Tips on buying a Volvo 480

INTRODUCTION

The Volvo 480 is a Volvo too. It is a safe, reliable car. Even older ones look today as if they just left the showroom. Still, there some points to pay special attention to.

  • Buy your Volvo 480 at a WELL REPUTED ADDRESS, preferably from an OFFICIAL VOLVO DEALER
  • Check the car's history using the SERVICING RECORDS
  • Have the car TESTED BY AN INDEPENDANT ORGANISATION (AA, TuV, Touring Service etc in various countries)
  • Buy only if you get a FULL GUARANTEE
  • Check if the car had DAMAGE
  • Check if the car PAPERS MATCH THE CHASSISNUMBER of the car
  • If possible, CONTACT the PREVIOUS OWNER
  • Be EXTRA CAREFUL if the car is an AFTER SALE IMPORT
Damage can often be detected, also by non-experts, by having a good look at all the body panels for differences in colour shades. Use a finger to feel if all body panels fit correctly. Pay special attention to the doors, bonnet, front apron, door sills, rear hatch door, rear lights fittings.

BODY

The Volvo 480 is a solid car with very good rust protection. Places where rust usually first develops are:

  • inside of REAR WHEEL ARCHES
  • BOTTOM OF DOORS
  • DOOR SILLS
  • STRIP BOTTOM SIDE WINDOW at doors
  • inside of FRONT WHEEL ARCHES
Mind differences in colour shades of body panels. Check door hinges (may indicate previous damage too).

LEAKAGE

Some Volvo 480's leak. Check for water leakage at:

  • REAR HATCH DOOR
  • UPPER SIDE OF REAR LIGHT UNITS
  • REAR SIDE WINDOWS
Leakage may be evident from:
  • the shell where the spare wheel is located
  • under the back seats
Check for both water and rust. If you spot kit around the rear hatch door, rear lights or rear windows, than that may well be a positive sign. A previous owner then has taken proper care to prevent leakage.

TURBO

Although the turbo of the Volvo 480 turbo is as good as other parts of the car, some turbo's do not work properly, probably because the turbo-versions are sometimes driven more agressively. When you have the car tested, ask specifically to CHECK AND TEST THE TURBO. Make sure all connections are okay and fitted surely. Repair or replacement of a turbo is expensive.

CHECK THE TURBO DURING A TEST DRIVE. The turbo should build pressure almost immediately without turbo lag. Drive at constant speed with 2500 rev's in third. If after a while the car gets hickups the turbo may be at its end.

ELECTRONICS

The Volvo 480 is loaded with electronics. On earlier models electronics were reported to be less reliable. During a test drive, CHECK ALL METERS, VALVES, GAUGES AND SWITCHES. They are electronically operated. Mishaps may not be serious, but just annoying. Check whether the speedometer and rev counter work smoothly and regularly commensurate with speed and revs. CHECK if the INFO-CENTER works properly (all readings). On idling or in slow traffic, some older models have irregular rev's. In most cases, this is only a problem if the motor shuts down or if the motor revs spontaneously over some 2000 in neutral. Check the standard Volvo alarm by opening the car from the outside through an open window while the doors are closed. The alarm should then sound.

OTHER

Technically, the Volvo 480 is a very reliable car. Motor problems are very seldom. Check if the transmission works smoothly, and enough oil and does not leak. TEST THE CLUTCH by driving in second making 3500 revs. Shift to four directly, release the clutch pedal at once and give full throttle. If the motor silences the clutch is okay.

Check the outer handbrake cables for rust. Rust causes 'balls' or eggs in the cable. Unequal tyre wear signals incorrect wheel lining or previous damage.

Do not let the sales person sell the car on its alloy wheels, central locking, electrically operated windows and mirrors, alarm, fog lights, info-center and the like. With the exception of S-versions this was all standard feature (in most countries).