is old, but if maintained properly it is gold. Check the v70 also from the years 2005-2007(08). I had one of those (petrol 5-cyl / automatic) for family use, I never had to regret that either. The 2005 Both S80 and V70 were updated for the last time, before the next gen. The 2005-2006 S80 and 2005-2007 V70 are really bullet proof technically.

[@frederickdemetrius7022]

You all prolly dont give a shit but does anybody know of a way to get back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly lost the login password. I love any help you can offer me.

[@darrensean8080]

@Frederick Demetrius instablaster =)

[@frederickdemetrius7022]

@Darren Sean I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and im in the hacking process now. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@frederickdemetrius7022]

@Darren Sean It worked and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much, you saved my account !

[@darrensean8080]

@Frederick Demetrius no problem :)

[@sommerfoto]

I just bought myself a Volvo S80 - exactly the same as yours, but in a deep red color. I'm so glad I bought it, only £580 and only 291K kilometers. It serves as my second Volvo, Saving my XC60 for half og the 30.000km/Year.

[@carjourney5157]

It is quite the bargain, and that red colour sure sounds like it would fit the car perfectly.

[@lvga8935]

Picking up my S80 in a couple days, it's the t6 2.8 biturbo version though! But man your review on the car made me so excited, your humor is the best!

[@troberts799]

"W" button is for winter driving in the snow. The transmission grearing changes to improve traction.

[@carjourney5157]

That actually makes more sense... 😁. Thanks for the correction. Would you happen to know, what the second "bond gadget" did as well?

[@troberts799]

@@carjourney5157 sorry I don't

[@troberts799]

@@carjourney5157 The button with the three bar, temporarily deactivates the car alarm. For example, the S80 is on the ferry and due to the movement of the ship could trigger the alarm.

[@carjourney5157]

And thanks again :). Another mysterie solved. Cheers Trey

[@TFB-chris]

If the "W" button is pressed the car starts in 3rd gear.

[@user-py8di4nm2t]

I just got my first car, 2001 Volvo S80 2.4, 170horsepower, 5spd auto. Has been in our family since 2017, at the time of purchase 220,000km, 6 years later now its 286,000km, no major problems, had to replace some suspension bits, and the magneti marelli infamous throttle casing. Fuel consumption is about 12l/100 in city, 7,5-8liter HWY. Cheap reliable comfort!!

[@dogblack64]

I have a 2003 S80 D5, the one with the 5 cylinder diesel. It's done 206,000 miles and it drives beautifully. I love it.

[@BigCar2]

Nice video - and I love your sense of humour!

[@carjourney5157]

Thanks! Much appreciated 👍

[@DudeWithAGoatee]

Currently driving the Volvo S80 2.4 170hp '00 in my profile picture. Beautiful car, drives really well and extremely reliable. Although I payed a lot more for it, I think it was still worth it considering a lot of parts were new on it. Plus brand new winter and summer tires with aluminum rims. 240000 km still going strong!

[@dillonfowle8061]

How much did you pay if you don’t mind me asking?

[@DudeWithAGoatee]

@@dillonfowle8061 3500, which might seem a lot in some countries but it's a good price here where I live. Suspension was pretty much new, clutch as well, engine was running like new and plenty of other parts.

[@tristanvandenbosch1421]

Fantastic review with a sense of humor. Hartelijk dank voor deze video 😄😄

[@Lordvader1212]

Your reviews are hilarious and entertaining, how do you not have more subscribers?

[@worldhello1234]

It looks almost identical to the S60 but comes with a superior range of engine options. It is the first car that features the inline 6 "T6" option.

[@fredaydaybae8450]

Love the review and LOVE my Volvo S80!

[@msredlinesymphony]

The button next to the rear headrest button, deactivates the interior alarm and tilt sensor.

[@Nextbandi]

Exactly. Useful when travelling on a ferry or parking in a smart elevator garage.

[@TheDrearyveil]

This button is also useful if one has a pet or some kids inside the car, while the the doors are locked via the remote.

[@deadlink1137]

great review, mr "I dont know what I am doing" pfft! keep up the good work!

[@TheandY408]

Dude great video. High quality stuff. As a new owner this vid made me laugh and excited about my new car!

[@carjourney5157]

That's great to hear, thanks!

[@davidursachi4581]

Very nice review , thanks

[@Viscosity-cb3xl]

Early 2000s Volvos are wonderful machines. The early 2000s S60 T5 is also amazing

[@tobiaskaczmarek]

1:35 thanks for showing the boot capacity. Since I first found out about the folding seats I wondered if I could lie there. Great video. Keep it up.

[@carjourney5157]

Thanks, I was surprised it wasn't advertised more in the brochure...

[@therealshakespeare9243]

Are you sure all S80’s have folding back seats. I didn’t know they had them. I’ve owned them 20 years and not known about this !

[@Old_school02]

I had bought a Volvo S80 a few months ago as a first car and when did I know whether it was a great car you answered all of my questions

[@madvelila]

Just bought myself one about a month ago. 457tkm so there is still plenty of life left in that 20yo gem. :) Runs smooth and shifts ok. Need to fill ac and change windsheald.

[@felixhau7682]

Thanks for the lovely video! I bought my first used S80 (D5, yom 2001) in 2006 - with 100,000 km. In 2015, at 379,000 km, I exchanged it for the second one (D5, yom 2004), which already had 210,000 km on the clock. I still have this one; it now has just under 300,000 km. So far, the two Volvos have cost me a total of only 100€ per month (purchase and repair costs divided by running time). You can't drive a car as safe, smooth and comfortable as those Volvos still are for less. I love these cars - also their design! - and will buy them again and again as long as they are still available.

[@dubbelgamer064]

the secret button is to turn off the movement sensor on the inside for the alarm of :) these are great cars bought my t6 executive almost a year ago and love it so much

[@JaidenJimenez86]

The nav display raises up when you push the enter button hidden on the side of the steering wheel

[@police5660]

I noticed it later too, bought an S80 2005 2.5L

[@upthedubs1000]

One of the best cars I ever had

[@derrickwhittle9012]

just bought a 2004 will add as I drive in the US

[@hetjert]

Ik heb afgelopen zomer ook een s80 gekocht uit 2002. Rijd heerlijk

[@matanegozi]

I have the T6 twin turbo version and i absolutely love it

[@mksrides9586]

that's why i've bought 2004 S80 T6 :D a LOT of fun when you need it!!

[@4j4basolo]

Bad thing is the gearbox but indeed it is a lot of fun

[@pingobingo94]

The rear seats DO have cupholders, they’re hidden at the front of the center armrest, folded down.

[@turtle1701d]

Best car I’ve ever had

[@Krezo200]

Nice

[@sputumtube]

I hav the exact same car. I do have the remote for the pop-up Sat Nav but it's old technology and I can't understand how it works. The CD player in mine doesn't work (although the radio works fine) and it's impossible to get the CD player repaired or even replaced as it has to work with the Sat-Nav and reversing sensors. I've tried every Volvo dealer in my country (UK), every breakers yard and even Volvo HQ in Gothenburg. All to no avail. I'm using an MP3 player as a substitute.

[@michaelkelly7301]

Thanks for giving me hope with your video l have just bought a 2004 s80 2.4petrol got 97000 miles on clock with 2 previous owners l don’t do a lot of miles now but hoping will get a couple of years run out of it with care it’s been well looked after :should l have confidence with this car ;l have always liked them

[@kyriakoshachirokus8982]

My dad owns a 2004 s80 as well. Best car we’ve ever owned. It’s very reliable and a bit quick too. We’ve had no problems whatsoever and it has 163000km. The only time I recall it being at the shop was when the drivers side window motor got jammed and needed to be replaced but other than that it’s just an oil change every 2 years or so. It’s just an incredible car ;) I hope that yours comes out this good as well.

[@michaelkelly7301]

@@kyriakoshachirokus8982 thanks for your comments Kyriakos l collected car on Saturday and drove 160 mile first time been on a run in 2 years engine perfect ;body could do with a of a makeover the rear bumper needs replacing otherwise very happy with car for price .thanks again

[@kyriakoshachirokus8982]

@@michaelkelly7301 wish you the best :)

[@therealshakespeare9243]

Your car will give you probably 10 years trouble free motoring, it’s barely run-in!

[@patrickparker8417]

Yes , I have had my s80 since March 2019 140 000 miles on it now , not that quick from first because of its weight and lack of a turbo but great after that , as they say ,,, a poor man's Rolls Royce , I said that to another volvo owner , he didn't like that one bit 😀😀😀 but whats true is true .

[@patrickparker8417]

They handle very well especially with a set of nokian tyres .

[@PunjabiFoodAndTravel]

good car

[@RangerHMMWV]

My beautifull S80 is a T6, geartronic, drap brown velur leather seats, hu-801 Dolby digital audio, moon dust metal body. 😍⛵🌪️🛫✈️♂️♐↗️🏅

[@carjourney5157]

Sounds like a beautifull youngtimer in the making ;). How long have you had it?

[@RangerHMMWV]

@@carjourney5157 2017. 07. and now 20 years old.

[@Oxydus1]

Your geartronic is 4 speed ?

[@RangerHMMWV]

@@Oxydus1 Yes, my old S80 is GM 4 gear.

[@RakeeOneAndOnly]

Middle cupholder does not open like that, you have to press very left button to opet it. Thank me later..

[@carjourney5157]

I'll thank you now 😉. Thanks for the tip!

[@studentdebil1720]

What is the most reliable engine? I have heard good things about 2.4 petrol and 2.5 TDI by VW.

[@randychris5031]

Thanks this will help me I wanna get one ☝️ for myself!

[@Al-un2un]

You can control the nav with the buttons behind the steering wheel.

[@carjourney5157]

I know, but somehow mine didn't have any buttons :s.

[@SF-rs3xm]

This guy is hilarious 😂

[@AlexandruPirlogea]

so it s an automatic transmision in 4?

[@kennysar]

I would like to buy this car as my first after I turn 18, is it good idea? I really like this car :P

[@tonybramley7649]

Insurance would be very expensive for you better off getting a small car 1st and build some no claims bonus on Insurance before getting a bigger car

[@dildodickings2668]

This was my first car and i loved it but it also spoiled me and all other cars now feel like crap after it. It's a very reliable car, doesn't rust, really safe, great audio quality and great on highways. However the turning radius is bad it's not agile at all so it might give you some headaches at parking lots at least in europe, it's not sporty at all, it pushes/understeers hard in the corners, the 4 speed autobox is not great, the driving is almost too easy you don't feel like you are moving at all sometimes and you might get bored and impatient. So if you go for one watch your speed, pick your parking spots and really just be patient on the road especially when it's slippery.

[@ReaperVolvo]

seccond option is for the car alarm, just read the manual

[@ChevyBM]

That is a lot of car for 1500€ O_O and those are pretty bullet proof, the seats and suspension is really comfortable for highway cruising and roadtrips. But get the T6 or the 2,5T.

[@dilshan8059]

Anyone have idea on fuel consumption

[@Celicarz11]

What do you all think about a 2004 t6 with 230, 000 kms? Still young at heart? Are they too gasoline thirsty? Do those have the GM transmission or the improved one? Can it be at the level of a 300, 000 kms Toyota Camry? Which could make me happier?

[@henriqueborges8627]

I have both cars, a S80 t6 2002, and a Camry V6 2007. The camry is very smooth and silent, typical familiar car. The Volvo is a beast, although smooth too, it reminds you every second that it is a very powerfull car, despite the Camry having more horsepower. I love having both cars in my garage. Unfortunatelly, my Volvo is at the mechanic to repair the transmission. I only had it for about a year. I guess the previous owner wasnt the better owner that car could have. I am anxious to get that repair done, to drive that beast again!

[@Celicarz11]

@@henriqueborges8627 thank you for answering! I had to get the Camry. When I went to see the S80 I was dissapointed by the pretty bad shape it was in. It needed tires badly, though I fell in love with the engine smoothness and power, it was very unclear if timing belt had ever been replaced, brakes were almost dead, paint was in terrible shape, and it was even more expensive than the Yota...a shame really. Both vehicles were at a 4 hour drive away in the same city. I would have not dare to risk taking the S80 back home and deal with so many problems. Camry has been amazing, a tough workhorse.

[@reallyhappenings5597]

the twin turbo 6 is an interesting engine. That car still has lots of lufe but I'd go through it with a fine comb. Refresh everything, pcv system, maybe drop the pan, cooling system etc

[@Sanderr87-]

How did you manage to get a cube grille in a mk1 S80?

[@floracane]

What’s wrong with it?

[@Sanderr87-]

@@floracane the looks of a modern grille is much better

[@floracane]

@@Sanderr87- but it is not rare for s80 mk1. I believe all later models have it.

[@Wokkoning]

Het lijkt me geen facelift model. Maar er zit wel een blokjes grille in. Hoe heb je dat gefixt?

[@carjourney5157]

Goed gespot! Een van de vorige eigenaren heeft dat waarschijnlijk gedaan, om de auto er moderner uit te laten zien.

[@Wokkoning]

@@carjourney5157 ja ziet er fris uit!

[@RangerHMMWV]

Now see: 4:45 What that?? Plant. HAHAHAHA XD I have this plant, but my from Obi and on table.

[@ronitammi9740]

I have s80 1999 2.9 six cylinder sounds better

[@whitestone4805]

Avoid geartronic !!!

[@kristapssarovs3391]

Guy dont know about cars...

[@carjourney5157]

They're those things on wheels, right?