In a Nissan and Toyota's World, Would a Volvo Be Rebellious Sign?!

ratoloko on 23/12/2019 - 10:07

Hi guys,

I have spoke with 2 mechanics and they both said the same thing: Buy Nissan, Toyota or few Subaru models.
I am that "DIY guy" so I only pay for a service when it involves security or engine.

Back to the question, In a Nissan, Toyota's World, Would a Volvo Be Your Worst Nightmare?!
Also, I prefer SUV over small car, and manual over automatic as if you are in the middle of nowhere it's more likely for you make home than an automatic.

I like Volvo, they are one of the safest cars, gorgeous, and so on.
I would be using it only during the weekend or long holidays with my gf.
I am always doing basic checks to prolong their life. I have a 2013 Honda motorcycle and you don't tell it is 2013 :)
I was looking for a 10k budget, it could reach 15k if there is a strong reason. Quick search and I was able to find very low kms SUV within that price.

Is there anyone here that owns a Volvo or has anything to say like "Speak now or shut up forever?"

Thanks Guys

Automotive Car

Comments

  • oscargamer on 23/12/2019 - 10:18
    +4

    If you like a car and you understand it's positives and negatives, then buy it.

    • ratoloko on 23/12/2019 - 10:43
      -3

      Not really. So many cars the where negative will be way higher than the positives.
      Like Mazda, a friend of mine has a Mazda 6, beautiful car, comfortable and etc, and a simple trunk lock non-genuine is almost $400, a burned Airbag module $1.4k under 100k, and yet you see a lot of drivers saying "Mazda is life".

      • k-rokfm on 23/12/2019 - 10:57
        +1

        So you do your research and understand their positives and negatives, then buy it.

        Every make has their lemons. Every model will have someone saying this was the best / worst car ive ever driven and would only / never buy this make again. You do the research, know what the general consensus is on the model, then make a decision.

      • Samsungnote10 on 23/12/2019 - 12:40

        Double all those figures if its a bmw or merc

  • brendanm on 23/12/2019 - 10:22
    +3

    Nissan are extremely "meh", as are Subaru nowadays. Nothing wrong with a Volvo, you will be paying more for parts.

    • ratoloko on 23/12/2019 - 10:45

      Yep, I guess search for the parts that used to break or give headache, maintenance with how many km or months to estimate the maintenance costs .

  • pegaxs on 23/12/2019 - 10:44
    +11

    I like Volvo, they are one of the safest cars, gorgeous, and so on.

    Been drinkin' too much of that marketing Kool-Aid.

    Volvo is now a Chinese made car. (Since about 2010) So, If you like your Chinese cars, have at it.

    And it is hardly a "Nissan" world. What rock are you living under? I would say Hyundai well out sells Nissan. Hell, Mazda and Kia would be above Nissan. I would probably buy a VW over a Nissan and I hate VW's.

    But please, buy the Volvo. We need more "My car doesn't start/run/random dash light on/parts on 3 month back order/no manufacturer support/etc…" threads from Chinese made Volvo owners.

    • ratoloko on 23/12/2019 - 10:49

      Thanks for that, I didn't know this "Chinese made" part

      It is funny your point of view about Nissan, friends and even mechanics said a whole different stories.

      • pegaxs on 23/12/2019 - 11:14
        +2

        I am a mechanic, and while Nissan is not a "bad" brand, it certainly isn't a market leader here in Australia, and certainly not "the world" like you are trying to suggest.

        If I was in the market for a vehicle and it was a choice between a Nissan, a Mazda, a Hyundai, a Kia, hell, even a Ford or a Mitsubishi, Nissan would not be at the top of my list with "Toyota".

        And I guess "Chinese made" was a bit too general. They are made in different places, notably some are still made in Sweden, but some are made in China, Malaysia and India. All places renowned for their quality motor vehicles.

        • ratoloko on 23/12/2019 - 11:33

          Got ya, this is what I found for Volvo XC60 for example "The first series Volvo XC60 was made by Volvo Car Gent in Ghent, Belgium. The second-generation, released in 2017, is made in Sweden (Torslanda), China (Chengdu), and Malaysia (Shah Alam)."

          I will have a look about the Toyota :)

          Thanks for the help

    • brendanm on 23/12/2019 - 10:49
      +1

      For $10-15k op isn't buying a late model Chinese Volvo.

      • pegaxs on 23/12/2019 - 11:09

        There are a heap of 2013~2014 SUV Volvos for sale on Carsales. Well within the Geely ownership and right in the bracket OP is looking at.

        • brendanm on 23/12/2019 - 11:40

          Yes true, for some reason I thought geeky was later. The 2010 era Volvo's I've dealt with have been quite good.

          • pegaxs on 23/12/2019 - 11:43

            @brendanm: Yeah, I have worked on a few Volvos and worked in a dealership that had Volvo as part of their deal (albeit in the Ford era) and generally, they are a nice car to work on, but standard Euro issues. Expensive parts, long wait times, availability of parts. I just cant see the Chinese overlords doing a much better job.

            I would certainly own a few model Volvos over a few other Euro brands. I do Like the 3door C class sport coupe looking cars. But man, some of those interiors still look like they cant get over the 80's.

      • ratoloko on 23/12/2019 - 11:30

        I saw this on CarGuide (AU) about onde of the models: The first series Volvo XC60 was made by Volvo Car Gent in Ghent, Belgium. The second-generation, released in 2017, is made in Sweden (Torslanda), China (Chengdu), and Malaysia (Shah Alam).

    • kranix on 23/12/2019 - 19:05
      +1

      Volvo is now a Chinese made car. (Since about 2010) So, If you like your Chinese cars, have at it.

      They're Chinese owned as well, acquired by Geely in 2010.

  • spackbace on 23/12/2019 - 10:45
    +2

    $10k budget is the key here

    If you're going outside metro, you want a Toyota. Less likelihood of breakage, better chance of getting it fixed sooner if it did break

    • ratoloko on 23/12/2019 - 10:49

      Got your point :)

  • Witchdoctr on 23/12/2019 - 11:09
    +1

    I have owned a 2015 xc60 for the last 12m and it has been a fantastic. Drives nice, looks fantastic and is just really nice to be in. So far has been reasonable to service (not from a Volvo dealer) and because they sold so many of them you can find aftermarket parts at reasonable prices.

    I thought all Australian delivered volvos were built in Sweden until last year… Could be wrong about that.

    I dare say it wont be like my mates 240gl and survive 30 odd years but so fair I have no complaints… they could come but that is true with most cars

    • ratoloko on 23/12/2019 - 11:25
      +1

      XC60 would be a dream. I was surprised when a comment above said that now Volvo is China made lol
      I guess, a deeper research about where the car was made has to be part of the check list haha

    • ratoloko on 23/12/2019 - 11:28

      So this is what I found: The first series Volvo XC60 was made by Volvo Car Gent in Ghent, Belgium. The second-generation, released in 2017, is made in Sweden (Torslanda), China (Chengdu), and Malaysia (Shah Alam).

      • Witchdoctr on 23/12/2019 - 11:55

        Yeah see that is what I thought! I knew that Volvo had been purchased by a Chinese company and the new XC60 was basically being designed from the ground up to be built there but the old ones at least in Australia came from Sweden.

        My friend had an older (first gen) s60 and it was a nightmare. Turbo blew up all the electronics started to play up and it cost him a fortune. His Mum had the same car but non turbo and it is still running fine 15 years later.

        Honestly we went with the xc60 because it drove and felt so much nicer then the equivalently prices German/Japanese/Korean cars included. I love the car but as I said nothing has gone wrong, we haven't really owned it for long enough yet and I'm not an expert on volvos so take everything I say with a grain of salt.

  • Melb69 on 23/12/2019 - 11:14
    +1

    It doesn't make sense to get a Volvo. They are more expensive to maintain, they aren't well made, their re-sale is horrible. Even when they are have reach their devaluation threshold it will be harder to resell the Volvo than a Toyota. A Toyota makes for sense. More reliable and cheaper to maintain. IMO

    • Euphemistic on 23/12/2019 - 11:27
      +1

      their re-sale is horrible

      That is a god argument for getting one in the $10-15k bracket. You’ll get a lot more car for your money as most of the depreciation has already occurred. You might get a newer Camry for the same money, but it probably won’t be as nice a car as a Volvo

      I’m not up with current Volvo models, I don’t have particular interest in them, but if they are still built to their reputation as solid and safe why not? if you are a bit of an enthusiast and understand that parts might cost more then why not?

      Some people buy old Merc, BMW etc because they want the badge, ‘luxury’ etc, and are prepared for extra costs in repairs.

      I’m not sure rebellious is the signal you send to others when owning a Volvo.

      • Melb69 on 23/12/2019 - 11:31

        It OZB. If your willing to pay for maintenance then so be it. They may be good for safety, but from our last experience with a XC60 2010 from new the built quality wasn't up to par with the other luxury brands. I'd say go for a BWM over a Merc. IMO if you want used luxury.

        • brendanm on 23/12/2019 - 11:41
          +1

          For used "luxury" a Volvo is a much safer bet than BMW or merc.

          • pegaxs on 23/12/2019 - 11:45
            +2

            @brendanm: As shitty as Euro cars are, I would have to agree with this. Would 100% buy a Volvo over a used BMW or Merc in the same bracket…

        • ratoloko on 23/12/2019 - 12:16

          BMW? I saw a post here no longer ago, the guy's friend had to sell his brand new BMW with $16k off.
          Merc? If money isn't your problem, sure hahaha

          I would rather grab an Audi than a BMW. Merc no thanks.

  • Stewardo on 23/12/2019 - 11:48

    So you asked experts and they told you to buy a Japanese car,
    You then asked strangers on an online forum if it was a good idea to rebel against this qualified advice and buy a used Chinese made European car.
    If your going to be rebellious why not buy a used Porsche SUV.

    • ratoloko on 23/12/2019 - 12:25

      why not buy a used Porsche SUV
      Not rich enough hahahaha

      Mechanics will deal with all kind of owner, from the ones that only fill the tank when the petrol light turns on to the ones that check oil, water level, tires, every petrol stops.
      With that said, the same car, same model, year, and so on from the first owner will have a sh1t ton of problems that doesn't exist with the second owner.

      For the mechanic perspective, that will be 50-50% when someone asks him about that car model which doesn't necessary means the car is bad, the first owner was a pig which is different.

      No saying I don't trust the mechanics opinion, when booking a hotel to stay, trips and so on, do you trust with only what they say or do you trust the users reviews with experience and problems? Same logic :)

      • Stewardo on 23/12/2019 - 13:39

        I don’t ask mechanics for hotel advice.
        Mechanic’s advice on cars is not based on who has owned them and mistreated them. It’s based on the knowledge of the common flaws, the quality of the engineering, the availability and price of parts, the ease of which they can do the service and repair of the cars. This comes from years of experience from working on them.
        If you don’t have much money it’s not practical to buy a car because it has an Euro badge or cool styling/features. It will cost you money, that’s what the mechanic is trying to tell you.

  • nephilim on 23/12/2019 - 11:59
    +1

    Honestly I wouldn't be paying 10-15k for a older Nissan unless its a imported 350z or a older 4x4.
    Nearly all of their older 2nd hand cars don't hold up wise, there is a reason why Nissan kept there warranty low for so long.

    • Witchdoctr on 23/12/2019 - 12:05

      Why would you import a 350z? they are all built in Japan anyway…

  • Samsungnote10 on 23/12/2019 - 12:42
    +1

    To me volvos of the past were boring looking but safe
    Now theyre looking like every other car, still boring, and have lost their uniqueness

    I find all of them newish ones ugly

  • pao2x on 23/12/2019 - 13:31
    +1

    Depends, if you get a polestar then that is out of the ordinary
    If you get their SUVs or wagons… no

  • Bid Sniper on 23/12/2019 - 18:01
    +1

    Look at budget not brand, question is what is the best car that money.

    $10- $15K for a SUV you're looking at 100k-200k mark car, that ten years old. Look at carsales use those filter and see what comes up.

    I wouldnt touch a euro car with that mileage, Korean or Japanese only. Chinese if you have life insurance you want to cash in on.

  • b0rnwithabeard on 24/12/2019 - 08:56
    +1

    Volvo's have always been notorious for being more expensive to service.

    If you're budget-conscious then buy the most modern, but common car you can find. The more they make of it, the more spare parts they make. the more spare parts they make, the cheaper it'll be (generally speaking) to fix.

    Speaking of budget, if you're wanting to stick to 10k and you want a reliable SUV, you need to adjust your wishlist.

    • whooah1979 on 24/12/2019 - 08:58

      if you're wanting to stick to 10k and you want a reliable SUV,

      Easy, RAV4.

      • b0rnwithabeard on 24/12/2019 - 08:59

        HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA …. oh wait, you were seriously suggesting getting a Rav4. That's fine I guess, I mean we all have to die somehow right?

  • golfer dad on 24/12/2019 - 09:36
    +3

    I owned a Volvo XC60 T6 from new 2010 to 2015 without a single problem. The only thing I had to replace were the tyres and car battery. Would have bought another but the update were fairly mild and the current model wasn't due out for a couple of more years.

  • OzHunterNSW on 24/12/2019 - 10:40
    -2

    You are living in yesterday…. most cars are safe these days.
    Your mechanic is talking about sourcing cheap parts etc.
    Get with 2020… buy a smart phone.
    Buy a modern car

  • panorama on 24/12/2019 - 11:39
    +3

    XC90 2006 model owner diesel……………….marvellous 8 litres per 100……….no problems just normal servicing

    as you will soon find out NO CAR HAS CHEAP PARTS THESE DAYS…. The guys that keep rabbiting on about these cheap parts are in la la la land

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