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so after spending alot of time test driving many RWD 740's and 240's, I've realized that a newer FWD wagon would suit my needs better than a much older RWD brick, that would probably need alot in terms of maintenance, and repair/rebuilds/ and fuel
I've been looking at 850's and v70's/ both of which have a sketchy (at best) reliability rating from alot of consumers' ratings. I come from a family where all we ever drove were 145's and 245 wagons...so I'd really like to stay with the volvo name brand.
I currently have a 97 Escort that I share with my GF. It's a fantastic little car, but unfortunately, being small is one of it's major faults, as we are constantly travelling long distance, and in need of a better overall highway car.
Is there any year or model that you'd recommend that we upgrade to? I would prefer the Volvo name brand over BMW's and MB's, due to the added value and additional safety features.
Our only other option is a post 02 Focus wagon, but I'm really tired of all these small cars!!!
your opinions are greatly appreciated! as well as any other recommendations on other cars
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posted by
someone claiming to be Merlin
on
Tue Jan 31 16:01 CST 2006 [ RELATED]
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Have you looked into the Mazda3 wagons, they share the same platform as the V50. As far as Volvos I have an '03 V70T5 that so far has proven very reliable and economical (26 mpg in 50-50 city highway commute). I also do all my own maintenance, but I am aware on the VADIS software download that is needed for some items and will have to face that when the time comes.
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BMWguy--I own two 97 Volvo wagons, and went through much of what you are at the present, wondering which year and model to buy. I settled on the 97's because of style, the fact that they were the last of that series, and I could work on them. Have not regretted the decision, though I will have to face the evaporator replacement on the R wagon this summer or next. I drive one here in Norway when I'm staying with the wife, the other in Oregon where I have a little farm. I don't know how much you plan to spend or your safety concerns, but things to consider when you start looking:
1. Almost all 850's by now are high milers.
2. The next year, the 98 V-70's, were nice. A lot of cosmetic changes, not on VADIS yet, but most models only came AWD. Not something I particularly wanted, because of the bevel gear in the transmission failing. It makes evaporator replacement look like the bargain of the year. Be aware that from 99 and on, not only do you have the ripoff VADIS system to contend with (cash cow for the service departments), but you also have wireless throttle. There was/is a big stink over this, as Volvo admitted finally (collective lawsuit) that the wireless throttle system (Italian design) was only made to last about 100K. After that it was a $1200 replacement. No way to repair it. If you decide on a 99-2000 model, check to see if the ABS module has been repaired by Victor, whether the evaporator has been replaced, and the wireless throttle. If it's original parts for all three, you've got some major expenses ahead of you. I don't think Volvo got around to fixing the bevel gear problem until 2002 or later. I personally never liked the looks of the Volvo body after they changed it in 2001, giving the backend a pair of hip handles. It also cut down on your rear view considerably, which was not outstanding even on the earlier models. I have to look around for another Volvo for my sister this summer when I'm back in the States, and at this point in time it will probably be a 1998 S-V-70 light pressure turbo, FWD, for all the above reasons. Dick
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posted by
someone claiming to be bmwguy22
on
Tue Jan 31 15:10 CST 2006 [ RELATED]
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wow! thanks Dick for the breakdown of everything that I should take into consideration when purchasing an 850. Personally I also like the pre 98's, esp the wagons...I'm pretty sure I can find some nice examples, but I jsut wanted some info on what to look for b4 starting my search.
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I looked for a nice 940 turbo wagon for a long time, pretty much given up at this point....
Been checking out and researching 850 wagon's for a month or so now. IMO - The ones to buy are 96 or 97's or maybe a 98 V70. Personally, I'm shooting for a turbo car, but that's my preference.
--
90 244DL 263k :)
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posted by
someone claiming to be bmwguy22
on
Sun Feb 5 06:18 CST 2006 [ RELATED]
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Yeah, same here. The 850 was a car I had always hope to own "someday" when I was starting high school. Now that the prices of them have come down considerably from their new prices, I think that a nice little turbo 5 cyl wagon would suit me nicely, when I need a car. For now we're (my GF and I) are stuck with over filling our litte 4dr 97 Escort. I'ts been a fantastic little car, but it's just too small for us.
The electrical gremlins that all Volvos' are prone to having, are a downside for me, esp since I've gotten used to cars that have great electricals, and plastics that dont' easily break. But then again, those cars weren't as good for traveling long distances, had as nice seats, or had a cargo cartying capability equivalent to a 1/4 ton ford ranger!!!
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As always stated on this board, if you don't do your own maintenance - don't buy a Volvo. The majority of things that need to be done are easy to do, but the mechanics hourly charge will drive you to the poor house.
All 850s/70s have a problem with the evaporator core. This is not a DIY project and will cost $1200-$1500, all labor charges. The rest of the heavy fix items are OK, so long as the car is old enough not to be on VADIS. Then the computer upgrades required with every replacement part becomes too much of a burden. So 1995-2000 or so for a model year.
Why a wagon? If you are on the road a lot, a trunk will hide things better when you check into a motel. And wagons tend to rattle a lot more than a sedan.
It does make for a great highway car. Have fun shopping,
Klaus
--
(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)
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Volv's are/were primarily a DIY type of car, hence why I choose them over the competition (i.e. BMW's and MB's) I do most of my own maintenance on my cars to save $
I choose the wagons' due to the larger trunk (I'm all abotu the junk in the trunk ;)) I don't care about the glass side windows or anyhting like that....I'm also well aware abtou what wagons' benefits and drawbacks.
thanks,
Stanley
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Try the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. They both have great reliability ratings and statistically just as safe as a Volvo.
http://www.iihs.org/brochures/ictl/ictl.html
I still like my 'ol Volvo, but I'm more-or-less (probably "more") typical for a new Volvo buyer in terms of household demographics. Maintanance on these critters ain't cheap.
I have no problem suggesting buying or leasing a new Volvo with a warranty. Get the extended warranty if you're going to keep it for 100,000 miles.
-BTC
'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 167k mi, front IPD stabilizer bar, rear factory HD bar, Bilstein HD, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, e-codes, V-1, Mobil-1 since new
"A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools." -- Douglas Noel Adams (1952-2001)
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it's only th e2 of us, and we don't need somethign that consumes that much fuel!! another reason why I didn't choose a RWD volvo and their thursty appetites!
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Consumer Reports (NOT EPA, CR uses "real world" driving) rates both the Odyssey and Sienna at 19mpg.
They rate the V50 at 20mpg, the XC70 at 18mpg, the S80 at 19mpg and the XC90 15mpg.
I will bet you a cyber-beer that you'll spend ten times as much on Volvo parts and/or repairs as on gasoline that you might save by not buying a van. (And maybe fifteen-twenty times as much on BMW or Benz repairs!)
I personally prefer driving a hot-rod wagon to a minivan, but a minivan is really the rational and most economical choice for most people who need to carry stuff around. The Tyvek envelope that I have my 167,000 miles-worth of Volvo receipts in weighs about 3 pounds. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Good luck!
-BTC
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posted by
someone claiming to be bmwguy22
on
Mon Jan 30 17:41 CST 2006 [ RELATED]
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well your still buying a v50...just with a different set of clothes....
b comparision to bill i have a 850 with 100k on it (last 40k put on by me!) that has only needed regualr servicing and brakes (ok 3 calipers as well as disks and pads)...I have th efull service history for it....and to be honest nones ever had to spend money on it..( i was the third owner).
That said i do my own maintenance and im pretty picky, my scheule is this sort of thing..
Airfilter - every 20 k
Fuel filter - every 50 k
Cam belt - every 50k
oil change - every 10k (if it was turbo i would HALF that)
autobox fluid change - every 20k (if it was turbo i would half that)
Spark plugs - every 20k
I also find front tyres go about 15k, rears go on for ever (40k and about 40-50% worn)...
I am prety arefull to keep the engine bay clean and connectors etc greased....
BUT i would do this on ANY car and my typical 'get rid' milage on cars is 180-300k - maybe im jsut kind in the way i drive...
today i did 400 uk miles at 33mpg (uk)...
what can i say...i must have got the good one
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