Driving around Europe

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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Hkerswell
480 Newbie
Posts: 23
Joined: Fri Feb 26, 2021 10:07 am

Driving around Europe

Post by Hkerswell » Fri Feb 18, 2022 9:34 pm

Hi all I plan driving from the UK, across and around Europe this year (hopefully) me and a friend will be taking my 480s, one being a two tone 2.0 and the other a 1.7 non turbo in white, we'll be planning to go for around a month. Both cars have had quite a bit of work done on them and been looked after well. However, I thought I'd ask anyway if there's anything I should keep an eye on or things I can expect to wear out throughout the journey.
Just for a bit of reference the 2.0 has done 46k and the 1.7 106k...if that makes any difference, also both have had new cam belts done. Thanks!

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WillC9303
Knows an Aerodeck isn't a 480
Posts: 297
Joined: Mon Oct 18, 2021 8:46 pm
Location: Surrey

Re: Driving around Europe

Post by WillC9303 » Fri Feb 18, 2022 11:43 pm

a fellow 2.0 TT owner! I thought I was the only one on here!
Good luck on your journey :D
William

1993 2.0i Limited Edition

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dcwalker
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 1522
Joined: Sun Sep 16, 2012 12:30 pm
Location: York

Re: Driving around Europe

Post by dcwalker » Sat Feb 19, 2022 8:41 am

Hkerswell wrote:
Fri Feb 18, 2022 9:34 pm
Hi all I plan driving from the UK, across and around Europe this year (hopefully) me and a friend will be taking my 480s, one being a two tone 2.0 and the other a 1.7 non turbo in white, we'll be planning to go for around a month. Both cars have had quite a bit of work done on them and been looked after well. However, I thought I'd ask anyway if there's anything I should keep an eye on or things I can expect to wear out throughout the journey.
Just for a bit of reference the 2.0 has done 46k and the 1.7 106k...if that makes any difference, also both have had new cam belts done. Thanks!
I'd say the same as any other car - as long as they have been well maintained, you should be fine. Obviously age related wear and tear will apply - as with any car - but if you're keeping on top of that you should be able to anticipate things like brakes, suspension or tyres coming to the end of their natural lives.

Good, full service before you go, then just enjoy driving your 480s - it's what they were designed for, after all! :D

David
Current: 1994 480 GT, 1996 460 CD & 1997 440 LE with lots of optional extras & 2007 V50 SE Sport
Previous: Celebration 331 (re-homed with Richard S), Celebration 467 (returned to Martin Mc); Celebration 346 (re-homed with Alan480); Celebration 269 (scrapped abandoned project), Celebration 73 (sold on after 6 years), 1992 ES, 1988 ES - and numerous other non-480 Volvos!

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dragonflyjewels
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 1584
Joined: Sat Dec 18, 2010 10:38 am
Location: Norfolk

Re: Driving around Europe

Post by dragonflyjewels » Sat Feb 19, 2022 9:51 am

For peace of mind, you could take out European breakdown cover.
Make sure it covers recovery to the UK regardless of cost, some will not pay more than the value of the car.
Ours is with Swinton, but it's an old policy they no longer offer so I dont know what terms are on the current offering.
We take ours abroad most years, never yet had a breakdown over there in a 480. Our Saab broke down in Spain and the recovery service was good. Biggest problem was non English speaking mechanic but our hotel receptionist couldn't have been more helpful.
Sylvia

Snazzy - 1993 Paris Blue ES red dipstick 2.0i bought 2001
Lethal Lily - 1991 White Turbo
Paris the Unicorn - 1991 Paris Edition
hubby has
Sven - 1994 Racing Green GT
Evil Eva - 1992 Paris Blue Turbo

no previous 480s - can't bear to sell any

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