Volvo...a good alternative to ze Germans?
Discussion
Having grown up with 240s/340s/440s/740s/940s, Volvos have never been the types of cars that interest me. However, in recent years, although I have yet to take the plunge, they appear to present a more viable option to the default German choice (Audi, BMW, Mercedes).
The 850 T5 was possibly the turning point. Quite a cool car in estate form IMHO. The XC90 looks to be an excellent (if dated) family car without the overtly flash image of other SUVS and the C30 T5 the thinking man's hot hatch possibly? The only fly in the ointment for PHers possibly is that they're not RWD.
I'm seriously considering an S60 at the moment. Would love a BMW/Mercedes/Audi but I tend to prefer the larger ones 5-Series/E-Class/A6 to the smaller ones 3-Series/C-Class/A4 even though I don't really need the extra space and even used, German cars are so expensive here (Canada).
I would still like something nicer than a Ford/Chevrolet/Dodge/VW though. Late old-shape and early new-shape S60s seem to offer pretty good value and I would be looking at a T5 or T6 with AWD. Would prefer a manual but more likely to find an auto to be honest (which would be fine). Any thoughts?
I was originally looking for a Subaru Forester Turbo or a Legacy Spec B manual. I had an Impreza WRX in England and loved it but feel like I want something a bit more grown up. Unfortunately, I haven't seen any manual Subarus at all and I don't want an auto because it would suck with that engine (the Legacy Spec B has the 2.5 turbo Impreza engine here rather than the 3.0 NA engine which we got in the UK).
The only other option is a Chrysler 300 but most of them seem to be RWD and I would prefer AWD, as I do a lot of driving on snowy, icy and gravel roads. I don't really want an SUV, as they're too heavy on fuel, don't handles as well and besides my wife already has one.
Would the Volvo be a good choice?
The 850 T5 was possibly the turning point. Quite a cool car in estate form IMHO. The XC90 looks to be an excellent (if dated) family car without the overtly flash image of other SUVS and the C30 T5 the thinking man's hot hatch possibly? The only fly in the ointment for PHers possibly is that they're not RWD.
I'm seriously considering an S60 at the moment. Would love a BMW/Mercedes/Audi but I tend to prefer the larger ones 5-Series/E-Class/A6 to the smaller ones 3-Series/C-Class/A4 even though I don't really need the extra space and even used, German cars are so expensive here (Canada).
I would still like something nicer than a Ford/Chevrolet/Dodge/VW though. Late old-shape and early new-shape S60s seem to offer pretty good value and I would be looking at a T5 or T6 with AWD. Would prefer a manual but more likely to find an auto to be honest (which would be fine). Any thoughts?
I was originally looking for a Subaru Forester Turbo or a Legacy Spec B manual. I had an Impreza WRX in England and loved it but feel like I want something a bit more grown up. Unfortunately, I haven't seen any manual Subarus at all and I don't want an auto because it would suck with that engine (the Legacy Spec B has the 2.5 turbo Impreza engine here rather than the 3.0 NA engine which we got in the UK).
The only other option is a Chrysler 300 but most of them seem to be RWD and I would prefer AWD, as I do a lot of driving on snowy, icy and gravel roads. I don't really want an SUV, as they're too heavy on fuel, don't handles as well and besides my wife already has one.
Would the Volvo be a good choice?
Depends what age you're after. the 00-07 shapes the autos were made of chocolate and often fail. Newer ones seem decent enough, had a few bmws in the past and on a T5 estate at the moment, love it but I must admit I sometimes miss having rear wheel drive, makes an excellent motorway car however.
ben5732 said:
Depends what age you're after. the 00-07 shapes the autos were made of chocolate and often fail. Newer ones seem decent enough, had a few bmws in the past and on a T5 estate at the moment, love it but I must admit I sometimes miss having rear wheel drive, makes an excellent motorway car however.
Thanks for the info on the auto boxes. That's useful to know. Will probably look at post-2007 then!
2005 onwards is where to hit with the S60/V70, and if an S60R/V70R floats your boat aim for the same age as they had a few updates, which I think came in mid 2004. Cracking, generally reliable, comfortable motor with a good level of power and torque for wafting about, expect to pay more if you look at the estate as they command a premium (but nothing heart breaking) over their saloon cousin.
IMO, the current S60 and V60 in facelift guise, with the R-Design kit..... Stunning bit of machinery, better than any German counterpart up or down the market cost wise.
IMO, the current S60 and V60 in facelift guise, with the R-Design kit..... Stunning bit of machinery, better than any German counterpart up or down the market cost wise.
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