Used Volvo S80 for sale in Europe

About the Volvo S80

The Volvo S80 is a large four-door saloon that Volvo sold as its flagship from 1998 to 2016. It suits drivers who want a quiet, comfortable car for long motorway journeys and who accept that it is a big car to park. It was sold in many European markets, so choice is wide.

Engines changed a lot over the years. Petrol versions range from five-cylinder turbo units to six-cylinder engines and, in the second generation, a V8. Diesels are mostly five-cylinder, with a smaller four-cylinder later. Both automatic and manual gearboxes were offered, and some cars have all-wheel drive.

Our listings include petrol, diesel, LPG and CNG cars. Gas-fuelled examples are often aftermarket conversions, though Volvo also offered factory bi-fuel versions in some markets. The first generation is the cheaper entry point. The second generation has more modern equipment and safety features.

Generations

• S80 first generation (1998-2006) — Front-wheel drive saloon with transverse engines, including a twin-turbo six-cylinder petrol and, from the early 2000s, a five-cylinder diesel.
• S80 second generation (2006-2016) — Larger saloon on Volvo's P3 platform, shared with the V70 and XC70, with a facelift around 2013.

Typical prices

Asking prices in our listings rise steadily with model year. The overall median is 4000 euros, but that blends very different cars. Early first-generation cars sit at the bottom: the 2001 model year has a median of 1600 euros. Cars from 2012 have a median of 8300 euros. The 2014 model year, mostly facelifted second-generation cars, reaches 16800 euros. The 2015 model year is cheaper than 2014 in our listings, but each year has only a dozen or so cars, so single years can jump around. Mileage, engine, equipment and country also move the price. These are asking prices in our listings on 2026-11-10, not a valuation.

Based on our listings as of 2026-11-10. These are asking prices, not a valuation.

What to check when buying a used Volvo S80

Ask for the full service history and look at the car in daylight. Take a test drive that covers cold starts, a motorway run and some low-speed manoeuvres.

• Service history and records

  Look for regular oil changes and gearbox servicing in the paperwork. Large Volvos with long service gaps tend to need more work. Check that mileage is consistent between service stamps, inspection reports and the odometer.

• Gearbox shifts and fluid · Automatic gearboxes

  On the test drive, check that shifts are smooth when cold and warm, with no flare, jerking or delay when selecting drive or reverse. Ask whether the gearbox fluid has ever been changed, as neglect is a common cause of problems.

• Crankcase ventilation and leaks · Turbo petrol and diesel five-cylinder engines

  Five-cylinder turbo engines are known for crankcase ventilation blockages, which can cause oil leaks and smoke. Look for oil seepage around seals, check the oil filler cap for heavy sludge and ask whether the system has been cleaned or replaced.

• Injectors, EGR and particulate filter · Diesel

  Listen for rough idle or knocking when cold and watch for black or white smoke. On later diesels, ask about the particulate filter and EGR valve. Short-trip use can clog them, so check for warning lights and past repairs.

• Drivetrain service · All-wheel drive versions

  If the car has all-wheel drive, ask when the rear drive unit and its fluid were last serviced. Listen for whining or vibration under load and on tight turns, and check for leaks around the rear axle.

• Gas system documentation · LPG and CNG cars

  Find out whether the gas system is a factory bi-fuel set-up or a conversion. Ask for installation papers, the latest gas system inspection record and the tank certification date. Check that the car also runs smoothly on petrol.

• Body, suspension and electrics

  Check sills, wheel arches and the underside for corrosion. Listen for knocks from the suspension over bumps. Test every window, seat adjuster, climate control setting and dashboard warning light, as electrical faults can be costly to trace.

Frequently asked questions