Volvo S80 II (AS) (2006 – 2016)

Reliability score : 8.0/10

The second-generation Volvo S80 (code name AS) is based on the EUCD platform developed during the Ford era (shared with the Mondeo, S-Max, and Land Rover Freelander 2). As the Swedish brand's flagship, it stands out with exceptional ride comfort, some of the best seats in the automotive industry, and a pioneering level of passive and active safety (introduction of BLIS, City Safety, adaptive cruise control). It underwent several evolutions: a minor facelift in 2009, a technological and interior update in 2011 (Sensus), and a more significant facelift in 2013 (new bumpers, digital gauges) coinciding with the arrival of the new generation of in-house 4-cylinder “VEA Drive-E” engines. Although European demand heavily shifted towards diesel (D5), the S80 offers a fascinating range of petrol en

⚠️ Weaknesses

Disastrous Powershift (Ford) dual-clutch automatic gearbox on 4-cylinders
High weight leading to rapid wear of suspension bushings and brakes
Very large turning radius (difficult in urban maneuvers)
High fuel consumption of petrol engines (V8, T6, 3.2)
Less developed network of independent specialists than for German cars
Sluggish road behavior, focused on comfort rather than dynamism

🎯 Verdict

The Volvo S80 II is an underrated luxury sedan that offers exceptional comfort and safety for its used car price. With petrol engines, it's a brilliant choice provided you target the right mechanics. The 5-cylinder (2.5T), 6-cylinder (3.2, T6), and V8 engines are monuments of reliability if maintenance is followed, especially the Aisin automatic gearbox oil change. However, you must absolutely avoid the Ford 4-cylinder engines (1.6T, 2.0T) associated with the Powershift gearbox, whose reliability is catastrophic. Drive-E versions (post-2014) are good modern alternatives, provided you check the oil consumption of the early model years.

Common issues

Encrassement du système de ventilation du carter (PCV) Medium

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 400 – 800 €

Vérifier les fuites d'huile et la pression du carter, surtout sur 2.5T et T6.

Usure des silent-blocs et bras de suspension avant Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 400 – 900 €

Écouter les bruits de claquement, vérifier l'usure des pneus et la tenue de route.

Défaillance de l'actuateur de frein de stationnement électronique (EPB) Medium

🔧 100 000 – 200 000 km

💶 500 – 1 000 €

Tester régulièrement le frein à main, être attentif aux messages d'erreur.

Usure de la courroie d'accessoires et de ses tendeurs/galets (moteurs 3.2, T6) High

🔧 120 000 – 180 000 km

💶 300 – 600 €

Remplacer préventivement la courroie et les galets pour éviter des pannes graves.

Encrassement des soupapes d'admission (moteurs à injection directe T4/T5) Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 400 – 800 €

Surveiller la perte de puissance ou le ralenti irrégulier, envisager un décalaminage.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Timing belt	£500 – 1 000 (pour 2.5T)
Timing chain	£850 – 1 700 (pour 3.2, T6, T4, T5, V8 si remplacement nécessaire)
Clutch	£750 – 1 400 (si applicable, pour boîtes manuelles)
Complete brakes	£250 – 500
Estimated annual budget	£600 – 1 200

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.