Interestingly, Consumer Reports gives high marks across the board for 2004 MY but, continues to report poor reliability for 2005.

I put little stock in their reports when I purchased my '99 V70GLT or '01 V70 T5. They have been just shy of flawless.

Decisions, decisions....S80 Premier or S60R....guess we should drive both

I think a few of these responses are a bit harsh. Volvo has had nearly seven years to work out many of the problem issues. I think the big discounts on the T-6 reflect most buyers' preference for the 2.5T. Too bad for them. The T-6 will put a smile on your face. There are very few alternatives that will give you the speed, comfort, and safety of the T-6 for $35K. The VIP extended warranty might not be a bad idea, obviously, but wait until the original factory warranty is nearly up, as there's no reason to pay interest on an EW.

This car was poor quality when it was launched and it remains so. Pick up a current copy of Consumer Reports Annual Auto Issue just released this month. The S80 maintains it's poor reliability record. If you cherish your time spent on the side of the road and dealing with dealership service departments, then the S80 is your ticket with destiny.

Years ago when Volvo built quality and delivered value, they advertised their cars with the slogan "When you build the kinds of cars that people want to drive you don't need to pay them to drive them" Too bad Volvo subsequently abandoned the core values that put them on the automotive map.

This old saying has never been more true than it is today, "The Bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten!"

Buy a car from a manufacturer that understands the meaning of quality and delivers value to their customers.

The T6 has a $6,000 dealer incentive on it right now, the regular S80 only $1,500, so the difference in street price between the two has been significantly reduced.

I'd be more inclined to lease, even if hit with the $0.20/mile overage.

It sure IS a tempting price!

-BTC

'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 156k mi, front IPD stabilizer bar, rear factory HD bar, Bilstein HD, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, e-codes, V-1, Mobil-1 since new, Michelin Arctic Alpins

The S80 has a bad reputation, left from the disastrous '99 and '00 MY S80's, so volvo has a hard time moving these cars off the lot at the $40K plus sticker price.

The S80 still is not as reliable as the S60, but is getting better. You got a good deal, plus the 4 yr/ maintenance free warranty allows one to sleep well at night.

If after a couple of years it turns out to be a dog, then get rid of it.
--
'88 240, '92 745, '98 v70 -John, Tampa Bay