Hi Scotty and friends,
I have a 2006 Volvo V70 AWD that is getting old and needs a lot of attention lately. I mostly DIY all the repairs and love to extract parts for the scrapyard when possible. Obviously, sometimes I have to get new or OEM. The latest problem is sometime of bucking, only once in a while, randomly. The engine light comes on, and then goes away after a day or 2. The OBD@ tells me there is high pressure in the fuel rail, Changes the pressure sensor, cleaned the MAF.... was better for a bit, but it comes back.
Anyway... still investigating the possible causes 🙁
But that was not the real question... just an intro. Since the car is getting older (15 years, 180000 miles), I have to start thinking about the next car. I will retire in 1.5 years and planning to buy a car that will last me another 15 years.
I love larger station wagons and hate most SUVs because I don't feel connected to the road. I also love space to carry things and I also have a larger dog.
What vehicles would you recommend? Something I can fix myself long term and avoid the stealership when sensible and possible.
Lease or buy? ... I think buy unless there is a 0% finance and the value at the end of the term is acceptable.
For 2020, there is the Volvo V60, the Mercedes C class wagon, The Audi A4 quattro... any others? Or maybe I have to move on and go for a Lexus SUV.
Comments and opinions are welcome. I love to drive (petrol head) and I'm always disappointed when I try or test and SUV. Maybe I did not find the right one yet.
Claude from Montreal, Canada
Check out a Toyota 4Runner, moderate cost, good space and 4wd capabilities. You feel the road, but you're definitely in control.
Then Toyota Land Cruiser, higher price but great luxury, solid drivetrain w/full-time 4wd and 5.7 V8 power.
If you like the cruiser, check out the Lexus stable-mate, the LX. A definition of Luxury you can take anywhere, acceleration, road handling, smooth, quiet, easy to love. The sport package take you closer to that feeling of driving a fun, great little road car. Tech and convenience in this vehicle is up through the ceiling, trims and appointments quite special and appropriate to this level of vehicle.
I'm a little down on the C class due to highly publicized reliability and quality issues now that many components are manufactured in developing nations and areas.
The Audi gives that "cockpit" feel when seated, and road handling is rather good, but is burdened with limited parts availability and very costly service and maintenance.
Lots to choose from out there, I wish you the best in finding your new best friend ...
@retoldpro
I'm not sure how the duplicate was created. I just entered it once, and waited for answers. After 30 minutes or so, I saw an answer, so I assumed the content was accepted.
@setamp
It can happen if you don't let the page finish loading and you click the button again. No biggie.
Any opinions on the Volvo V60? Are they reliable now? I think they had dropped in quality in the last years.
@setamp
I'm a Volvo fan, have been since my youth when I grew-up with a virtually indestructible Volvo truck on our farm. Over the years, however, their level of component/subcomponent quality has degraded somewhat, but that may just be a fact of life in a modern global marketplace. Interiors remain stellar, comfortable and well designed. They have tried to keep pace with tech, but for me, some of their efforts seem less than intuitive until one gets used to their approach. Handling had gone to the point of just "Fair", but is better since the 2018 models and seems now to be "Good" but not as good as some of the competition. But I must say that V60's endure foul, rainy and snow conditions very well, as good as if not better than most other competitors, and chassis rust issues over the years seems far better than anything produced by GM, Hyundai/Kia, and even shows better than any of the more recent Mercedes offerings. My most recent experience was in a V60 Cross Country, felt the suspension was a bit harsh but OK, would have preferred an AWD vehicle but in fair weather the 2.0 liter w/8 speed did quite well. In slight snow, buildup beneath the air dam occurred quickly, but control was never in question. I felt pricing at about 64k was high, considering other vehicles are in the market and offer better value and luxury at a moderately higher cost. Routine and periodic maintenance present no challenges, however, I feel long-term reliability may be in question due to usage of globally-procured drivetrain components. If I sound "wishy-washy" about it, I guess I am. However a cousin in Ottawa, Canada has a 2020 V60 (standard), and his only comment had to do with the protruding nose. Hope this helps ...
Amongst the vehicles you mentioned, the Volvo V60 is the best.
You can also check the Ford Flex (are not made anymore), so you can get a good deal on them.
