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2006 Volvo S60 T5 vs 2008 Honda Accord EX-L

Hillbilly Steaks

Hillbilly Steaks

Dr. BBQ
Joined
Jan 2, 2006
Messages
2,481
Location
North Carolina
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So I have been talking about cars on/off for a while now. Its getting down to crunch time now and I wanted to get the input of the ever knowing cigar pass crew.

I'm down to 2 cars.

2008 Honda Accord EX-L 4 cyl. Loaded with everything except Navigation System. MSRP around 26,500.

2006 Volvo S60 T5

I'm really leaning towards the Volvo right now. I finally went and test drove one today and it really was an eye opener. Basically it was the most informative and professional test drive I have ever taken. The salesman was very knowledgeable about the car, and he did a great job of showing me all of the performance/safety features of the car. I was really impressed in everything about it. Really just a sweet car. The one I test drove was a 2006 S60 T5 with 40,xxx miles on it. they have it listed at $28k with warranty.

A close friend of mine whom I grew up with works at a Dealership near here and they have the same car except it has 14,800 miles on it and I can get it for $23,800. So obviously a way better deal.

I'm almost 90% sold on the volvo, except I'm extremely paranoid about getting into a car that is going to nickel and dime me on little repairs. I want to buy with confidence.

I really like the accord too, but the deal I can get on the Volvo is much sweeter. These things run about 32,000 new!

anyone have experience with either?
 
Erick I would go with the Honda. The repair rates and parts for the Vovlo are higher. I just reviewed the ratings while good you are talking about a turbo based car coming out of warranty soon.
 
Is this a Ceritfied Pre Owned Volvo? If so it comes with a better warranty than a brand new Volvo. Check into it.


Hillbilly Steaks said:
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So I have been talking about cars on/off for a while now. Its getting down to crunch time now and I wanted to get the input of the ever knowing cigar pass crew.

I'm down to 2 cars.

2008 Honda Accord EX-L 4 cyl. Loaded with everything except Navigation System. MSRP around 26,500.

2006 Volvo S60 T5

I'm really leaning towards the Volvo right now. I finally went and test drove one today and it really was an eye opener. Basically it was the most informative and professional test drive I have ever taken. The salesman was very knowledgeable about the car, and he did a great job of showing me all of the performance/safety features of the car. I was really impressed in everything about it. Really just a sweet car. The one I test drove was a 2006 S60 T5 with 40,xxx miles on it. they have it listed at $28k with warranty.

A close friend of mine whom I grew up with works at a Dealership near here and they have the same car except it has 14,800 miles on it and I can get it for $23,800. So obviously a way better deal.

I'm almost 90% sold on the volvo, except I'm extremely paranoid about getting into a car that is going to nickel and dime me on little repairs. I want to buy with confidence.

I really like the accord too, but the deal I can get on the Volvo is much sweeter. These things run about 32,000 new!

anyone have experience with either?
Click to expand...
 
I have happily owned 3 volvos, the most recent and current is a 1995 Volvo 850 Turbo, that runs like a charm.
 
I'm good friends with a family that could afford to drive anything they wanted. They drove Volvo's for years, expensive Volvos. Their last car purchases all say "Lexus" or "Toyota" on them. I asked them why and they told me they got tired of putting the Volvo mechanic's kids through college...

Given your choices, I'd take a new Honda in a heartbeat.

One opinion - B.B.S.
 
I looked into buying an S60 T5 the last time I was in the market for a car about 2 years ago, and my research found that the repair costs and frequency for the newer Volvos are basically unacceptable. Granted, any car will have some problems crop up, but it sure seemed to me that the Volvos had mroe than their fair share. My uncle has an S80, and when I mentioned this to him at the time he said that his research had the same result, but that he was basically willing to pay the extra costs to have the (perceived?) safety of a Volvo.

So if it were me, and I were choosing between those two cars, I'd take the Honda.
 
Although both Volvo's and Honda's are very reliable, long run, the Honda's cheaper - parts, gas, etc. etc. Also I think the Accords don't look half-bad so from a pure practical perspective - Honda Accord. But if every one were buying cars purely on their practicality of the vehicle, everyone drive a Honda / Toyota.
 
I've got the LX-P and absolutely love it but it's all about what you love. If you have any questions on the Honda, shoot me a PM bro.
 
My data is aged, but I can speak from experience.

The first car I ever bought was a 1984 Volvo 240 DL. I purchased it based on a belief in longevity. Bought used in 1986, with 30K mile, I drove it until 1997 with 240K miles. Only gave up cause it slung a rod.

My girlfriend at the time has a 1992 Honda Accord. I replaced the DL with a used 1990 Honda Accord Coupe. It only had 26K miles, but the guy I purchased it from never changed the oil, so I ended up replacing the engine at 72K. I drove this car until 2004 when I bought a used 2001 Acura TL.

Even replacing the engine, the Honda was much cheaper to own. Volvo's are nice cars, but you better like your mechanic, cause you will see him often and write big checks. ONe might expect he Volvo was cheaper based on longevity, but I receive as much usage/longevity with less down time from Honda/Acura than I did the Volvo. Volvos are complicated machines, while Honda's are simpler. In terms of operating expense, simpel is good.

Volvos are nice cars, and fund to drive. But they are expensive to own. If cost is a concern, Honda or Acura. If you like the Honda but prefer some of the Volvo luxury, take a look at a preowned Acura TL. I have one now and LUV it. Handles well, good pickup, and low down time. When I was shopping, I found that I could get a year or two year old Acura for about what an Accord cost, but it drove better. Now, still comparing used to new, and you can't go wrong with an Accord.

Cparker
 
I'm not sure why martin2d has such a bad vibe against volvo, perhaps he got dumped by a Volvo drivin' soccer mom or somethin... Anyways- Honda's are pretty hot right now as far as the japanese import market goes, they do have great mileage and are reliable- but as far as costs go, I have a friend that has an Accord who has been faithful to the local dealer here and they are not cheap when it comes to the problems encountered that require a dealer visit. (my son has one and will testify to that fact as well, runs the wheels off it in the bay area, but $$$ at the dealer) Volvo's are known for two things primarily- longevity and safety. I've seen many Volvo's still coming in to the dealer with over 200k on them just requiring the usual worn bushings and occaisional oil leak, etc. but usually just for services and brakes etc. Also the European vs. Aisian import come into play, they do just have a totally different feel which is where personal preferance comes into the eq. If you pick either Volvo ask for a copy of service history if available,(if serviced at that store etc.), and most dealers will let you have a second party check out the vehicle if you see anything suspicious and the usual one hour charge would be worth the headaches later. Any questions holler back....
It is unfortunate tho that Volvo wouldn't let another dealer go back into the far north of Nor Cal- Our store was bought out by a chain and Dodge wouldn't allow them to be multi line. We still work on lots of Volvos tho from customers that appreciate our service work.
See ya Dan
2002 Volvo Vista Winner
 
All I can say is HONDA. I had an old 94 accord I would still be driving today if the wife didn't make me buy a new car. Mine wasn't professional enough and all my friends were makin fun of me. It was rusted out, no AC, no speedometer, you get the picture but it ran like a sewing machine. I drove 90-100 (based on RPM's) all the time on the highway with no problems. It did have an oil leak and that was the only thing major with it. The speedometer quit at 200,000 about 4 years ago and the thing is still on the road. I sold it for a dollar to a person that needed it as it just sat in my driveway. She has driven it from KY to NY numerous times with no problems. So yes I am a Honda fan.

Cheers
 
Shooter said:
All I can say is HONDA. I had an old 94 accord I would still be driving today...
Click to expand...

My friend's had 364,000 miles on it when he finally gave it up. And still got $1,500 for it.

And as for safety, my girlfriend was in a head on collision in her Honda accord. And while the car was totaled, she only broke her leg. It should have been much worse.

Car 1

Car 2
 
I don't like either vehicle. Well done to the Volvo salesman, that's how all people should represent their company, with passion and $$$$ in their head.

I'm not sure how you are buying this vehicle, if it's on a lease, upgrade a little to the new C class Mercedes, maybe cost you an extra $50 a month. I'm a Merc man, have owned one
for the last 20 years...classy car, safe as hell, amazing ride.

Brian
 
The answer to your question lies in what is more important to you. I drove a 2002 S60 2.4T for a few years (lease) and absolutely loved it. I never had a single problem with it (except the asshole that tried to break into it with a VERY large rock...the laminated windows from Volvo kept him out, excellent safety feature). The two cars you are comparing aren't really comparable. The T5 is going to smoke the 4 cylinder Accord in power and speed, not to mention luxury and comfort. After all, it's a $40k car. The Accord 4-cyl is closer to $25k.

If I were buying for the long haul, I'd go with the Accord as well. You probably won't have many problems with it and if you do, the parts are widely available and cheaper than the Volvo. Not to mention the fact that you're getting a great factory warranty on the brand new car.

Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with either car. I drove a 1998 Accord for 4 years before getting my 2002 S60 and now my wife has a 2007 Accord. We loved them all.
 
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