2001 V70 XC, V2.4T or V2.5? Which to buy?

ltoolio · Post by **ltoolio** » 15 Feb 2004, 11:28

Hey all,
My wife and I are currently shopping for a volvo to replace her Saturn.

We are expecting our first child in June, so we wanted to go with something that is safe and offers a fair amount of room.

This led us to our local Volvo dealerships. We have found a 2001 XC for around $28,000, a 2.4T for around $23,500 and a 2.5 for around $26,500.

We have test driven the XC and the 2.4T, and we like the XC better - it seemed to drive a little bit better, just seemed more solid if that makes sense. We have not yet test driven the 2.5.

We are rather torn as to which model to go with.....So, I have a couple of questions for you all:

1. What are your thoughts on which to buy? All of them have around the same mileage (around 40,000), and their warranties all expire in mid 2007.
2. What is your experience in negotiating price? I have never bought a new car, so I have no idea where to start in the negotiations.
3. Given the fact that I still will have an additional 3.5 years on the warranty, do I add on another year for $599?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. We are looking to buy within the next week.

Thanks much,
Ryan

Post by **matthew1** » 15 Feb 2004, 13:56

All else being equal I'd go with the T. The displacement is smaller (2.4) because the cylinder walls have been stregnthened (sp?) for the higher temps the higher output creates. So the smaller engine produces more power.

Volvos don't hold their value as well as other brands like BMW, so check the various online car valuation sites like http://www.kbb.com/ etc. and don't overpay. Warrany is good, but I'd not pay $600 for another year unless you feel $600 better about the whole thing if you do.

The state values my 850 T at an outrageous $18k or so. I could only get $10 or so for it. Look in the paper for comparable prices.

ltoolio · Post by **ltoolio** » 15 Feb 2004, 18:35

matthew1 wrote:All else being equal I'd go with the T. The displacement is smaller (2.4) because the cylinder walls have been stregnthened (sp?) for the higher temps the higher output creates. So the smaller engine produces more power.

Hi Matthew...
Thanks for the quick reply. I love the site - you are really doing a great service for Volvo owners (which I will hopefully be one soon!).

From a reliabilty standpoint, have you heard any big differences between the 2.4 and the XC? I have read quite a bit here on your site as well as other sites (edmunds.com, cars.com, consumer reports) and I'm struggling to find a clear line in the sand as to which (if any) is more reliable.

Thanks again for the advice...if anyone else has anything to add, please feel free to jump in!

Thanks!
Ryan

volvocare · Post by **volvocare** » 17 Feb 2004, 06:15

I have the 2.4 on my vehicle and have not had any problems as of yet...unlike Mathew...I tend to think Volvo's do hold their value.
(difference of opinion).

Enjoy!

volvocare

Nick · Post by **Nick** » 17 Feb 2004, 14:35

Hi Ryan:
Good luck with the baby. We bought a Volvo for the same reason last year (a V70) - I love the car, it is big and stable.
On the price - there are a couple of avenues you may want to explore - while shopping around I found the dealers price high and their trade-in value for my old car low (lose-lose).

1) Buying directly from an individual would probably get you the best deal - the trouble is that not many folks sell their Volvo's in the 40K mile range
2) There are small brokers who deal with lease returns - these have about 36K miles on them and usually will have warranty left on them
3) craigslist.org is a good resource (if available where you live) to find cars for sale.

Good luck!
Nick

Post by **am0220** » 17 Feb 2004, 20:27

Ryan,

Just my opinion, but if you can afford it now I would definitely buy the additional warranty - ONLY IF IT COVERS AT LEAST ALL MAJOR COMPONENTS, and preferably electrical gadgets as well. Really look into it because there are a lot of lousy warranties out there. $600 is easily spent on a repair on these cars and that far down the road could well be when you'd need it. Also just to have the peace of mind may make it worthwhile to you.

Most of the depreciation on Volvos seems to be in the first couple years, so I think it should hold its resale fairly well from this point, but try to negotiate all you can now.

Lastly, I recommend a turbo (man, I wish mine had one!). Also just my opinion, but in researching before I bought mine a few weeks ago, I can't seem to find a real difference on the reliability of the turbos vs. non-, so I figure why not have the "punch" of the turbo?

You're to be commended for buying a very safe car for your family, and I think you'll really enjoy whichever one of these you choose.
Best of luck in your purchase!

Post by **matthew1** » 18 Feb 2004, 10:43

True, there is no penalty to getting the turbo. No reliability issues except for the statistically odd failure you may read about. Perhaps insurance may be a bit more... or if you have a teenager that will drive the Volvo you may want to think twice about it.

ltoolio · Post by **ltoolio** » 19 Feb 2004, 20:49

Hey folks,
Well...I am happy to say that my wife and I are the proud owner of a '01 XC.

Thank you all so much for the input and for the overwhelming wealth of knowledge that you have on this site!

Hopefully now, I can become a regular contributor.

Thanks much,
Ryan

Post by **matthew1** » 20 Feb 2004, 11:24

SWEET. Thanks for following up -- it really helps others in your initial position.

Keep us informed as to your impressions!

ltoolio · Post by **ltoolio** » 21 Feb 2004, 00:01

Well,
it's been about 36 hours that I have owned my car, and I love it so far (although I may have driven it only a total of 10 miles).

My only gripe - and this is a preexisting condition - is that the trim near the roof rack has some discoloration. I'm planning on taking it to the dealer to get it fixed (hopefully under warranty).

But, I should tout the good, too!

I love the way it drives. I love the way it handles. I love the way it smells. I love how it sounds.

More love tomorrow. I must sleep now