In a strange twist of events, the Volvo XC60 T6 just jumped up to the top of my list of possible successors to my currently leased 12 Accord.

Do anyone here have any personal experience with the 2G XC60 (preferably but not exclusively the T6 or T6 R Design)? Also, does anyone have any experience with Volvo's Overseas Delivery program?

 

A buddy of mine had a S60 and had to lemon law it over the magnetic ride suspension two years ago. This is not to say all Volvos have this issue but you should research it.

 

Here's a good review of the XC60.


We've had an XC90 V8 (completely different I know) and that vehicle was more trouble than I would have cared for, especially the interior integrity.

What about the new RDX or Forester XT?

 

Volvo I've heard bad things also.

 

I know for their cost...their resale (if thats important to you) is horrendous. Very easy to become upside down in that car.

 

The Subaru Forester XT doesn't appeal to me stylewise but the RDX is number two on my list. (I'd consider the Tribeca if it came with the same boxer 4 as the WRX STI AND a 6AT.....however, the wifey wants an upscale brand.)

With regard to resale, . The other upscale make that seems to depreciate as much -- if not more -- is probably Caddy. However, I'm looking at the likelihood of a 2 year lease so I wouldn't ride too far down that slippery slope.

Some background as this XC60 interest: While at KOP Mall yesterday, I spent about 30 minutes talking to some Volvo Corp rep about the cars they had on display (top trim versions of the XC60, S60, C70 and XC90). When I told him that I just picked up a 12 MDX Tech, he knew there's no way I would have considered the XC90 as an alternative. (He was spot on there. No contest.) But when I mentioned that my Accord lease was coming up next Fall and that I was leaning towards swapping into an RDX, he recommended that I check out the XC60 T6 as an alternative. Further enticing me was his mention of the overseas delivery program where Volvo would fly us out to Sweden to see the car prior to export, allowing us to travel around Europe a bit before in the car prior to its shipping to the states. (Travel and accomodations covered by Volvo for 10 days.)

As the wife and I were considering making our first Euro trip next year, we figure this could be a good way to combine this with our next auto purchase with Volvo alleviating the cost quite a bit.

 

Here's the other thing about Volvo ... They are now owned by the Chinese.

To what degree Volvo is allowed to run their own business, I do not know. But I do know that there's enough anecdotal and empirical evidence that I would not want to own a Chinese car right now (and perhaps for quite a long time).

That may be worth considering as well. Even if it's a lease.

 

I hate to be that guy (always recommending one brand) but have you looked at the Audi Q5 3.0T? With the sport interior and B&O sound it's about the same price as a XC60 T6 Premium Plus and you can do Euro delivery with it (but Audi doesn't fly you to Europe).

 

my brother in law had a S60 and it was nothing but problems. Another thing to keep in mind their maintenance / parts are on the higher side IMO.

 

Euro delivery with an Audi or Bimmer...just ask Jesal.

Where volvo used to be the poster child for reliability and safety...I just dont know anymore. They've been so mishandled in the last decade.

 

I have heard good reviews on a lot of Volvo cars but poor reviews on their SUV's. I don't have any personal experience with them though.

 

I'd take a pass on the Volvo

 

no personal experience, but i haven't ever heard great reliability history. There are a couple around the planet with a million miles but that's it.

 

I have some s60 experience and the turbo engine are not so reliable and awd system isn't best either. They are nice cars but once you are out of warranty like bimmer... I still like to drive my brothers T5 it sounds good and its very comfortable

 

It would pretty much be a new purchase via two year lease. So, it would be under warranty for the duration of my ownership. (which is pretty much the only way I'd get any European make. )

 

I would go for it. I love the way it looks

 

under warranty lease... go for it... anything else

 

Did some Volvo time.

+Nice safe cars.
-Sloppy derivers with high repair costs.

Cross shop MDX and Q-5.

 

I already have a 12 MDX tech so this would be a second vehicle, replacing the Accord in our household. The Q5 is definitely a consideration though.

 

Gf's dad is in love with Volvo, she had an older sedan hand me down and now has a t5? S80 that has been very reliable for her and it is pushing 175k. Her dad has a wagon, a V8 S80 that sounds surprisingly badass, and just bought an XC60 R design that he absolutely loves. I had never liked Volvo but that thing looks bad ass both inside and out.

I had never considered Volvo but after seeing that, I may change my mind down the road.

 

Yep, that R-Design XC60 @ KOP mall definitely caught my eye....as well as the specs on the sticker. It definitely seems like it would be a blast to drive.

 

Previous and current Volvo owner here (1999 V70 and a 2013 XC90). If I didn't need the extra room, the XC60 would have been my choice. But it's a pretty good car for the money, along with a solid warranty and free service (nice to have) it was an easy decision for me (plus a tourist/diplomat/military sales means no tax and well under MSRP).

As far as driving in Europe, your pick up is in Goteborg. Nice city (was there this past summer), but I advise driving down through Denmark into Germany where you can open her up. Make it down to Munich and you will not be disappointed.