The later model S80's are better. I have an '04 2.5T with 36k and have had no problems. My overall experience with Volvo has been good. I have put over 2 million miles on Volvos since 1967. My suggeston is to find a good independent Volvo shop, stay away from the dealers, and follow the service schedule. In '04 I purchased a Volvo S80 and a Toyota Camry. Both have about the same miles on them now and both have had no problems. I am going to compare the service requirements of the the two. The Toyota has a four and the Volvo a turbo 5. The Toyota gets an average of 32-34 MPG and the Volvo 28-30 MPG. On long trips the Toyota gets about 36-38 MPG and the Volvo 32-34 MPG. The Volvo gives a better ride and had a solid feel to it. The Camry seems more nimble. I use synthetic oil, and K&N air filters in both. At one time Volvo's were the safest cars on the road, but other than that I really doubt they have ever been any better than other cars in their class. Some Volvo owners have put very high miles on their cars, but there are other car brand owners who have done the same. It will be interesting to see what happens to Volvo under the Ford banner.