To Volvo or not to Volvo...

[paulmoonraker]

Hi all,

I recently decided to get into camping with the kids, which obviously requires an enormous car. So, I first started looking at Navaras, Warriors and other such ludicrously oversized family vehicles, but quickly drew the conclusion that one would be annoying for everyday activities, like parking.

Therefore, my mind has wandered off into the world of estate cars. At first I found myself looking at the obvious - a 5 series touring. However, I have noticed a few Volvos (V60 and V70 I think) whilst commuting, so I wondered what the general consensus was.

I guess to caveat this, I am not too bothered about it being a 'fantastic drive' as I have a bonkers Impreza for that (if anybody want to argue the toss about Imprezas being fantastic, lets start another thread ). Having said that, it shouldn't be absolute crap either.

Oh, and it was a different user with a similar name that occasionally lambasted people for getting estates...

Thanks all

[Jasandjules]

I found the V70 had a turning circle slightly wider than an average fuel tanker. But it was a nice drive. I got a Passat estate instead.

[paulmoonraker]

Jasandjules said:

I found the V70 had a turning circle slightly wider than an average fuel tanker. But it was a nice drive. I got a Passat estate instead.

What swung it to the Passat?

[Jawaman]

I had a similar dilemma but firmly in the shed budget so not strictly relevant.

I ended up buying a 2001 Volvo V70 2.4 petrol

It's probably the best family car / barge / shed I have ever owned and can't see me selling it.

Fully loaded, heated leather etc, handles quite well for its size, swallows absolutely everything you could think of for camping etc. very well designed cars with lots of little family friendly details - can't comment on newer models but clearly a lot of thought was put into mine.

Just got back from a 600 mile trip in Donegal, ireland - roads are st down there but it just swallowed every bump with no complaints. Also fitted five suitcases in the boot with room to spare.

With the tailgate open the boot is the perfect height for my kids to sit on for roadside picnics / getting changed at beach etc. also the seats are the most comfortable of any car I've driven.

Bad points - poor fuel economy (not strictly true, I think 30mpg average from a heavy 2.4 petrol car is decent but it depends on what you are used to), they are heavy on front tyres / wish bones, and the turning circle is truly awful

[paulmoonraker]

^ thanks... Fuel economy is not a major issue, and besides I would probably get a diesel.

[Jasandjules]

paulmoonraker said:

What swung it to the Passat?

Sadly, because I was under 40 years old and just couldn't have a Volvo on the driveway.

Saying that, the Passat has air con, good fuel economy, heated mirrors and so on. A perfectly good car and I actually prefer the drive to the Volvo and when I tried to do a three pointer I was able to do so.

[paulmoonraker]

Jasandjules said:

paulmoonraker said:

What swung it to the Passat?

Sadly, because I was under 40 years old and just couldn't have a Volvo on the driveway.

Saying that, the Passat has air con, good fuel economy, heated mirrors and so on. A perfectly good car and I actually prefer the drive to the Volvo and when I tried to do a three pointer I was able to do so.

I figured a 'my other car is a...' Would fix the age issue!

I am not sure why the Volvo appeals! Is it the camping thing? Does it suggest rural explorer?

[Jasandjules]

paulmoonraker said:

I figured a 'my other car is a...' Would fix the age issue!

I am not sure why the Volvo appeals! Is it the camping thing? Does it suggest rural explorer?

They are quite nice looking cars to me. But the snob in me said no, you are too young. Same reason I can't buy a jag as yet.

They also come with all bells and whistles.

[Nels0n]

We have a V70, when we go away for the weekend with the children the car is chocker.

Mrs quite often says that she'd like smaller car. Me: "How does that work?"

[paulmoonraker]

Jasandjules said:

paulmoonraker said:

I figured a 'my other car is a...' Would fix the age issue!

I am not sure why the Volvo appeals! Is it the camping thing? Does it suggest rural explorer?

They are quite nice looking cars to me. But the snob in me said no, you are too young. Same reason I can't buy a jag as yet.

They also come with all bells and whistles.

I'm probably not old enough either, however, this will be replacing a Mondeo Ghia with walnut effect trim and centre mounted analogue clock!

[ChocolateFrog]

V70 is as good a choice as any particularly at the budget end. My V70 D5 is a tank of fuel short of 250000 miles and going strong, touch wood.

Heavy on suspension components, autoboxes and electrics pre 2004 seem to be the major concerns.

[wmg100]

Do it. I bought a 2002 S60 D5 with 155k on the clock and in the 20k miles I've covered absoulutely nothing has gone wrong. Yeah it's boring but it's got fantastic seats, a brilliant stereo and enough poke to get along at a decent rate. For £1500 I can't fault it and it's by far the best built car I've ever owned.

[smn159]

Absolutely loved my early V70R. Took it to the South of France fully loaded with family and luggage and it was a brilliantly comfortable and effortless cruiser.

Sold it as I couldn't live with the economy while using it as a commuter wagon, but l'd have another as a second car.

[TooLateForAName]

The older V70s are great - pre 2000 / 850 shape. The ones after that had terrible turning circles although I'm told that the current ones are much better again.

You don't indicate budget so difficult to be clear but if looking for 3/4 yr old cars think about the skoda superb estate.

[TimLambert7]

A friend of mine had a recent V50 and I loved it. Massive loadspace, comfy seats, good stereo and 50mpg - can't ask for much more!

[paulmoonraker]

Budget is probably 8-10K.

The turning circle really is neither here nor there! It's just not the sort of thing that would get me bothered

[plfrench]

The V50's loadspace isn't massive - it's based on the Focus chassis and is a LOT smaller than the V70.

Having said that, it was a nice drive, and the D5 version I had was a great allrounder.

[covmutley]

I have had my 56 plate D5 for 6 months and done 10k miles. It is not a 'good' drive. However, it is great up and down the motorway. Heated leather, cruise, electric seats, and an excellent stereo make journeys even more comfortable.

The turning circle is boat like, but it isnt a big issue.

[Jasandjules]

paulmoonraker said:

I'm probably not old enough either, however, this will be replacing a Mondeo Ghia with walnut effect trim and centre mounted analogue clock!

Well, if you don't need a huge boot then a Passat for 8k will be pretty nice. That said a Volvo V70 won't exactly be terrible, save for the fact if you have elderly neighbours they will be jealous.......

[paulmoonraker]

Jasandjules said:

paulmoonraker said:

I'm probably not old enough either, however, this will be replacing a Mondeo Ghia with walnut effect trim and centre mounted analogue clock!

Well, if you don't need a huge boot then a Passat for 8k will be pretty nice. That said a Volvo V70 won't exactly be terrible, save for the fact if you have elderly neighbours they will be jealous.......

perhaps I will have a nose at a Passat. The Volvo however does appeal for some reason