Most ridiculous thing you've heard about Volvos

Post by **lext** » 07 Jan 2011, 11:04

Sorry for the, uh, ridiculously named thread, but it's something that keep popping in my head so I have to let it out

I've owned my Volvo for 6 years. Some of you have owned yours for more. We know our cars pretty well now, but what was the most ridiculous claim you heard people made about Volvos (or more specifically, the 850) before you knew any better?

This is my version: before I bought mine, I did a bit of research/look around to see what (bad things) people say about 850. One claim was that because the headlight switch is turned on/off together with the ignition, it makes you lazy not to turn it off. Consequently the light is turned on more often than usual, and in turns it leads to premature bulb failure. And bulbs are expensive, so you spend a fortune (or maybe a lot more, can't remember the exact wording) frequently changing headlight bulbs.

Now that I think about it (and I do think about it, occasionally

), it is such a weird, if not crazy, claim, right? I see the on/off linking as a convenience (no longer have to worry about it), and the lights don't burn out that often. I can't remember when it was the last time I had to change headlights (only once). And when I did, it was only like $10 (can't remember exactly). An expense of $10 over 4-5 years is a fortune? I don't think so.

What about you? What have you heard about these cars that turns out to be untrue?

Post by **billofdurham** » 07 Jan 2011, 12:06

I was told that day running lights definitely use a lot more petrol.

I asked one of the boffins at Durham University what he thought. After he stopped rolling around on the floor with laughter he attached several bits of test equipment to my car, started the engine with the DRLs lit, disconnected them after a while and let it run then fed all the data into his computer. Result: on a journey from Durham to London, approximately 270 miles, I would use about a teacup more petrol. Now that is definitely a lot more petrol.

Some people don't like Volvos, probably never having had one, and try to persuade us that we should all have a Mitsutoyhonford or something.

Bill.

Marcobrick · Post by **Marcobrick** » 09 Jan 2011, 02:02

All Volvo drivers are old, wear hats, never exceed 30mph and will cut you off at an intersection

Post by **precopster** » 09 Jan 2011, 03:34

People putting videos like this on You Tube doesn't help, either!!

I'm sure if it was a 88 model Lincoln or Oldsmobile the guy wouldn't have even bothered.

Post by **jblackburn** » 09 Jan 2011, 07:47

All Volvo drivers are old, wear hats, never exceed 30mph and will cut you off at an intersection

What, no, that's Cadillac drivers!

I don't think I've ever seen a freaking Prius ever go the speed limit. They'll sit in the left lane of the highway slowing down traffic for miles behind them. Most Volvo drivers (aside from myself I suppose) are usually good drivers, going at least the speed limit or will at least let you out onto the highway if you're up North.

hammertime · Post by **hammertime** » 09 Jan 2011, 09:08

Volvo drivers are Bierkenstock wearing, tree hugging, liberal, college professors. Well, some are.

diyer97 · Post by **diyer97** » 09 Jan 2011, 10:10

What a box car! and for old folks....

Post by **jimmy57** » 11 Jan 2011, 08:24

"All Volvo drivers are old, wear hats, never exceed 30mph and will cut you off at an intersection"

uh-oh! I'm 53, wear a felt western hat when I drive (and all the rest of the time too), and don't tolerate people who can't make up their minds at 4 way stops and rotaries so I guess I may have cut off a few people at intersections.

IT'S TRUE! IT'S TRUE!

Oh I misread that one part. I never exceed the speed limit by more than 30 MPH. I don't exceed 30 MPH driving across my pastures looking for newborn calves or colts.

otis44 · Post by **otis44** » 12 Jan 2011, 16:31

I kinda liked David Letterman's quote when he was talking about Volvo's (when Paul Newman gave him that 500 hp 740 or whatever it was). That Volvo's were the safest cars on the road because they were so damned ugly that everyone else on the road slowed down or stopped to stare.. He also said a Volvo gave him the mental image of a kid and a golden retriever riding in the back seat with the kid hanging out the window puking

aahmes57 · Post by **aahmes57** » 21 Jan 2011, 07:36

Volvo's have class. There is no other way to describe it. Slow, fast, under /over the speed limit, old/ young, with or without a hat, whatever, however you drive, if you're driving a Volvo you're in a classy car and they command respect unlike any other car. Strictly my opinion.