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Hey Sanfam, my wife wants a Volvo....
Freejack
Jake the Not-so-Wise
in Zocalo v2.0
We need a wagon, and she's talking about a Volvo...I'm thinking 850.
Jake
Jake
Comments
If I have this right
850 is to V70 what 960 is to V90?
Which Volvos are Ford based?
Jake
Well, none were really "Ford-based" so much as manufactured during ford's ownership. Most platforms were straight-up donated to ford, anyway :P I'd avoid any early S60 or S80, though. They're just god awful in terms of reliability and I'd never wish one upon even my most hated of enemies. Plus, the back seats in the S60 are nearly a form of turture on their own.
Though you do also bring up the V90, some more modern examples of which can be had fairly affordably. the later models used the modern whiteblock engine/transmission pairings and were generally somewhat robust (though interference design).
I'd actually suggest a S/V90 over an 850/S/V70 simply due to the fact that the late-model S/V90's had somewhat better build quality than the entire 850/70 model run and were generally better equipped. Also, RWD. :D 1996 is a sweet spot for quality, but apparently took a power cut over the previous years.
Since she's looking at volvo, I'd also suggest extending some interest toward Saab and Subaru. There's some viable products found in each family that tend to cater to the same target audience, often carrying similar values in the used market.
You can't help but love the bitchin' V90. Fun fact: With the seats folded down, trunk can also serve as a double bed! Nothing sinister or creepy about that at all. Oh no. Especially not when in the context of wives and wifely duties ;)
Jake
I've never driven a Saab but friends who have (mostly rentals/hire cars during repair work) found them terrible. Build quality was bad they said with the cabin poorly fitted, which is odd given that Saab give the impression of being a quality brand (and almost able to fly because of the Saab fighter jet connection ;)). They are just a rebadged GM anyway (mostly Vauxhall Vectra over here... well were, now that the Signum is out, but probably still the same). Saying that I do like the old Saab 900 from the 80s. Back when Saab was really Saab :)
Also, part of why I like the Volvo 960/V90 is because it will take 4x8 just fine with the rear seatbacks folded down and the cushions removed. Over the life of my wagon, it has fit two complete kitchen refrigerators into the back. I was able to close the tailgate for one of them! :p The 850 is somewhat less space-friendly, but it does handle and ride better. (The 960/V90 can be made to do so with minimal effort, but that's a task versus having to simply buy the car).
Jake
Benz E320 4Matic Wagon
V70 Turbo Awd
V90
Hopefully we'll find something cool today.
Jake
The biggest difference though was simple the "solidity" of the E320. The Volvo felt like a 10 year old car with 100K+ miles, it drove well and was quiet enough, but has its share of squeaks and rattles. On the other hand the MB was solid as a rock, not so much as a chirp over rough pavement, RR tracks, etc. Add in a few more options and nicer interior and it just fit what we wanted better.
Jake
I've also run across one of the best diagnostic tools I've seen: [url]http://thee85.com/mercedes_multiplexer_carsoft_74[/url] It seems that can even diagnose minor electrical problems like fuse blown in a window regulator.
Jake
Jake