Hello. I just registered here looking for some input on a good replacement for my 2004 Explorer which is due to be turned in August 2006. I'm looking for a good car that get's good pickup that get's a lot better millage than my Explorer.

Originally, I was looking at wagon's so while looking at Passat Wagons, Audi Wagons I decided to take a look at Volvo's because they are super safe and a good car for my wife and I to travel w/ our 15 month old in. So, I looked at the V50 and the V70 w/ 2.5T engines. The only 2006 V70's are fully loaded so the lease was a little higher than I wanted. The V50's look a little small but it might be fine compared to the Fusion's and G6's I've been looking at. However, the S60 is what I'm in love w/ right now. Unfortunatly, when I asked about "BASIC" S60 models w/ Cloth Seats they only have a Black w/ Black Interior and might be able to get White w/ Tan interior. The lease is $50 cheaper than my explorer lease and a very very nice car. Now, my wife has me refocusing and looking at the V50 and V70's because we are looking for room.

So, I need some input. Especially if you guys have car seats in your volvo's.

1) Can we comfortably seat 5 people (two men in the front, baby seat in back and two woman in back) in the V50, V70 and the S60?

2) Is the 60's trunk space big enough

3) How reliable are these cars? My understanding is that the 2006 S60 got some bad reports for reliability. I know we get a 50,000 mile warranty and the Volvo dealer will even pick it up for me to be serviced. But, I want a good reliable car.

4) How do the Volvo's compair to Audi's, VW's and Possibly Saab's?

Anything else I should know?

Thanks for any input.

Bill

:cat: Hi there audiomidiman. :00000732: to Volvo forums.

:liebe011: for joining us.

The experts might tell you something different from me-but, for what this is worth to you-if you are transporting 5 people around in the vehicle and you want space, have you considered the XC70 or XC90?

As for a comparison with other vehicles, I am not sure that we should be advising you about this.

I certainly would not like to see anything derogatory about other vehicles in the Volvo forum.

However, like everything else in the world-the experts in this forum might disagree with me. :blush:

Please stay tuned-great to have you on board with us. Please keep us posted.

Cheers :right:

Thanks... Actually, MOST of the time it's my wife, myself and our 15 month old... However, we do cram my parents in w/ us sometimes to go on a fieldtrip or out to dinner.

I will call about leases on the XC70 or XC90 though because I do like the cross country.

Thanks!
Bill

S60: Yes, but uncomfortably. Unless all at the back are small-sized.
V70: Yes, and comfortably.




Seems big enough...
The next time you're there, pop the boot, and imagine your bags and whatever it is you normally bring about for your use. Give some additional 20% space for last-minute add-ons...



Anyway, welcome. I have moved your thread.
:)

Thanks... Well, here is the scoup... No V50 Basics, No V70 Basics, 1-2 S60 Basics. This is based on two Volvo dealers I contacted and they did a search in Michigan. What I mean by basics is that these are the ones that don't have TONS of extras I will not use or do not need such as Leather, moon roof, etc. However, I'm concerned that the S60 isn't big enough. Not to mention, I kind of wanted Silver w/ Black Interior. They have White w/ Tan which I will need to look at. Black w/ Black sounds very very nice however, my wife will be driving this car sometimes and I'm not sure this is the best solution for her seeing she has a problem w/ parking too close to other cars and helping clean the cars.

I'll keep looking but so far it's turning out to be a No Go unless I can swing the extra $75/month on a loaded V70. I might just need to wait until my wife's jetta needs to be turned in next year and get a Volvo then or extend my Explorer lease a month or two and hope that the 2007's have some good rates.

Bill

Funnily enough, there is more rear leg room in the s40 than there is the the s60, so maybe you could have another look at the V50, which on all accounts is a great car, particularly in the T5 form. If you have a kid, can I suggest to go leather? It is much easier to keep clean. You might also find that the v50 has the integrated child seats (probably not in the T5) which are brilliant for kids under 10 or so.

We have both an s60R, and an s40T5, and I would have to say that (whilst I am passionate about the R) for running around town - kid pickups etc, I would recommend the s40 (V50) over the s60.

Good luck with it.

Well... Here is the status of my decission. I am 80% ready to get an Envoy SLE because it's really a good price. However, even though the Eddie Bauer is $15.00 more a month it's kind of tough leaving my very very good dealership and moving to GMC.

Well, now another monkey wrench in the spokes. Just got off the phone w/ my Volvo sales rep and I can get a 2006 V50 in Brillant Blue, Black T-Tec & Climate Package.

It's about $4.00 more a month over the explorer but I will need to give them another $600 @ inception.

Is this really an option going from an SUV? Or is it best to stay w/ a V70?

Thanks!
Bill

:cat: Hi there Bill.

Your options are too close to call. :blush: At this point, I would say you are on your own. If the wife drives-let her take both vehicles out for a test drive by herself. Whatever she decides is nice-regardless of what it is-stay with her decision.

Forget the semantics and polemics of payments, vehicular brands, models and our opinions.

I'm sure that everybody here wishes you luck and happiness with her decision. :)

Keep in touch and let us know how you got on.

Cheers :right: