ownership thoughts... experience... input... etc...

3.2 or V8

tia.

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I had one. I loved it. But than I again I love Volvos. The only issue is the third seat is really for kids.

The V8 was not available in 2003.

 

i would not opt for the 3rd seat (even though they fold flat)... but no children & would love the extra cargo room...

the interior is really really nice.

ps - i would have some serious debadging to do.

 

Are you considering one? They are solid and I love the looks of it. My wife has been bugging me to replace her Armada with a new XC90. My previous one was a lease and she wants it back.

 

my wife likes it... but we haven't driven one yet...

i like the upper bumper/molding painting update (less black plastic)...

it seems like a great suv for the dollar...

 

The 3.2 has enough power. I don't know how the new V8 drives.

 

i don't know i fail to appreciate the simplistic design... for myself an older x5 would be a better choice than a newer volvo...

 

~ already had an X5 4.4 sport...

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and i'm just not feeling the new X5...

 

What about the new Acura MDX? It's a fine ride (IMO).

 

funny you suggest that... i like it... she doesn't.



the suv's in the running...

once we drive all of them the decision will be easier...

love the range rover sport but not sure about a near 1k payment. will only do a 36 month lease (this way i retain a full warranty).

my personal max monthly rate is $850... much more than that... i would by another investment property.

 

It's OK, I like the XC90 better.

 

Let me know how you like the MDX when you drive it. I may be in the market for a similar vehicle in a year or so.

Also, I've not heard anything good about the Range Rover's reliability, etc. Per Motor Trend, Automobile, C&D, and Consumer Reports.

Good luck.

 

My Son leased a Range Rover...and could hardly wait to get out from under it. The thing stayed in the shop more than it stayed at home. Reliability is the absolute worst. Don't think you could give me one after what he went through.

 

the xc90 is the one of (if not) the safest suvs out there. only thing is if someone is entrapped in a wreck, it is a pain to get them out (hardened frame is much harder to cut through). plus the curtain airbags are inflated by a 5-inch or so gas-filled cylinder with up to 1,000 lbs. of pressure. if something cuts through it (extrication tool), it will explode like a grenade. i just had a class discussing these vehicles. i always look at the safety issues first. volvos are great and safe (collisions) unless you're stuck in one (then, they are still pretty safe, just takes longer and more effort to get you out), but hopefully no one has to be in that situation.

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today... my wife & i are driving to dayton, ohio (an hour a way) to test drive the closest XC90 V8 'sport'. this one is 'passion red' ... the only color 'exclusive' to the sport version. there are only 400 sports produced a year... i hope it meets up to my expectations.

the other color choices are:
- black sapphire metallic (no way!!! )
- electric silver (maybe)
- titanium grey metallic (nope)

i will report back with pics...

sport version details:

4.4 liter engine specially designed for the XC90 311 hp / 325 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm
Dual continuously variable valve timing
Advanced emission control
All-road capability with a generous ground clearance of 8.6 inches
Six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission
Sport -Tuned Suspension and Steering
19" Vulcanis wheels with all-season tires
SPORT seats, steering wheel and leather gear shift ****
SPORT interior styling with alu-deco inlays and watch dial instruments
SPORT exhaust tips

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Andrew I can't speak for the new Range Rovers but we had a '95 Discovery and it was a huge piece of crap! Didn't pass a gas station it didn't like. Front brakes and rotors, $1,200 another $600 to replace the abs sensors. The power windows are crap and on and on. While I did feel safe in it I sure would not buy another one. We traded it for a Volvo. We have had many and they are great cars, I can also vouch for the dependability of Acura's. The fact my son's RSX-s has stood up to his meanderings, taking it apart, putting this in taking that out (I have an entire shoe box full of bolts, nuts and all kinds of plastic and rubber things that he has taken off his car) is a tribute to Acura's quality. lol. One day I expect him to come home from work, close the car door and the thing will just fall apart.
I'm looking at an XC-70 for my wife. Like the CrossCountry looks a bit better. The XC 90's are great but I hear not good on gas.
See you in a few weeks.

Pat

 

wow... i must say i was overly impressed with the volvo...


the positives:

- volvo safety...
- the ride was nice and crispy...
- all around the size was perfect...
- the seats & steering wheel are outstanding...
- all-season 19" tires
- wonderful sound system...
- a throaty engine & exhaust sound...
- no premium fuel required...
- a unique sport package (i won't see myself coming & going)...
- the color look so good in person (pics don't do it justice)...
- insurance rates... same as the crossfire...
- discounted from 54k to 42k...



the negatives: (the little things)

- daytime running lights...
- no tilt down passenger mirror when backing...
- no self dimming side mirrors...
- no front parking sensors...
- no area to house the gas cap when removed...
- the red paint shows finger prints very easily...
- the gas mileage 15/20 (but expected)...

as we all know... no vehicle is perfect... but an extremely strong contender... if not the one. i really liked it and so did my wife...

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I knew you would my friend.

 

what do you think about this color in the sport V8?? its called electric silver. i don't feel the pics do the color justice.

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I like ... VERY MUCH.