Volvo wagons as chasemobiles

[Derek Weston]

Opinions?

Looking at a 1999 Volvo V70 XC specifically.

Had set my eyes on Subaru... but have started considering this model as well. About the same gas mileage and performance... the plus might be long term repair issues. (volvo might do better than the Subaru here, Forest in comparison specifically)

 

[Jason Foster]

Opinions?

Looking at a 1999 Volvo V70 XC specifically.

Had set my eyes on Subaru... but have started considering this model as well. About the same gas mileage and performance... the plus might be long term repair issues. (volvo might do better than the Subaru here, Forest in comparison specifically)

I would think the Volvo is quite a price premium over the Subie, especially if you are talking a comparative year Outback (GTs like mine are a tad more). I don't know of any specific issues with the Volvo, but I know head gaskets are a common failure with the 2.5L engine of that era. I found subies are also maintenance hogs. I can't see the Volvo as being a huge advantage though...old cars are old cars.

 

[Derek Weston]

I would think the Volvo is quite a price premium over the Subie, especially if you are talking a comparative year Outback (GTs like mine are a tad more). I don't know of any specific issues with the Volvo, but I know head gaskets are a common failure with the 2.5L engine of that era. I found subies are also maintenance hogs. I can't see the Volvo as being a huge advantage though...old cars are old cars.

Ah... had read of the head gasket issues with the Forester and saw that as a turnoff... hadn't thought the issue to be the sort of engine involved.

Right now I'm not in the position where I want to drop a lot of cash on a used vehicle. Going for something in the 100k range that has been taken care of well and doesn't have any major issues. Try to take her through 200,000 or another 3-4 years and go from there.

Research on the volvo model listed seems to indicate either very happy, or very frustrated owners -- either a vehicle that has held up very well or a vehicle with lots of repair issues. (then again, this may just be the nature of online reviewers)

FWIW, used prices for that make of volvo are probably a bit better than comparable subies.