I'll wheel out the only pic of mine I've ever bothered taking. V70 2.5 10v non turbo manual.
These are unburstable. I've owned dozens and dozens of cars and as a tool, for comfort, build quality and versatility this is the best car I have ever owned, honestly. Great stereo for a 20 year old car. In fact way better than the 996 and the seats are like armchairs.
My dad has owned Volvo's for years and as I got older I found myself borrowing his more and more. I'm converted now so bought the one above 3.5 years ago for £700, on 154k miles.
It's just about to click over 190k and apart from oil and filters (it gets the Millers I drop out of my 911) it has only needed two calipers £70 & £40 and plugs and leads due to a misfire.
They really get under your skin. I'm in a position to change it no problem but just think "Why bother buying someone else's problems". It's free motoring.
Until I can buy something that really excites me (I don't even know what that is yet) then why change.
What will a £15k estate car do that mine won't.
I'm in the middle of doing the most maintenance to it since I bought it as my wife is using it to visit family in Colchester next week, a 500 mile round trip.
Discs and pads all round (Pagid), front droplinks, oil & filter, wiper blades, exhaust hanger.
Total is £130.
Avoid the 4wd ones and the autos, whilst reliable, are sluggish and thirstier.
I keep toying with the idea of a V70R or 850R but I couldn't be as careless with it as they are now modern classics. I'll probably end up with my dad's non turbo 20v when he changes as it's done 90k less miles than mine.
Anyway, sorry I'm rambling. I cannot speak highly enough about my Volvo. Trouble is, people never seem to want to listen. Funny that. :grin:
PS The later models are still good but it's the boxy ones that are bombproof.
I often have people comment when I'm at a shop or garage and they all say "I had one of those then bought a newer one. I wish I'd kept the old one, much better".
Edited to add - VAG stuff is ok. My mate Craig on here has a 250k mile golf but it doesn't wear it's miles as well as an old Volvo does.
It would take a braver man than me to buy a £1000 Subaru. The engines are pants. Bottom end anyone?
Just seen it needs to be auto. That's better for your search if you go Volvo as manuals are pretty hard to come by. I'd say 5 autos to every manual where my model is concerned. More manuals in the later shape.
Auto boxes last as well as the rest of the car really, especially if you aren't towing or anything. :thumb: