Objective views on the S80...?

My Victor Meldrew-esque dad has decided that it's time to replace his 1995 960 CD estate . As per usual, he is displaying very little interest in cars, beside the crucial principle that it HAS to be a Volvo (I am the only sinner in the family, with a Clio!). Hence it really will be me that pushes him in the direction of one car or another, as I also did with the 960. My mum has also stipulated that it must have an element of prestige (my dad's only other leanings are towards a Skoda).

He doesn't really need an estate any more, but the car must be automatic, reasonably powerful given it's weight and absolutely loaded with kit. It also has to come from a franchised dealer (warranty) and be about three years old. He mainly runs up motorway miles, though wants better economy than his 2.5 960 gives around town - and has about £15k to spend.

I've been pushing him in the direction of an S80 (maybe an S60 too), but would like some opinions on what the cars are like to own/drive - as I'll be using it too!

So far, I think we can rule out the T6 as it might prove more expensive to run/maintain and also the 140bhp 2.4, whose lack of power, I think, would annoy my dad and be difficult to find in top spec. That, as far as I know, leaves the TD (and D5), 170bhp 2.4 and 2.9.

So - what are these cars like? Anything to watch out for?

Many thanks for all replies!



(P.S. His 960 will be for sale soon, just in case anyone is interested. It's got the top spec inc. electric heated leather seats, climate, 6-stack CD, self-levelling suspension etc, etc. F/S/H, metallic grey, barely run in at 110k miles)

[Paul Wildsmith]

I'm happy with my petrol 2.9, does 30mpg on the motorway or 27 'A' roads. You need the SE with some of the packs, winter and luxury, to get most of the gizmos. Can't remember the Volvo warranty conditions, but suspect you'll get longest period on a sub 2 year old car. Warranty is essental for sorting out all those niggles!

Paul
VOC S80 Register Keeper

Go for it, great cars, I have 1999 2.4 170bhp SE not underpowered at all in my opinion, believe the 140bhp is though, like prev posting says get the se and winter pack for all the toys!
2002 models from dealers go for around the 15k mark in my area, do a search on www.autotrader.co.uk

PS just testing mine on shell optimax fuel, bit more expensive but power and mpg are looking good so far

Thanks - I meant that maybe the 140bhp 2.4 is underpowered given the size of the car. The 960 is the 2.5 170bhp unit and seems just fine, so the 170bhp 2.4 would also be so!