Dilemna S80 2005 v S80 2010

[Liam]

I have an S80 D5 SE Exec registered in 2005, which I have run without any bother for the past five years. The mileage is now just over 65,000. It is reckoned to be worth £4,000 by a dealer.

I have come across a 2010 S80 SE Lux with a mileage of 39,000. High mileage for a car of 18 months, but, as I am retired, my annual mileage is about 6,000 – mostly around town, so the average would come down over the next few years. Initial asking price is £14,000.

So the dilemma is
- do I keep the car which has run without a fault over the past few years? (It does have not have a DPF)
- or buy the newer car?

As experienced Volvo folk, your views would be appreciated.

[t5_monkey]

The cheapest car to run is the one you got.

Buying newer will always result in large depreciating costs, and you'll end up with an old car at some point in the future anyway.

My feeling is, keeping the one you've got and maintaining it properly, is the most cost efficient route.

The new S80 is dynamically better but rides much worse apparently, have you driven it ?

[Liam]

No, I haven't driven it yet. i am tending to agree with you about keeping the older model - the devil you know etc. Good to have someone else's view.

[t5_monkey]

No, I haven't driven it yet. i am tending to agree with you about keeping the older model - the devil you know etc. Good to have someone else's view.

Choice upgrades can really improve a car too. For example, Bilstein shocks are much better than manfacturers standard (and give a better ride). It's possible to have an older car that is better than when it came out of the factory.

[Liam]

Is it an expensive job to install the Bilstein shocks?

[volvorocks]

I have an S80 D5 SE Exec registered in 2005, which I have run without any bother for the past five years. The mileage is now just over 65,000. It is reckoned to be worth £4,000 by a dealer.

I have come across a 2010 S80 SE Lux with a mileage of 39,000. High mileage for a car of 18 months, but, as I am retired, my annual mileage is about 6,000 – mostly around town, so the average would come down over the next few years. Initial asking price is £14,000.

So the dilemma is
- do I keep the car which has run without a fault over the past few years? (It does have not have a DPF)
- or buy the newer car?

As experienced Volvo folk, your views would be appreciated.

Hi

Keep the 2005. Its proven trusty.

Keep your money and spend it on other niceties to enhance your retirement.

All the best

[850Will]

Stick with the trouble-free car you have would be my advice.

I've been told, both by the guys at my local garage and a Volvo specialist I know that the post 2006 'phase 2' S80 can be and often is very troublesome and the older cars are a better bet.

[Chesh740R]

My Father had the same thoughts about replacing his 04 S80 D5 SE when he retired a couple of years ago, he faniced something newer with the latest technology in it.
But when we considered how little miles he would be doing, what was the point of laying out 20k on something that will just do the same job as the current one and watch that 20k just depreciate no matter how low a mileage the new car would slowly rack up.

So we just gave the car a little refresh by upgrading the car to some 18inch Rims. Were still on the look out for some HID lights for it.

http://www.chesh.co.uk/s80pics/s80cap.jpg

Its not to say in a couple of years time he'll buy a newer S80, but were working on the plan of waiting for the V8's to keep depreciating and then he'll get one of those as the fuel cost wont bother him due to his low mileage, plus he's allways wanted a V8 engine powered car.

[t5_monkey]

Is it an expensive job to install the Bilstein shocks?

B6's installed would set you about IRO £700 - install being approx £200

You'd probably want to renew the bushes at the same time, and top mounts.

The fully monty to get better than new probably around £1200 - a fair bit but much less than a new car :)

[Simeyb]

I've got a 10 year old S60 T5 - never missed a beat in the 5 years we've had it (except the original battery gave up in its 9th year which you can hardly moan about!) - I have wondered about whether to change but for the miles I do and what I would get for the T5 (£1,500 on pex if I'm lucky), there's no way I would change a trusted and reliable car for a new one.

[Liam]

Thanks, guys, That's very helpful. I'll be keeping my old and trusted motor.....

[isleaiw]

I have an S80 D5 SE Exec registered in 2005, which I have run without any bother for the past five years. The mileage is now just over 65,000. It is reckoned to be worth £4,000 by a dealer.

I have come across a 2010 S80 SE Lux with a mileage of 39,000. High mileage for a car of 18 months, but, as I am retired, my annual mileage is about 6,000 – mostly around town, so the average would come down over the next few years. Initial asking price is £14,000.

So the dilemma is
- do I keep the car which has run without a fault over the past few years? (It does have not have a DPF)
- or buy the newer car?

As experienced Volvo folk, your views would be appreciated.


I have seen and sat in the 10 model that you refer to (as its at the garage my brother works at I suspect....). If you were after the cheapest way to run a car you wouldnt be driving an S80 now..... and whilst your 2005 model is reliable and trouble free, is that all you loook for in a car???

I have to say the S80 is stunning and I was so tempted to buy it on Saturday - but that would have been a very expensive set of tyres (the reason I was there!) and I really need an estate these days with kids at uni.

Plus, the better half said no...

It is gorgeous though - in pride of place in the showroom.

Ian

[Liam]

The 'better half' always knows best.........................................