Volvo S80 - Review - First Generation

Bought as a stop gap, this is a late 2005 Volvo S80 in SELux trim. With a a previous owner before me from new who clearly had a passion for its upkeep, it represents a good example of this increasingly rare executive model. I show the exterior and some of the history of this model and what it meant for Volvo before showing the interior and how this (designed in the mid-1990’s) has stood up over the years since.

[@MrRoadtrippa]

A lovely video on a great find car. Thanks Robin. 👍

[@StevesRepairs]

Thanks Robin, the Volvo looks like a rare and lovely bargain, I hope that you get your money back etc, for the Lexus without too much more problems. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@baltvdb]

Always nice to see how life's treating you, though I do miss the long format boating videos ❤👍

[@TheCaptainsBlog]

I have mixed feelings as I do miss the boating videos sometimes and then remember the effort that went into them and how providing content was more important than me enjoying the break. You know a month ago I was on the Broads and spent 5 nights going no further than Ludham Bridge on the River Ant in one direction and Stalham in the other. Using the boat as a base and driving to places across North Norfolk for the day or deciding to do nothing more than go from How Hill to Neatishead for lunch then back to a wild mooring for a snooze and come evening have a Barbecue. All lovely but goodness me it would make boring content for a video and it’s why they slowly slipped away from being made.

[@davesandall4530]

The Captains back 🎉

[@MattDilley-nv1ed]

Great to see a new video, are you going to be doing any broads videos this year?

[@TheCaptainsBlog]

I have been afloat a few times this year but increasingly less and less and considering selling my share in Broad Ambition too. Shiela is not keen on boating as once was (she now is very much into Marathon running and trail/fell competitions) and when we go away it’s often for these events. Also, doing videos of boating means you think first ‘content’ not just enjoying the moment. I think as Russell ‘The Admiral’ Thompson has found in recent months, it’s nicer to just get on the water and have a break than worry about cameras and content dictating things.

[@lawrie558]

Thank you for this new blog. The Captain's Blogs on Norfolk Broads Hire Boating has been a needed distraction and what followed is inspiring, so thank you for all of them. I wish you well

[@nicko500s]

Hi Rob. good to see you back. Any plans for more boat reviews? Your review of Brinks Serenade was very helpful in making a decision to rent it a few years ago. It would be interesting to see a review of the most luxury craft available to hire if yards would allow you a few days aboard to do so. Have you been on the Thames and if so would you recommend it? Thanks for the informative and entertaining videos over the years.

[@TheCaptainsBlog]

My days of hire boating are well and truly behind me. Also, I had to pay to hire boats - no freebie’s for a few nights to do a review the most I got was some free fuel if things had gone a bit tits up and I’d filmed it.. I actually think the new ‘luxury’ craft are now just repeats of the same old. Same concepts, same flooring, same wood veneers, same works tops etc etc. you’ve got some amazing craft externally with some good new technology with hybrid drives and Lithium batteries etc but the boats themselves internally have not moved on in maybe 10 years now. Yet… Look at a wide beam canal boat. Just a small thing like not having a galley along one side - making an island with the hob/oven in that, what about some new flooring other than Holly & Teak and I think it is time air conditioning made an appearance on the top of line cruisers too.

[@user-sf7kl9uh7k]

Making the passenger airbag optional was pure greed.

[@TheCaptainsBlog]

Had no idea this was the case for UK cars and can’t find details of this having looked so your information is helpful. Thanks.

[@shanehumberstone5262]

Looks a nice comfortable tender for your boat 😃