Anyone care to help out a wanna-be Volvo owner? I don't belong here, but I'd like to buy a Volvo and have been lurking. Thought I'd see if you might help. We're a one-car family, getting ready to part with a 1997 Camry. I'm the primary driver, and hope to keep this car for 10+ years. Can you share anything that would help bolster Volvo's reputation for reliability?
I want a CUV for the usual (disdained by car fans) reasons people buy CUVs--like height, don't need a minivan. I am considering an XC-60 R *design* because it's safe, made by well-paid workers, has good pick up, and, for a CUV, looks good. The person with whom I'm making this decision, dear H, remains loyal to Toyota. Though he also likes Honda's reliability stats. Can we justify a Volvo when the ubiquitous Lexus, or even a CRV with all the trimmings, has similar qualities?
Though I have gotten into learning about the cool stuff y'all do to your vehicles--started going down rabbit holes to learn about wheels and what not--I am not looking for a hobby. I also gather it's not too tough to learn how to not get hammered by the dealership. Still, we don't live close to one. So, even it were great with loaners (and online rep for such isn't good, though not asked specific dealerships), logistics would be a hassle.
If you're still reading, thanks. Again, I get I don't belong here, just figured I'd give it a shot.
a mom wanders into MVS
Some 'authorities' have attempted to make reliability the end all and be all of any car, period. Any compromise in comfort or performance is justfied in the name of higher reliability. Often, the cars with the highest reliability are using older, inferior technology. Drum brakes as an example. Other drivers disagree with this approach, with the full understanding that you only get what you pay for.
With that said: Go drive a Volvo and experience the difference. Sit in what may be the best seat you have ever been in and drink in the experience. If you always drive Toyotas, you will never know what else it could be like.
BTW, it was just announced that the very nice wagon version of the S60 will arrive later this year and may fit your needs.
Good luck.
Oh, yeah, even Consumer Reports says that Volvo reliability has been in general very good for many years. I just sold a 96 850 in December '12 for about 25% of what I paid for it in '98. There is a reason why these cars have a loyal following.
With that said: Go drive a Volvo and experience the difference. Sit in what may be the best seat you have ever been in and drink in the experience. If you always drive Toyotas, you will never know what else it could be like.
BTW, it was just announced that the very nice wagon version of the S60 will arrive later this year and may fit your needs.
Good luck.
Oh, yeah, even Consumer Reports says that Volvo reliability has been in general very good for many years. I just sold a 96 850 in December '12 for about 25% of what I paid for it in '98. There is a reason why these cars have a loyal following.
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jblackburn
- MVS Moderator
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Keep an open mind and shop around.
I like the XC60 a lot, but the gas mileage is very, very bad.
Toyota doesn't have any good small SUV offerings. The Rav4 has been redesigned, but it's still very much blech. The Lexus RX is outdated and definitely needs a redesign.
The CR-V is a good little crossover vehicle, if a bit low on power. If they have put the new direct-injection 2.4L into it that's currently in the 2013 Accord, it should certainly be better than the older models.
The new Ford Escape is a spunky little thing in the 1.6, fun to drive, gets great gas mileage, and is pretty versatile too.
I like the XC60 a lot, but the gas mileage is very, very bad.
Toyota doesn't have any good small SUV offerings. The Rav4 has been redesigned, but it's still very much blech. The Lexus RX is outdated and definitely needs a redesign.
The CR-V is a good little crossover vehicle, if a bit low on power. If they have put the new direct-injection 2.4L into it that's currently in the 2013 Accord, it should certainly be better than the older models.
The new Ford Escape is a spunky little thing in the 1.6, fun to drive, gets great gas mileage, and is pretty versatile too.
'98 S70 T5
2016 Chevy Cruze Premier
A learning experience is one of those things that says, "You know that thing you just did? Don't do that."
mercuic: Long live the tractor motor!
2016 Chevy Cruze Premier
A learning experience is one of those things that says, "You know that thing you just did? Don't do that."
mercuic: Long live the tractor motor!
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JRL
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A Lexus will give you fine, reliable transportation, but they're one of the most boring cars to drive on the planet.
An XC60 is very nice, good looking and a TON more fun to drive.
It depends on what your priorities are
An XC60 is very nice, good looking and a TON more fun to drive.
It depends on what your priorities are
Mod note. Jim passed away in early 2022, his contributions to this forum are immortal, and he is missed. RIP
2000 V70R Black, 144,000 miles Wife's R.
2007 V70 2.5T White/Oak 111,000 MILES. Polestar tune, IPD bars, rear spoiler, dark grey Thors, DWS 06, HU850, sub.
2000 V70R Black, 144,000 miles Wife's R.
2007 V70 2.5T White/Oak 111,000 MILES. Polestar tune, IPD bars, rear spoiler, dark grey Thors, DWS 06, HU850, sub.
Thanks for the replies. Per ChiNorm, I looked at CR and see that the 2013 is recommended. This--and explanation on technology and reliability--is helpful. I haven't completely ruled out a wagon, but am pretty close to selling out. With so many monster cars on the road, and needing to get car seats and their occupants in and out, a little height starts to feel...necessary.
Necessary. As if any of it is necessary. Anyway, JRL's point, I do like pick up. Merging, getting around highway clusters. To me, a car that can go feels safer. Since we're talking apples to at least some similar tree fruit on reliability, I'm thinking it's OK to put speed and style preferences on the table.
Thanks all.
Necessary. As if any of it is necessary. Anyway, JRL's point, I do like pick up. Merging, getting around highway clusters. To me, a car that can go feels safer. Since we're talking apples to at least some similar tree fruit on reliability, I'm thinking it's OK to put speed and style preferences on the table.
Thanks all.