Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
So much for the bulletproof and simple-to-maintain.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Had new tires, brakes and a four wheel alingment done on it as well. Too bad it was about a 700 dollar loser for us but it was a car that needed to go away.
'17 Chevy Volt Premiere
I was quite a happy volvo owner and, being a frequent visitor to dedicated volvo forums, i found THOUSANDS of others like me. I honestly think I have read more complaints from other "more reliable" brands that I have owned. (although I'll admit that's not terribly fair since so many other manufacturers sell in much higher numbers than volvo, so more complaints is only natural.)
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
The problem with miled up vehicles, even Accords and Camrys, is who keeps a car THAT long and then says "I need a new car" UNLESS there is a problem coming down the road?
MOST people get rid of a car 1) at the end of the warranty period, 2) at the end of the lease, 3) after a certain period of time (like every 4-5 years), or 4) at a certain mileage (like 100k).
People like ME (or someone who tries to drive a Honda Accord 200k miles) generally don't get rid of a car until there is systems failure (blown engine or tranny) or until we are tired of enjoying a weekly cup of java with our mechanic.
That is why I am not excited about Accords or Camrys with ton of miles.
MOST people get rid of a car 1) at the end of the warranty period, 2) at the end of the lease, 3) after a certain period of time (like every 4-5 years), or 4) at a certain mileage (like 100k)."
I'm sure you're right in many cases, but in my specific case with two '80s vintage Classic 900 SAABs, one ('85) with over 200K and the other ('87) with 160K, I guess it's just the thought of wanting something new! Neither is giving us any problems, in fact the oil consumption is negligible between the 3K/3month oil changes. They both simply keep running. After almost 22 years with the 900 4-door sedan, excellent condition or not, I think I'm ready for a new car!
I admire you. You and I are birds of a feather. "How far can we go without buying a new one?"
Unfortunately, we are a distinct minority.
I have a friend in a '92 Toyota Camry who has about 150k or so and is planning to drive it into the ground. He has the usual oil leaks but won't pay the $400 to repair them. (He has been putting aside $300/mo for a number of years to replace it ... and has asked me what he can buy for $45k).
Good grief I admire folks who do this. I wish I had that kind of resolve.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
The older RWD Volvos are great for the enthuist, but I think for the average person who isn't really into Volvos there are probably better choices.
I became very familiar with my S70 over the years I had it, so I'm the most comfortable with the 850/S70.
My father had a 240 for many many years (actually, i think it was one of those oddball numbers ... maybe 242? if there was such a thing?), but I was too young to even know anything about it. I do know he drove it 280K miles without any major repairs before selling it. Wish I knew how long it wound up actually lasting. I bought a 740 wagon for my brother not too long ago. So far it seems to be a stout vehicle.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Can't agree with you more and that's why I posted the story about the person with the two cars with occasional but very expensive, his words, and slow, his words, repairs. Does 760 GL work for something from 10 years ago? He had two IIRC. I think they may both have had the same designation.
Yup, all car brands have their problems.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Of the Volvos that I have owned, all have over 250K miles on them and still ran like new when I sold them. Of course, they all were 100/200 series cars - not the 700/800 series.(FWD isn't my idea of good in a wagon)
Look - you want the tank of all tanks, just get this(or sometihng simmilar):
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=22&paId=211- 303072
A nice near-mint condition 240 Wagon that's from a private party. $3000-4000 and absolutely the most reliable car you'll ever own. Oh - it also looks kind of retro. 1993 has non CFC A/C as well - a nice plus/is easy to keep working.
I'd say $3k is all the money if its in superb condition and needs nothing.
Oh, and, by the way, the 740 i bought my brother is RWD. I'm actually wondering now if all the "40" vehicles up until the S40 were RWD. Maybe I'll look that up when I get the chance.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I can't think of a car that causes more expensive trouble than a Volvo unless it's an Audi!
The old 240's were tha last of the good ones!
Come to think of it, I'm willing to bet you, as a honda salesperson, take ALOT of problematic vehicles from other manufacturers on trade. Unreliability is probably the main thing that drives folks over to Honda.
By the way, try to tell some Benz and Bimmer owners about expensive repairs. Then you'll hear real sob stories. Or just ask Shifty about Porsche repairs (ok, not the same type of vehicle ... but you did say you can't think of a car with more expensive problems).
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
And I've even owned two PV 544's! Anybody remember those? I wish I had them now!
I base my feelings on what I see. The Volvos we take in as trade in's can be VERY troublesome, and, yeah, that may be the reason they were traded in. Still, when they need brakes, they almost always need rotors. They seem to ALWAYS have some warning light on. We are constantly taking them to the local Volvo dealer and I see the bills.
I don't see these problmes (usually)on the Japanese trade in's or even the domestics.
I think my least favorite cars are Audis. Even worse than Volvo. BMW's and Mercedes are also troublesome and very expensice to repair.
But, it seems, the people who buy these cars are aware of the pitfalls and are willing to accept that.
People who are sweating their car payments should stay as far away from european cars as possible in my opinion!
I'd have to agree with that.
yes, on my S70, the stock rotors needed to be replaced with every 2nd set of pads. Easily solved with aftermarket rotors. The 2 common warning lights are for a loose gas cap or ABS module. Both easy and cheap, if you know what you are doing. I think you guys need to stop going to the dealer. LOL.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Volvo Dealer...1200.00!
i searched the boards and found no complaint of this that wasn't a simple reset of the light (usually because the owner disconnected it doing mods of some sort and just reconnecting it will not put the light out).
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Whenever I change pads, I always measure the rotors' thickness to determine if it's within spec (something every mechanic is supposed to do); if not, no questions asked, I install new rotors. If you do the work yourself, never have the rotors turned at a machine shop, always buy new ones.
The answer on parts for ANY car, Domestic, European, or Asian, is do not buy the parts from the dealer. There are a number of sources of exact OEM parts for many cars, but the parts will not have the Volvo, or ??, name on it. However, it will have Hella, Bosch, or ??, which is the same OEM manufacturer for the parts. All it takes is a little time and research, and you can save yourself a ton of money.
What would be a good NON Minivan vehicle for us that can be acquired used of course for $15,000 or under?
Remember with a back seat we need a width of about 56-57" to fit all those darn carseats.
I personally would go with a minivan as I'm not worried about making impressions, but my wife is heavily against that. She wants a sedan or hatchback of some type.
thanks,
-brian
Try that out and get back to us with the results... :surprise:
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
I think the Magnum is the largest wagon on the market right now. That comes in at 55.5" at the hips.
edit: Ford Freestyle (is it a wagon or crossover, i won't debate) is 55.8".
Pacifica (definitely crossover, IMHO) is 56.3". You'll have to find one with the 2nd row bench seat, though. Or put a booster in the 3rd row and make one of the kids climb back there.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I have heard people say..." I can't see myself driving a minivan"
Why not? What's the big deal anyway?
If the poster above doesn' get one, what are the choices? A gas guzzling SUV or a (relatively) cramped wagon of some sort. Minivans are the best of all worlds, except that which revolves around image.
While my two sisters and myself somehow managed to survive 4 years in the second seat of a '65 Buick Special wagon when we were teens, the choices are FAR better today.
I don't understand why anyone with three small kids would be concerned about image?
Nobody pays attention anyone and who cares?
But.. 3 kids isn't going to be easy. 1: You will definately need smaller seats. Often the seats are fine, it's the massive armrest that comes over the top that takes up all of the space. Find something smaller.
Volvos are right out. So are most other cars. I suggest that you look into a big full size sedan and ditch the wagon idea entirely, as any wagon dig enough to deal with three carseats in the back - well - it's only one choice - this:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/ViewModelDetail/make=Buick/model=Roadmaster- -
Now, these are great cars. Reliable, big engine, safe, and depreciated quickly(image problem, not reliability for once). But they are boats. Massive. And of course, handles like it looks.
My top recommendation goes to two choices:
#2:Used Towncar. Not the cop-car/fleet beater special Crwon Vic or the halfway there Mercury-some-lame-sounding-French-name-looks-the-same-inside, but the real deal. They are built super tough, depreciate quickly, and will fit 6 people in them. And honestly, they don't handle half bad for their size. Definately no worse than a typical minivan. Repairs are cheap, as expected of sometihng that fleets and police repair all the time(of course they abuse them like no sane driver would - another reason to go after the Towncar. No fleet sales to speak of.
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=22&paId=133- - 040263
This is a dealer's asking price. This is the top-end luxury model as well - so imagine how cheap the lower-trim models are (ie - really cheap) 15K is a cinch on a Towncar.
#1:My favorite right now is a Lucerne. It's quite a nice car and handles better than the Towncar IMO. It has three seat clamps in back and with the front bench seat option, there's acres of space up front. Get this - a normal model 2005 sells for dirt cheap. But my recommendation would be to wait a year. When 2008 models come out, the top-end CXS will drop to about 15K or so used. This is the model to get. Hig-end suspension, Northstar engine, and of course, with the wheels and such, it really looks fantastic in Black. Very reminiscent in feel and size of a late 90s S420. But without the S420's repair bills.
Why the CXS? Because the CXS has the Cadillac suspension on it. This makes the car handle like a Mercedes E-Class or Accord or simmilar. IE - nothing like the big car it is. Just astounding to drive. Not your old Buick. This is a Cadillac DTS with a Buick logo on it. That looses a huge amount in depreciation - a win-win suituation for a used car. 22-24K now.
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=22&paId=212- - 312484
A good example of the bench seat. Looks much better, doesn't it? The traction control button is on the very end of the gearshift lever(normally is a button in the dash) The price listed is silly and it's a CX(3.8L bland engine) - I just wanted to show a picture of the 6 passenger seating.
Two major plusses with both of these cars is that the transmission costs HALF what anything from Honda or Toyota does. We're talking $3000-3500 for a new tranny in a Camry. The Ford and GM? $1600. Same transmission they've been using for nearly two decades in the GM. All the kinks worked out and simple to get fixed.
We have three kids under 7 years old. My wife was against the bus too. She had a Pontiac Gran prix, which has one of the widest back seats in a sedan. After 3 months of busting her knuckles trying to squeeze her hand in to buckle them in, we went with the mini-van and will have one for at least the next 15 years.
If your wife insists on the sedan, Some models with big back seats are the Gran Prix, Impala , Olds Intrigue, and the largest one I found was the Olds Aurora.
I'll check out the Mazda5 as well. she actually liked the Mazda MPV minivan, but the 3rd row didn't split at the time (don't know if that changed) and the behind the seat storage was too small without that 3rd row splitting.
I'd like a new Ody but too much $$. Maybe a Grand Caravan could be had cheaper (an '06 leftover).
thanks,
-brian
The big Buick and Fords - Mazda would need to make a Mazda12 to equal it. :P
I am looking for advice on what car to buy. The situation is this: I have about $20K (before taxes and license) to spend on a performance sedan. Ideally, I am looking to buy a used car which is good 'bang for buck.' The only limitations are that it should be 4-doors and available with manual transmission.
I am open to foreign and domestics but I haven't kept up with all the car trends (stopped paying attention around 2000) so I am looking to the car faithful here for some good advice.
Thanks!
J
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I'm thinking it will be awhile before the price drops enough on the MazdaSpeed3...
Any used WRX would make me nervous....
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
but i figure there are those out there not nearly as paranoid as me.
Besides, the limit set was $20k. so far, my suggestion is the only one that fits.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S