$20,000...for what?

AlanS · Post by **AlanS** » 07 Aug 2011, 07:59

I keep talking about it...have asked this question before, but it's a new year...and as yet, never pulled the trigger. Time to move on from my '95 850. It runs fine, but at 200,000...it's losing power and, you know, it's just time!
I need a wagon...given $20,000...what Volvo wagon has the least problems? I am done with pre-2000 cars. I want all the safety and handling of a 'newer' car. I thought of going to the dealer to get a 'pre-owned', thus the warranty...it would be nice to be safe for a few years against repair bills.
I also considered, gulp, a Subaru...but I can't wrap my head around it.
After having owned (over my 42 years of driving): P-1800, 140, 240, 740, 760, 850, S40...I have gotten used to Volvos.

Post by **jimmy57** » 07 Aug 2011, 09:00

2007 XC70.
2006 XC90 5 cylinder
both of those would likely be had out the door with extended warranty for your budget. I have no idea where you are and the prices do vary with region.

Post by **tjts1** » 07 Aug 2011, 12:37

The best post 2000 volvo wagon is a Subaru.

Post by **jblackburn** » 07 Aug 2011, 12:59

Have you considered anything like a Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, or Toyota Highlander? Very nice vehicles, V6 power, AWD, and even decent gas mileage.

Post by **burnout8488** » 07 Aug 2011, 13:14

tjts1 wrote:The best post 2000 volvo wagon is a Subaru.

Fact. My 05 Legacy is the most dependable vehicle I've ever had. Repair costs aren't wild, and the gas mileage is very high 20's even with AWD. (5spd non turbo)

It's also the sharpest handling vehicle I've ever owned. Night and day compared to the Volvo. The steering is precise and quick, where as my Volvo is just plain mushy. It's slower than the Volvo, but more fun to drive on the back roads.

Or, find a well maintained GT wagon and enjoy STi power without looking like a teenager. People like to modify these cars, then the reliability gets thrown out the window. It's an excellent turbo engine until idiots crank up the boost and it starts blowing rods and turbo seals.

However, it's a Subaru, not a Volvo, so it lacks the Volvo quirks that we all know and love. The later model XCs are nice, but you just have to live with dismal mileage and the fact that your AWD system isn't quite as beefy as you'd like....or easy to repair.

zhenya · Post by **zhenya** » 07 Aug 2011, 16:32

Meh. Our 2005 Forester is a decent vehicle, but it's had its share of problems in 80k and feels disposable. Subaru's like all Japanese cars rust like you wouldn't believe. Seats are mediocre and ergonomics are poor. Steering is quick, but lacks any real feel. If you want another Volvo, buy the newest one you can afford.

gilhuly · Post by **gilhuly** » 07 Aug 2011, 20:38

Subarus are overpriced for what they are. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to find a forester turbo and STI it with ebay parts and chip it. I work in an independent garage in CT and we make our living off Subaru and Audi traffic. Leaky valve cover gaskets and blown heads. If you buy a turbo be sure to remove the particulate filter infront of the turbo in the oil line that clogs and blows 15gs at 80k.

Post by **tjts1** » 07 Aug 2011, 23:18

gilhuly wrote: If you buy a turbo be sure to remove the particulate filter infront of the turbo in the oil line that clogs and blows 15gs at 80k.

Why not just replace it? Its a disposable maintenance item.

Post by **burnout8488** » 08 Aug 2011, 01:15

zhenya wrote:Meh. Our 2005 Forester is a decent vehicle, but it's had its share of problems in 80k and feels disposable. Subaru's like all Japanese cars rust like you wouldn't believe. Seats are mediocre and ergonomics are poor. Steering is quick, but lacks any real feel. If you want another Volvo, buy the newest one you can afford.

Those reasons are exactly why I suggested the Legacy, it is much more refined and closer to the V70 in terms of luxury. I sat in a Forester of your generation and felt the same way. But, it's a utilitarian car and it has it's purpose, and does it well.

Honestly I have never seen a 2005+ Subaru with any rust, nor have I heard of it on the forums I frequent. One car had a manufacturing defect that caused the rear fender to rot out, but that's the extent of it. A late model rusty Subaru is an exception, not the norm.

gilhuly wrote:Subarus are overpriced for what they are.

In CT, I bet there is a large premium on used Subarus. Further down South their price goes down a lot. Us people up north have to pay a lot for that sacred AWD.

tjts1 wrote:Why not just replace it? Its a disposable maintenance item.

The banjo bolt filter is really just a screen that clogs and destroys your turbo. Later models lacked this screen entirely for that reason - it's not necessary.

Overall operating costs for the LGT have GOT to be less than a 2005+ XC70. Way less if you go for a 2.5i non-turbo wagon.

But, if you've got the Volvo bug, they depreciate a lot, just find a fixer-upper and you'll be golden.

Post by **Red-Arrow** » 08 Aug 2011, 05:36

I own a 95 850 and its fine. Yes it is down on factory power but I intend to redo the engine from top to bottom once the cash flow comes back to me. I will buy another modern car buy then but I won't let go of the Volvo because its a keeper.