Volvo S80 (2006 - 2016) 2.4 D5 SE Lux (185bhp) 4d (2006/56) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Perhaps it doesn't say the 'coolest' things... values safety and comfort over image and driving dynamics. Doesn’t follow the crowd. I suspect the average S80 owner doesn't care too much what image the car brings.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They like it, especially being 'chauffeured' around in it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, perhaps a Geartronic though, considering my driving style. A four-wheel drive version (T6 or D5 AWD) would be handy for winter.

What are you likely to buy next?

Undecided and I hope this car lasts a while longer!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£13,000

When did you buy the car?

April 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

Low miles for age and second to top of the range with a few extras. Excellent condition coupled with dealer assurances, warranty and euro breakdown cover meant this was a good deal.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Needed a large comfy diesel cruiser for long work commutes and continental driving holidays.

What was the dealer like?

Helpful, not pushy, excellent aftersales care. However just one gripe; the salesman assured me that the Volvo Polestar perfomance upgrade (to 205bhp) could be installed by the dealer before I agreed to the deal. It turned out this was for 2008-on models only. However, after owning the car for a while 185bhp is more than enough.

What's it like to drive?

Not one for flying around corners, that's for sure. Good tyres a must to help reduce wheelspin at junctions and roundabouts (front wheel drive). Hard to beat on the motorway; quiet, powerful across the mid-range and very stable at high speed. Good visiblity and a decent suspension set-up make it a great long distance cruiser. Decent note from the five-cylinder engine, although it does feel a little rough around town (when compared to the 3.0 German diesels).

What's it like to park?

Easy with the front and rear sensors. I would imagine fairly difficult without due to the length of the car.

Have you had any problems with the car?

One heated seat - fixed under warrenty, ABS sensor - fixed under warrenty. Other than that, very reliable.

What's most practical about your car?

The seats... true armchairs of the motoring world. Soft leather, large, heated, cooled, lumbar support and electrically adjustable with memory. To be relaxed and refreshed after a non-stop trip from Milan to Brugge (over 1,000km) is a testament to the comfort.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Lots! Heated/cooled seats, excellent sound system (more like one you would find in your living room!), bi-xenons, etc. Just the little touches like the mirrors adjusting when you are in reverse or the floating needles on the dials make you smile. If I had to pick a favourite... widescreen full euro sat nav that slowly sinks into the dash when the engine is turned off.