New member searching for advice on first car

Mattsingh · Post by **Mattsingh** » 13 Aug 2016, 16:48

Hello Everyone!
I have recently turned 18, and have just moved out of my parents home. I have completely severed ties with my father for some personal reasons and can no longer use one of his cars. I am the son of a mechanic, so I grew up around cars and know a lot about them, more specifically what to do when something goes wrong. Now that's alright, I was planning on financing a newish car, but with no credit or co-signer, I have nothing. So I have narrowed down my options to two cars at a dealer near my home. One, a 2006 S80 2.5T Awd for 7000 with 82k miles. The other, a 2007 Toyota Avalon with 95k miles for 7500. If any of you have suggestions, I am looking for something with less than 120k miles and less than 8000 (taxes not included) And if possible, awd for PA winters. Thanks! (BTW, I am Cynthia's nephew. I think she is "mydamnvolvo" She's been very helpful!)

Cees Klumper · Post by **Cees Klumper** » 14 Aug 2016, 13:32

Welcome Matt. Well, I may be moving to the US in the near future and was planning on getting just the car I already have here in Europe, a 2002-ish S80 T6 with around 100K miles for maybe $4,000. The longer I have been buying cars, the older and cheaper I buy them, but always with relatively low miles. Much cheaper that way, and cars from that period are just solid, period. No rust issues, good parts availability, all the safety features, good fuel economy etc. Can't really improve on all that much going with a much newer (and more expensive) model. So if I were you I'd go even older and spend less cash.

Post by **June** » 15 Aug 2016, 12:05

Although I have nothing against Toyota, the Volvo would be my only choice. The 2006 Volvo S80 is of the same platform all the way back to 1999. My old 2002 S80 T6 saved me and my dog's life years ago when I went out behind the wheel around 3:30AM and woke grazing a light pole at a high rate of speed. Me nor the 5 lb dog sitting in my lap had a scratch on us!

The car launched and rolled into a field off the interstate. I love the T6, but the 5 cylinder is the only way to get all wheel drive as I recall. You not only get a well built car, but extremely safe as well. It is that one moment you hope never happens that Volvo makes cars you open the door and step out of.

Post by **oragex** » 15 Aug 2016, 17:19

I would look first see if the car is in good condition, ie how the car was repaired and especially if several parts have been replaced by a main dealer: if so, it's a good buy. If no parts were replaced, these will need replaced $$oon especially the Volvo

The S80 is certainly more expensive to run than the Avalon. If both cars are in good condition I would go with the Avalon. It will cause less trouble and has a good resale value.

As for the AWD, in our ugly canadian winters we all rather use winter tires on a separate set of wheels and never have issues in most conditions. I get 4 used wheels and tires for $400 and winter is a fun driving season

Mattsingh · Post by **Mattsingh** » 31 Aug 2016, 16:25

Hi again!
I ended up buying the S80. The avalon had no record of service and when I inspected it last weekend, I found an oil leak and some fraying seals, so I wasn't going to venture in knowing that. The S80 had just had the timing belt replaced, had an oil change, and every fluid replaced. It was also cleaner, and came with a 1 year, 16k mile warranty from the dealer, as well as 4 free oil changes. I drove it off the lot and it felt really smooth and the steering was stiff, and responsive. The man had said that this was an elderly woman's car and that she could no longer drive so her daughter traded it in. Thank you for your advice and hopefully I won't be back too soon!

Post by **June** » 31 Aug 2016, 19:00

Congratulations, the car is beautiful! Keep in mind if you drive the car hard you need to let the car idle for several minutes before turning it off. Read in your manual the section on the turbo. I understand the blades take time to spool down and the engine oil pump supplies the oil to the turbo. I generally drive the last mile or so gently and let it idle for a minute or so. You certainly don't want to cause premature failure. I have never had a turbo go out on any of my Volvo cars. Enjoy your new car!

DonVanhugenstein · Post by **DonVanhugenstein** » 31 Aug 2016, 21:39

The S80 2.5T 5cyl is a much better engine than the older ones, Nothing against that.
The S80 is 100% safer than a Toyota, As far as the reliability on that specific S80 I don't know.

The S80 is guaranteed more complicated and expensive than any Toyota.
Now, my Volvo is going to make me biased here (1999 Volvo S80 T6) to say get the Toyota.

There is still logic behind why I recommend the Toyota,
-My mother's 2007 Toyota Tundra has nearly 300,000km and no problems, Oil changes, and a new rear suspension after years of towing a over 9000 lbs trailer around.
-My older Volvo S80 has 266,000km and a list of problems and every time I buy a part for it I'm shocked at the price they want for a part, even their O2 sensors are twice the price of a normal vehicle.
-My 2000 Toyota Echo had almost 300,000km before I sold it and again zero issues just oil changes.
-My 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier has almost 150,000km and I expect it to be falling apart any day now.
-My Dads 2014 Mitsubishi RVR has had continuous problems straight from the dealership.

From what I've seen, and heard for myself as well as from friends and family Toyota has got to be the most reliable vehicle that I have ever seen. When I had my Toyota Echo it was my first vehicle and I was 16years old, It got used and abused. And zero issues, a car that's made for old ladies that can handle a 16 year old beating the crap out of the engine and manual trans. I put almost 250,000 abusive km's on that Toyota Echo before selling it.