Volvo - whats up, who's buying?

[rfdrfd]

Much like an old topic I asked about Saabs last year, I wonder what's everyone's opinion on Volvos?

Who's buying them nowadays? I hardly see them on the roads anymore in the GTA. I see: Accords, Camrys, lexus, Corollas, Civics, Acuras, Mazda 3s, Cavaliers, tons of G35s, BMW, Benz, minivans, .... I'd have to sit and watch like 10min before I'd see a Volvo drive by.

Way back, my family used to own a Volvo, but the maintenance cost was high, gas guzzling, so my Dad switched to Camry and never looked back. He's on his 3rd Camry now and 100% satisfied.

So, who's buying Volvo ? Younger crowd ain't (Civics, Acuras), the mature crowd I think are getting Lexus, BMW, G35's, Camry's, Accords or SUVs. Working Mom's/Dad's are in minivans for kids.

And whats up with that new C30 commercial? Do they really want to imprint the phase "HATE IT" into our minds?

[Mcp]

Hmmmm

Well I dono about that... I see quite a few Volvo's around....

Not much of a fan though....

[rc51]

Much like an old topic I asked about Saabs last year, I wonder what's everyone's opinion on Volvos?

Who's buying them nowadays? I hardly see them on the roads anymore in the GTA. I see: Accords, Camrys, lexus, Corollas, Civics, Acuras, Mazda 3s, Cavaliers, tons of G35s, BMW, Benz, minivans, .... I'd have to sit and watch like 10min before I'd see a Volvo drive by.

Way back, my family used to own a Volvo, but the maintenance cost was high, gas guzzling, so my Dad switched to Camry and never looked back. He's on his 3rd Camry now and 100% satisfied.

So, who's buying Volvo ? Younger crowd ain't (Civics, Acuras), the mature crowd I think are getting Lexus, BMW, G35's, Camry's, Accords or SUVs. Working Mom's/Dad's are in minivans for kids.

And whats up with that new C30 commercial? Do they really want to imprint the phase "HATE IT" into our minds?

The wife was considering a Volvo XC70 last year....at first she was after the XC90 but it didn't have the tow capacity we needed.

I thought the Volvo's were ok, but was hesitant with only 208HP, you can really load up the XC70, cuz it does have lots of room, but I thought they were sluggish. The one I really like was the V70R, with 300HP, but a very impractical car, especially here in Calgary, with such a low ground clearance, I couldn't imagine it in the snow and the sharp angled parking lots in this city. Kiss your underbody good-bye.

I think the new S80 is re-designed and I think they've upped the HP, but it's price also puts in a category with other serious vehicles. So in the end, she ended up going with a G35x....we had also looked at the IS350, but after my feet got stuck while sitting in the back seat, we said forget it...it was too small, same with the BMW 3 series.

You see a fair number of Volvo's here in Calgary...lots of XC90's and their station wagons, the V70's.

[rfdrfd]

So in the end, she ended up going with a G35x....we had also looked at the IS350, but after my feet got stuck while sitting in the back seat, we said forget it...it was too small, same with the BMW 3 series.





Nice choice ! G35x, is that the AWD ? Definitely good in snow. I agree as well, BMWs are way to expensive for what they offer. Base model doesn't even have leather ? Leatheret they call it? Not worth the $$. The back seats of BMW 3 series have no legroom. I'd rather sit in a Corolla ! hehe

[bobbings]

their jeep is ugly though...

[NorthYorker]

Who's buying them nowadays? I hardly see them on the roads anymore in the GTA. I dunno, there's fair number of them on the road. And among cluster of dealerships around Yonge/Steeles (GM, Ford, Nissan, Mazda, Honda, WV, MB, Jag, Landrover, Acura) they're only ones who undertook huge extension recently.

[Mcp]

I dunno, there's fair number of them on the road. And among cluster of dealerships around Yonge/Steeles (GM, Ford, Nissan, Mazda, Honda, WV, MB, Jag, Landrover, Acura) they're only ones who undertook huge extension recently.

Lots of good Ford's mentioned there....

And lest we forget the main subject, Volvo, is also a fine Ford product…

[NorthYorker]

Lots of good Ford's mentioned there....

And lest we forget the main subject, Volvo, is also a fine Ford product…

Yeah, I know that land Rover, Volvo and Jag are parts of Ford's PAG and Mazda is Ford too, but they all maintain separate dealerships.

[actng]

The only Volvo I would consider is the S60R.

[V A N Q U I S H]

I like the way how Volvo still maintains a somewhat classic shape. For example, their sedans aren't over the top and too curvy.

It's like what this lady I knew who had a 240 said about her car, "It looks like what a kid would draw, a basic shape of a car."

I caught a commercial for the new S80 and I love the styling!

But it's true, I don't notice that many Volvo's around in various regions of the GTA, the bulk of my sightings are downtown.

[rfdrfd]

I'm too lazy (or have no urge) to go on the Volvo site. What's the gas mileage like on Volvo's now?

It is the same as normal sedans? More? Less?

[Ben Jr]

I've got 2 new'ish Volvos and have nothing but praise.
2006 - s40 T5 / xc90 V8
Gas mileage is respectable to their counterparts, I can get 30+mpg on the t5 if my foot is light. The XC90, well its a big SUV and within its limits.
My primary reason for buying Volvo was the price. But so far exceeded my expectations on everything else.

[rc51]

I've got 2 new'ish Volvos and have nothing but praise.
2006 - s40 T5 / xc90 V8
Gas mileage is respectable to their counterparts, I can get 30+mpg on the t5 if my foot is light. The XC90, well its a big SUV and within its limits.
My primary reason for buying Volvo was the price. But so far exceeded my expectations on everything else.

XC90 V8?!?! What's the HP and tow rating on that beast?

[rc51]

Nice choice ! G35x, is that the AWD ? Definitely good in snow. I agree as well, BMWs are way to expensive for what they offer. Base model doesn't even have leather ? Leatheret they call it? Not worth the $$. The back seats of BMW 3 series have no legroom. I'd rather sit in a Corolla ! hehe

Yes..the 35x is the AWD and it's amazingly good on snow...especially with decent Nokians snows on it. The ABS seems to kick in unexpectedly but this is our first vehicle with it..so it's probably just as much to do with us 'learning' the ABS.

I think the wife's G35x is better in the snow than my Toy 4x4...but the Toy has the ground clearance.

We found the BMW 3 series very nice to drive..but it just didn't have the room we needed...for us, we'd have to step up to the 7 series to get adequate interior room...

[The_Professor]

I really like most of Volvo's current line-up. My wife desperately wants a loaded S40, and we might just get one, but if we do we're going to do the overseas delivery.

The C30 is very nice and should sell well for the segment. As for the 'love it, hate it' marketing, as I said on another forum it's brilliant because it's making us discuss the brand and the cars.

[TenzoR]

I like the C30 but its main problem is the new mini :)

[eelfliw]

My criteria for car purchase is :

- Appx $15,000 new ($17K with A/C)
- Low profile so thieves won't bother to break in and people won't scratch
- AM radio or no radio at all
- 4-dr with fold down rear seat backs
- 5 speed manual
- 45 mpg (imperial) on highways on regular gas
- Runs 250,000KM or 5 yrs without major problems
- Cheap to maintain (eg. I can do my own oil, spark plug & brake pad changes)
- 185/65R14 or smaller tires (cheap to replace)
- Air filter/oil filter/wiper blades < $15

If Volvo makes a car like this, I will consider buying Volvo.

[ar_ken]

Volvo's aren't that bad. I don't know where in GTA you live but I see a lot of Volvo's running around, old or new. (More old ones though, ie. S70's, 850's) I won't say they are on par with BMW/Audi/MB in terms of performance, but they aren't that far behind. There will always be a base of customers for Volvo cars, ie. people who wishes to stay low profile. I used to have a S40 and my family had 2 850's before that. Love all of them! :razz: I'd drive a S40 over an Accord/Camry any day.

[Quick_lude]

I live in the Dundas/Winston Churchill area.. Plenty of Volvos here around Miss Rd, Oakville, etc..

[The_Professor]

My criteria for car purchase is :

- Appx $15,000 new ($17K with A/C)
- Low profile so thieves won't bother to break in and people won't scratch
- AM radio or no radio at all
- 4-dr with fold down rear seat backs
- 5 speed manual
- 45 mpg (imperial) on highways on regular gas
- Runs 250,000KM or 5 yrs without major problems
- Cheap to maintain (eg. I can do my own oil, spark plug & brake pad changes)
- 185/65R14 or smaller tires (cheap to replace)
- Air filter/oil filter/wiper blades < $15

If Volvo makes a car like this, I will consider buying Volvo.

As it is you can barely get a Hyundai for that price, I highly doubt a luxury automaker such as Volvo has any intention of developing an economy car for that market.

[NorthYorker]

My criteria for car purchase is : I'd say price range of $15K new and 250K run with no major problems are mutually exclusive.

[notanexpert]

I'd say price range of $15K new and 250K run with no major problems are mutually exclusive.

Can you say Yaris? Its not mutually exclusive, maybe the Fit can do that too. Sorry about the thread hijack...

[thephenom]

Can you say Yaris? Its not mutually exclusive, maybe the Fit can do that too. Sorry about the thread hijack...
250k km is asking a whole lot, 100k is not a problem a all, 150k is doable, but once you get pass that point, it's all a matter of luck.

[B0000rt]

The only Volvo I would consider is the S60R.

Or the V70R for me. Too bad it has a pos AWD system :(

Too expensive though :(

That hardtop convertible looks snazzy. I'd buy one of those before I'd grab the EOS (even though the C70 has less power)

[actng]

Or the V70R for me. Too bad it has a pos AWD system :(

Too expensive though :(

That hardtop convertible looks snazzy. I'd buy one of those before I'd grab the EOS (even though the C70 has less power)

It's all about the sleeperrr Volvo. One of the few cars out there that can pull on a 1.8T. esp a volvo.

The EOS will be a fine car once it matures in a year or two.

[dlander]

My wife and I share an S60.
It's a 2001 and pretty trouble free during the 2.5 years that we've had it. (Changed a thermostat, that's it).

Love the feel of the front seats. They just hug you. Love the handling.
Also the 3300 lb towing capacity tows my tent trailer nicely.

Rear seat leg room on the S60 is not great, but as my son is only 20 months old, he is not complaining. (About that anyhow).

I wanted towing capacity in a sedan. Volvo and Subaru are basically all there is. (Maybe different now).

If I win the $38 million Lotto649 I'll replace my '96 Civic with a XC70 wagon. (plus a Ferrari or two). But in the real world, I'd rather squeeze the Civic for a few more years.

[B0000rt]

It's all about the sleeperrr Volvo. One of the few cars out there that can pull on a 1.8T. esp a volvo.

The EOS will be a fine car once it matures in a year or two.
Not only is it a sleeper with power, it can easily handle the curves too! Push Advanced Sport and you're off! Weeeeeee!

Only complaint about the S60 and V70 is the ugly center console :( Only if they had the waterfall center console of the S40/V50

[MkmBandit]

My family has been through 7 Volvo's since 1992. I have a 98' s70 T5R which I couldnt possibly be happier with. Less then $2k worth of mods has made in an M3 killer. I'm into my old school bricks but I like the direction Volvo is heading. The first glimpse I got of the s60 years back was love at first sight.

http://xs414.xs.to/xs414/07142/volvoc70cabrioforbattle0ua.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs414&d=07142&f=volvoc70cabrioforbattle0ua.jpg)

^The ONLY car i'm considering as my next

and about the c30. Lets just say the wifey's Mazda 3 is for sale.

[Ben Jr]

A little over 300hp and 5000lbs of towing.

XC90 V8?!?! What's the HP and tow rating on that beast?

[actng]

Not only is it a sleeper with power, it can easily handle the curves too! Push Advanced Sport and you're off! Weeeeeee!

Only complaint about the S60 and V70 is the ugly center console :( Only if they had the waterfall center console of the S40/V50

It would be interesting to run a STI w/ 4 people in this S60R around a track.

[Focus]

I don't know, like other said I see enough of them everyday. And the C30 should be a hit for younger group. MSRP $22500US($27k cdn?) for a hot hatch with 220hp T5, it should sell np. I will take this over cooper S.

[malaco0219]

Not only is it a sleeper with power, it can easily handle the curves too! Push Advanced Sport and you're off! Weeeeeee!

Only complaint about the S60 and V70 is the ugly center console :( Only if they had the waterfall center console of the S40/V50

+1

the only 2 volvos i would consider now is S60R or the C30, though i would have to take a closer look at the c30

And yes, the S60R and V70R has a really ugly console, though i like their Four C chasis, as many reviews claim that advanced sport makes a load of a difference

As well, i noticed their rates are pretty decent. Especially the S60R, 0.8 finance, though the last time ichecked they said it was for a limited time

[Regin8r]

My inlaws have had 2 Volvos a 2000 C70 Coupe and a 2004 XC90 T6. They weren't exactly problem free but they are pretty nice cars to drive.

They have a much better European Delivery program than any of the other luxury car manufacturers.

http://www.volvocanada.com/Services/EuropeanDelivery.aspx?lng=2

[MkmBandit]

How can you guys call the interior of the s60R ugly? To each his own, I guess. That nice slope in the dash, the bezel around the blue gauges, the shift ball, a true masterpiece

[knapper]

We have a V50, the smaller wagon. I agree with the OP, you don't seem to see many Volvos around, especially the V50. My wife drives ours primarily and loves it. I find it to be a fun drive, even with the base 2.4L in-line 5 engine (170hp/170 torque). The fit and finish is nice, floating center console is unique, and its a nice quiet drive.

[malaco0219]

My inlaws have had 2 Volvos a 2000 C70 Coupe and a 2004 XC90 T6. They weren't exactly problem free but they are pretty nice cars to drive.

They have a much better European Delivery program than any of the other luxury car manufacturers.

http://www.volvocanada.com/Services/EuropeanDelivery.aspx?lng=2

how much is that program?

How can you guys call the interior of the s60R ugly? To each his own, I guess. That nice slope in the dash, the bezel around the blue gauges, the shift ball, a true masterpiece

lol, i cant stand the shift ball.

[The_Professor]

I don't know, like other said I see enough of them everyday. And the C30 should be a hit for younger group. MSRP $22500US($27k cdn?) for a hot hatch with 220hp T5, it should sell np. I will take this over cooper S.

The price of $27K CAD is not for the T5 model, but rather for a 2.4i (168hp). The T5 model starts at around $30K. In the US they do not have the option for the 2.4i, only the T5.

[The_Professor]

how much is that program?



From my research Volvo will discount the automobile by anywhere from 6-8% and the trip is included! It's actually a pretty good deal. Keep in mind that what they offer is fairly basic though, roundtrip airfare, one nights accomodation, and two weeks worth of European insurance so you can drive your new Volvo around Europe. They will also deliver your new car to the dealership of your choice once done in Europe.

[malaco0219]

From my research Volvo will discount the automobile by anywhere from 6-8% and the trip is included! It's actually a pretty good deal. Keep in mind that what they offer is fairly basic though, roundtrip airfare, one nights accomodation, and two weeks worth of European insurance so you can drive your new Volvo around Europe. They will also deliver your new car to the dealership of your choice once done in Europe.

wouldnt they be losing money then? first to discount your vehicle from 6-8% and including your trip?

[B0000rt]

How can you guys call the interior of the s60R ugly? To each his own, I guess. That nice slope in the dash, the bezel around the blue gauges, the shift ball, a true masterpiece

I don't mind all that, just the center console (HVAC/Radio controls) is UGLY. I much prefer the S40/V50 version of that. Looks fat a messy :(

http://i9.tinypic.com/40cr3ag.jpg
http://i10.tinypic.com/42i4owj.jpg

[malaco0219]

I don't mind all that, just the center console (HVAC/Radio controls) is UGLY. I much prefer the S40/V50 version of that.

i agree with you. The S60R console is kinda similar to Saab, too many buttons and poor lay out. I love the s40 metallic console.

[actng]

ugly is one thing. as long as it doesn't feel as cheap as the interior of a STI or a SRT4 then I'm happy.

[malaco0219]

ugly is one thing. as long as it doesn't feel as cheap as the interior of a STI or a SRT4 then I'm happy.

true
for the s60r console, if it was not completely black with some metallic pieces i think it would look better.

[actng]

true
for the s60r console, if it was not completely black with some metallic pieces i think it would look better.

DIY! Spray paint.

[The_Professor]

wouldnt they be losing money then? first to discount your vehicle from 6-8% and including your trip?


I thought the same thing, but my salesman confirmed it. If you go over to www.swedespeed.com and check the OSD section of the forums, you'll find tonnes of useful info from people who have done it.

[malaco0219]

I thought the same thing, but my salesman confirmed it. If you go over to www.swedespeed.com and check the OSD section of the forums, you'll find tonnes of useful info from people who have done it.

hmm.. there must be something missing
doesnt make sense for them to give away the trip for free, as well as reducing the price on the car..

[eelfliw]

As it is you can barely get a Hyundai for that price, I highly doubt a luxury automaker such as Volvo has any intention of developing an economy car for that market.
That's Volvo's prerogative. They just don't get my business - plenty of other car makers will.

[eelfliw]

I'd say price range of $15K new and 250K run with no major problems are mutually exclusive.

My last 2 Saturn SLs have over 250,000KMs without major problems and both cost less than $15K each.

Which car less than $15K have you had that had major problems before 250,000KM? I will surely avoid those cars.

[malaco0219]

does anyone see Volvo as prestigous, just out of curiousity?

[actng]

does anyone see Volvo as prestigous, just out of curiousity?

it's relative.

it's more prestigious than toyota, honda, hyundai, subaru, or any other traditional japanese brand. i may even include lexus and acura in there as being inferior in luxury compared to volvo.

[malaco0219]

it's relative.

it's more prestigious than toyota, honda, hyundai, subaru, or any other traditional japanese brand. i may even include lexus and acura in there as being inferior in luxury compared to volvo.

true
i would personally rate it above most jap brands, though obviously not as high as other euro brands

young people, and alot of them, just hate volvos.

[gordholio]

does anyone see Volvo as prestigous, just out of curiousity?

When I hear Volvo, I think of a very solid and boring car.
Mind you, the sort of car (used) I'll be hopefully able to buy in a couple of years will be something like a 2005 Kia Spectra. It's probably pretty boring to a lot of people too. I just look for something reasonably priced and somewhat dependable.

[The_Professor]

For me Volvo falls somewhere between the high end luxury cars like Audi, BMW, Lexus, Acura and the mainstream imports like Honda and Toyota. It's too bad their reliability has been pretty poor as of late because I think they otherwise have a pretty good line up to offer.

[Focus]

The price of $27K CAD is not for the T5 model, but rather for a 2.4i (168hp). The T5 model starts at around $30K. In the US they do not have the option for the 2.4i, only the T5.

Kill me now...:evil:
but you can always bring it up from US.:twisted:

[rfdrfd]

true
i would personally rate it above most jap brands, though obviously not as high as other euro brands

young people, and alot of them, just hate volvos.

My thoughts exactly. So I wonder how their sales are doing? Who are they targeting?

Not young ppl, mid aged people? Or old people? Mid aged without kids will probably buy nice stuff (BMW, Lexus, Acura, Infinity) because they have money, mid aged WITH kids will need something reliable, practical, bigger.

[malaco0219]

My thoughts exactly. So I wonder how their sales are doing? Who are they targeting?

Not young ppl, mid aged people? Or old people? Mid aged without kids will probably buy nice stuff (BMW, Lexus, Acura, Infinity) because they have money, mid aged WITH kids will need something reliable, practical, bigger.

well
this is my opinion, but if their lease and finance rates are so low as of lately, and you can check, they're pretty dam low, and if the trip that was previously mentioned was actually free, then they're really not doin that good in my opinion.

I think that they're realizing their cars are boring and their newer models are aiming for younger people, like this new generation S40 and the C30, but i think people need to start accepting them first.

I think their previous target were for families, as volvo are known for safety. BUT, thats not enough, and i think they're in the right track trying to get young ppl in their targets

[rfdrfd]

well
this is my opinion, but if their lease and finance rates are so low as of lately, and you can check, they're pretty dam low, and if the trip that was previously mentioned was actually free, then they're really not doin that good in my opinion.

I think that they're realizing their cars are boring and their newer models are aiming for younger people, like this new generation S40 and the C30, but i think people need to start accepting them first.

I think their previous target were for families, as volvo are known for safety. BUT, thats not enough, and i think they're in the right track trying to get young ppl in their targets



True indeed. But its a bad sign when you have to Re-invent yourself to get more customers. Like the NEW Saturn, or NEW line up of Ford or GM.

You never hear that from Toyota or Honda, etc.

[malaco0219]

True indeed. But its a bad sign when you have to Re-invent yourself to get more customers. Like the NEW Saturn, or NEW line up of Ford or GM.

You never hear that from Toyota or Honda, etc.

haha, i dont know about europe, but if they didnt start to target younger people as well here, they're just about as good as done in NA, IMO anyway.

[Anessa]

The S40 with Evolvo kit or the OEM sports pkg looks pretty snazzy. I'd drive it any day.

[MkmBandit]

The S40 with Evolvo kit or the OEM sports pkg looks pretty snazzy. I'd drive it any day.

Made these JUST for you ;) BAH!! @ the bad quality,,

http://xs114.xs.to/xs114/07145/volvos40.gif

http://xs114.xs.to/xs114/07145/volvo.gif



And if anyone can find me this kit for my s70, i'll toss you a crisp $100 bill :razz:

http://xs114.xs.to/xs114/07145/vox70501579-2.jpg

[malaco0219]

Made these JUST for you ;) BAH!! @ the bad quality,,

http://xs114.xs.to/xs114/07145/volvos40.gif

http://xs114.xs.to/xs114/07145/volvo.gif



And if anyone can find me this kit for my s70, i'll toss you a crisp $100 bill :razz:

http://xs114.xs.to/xs114/07145/vox70501579-2.jpg

awesome!

however, i just noticed that a lot of young people dont like volvos, but if you mod them they look nice..

there was a S60R parked at my Rez today.. i just couldnt stop looking at it :cry:

[hoob]

Just test drove the C30 T5 6-speed m/t today, fun little car to drive. The clutch is *very* light, but the shifter is nice and smooth. Just like the A3, the pedals are too close together and too close to the center firewall, for size 13 shoes anyway.

The fabric is very.. odd.. Anyone have this in their Volvo and care to comment on durability? Is $1450 worth it to upgrade to leather? Too bad there's absolutely no XM or Sirius option for this or any Volvo cars (according to the salesman.. will have to research.)

[BeeBee]

Just test drove the C30 T5 6-speed m/t today, fun little car to drive. The clutch is *very* light, but the shifter is nice and smooth. Just like the A3, the pedals are too close together and too close to the center firewall, for size 13 shoes anyway.

The fabric is very.. odd.. Anyone have this in their Volvo and care to comment on durability? Is $1450 worth it to upgrade to leather? Too bad there's absolutely no XM or Sirius option for this or any Volvo cars (according to the salesman.. will have to research.)

Haven't test drive the cars yet. But I am considering getting either the C30 or A3. A3 has nicer finish and can seat 4 ppl more easily but also more expensive... I'll see what happens after I test drive them.

[malaco0219]

Just test drove the C30 T5 6-speed m/t today, fun little car to drive. The clutch is *very* light, but the shifter is nice and smooth. Just like the A3, the pedals are too close together and too close to the center firewall, for size 13 shoes anyway.

The fabric is very.. odd.. Anyone have this in their Volvo and care to comment on durability? Is $1450 worth it to upgrade to leather? Too bad there's absolutely no XM or Sirius option for this or any Volvo cars (according to the salesman.. will have to research.)

why is the fabric very odd?

[hoob]

why is the fabric very odd?

It's sort of a micro-mesh sateen finish that's a bit "slick" or "greasy" (not literally, just doesn't feel like other fabric seats.) It's touted as some sort of stain-resistant fabric.

I didn't necessarily dislike it, just found it odd..

[Ben Jr]

The fabric is T-Tec if I'm not mistaken. Many have found it superior than the standard cloth interior. I can't vouch for it, as I opted for leather but the seats are the most comfortable I've sat in.

[The_Professor]

The fabric is in fact called T-Tec and is really quite good once you get used to it. Definately not worth the extra to go to leather unless you really love leather. T-tec is comfortable, very easy to keep clean, and doesn't wear like regular fabric does.

[jollyeskimo]

Volvo Dropping "R" models after this year (http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/09/volvo-dropping-r-models-after-this-year/)

I've still got my hopes up for a hot C30 w/ AWD, but seeing the R line go is kinda disappointing... they were like the practical sports cars that plenty wanted/liked, but nearly nobody bought.

[Anessa]

Blame the beancounters at Ford?

[malaco0219]

Volvo Dropping "R" models after this year (http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/09/volvo-dropping-r-models-after-this-year/)

I've still got my hopes up for a hot C30 w/ AWD, but seeing the R line go is kinda disappointing... they were like the practical sports cars that plenty wanted/liked, but nearly nobody bought.

that sucks

Well, i think the problem is that the R didnt look so good compared to cars of its class, maybe that was one reason why it didnt sell so well.


And for the price you pay for the R, you can get just about an equivalent else where.

Just my speculations.

I certainly hope we see a S40 or C30 sports edition.

[rfdrfd]

That look doesn't really appeal to me. I think an Acura TL or TSX beats it in the looks department.

[malaco0219]

That look doesn't really appeal to me. I think an Acura TL or TSX beats it in the looks department.

Definitely. The TSX/TL beats it in looks any day. However, i wouldnt say the S60R is completely ugly. I think its pretty decent looking, and it's distinctive on its own.

[knapper]

The fabric is very.. odd.. Anyone have this in their Volvo and care to comment on durability? Is $1450 worth it to upgrade to leather?

I have it and have learned to like it quite a bit. As noted above it wears well and is easy to clean. I don't like the cold and hot that comes with leather.

Is the upgrade worth $1450? Depends on how much you like leather. If you are not dead set on leather and would like to save a couple of bucks, I would say you will be happy with the T-Tec (specially compared to regular fabric). The other thing is does leather come with any of the packages that have other features you want? We were buying late in the year and wanted the premium (or such) package that included leather, but it could not be found with a manual transmission. Ended up choosing manual over leather.

One option I paid for and now love is the climate package. We bought it for the heated seats, but its the the dual zone thermostat that I love. We set the temp to 21 degrees, fan to auto, and are always comfortable with no noticable changes in temp.

[danzel]

i'm having my 2000 Volvo XC70 - love it. i dont have any problem with the parts especially on my Volvo wiper blade (http://www.swedishpartsshop.com/volvowiperblade.html)which that provides me ease, comfort and safety while driving the road by providing with good visibility during rainy and snowy seasons.