Keep my '05 TL or trade for Volvo S60?
12-18-2012 | 09:49 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
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Keep my '05 TL or trade for Volvo S60?
My 05 TL has 103,500 miles on it and I know the timing belt replacement is coming up soon. Not sure the cost of it but I suspect approx $700 - $800. Other than that there is nothing wrong with the car but contemplating getting a late model Volvo S60 T5 or T6. Volvo is offering very attractive leases for $359 to $390 with no money down or deposit. Am I off my rocker for considering a Volvo? I am just pondering the options and again I love the TL and it doesn't bother me keeping it.
12-18-2012 | 10:34 AM
#5
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 257
Likes: 32
From: Georgia
Your going to get biased opinions by posting on an Acura enthusiast website.
IMHO, Volvos arent the best looking cars. They all kinda look the same to me... The TL is much better looking. I would not trade.
IMHO, Volvos arent the best looking cars. They all kinda look the same to me... The TL is much better looking. I would not trade.
12-18-2012 | 11:01 AM
#6
All About Trance
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,561
Likes: 124
From: Atlanta
How far away do you live from Hamilton Honda? They're doing the timing belt service for way under what most dealerships can offer. If you'd rather pay for parts up front and let someone else do the service, you can get them through our numerous vendors here to cut down on the cost.
12-18-2012 | 11:04 AM
#7
David_Dude
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 13,283
Likes: 581
From: Florida
Since it's paid for why not keep it and lease the volvo? That is if you don't mind having insurance for 2 cars.
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Acura-OC (12-18-2012)
That's rude.
12-18-2012 | 11:22 AM
#10
the overexplainer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,287
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From: OC, CA
Other than that there is nothing wrong with the car but contemplating getting a late model Volvo S60 T5 or T6. Volvo is offering very attractive leases for $359 to $390 with no money down or deposit. Am I off my rocker for considering a Volvo? I am just pondering the options and again I love the TL and it doesn't bother me keeping it.
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THEReeM718 (12-18-2012)
12-18-2012 | 11:43 AM
#11
US Navy Seabees
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 75
From: NH
Dude, the new Volvo S60 T6 is NOT boring. They beat the hell out of the TL in handling and power and looks subjectively. The newer Volvos are nice, but I wouldn't do it, paid off car wins everytime.
12-18-2012 | 11:56 AM
#14
Thread Starter
Racer
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12-18-2012 | 12:02 PM
#15
the overexplainer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,287
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From: OC, CA
well cars in general are terrible "investments" (more like a liability).
You dont get anything to show for it after paying every month. Buying the car at lease end is still well over what you would've paid if you financed to buy. You have to get gap insurance so you dont have to keep paying the dealer if you happen to crash the car, etc.
For less than one payment's worth and a Saturday you can DIY the belt. This is including the cost of parts and tools. I DIYed because it was so cheap to do it yourself i considered it a nominal cost.
anyways, yeah they're not for everyone including myself. At least you're not buying a new car at zero down--at that point you're literally throwing thousands of dollars out the window.
You dont get anything to show for it after paying every month. Buying the car at lease end is still well over what you would've paid if you financed to buy. You have to get gap insurance so you dont have to keep paying the dealer if you happen to crash the car, etc.
For less than one payment's worth and a Saturday you can DIY the belt. This is including the cost of parts and tools. I DIYed because it was so cheap to do it yourself i considered it a nominal cost.
anyways, yeah they're not for everyone including myself. At least you're not buying a new car at zero down--at that point you're literally throwing thousands of dollars out the window.
Last edited by ez12a; 12-18-2012 at 12:09 PM.
12-18-2012 | 12:22 PM
#18
the overexplainer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,287
Likes: 385
From: OC, CA
its kind of a strange concept too..you're paying NOT to drive it (mileage limit)? and if it's in the shop for a period of time...you're paying for that as well even if there is zero out of pocket costs for the warranty repair. my friend back in college days who got a leased Camry was a stingy bastard and always refused having to drive on the weekends when we'd hang out.
I wouldnt do it, but it's up to the OP.
I wouldnt do it, but it's up to the OP.
Last edited by ez12a; 12-18-2012 at 12:25 PM.
12-18-2012 | 12:32 PM
#19
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 40
Likes: 3
From: You've got a friend in Upstate, NY
My bestfriend is a Volvo nut, and I have seen some sweet ass Volvos. With that being said, Ive been in most of them and I really like the TL much better.
If I were to get into a Volvo though, it would be a S70R, V70R, or one of the new S80s with a V8. The new S60s are nice, but I would only get one with the R-design package, which is hard to find and way more expensive.
Plus leasing a car never made sense to me.
If I were to get into a Volvo though, it would be a S70R, V70R, or one of the new S80s with a V8. The new S60s are nice, but I would only get one with the R-design package, which is hard to find and way more expensive.
Plus leasing a car never made sense to me.
12-18-2012 | 12:32 PM
#20
06 Anthracite TL
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 333
From: Myrtle Beach, SC as of 5/2016
Questions:
- how much do you owe on the TL? If not much, and the TL is in decent shape, I'd pay it off, get the TB done and drive it until it doesn't run anymore.
- if you just recently bought it and owe quite a bit (have low equity in the TL), and you want a newer car, then go for it.
- as others have said, you'll have a lot of owners here, (myself included) that will tell you to keep the TL and do the required service.
- paid in full beats lease or loan payments every time, unless what you own is costing too much in repairs to justify keeping it (if it was unreliable)
- how much do you owe on the TL? If not much, and the TL is in decent shape, I'd pay it off, get the TB done and drive it until it doesn't run anymore.
- if you just recently bought it and owe quite a bit (have low equity in the TL), and you want a newer car, then go for it.
- as others have said, you'll have a lot of owners here, (myself included) that will tell you to keep the TL and do the required service.
- paid in full beats lease or loan payments every time, unless what you own is costing too much in repairs to justify keeping it (if it was unreliable)
12-18-2012 | 12:50 PM
#21
Keep Right Except to Pass
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,409
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From: Kingstowne, VA
My mother and father have an S80 and it's a very nice car. Two years ago I rode with them to New York for a family reunion and I drove half the trip and I really enjoyed it, other than finding the cruise control buttons utterly unintuitive (nobody does the cruise control buttons as well as Acura).
Their car is nice enough that if I had to consider a new car, I might consider a Volvo. But earlier today I was behind a new S60 at a red light and I thought the car looked a bit like a gumdropmobile. Not enough of a shape to it, no nice corners. So that would count against that particular model in my mind.
The other thing I'd consider is intangible stuff like age, marital status, etc. I'm married and coming up on my 40th birthday this coming spring, so a Volvo is no big deal. Back in August 2004 when I got the TL I was 31 and single and that was part of the reason I scratched the S60 off the list of possibilities. A Volvo just doesn't seem like a single guy's car to me.
The other thing I'd suggest is that the timing belt is not enough of an expense even to consider replacing the car. It's just not a big deal. Yes, it can give you sticker shock when you do that service, but for most of us it only rolls around once every few years. If the car is otherwise reliable, then a larger service cost once a year or once every few years should be no deterrent in keeping it. If instead you're getting hit with large repair bills every few months, then I'd say it's time, but that doesn't sound like your situation.
Or, look at it this way: Let's say the timing belt and water pump service (you do them together) costs you $1000. I cite that figure just because it's a round number. If you're thinking of paying $375 a month to LEASE a Volvo, in three months you'd have spent $1125 and you'd have no equity in the car unless the lease has a provision for "lease to own." Why not just charge the servicing and pay it off over the three months at $333.33 a month (plus interest if appropriate)? You'd still come out ahead in the long run, and when you finish paying off your TL you'll own it free and clear instead of having to turn it back in at the end of a lease.
Their car is nice enough that if I had to consider a new car, I might consider a Volvo. But earlier today I was behind a new S60 at a red light and I thought the car looked a bit like a gumdropmobile. Not enough of a shape to it, no nice corners. So that would count against that particular model in my mind.
The other thing I'd consider is intangible stuff like age, marital status, etc. I'm married and coming up on my 40th birthday this coming spring, so a Volvo is no big deal. Back in August 2004 when I got the TL I was 31 and single and that was part of the reason I scratched the S60 off the list of possibilities. A Volvo just doesn't seem like a single guy's car to me.
The other thing I'd suggest is that the timing belt is not enough of an expense even to consider replacing the car. It's just not a big deal. Yes, it can give you sticker shock when you do that service, but for most of us it only rolls around once every few years. If the car is otherwise reliable, then a larger service cost once a year or once every few years should be no deterrent in keeping it. If instead you're getting hit with large repair bills every few months, then I'd say it's time, but that doesn't sound like your situation.
Or, look at it this way: Let's say the timing belt and water pump service (you do them together) costs you $1000. I cite that figure just because it's a round number. If you're thinking of paying $375 a month to LEASE a Volvo, in three months you'd have spent $1125 and you'd have no equity in the car unless the lease has a provision for "lease to own." Why not just charge the servicing and pay it off over the three months at $333.33 a month (plus interest if appropriate)? You'd still come out ahead in the long run, and when you finish paying off your TL you'll own it free and clear instead of having to turn it back in at the end of a lease.
12-18-2012 | 01:15 PM
#23
moot point as I dont think he's going to be getting that specific one...
He might end up with the T6 tho.
thats more realistic, unless this board sways him to save money by sticking with a tried and true car.
He might end up with the T6 tho.
thats more realistic, unless this board sways him to save money by sticking with a tried and true car.
12-18-2012 | 01:50 PM
#24
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
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My mother and father have an S80 and it's a very nice car. Two years ago I rode with them to New York for a family reunion and I drove half the trip and I really enjoyed it, other than finding the cruise control buttons utterly unintuitive (nobody does the cruise control buttons as well as Acura).
Their car is nice enough that if I had to consider a new car, I might consider a Volvo. But earlier today I was behind a new S60 at a red light and I thought the car looked a bit like a gumdropmobile. Not enough of a shape to it, no nice corners. So that would count against that particular model in my mind.
The other thing I'd consider is intangible stuff like age, marital status, etc. I'm married and coming up on my 40th birthday this coming spring, so a Volvo is no big deal. Back in August 2004 when I got the TL I was 31 and single and that was part of the reason I scratched the S60 off the list of possibilities. A Volvo just doesn't seem like a single guy's car to me.
The other thing I'd suggest is that the timing belt is not enough of an expense even to consider replacing the car. It's just not a big deal. Yes, it can give you sticker shock when you do that service, but for most of us it only rolls around once every few years. If the car is otherwise reliable, then a larger service cost once a year or once every few years should be no deterrent in keeping it. If instead you're getting hit with large repair bills every few months, then I'd say it's time, but that doesn't sound like your situation.
Or, look at it this way: Let's say the timing belt and water pump service (you do them together) costs you $1000. I cite that figure just because it's a round number. If you're thinking of paying $375 a month to LEASE a Volvo, in three months you'd have spent $1125 and you'd have no equity in the car unless the lease has a provision for "lease to own." Why not just charge the servicing and pay it off over the three months at $333.33 a month (plus interest if appropriate)? You'd still come out ahead in the long run, and when you finish paying off your TL you'll own it free and clear instead of having to turn it back in at the end of a lease.
Their car is nice enough that if I had to consider a new car, I might consider a Volvo. But earlier today I was behind a new S60 at a red light and I thought the car looked a bit like a gumdropmobile. Not enough of a shape to it, no nice corners. So that would count against that particular model in my mind.
The other thing I'd consider is intangible stuff like age, marital status, etc. I'm married and coming up on my 40th birthday this coming spring, so a Volvo is no big deal. Back in August 2004 when I got the TL I was 31 and single and that was part of the reason I scratched the S60 off the list of possibilities. A Volvo just doesn't seem like a single guy's car to me.
The other thing I'd suggest is that the timing belt is not enough of an expense even to consider replacing the car. It's just not a big deal. Yes, it can give you sticker shock when you do that service, but for most of us it only rolls around once every few years. If the car is otherwise reliable, then a larger service cost once a year or once every few years should be no deterrent in keeping it. If instead you're getting hit with large repair bills every few months, then I'd say it's time, but that doesn't sound like your situation.
Or, look at it this way: Let's say the timing belt and water pump service (you do them together) costs you $1000. I cite that figure just because it's a round number. If you're thinking of paying $375 a month to LEASE a Volvo, in three months you'd have spent $1125 and you'd have no equity in the car unless the lease has a provision for "lease to own." Why not just charge the servicing and pay it off over the three months at $333.33 a month (plus interest if appropriate)? You'd still come out ahead in the long run, and when you finish paying off your TL you'll own it free and clear instead of having to turn it back in at the end of a lease.
I do have equity in the TL but was pondering getting another car before I was hit with some repair bills and accumulated too many miles. The Volvo lease is for 2 years and my payment on the TL is $360 per month so I figured it was a wash in that department and driving a newer car with warranty. I am not that educated in leases so excuse my ignorance. I haven't driven the S-60 so I may go do that soon just to see if I like it for future purchase or if I can afford it the S-80. I am not that crazy about the newer generation TLs but if I can get a smoking deal on one in the future who knows. I am sure they ride and drive great but the rear end just doesn't float my boat. I could always paint a picture of a girl with a nice booty on the rear to enhance the looks lol 
12-18-2012 | 01:57 PM
#25
To the OP, I would keep the TL.
Side note: The S60 Polestar is awesome. I saw one at the LA auto show a couple weeks ago and fell in love. Here is a link:
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/v...ncept-la-2012/
Too bad it is only a concept, hopefully we will see some in the states someday.
Side note: The S60 Polestar is awesome. I saw one at the LA auto show a couple weeks ago and fell in love. Here is a link:
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/v...ncept-la-2012/
Too bad it is only a concept, hopefully we will see some in the states someday.
12-18-2012 | 01:58 PM
#26
They also weigh 4000 lbs, so 300 bhp with a power sapping AWD transaxle and two tons to haul doesn't go far. Plus, you can't disable the traction control on the Volvos, which really sucks. Looks aside, I'd probably take a new SH-AWD TL 6MT over the S60. They're both still pretty boring in the grand scheme of things.
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12-18-2012 | 02:36 PM
#27
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 362
From: O.C. / L.A.
To the OP, I would keep the TL.
Side note: The S60 Polestar is awesome. I saw one at the LA auto show a couple weeks ago and fell in love. Here is a link:
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/v...ncept-la-2012/
Too bad it is only a concept, hopefully we will see some in the states someday.
Side note: The S60 Polestar is awesome. I saw one at the LA auto show a couple weeks ago and fell in love. Here is a link:
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/v...ncept-la-2012/
Too bad it is only a concept, hopefully we will see some in the states someday.
Sidenote: I thought it was sort odd for the RDX to be hidden in the back of Acura's platform at the LA auto show. It seemed neglected but then again, there was an NSX concept there. That was fun.
12-18-2012 | 04:55 PM
#29
Racer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 393
Likes: 35
From: Tulsa, OK (918)
The only Volvo people should be buying is the C30 Polestar. that's one sick mutha f**k'n car
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYmidM7fMSs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYmidM7fMSs
12-18-2012 | 06:11 PM
#30
Too bad the US version of the C30 Polestar got nerfed. It is only going to have 250hp down from 400hp one they had on Top Gear.
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/11/2...-u-s-only-250/
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/11/2...-u-s-only-250/
12-18-2012 | 10:12 PM
#31
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,499
Likes: 221
From: Carlsbad, CA
If it's a money issue consider the sales tax and dmv fees of a late model Volvo will pay most if not all the cost of a TB for the TL. You then have the added maintenance costs of maintaining the Volvo. I wouldn't do it personally. I think I would wait for the 5g TLX to come out and see what it is and get one of those instead.
12-19-2012 | 12:10 AM
#32
I've had 4 Acuras and couldn't be happier with all of them. My best friend, best man in my wedding had a Volvo and it was nothing but electrical problems and all kinds of nonsense. Mod your TL and it will make you happy all over again.
12-19-2012 | 02:34 AM
#33
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,838
Likes: 597
From: South Florida
They also weigh 4000 lbs, so 300 bhp with a power sapping AWD transaxle and two tons to haul doesn't go far. Plus, you can't disable the traction control on the Volvos, which really sucks. Looks aside, I'd probably take a new SH-AWD TL 6MT over the S60. They're both still pretty boring in the grand scheme of things.
The S60 weighs about as much as a TL, or ~3400-3600 lbs, on avg depending on model and options.
My buddy's 04 S60R (stock 300HP/295TQ turbo AWD) has no problem whatsoever keeping up with my 07 TL-S and you can disable the traction control system on his model year (most people simply don't know how), not sure about the new ones. Both are manuals. His AWD and factory adjustable suspension system does allow for more spirited cornering vs the FWD setup in my TL-S, and my TL-S is more lux and refined on the interior. I do find the TL-S better looking, but the 04-07 S60R with the factory body kit isn't bad looking either, and far from boring. This (the R) is not your grandpa's volvo...
The new ones have ~325HP/354TQ in the R-Design, but I'm not sure if they've ever considered that one a true "R" model. My friend's R has more than just a bit more pep under the hood...it has a 3 mode active suspension system, which in Advanced mode it bumps the timing up 6 degrees and changes the fuel mapping on the throttle, making the car very responsive and feel more like a supercharger (vs a turbo), variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust valves, 4-piston Brembo brakes all around (yes, even in the rear), massive 13" ventilated discs, special leather interior, gages, etc....his rear seats fold down too..
Driving both, the S60R leans more towards sport, while the TL-S leans more towards luxe.
If it was an R and good looking, I'd say go for it, but the guys that designed the latest body style apparently drank the same koolaid as the guys who designed the latest TLs...I say keep your TL a little while longer and wait for something else to come along.
Last edited by FamilyGuy; 12-19-2012 at 02:39 AM.
12-19-2012 | 08:29 AM
#35
Keep Right Except to Pass
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 45
From: Kingstowne, VA
I suppose one potential issue nobody's mentioned (I forgot about it when making my prior post) is that Volvo is now owned by a Chinese company. I forget which one it is. I don't know anything about reliability since the Chinese took over, but I suppose we haven't really seen any new models yet other than the brand-new S60 redesign, which obviously hasn't been around long enough to establish a reliability record.
Just a thought.
Regarding the AWD, it does add weight (I mentioned driving my parents' S80—it's a lot heavier than my TL), but on the other hand, when you floor the accelerator there is NO torque steer. I quite enjoyed that when I stomped on it getting onto I-78 in Pennsylvania!
Just a thought.
Regarding the AWD, it does add weight (I mentioned driving my parents' S80—it's a lot heavier than my TL), but on the other hand, when you floor the accelerator there is NO torque steer. I quite enjoyed that when I stomped on it getting onto I-78 in Pennsylvania!
12-19-2012 | 08:46 AM
#36
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 7,965
Likes: 1,695
I wouldn't get it just don't want any more monthly payment, S60 is the shiat I saw they test it on edmund and Cnet seem pretty sharp car well except for the price tag (S60R I believe is the model with dark rim and sporty looking).
12-19-2012 | 08:56 AM
#37
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 277
Likes: 19
I suppose one potential issue nobody's mentioned (I forgot about it when making my prior post) is that Volvo is now owned by a Chinese company. I forget which one it is. I don't know anything about reliability since the Chinese took over, but I suppose we haven't really seen any new models yet other than the brand-new S60 redesign, which obviously hasn't been around long enough to establish a reliability record.
Just a thought.
Regarding the AWD, it does add weight (I mentioned driving my parents' S80—it's a lot heavier than my TL), but on the other hand, when you floor the accelerator there is NO torque steer. I quite enjoyed that when I stomped on it getting onto I-78 in Pennsylvania!
Just a thought.
Regarding the AWD, it does add weight (I mentioned driving my parents' S80—it's a lot heavier than my TL), but on the other hand, when you floor the accelerator there is NO torque steer. I quite enjoyed that when I stomped on it getting onto I-78 in Pennsylvania!
12-19-2012 | 09:05 AM
#38
Keep Right Except to Pass
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 45
From: Kingstowne, VA
Sometime during 2010. I know my mother and father got their S80 in January 2010 and Volvo was owned by Ford then—they had had the car for a while when the Chinese bought it and my father was rather dismayed by the news. (My brother, on the other hand, made jokes about their "Vorvo.")
12-19-2012 | 09:10 AM
#39
06 Anthracite TL
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 333
From: Myrtle Beach, SC as of 5/2016
From Wikipedia:
Volvo Car Corporation, or Volvo Personvagnar AB, is a Scandinavian automobile manufacturer founded in 1927, in Gothenburg, Sweden. It is owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.[2] Volvo was originally formed as a subsidiary company to the ball bearing maker SKF. When Volvo AB was introduced on the Swedish stock exchange in 1935, SKF sold most of the shares in the company. Volvo Cars was owned by AB Volvo until 1999, when it was acquired by the Ford Motor Company as part of its Premier Automotive Group. Geely Holding Group then acquired Volvo from Ford in 2010.
I thought it was Cherry who makes cars in China, but it's actually Geely who owns Volvo.
Don't forget, the Chinese company may own Volvo (as Ford did here in the US), but it doesn't mean, at least currently, that the Volvos are built in China, or are any less 'good'. I don't doubt they're good cars, it just comes down to economics for the OP- buy new with payments or pay off what you have and keep it running.
Volvo Car Corporation, or Volvo Personvagnar AB, is a Scandinavian automobile manufacturer founded in 1927, in Gothenburg, Sweden. It is owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.[2] Volvo was originally formed as a subsidiary company to the ball bearing maker SKF. When Volvo AB was introduced on the Swedish stock exchange in 1935, SKF sold most of the shares in the company. Volvo Cars was owned by AB Volvo until 1999, when it was acquired by the Ford Motor Company as part of its Premier Automotive Group. Geely Holding Group then acquired Volvo from Ford in 2010.
I thought it was Cherry who makes cars in China, but it's actually Geely who owns Volvo.
Don't forget, the Chinese company may own Volvo (as Ford did here in the US), but it doesn't mean, at least currently, that the Volvos are built in China, or are any less 'good'. I don't doubt they're good cars, it just comes down to economics for the OP- buy new with payments or pay off what you have and keep it running.
Last edited by erdoc48; 12-19-2012 at 09:21 AM.