New to 480 Life

Here you can talk about the joy owning a Volvo 480 brings. Non-technical discussions take place here, like what is the difference between an ES and a S version.

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junkboots
480 Newbie
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Nov 22, 2025 1:44 pm
Location: Essex

New to 480 Life

Post by junkboots » Thu Jan 15, 2026 12:41 pm

Hi everyone!

I recently (a few months back) made the heart over head decision to bid on a low mileage black 480 Turbo. I never considered I would get the opportunity to own one within my budget, but, after an hour of over enthusiastic bidding before I knew it I was driving it across the country back home.

After the buy I did check the forums out to see that I had beaten Martin Mc to the punch. Sorry Martin! He correctly predicted that someone with less experience had taken it on. It's no showpiece, but pretty much everyone I know fell in love with it almost as fast as I did. I bought the car with the intention to learn more about working on cars, and was initially looking for a 440 as I figured it would be a less risky way in, but a 480 was always the real goal.

It might be somewhat sacrilegious but it's been my only car over the winter so far and hasn't put a foot wrong (past some of the usual 480 "quirks"..)
and I wouldn't change it for the world. Don't worry, it gets a regular clean and has no leaks! (yet)

I do have some questions, but I might save those for the diary post. Thankfully at the moment most of the issues are rather simple with great information here already about fixing them.



Image

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WillC9303
480 Rookie
Posts: 419
Joined: Mon Oct 18, 2021 8:46 pm
Location: South East

Re: New to 480 Life

Post by WillC9303 » Thu Jan 15, 2026 5:56 pm

Welcome!

Black (with red stripe) manual Turbo is indeed very cool. Low miles is a bonus too.
Good to hear that its been trouble free for the most part so far. The good thing is, usually most faults and electrical gremlins with these are quite straight forward to sort and nothing serious either. In my experience, they make good winter cars. On full blast, the heater gets molten and (if working) the seat warmers are good too. Just watch out for the eventual creeping rust due to our poor salty roads.

You made the right choice, 480 is much cooler than a 440 ;)
Will

Current:
1993 2.0i Limited Edition
2000 Audi A4 1.8 20v SE

Previous:
2000 Audi A6 Avant 2.5 V6 TDI Quattro Sport

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Jay-Kay-Em
Advanced 480 rookie
Posts: 570
Joined: Tue Nov 27, 2012 10:42 pm
Location: Huntingdon
Contact:

Re: New to 480 Life

Post by Jay-Kay-Em » Fri Jan 16, 2026 1:37 pm

Welcome to 480 ownership. Heart over head decisions are welcomed here :lol:

Cracking photo and look forward to diary updates :cheers:
Jay-Kay-Em
-------------------------------------
Click here for My 480 Turbo Diary
Click here for My Cars

Martin Mc
480 Rookie
Posts: 473
Joined: Tue May 29, 2012 11:57 am

Re: New to 480 Life

Post by Martin Mc » Sun Jan 18, 2026 12:01 pm

That is a very good looking car you have there Junkboots! I'm very glad it has been taken on by someone who is clearly aligned with the ethos and values of this forum! You will, no doubt, become a valued and valuable contributor to the various threads - there is a wealth of knowledge going back many years for most if not all that happens with the marque, and the people who come here to share their thoughts are a welcoming and wonderful group of enthusiasts, all dedicated to keeping their cars on the road.

Keep the stories and pictures coming!

Martin Mc
1991 ES White / 1995 ES Red / 1995 ES Red / 1994 S Black / 1995 Celebration Red / 1994 S Paris Blue / 1995 Celebration (again!) Red - Currently free of all extramarital cars, wrench-loose and fancy free :)

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edie_fox
480 Rookie
Posts: 431
Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2005 9:05 pm
Location: Lincolnshire

Re: New to 480 Life

Post by edie_fox » Mon Jan 19, 2026 8:38 am

This was my most coveted colour scheme when I first wanted one. Congratulations! I don't think there are that many out there now to be honest (black/red), especially a Turbo too.
Look forward to watching the journey. :D

royhedger
Knows where Volvo is from
Posts: 182
Joined: Mon Nov 06, 2023 10:48 pm

Re: New to 480 Life

Post by royhedger » Mon Jan 19, 2026 11:38 am

Black Turbo is just 👌
I think black is my favourite colour on the 480.

Very jealous.
White 1990 480 Turbo Auto
Caspian Blue 2015 V70 D5 SE Lux

Previously G reg 480 ES Black and D reg 480 ES in Silver

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