"sellphones2493" (sellphones2493)
05/30/2014 at 01:53 • Filed to: Volvo, R
21
43|
"sellphones2493" (sellphones2493)
05/30/2014 at 01:53 • Filed to: Volvo, R | 21
| 43 |
One year out of highschool, my decision to spend my hard-earned money on a 2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Automatic (4-Speed) two years prior haunted me. While it was a great car, it was (a) Slow (b) Had a slushbox (c) I 'murdered'/blacked it out. I lucked out and sold it on eBay for slightly less than what I payed for it 20K miles ago. While I originally was slated to get a 2008 Mazdaspeed3, I ended up buying my R instead.
(Full Disclosure: Volvo wanted me to drive the S60R so badly that they let me spend three full days driving throughout Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland trying to find a good one. Volvo was kind enough that they let me spend just shy of $21,000 at a used car dealer that made Wal-Mart look classy).
I tested four R's; two being GT's (6-Speed Automatics), and two M66's (6-Speed Manuals), one of them being a 2006, and the others all 2007's. The GT's were both beat to hell, and both manuals were pretty much pristine. Color really didn't matter to me, I just wanted an honest un-abused caR.
In the end, I had to choose between a 2-owner 2007 Silver/Nordkap (blue) M66 w/ 55K, no nav, 17" wheels, and a service history as long as War and Peace for sale at a reputable Volvo Dealer , or a 1-owner 2007 Silver/Nordkap M66 w/45k, a navigation that was considered awful back in 2007, 18" machined wheels, park distance control, and a clean Carfax without a service history, for sale at used car joint next to a Taco Bell - all for $1,500 more.
I took a risk - and it payed off.
Exterior: 8.5/10
This is completely subjective, but I have trouble finding a car on the road as understated and elegant as an R. I find myself constantly staring at when I walk away from it. It's hard for me to believe that this design is pretty much going on ten years. While I never exactly cared about the exterior color, I am happy I ended up with silver, which matches with the headlamps. Overall, I dig the monochromatic look this caR embodies. The only things that prevent me from giving it a 9 is the US-Spec Headlamps (orange turn-signals), and the poorly integrated park-distance control (they look like pimples on the rear bumper). This car doesn't have any chrome on it, which is refreshing.
Interior: 7/10
Overall, it's a nice, unique place to be. The seats are comfortable for 5+ Hour drives, there are no bright, blinding surfaces, and the steering wheel has a nice thickness to it. That being said, one thing that bothers me is the seating position. While I have no issues fitting in it at 6', it has a more upright seating position than my past Subaru and most BMW's. With size 13 Feet, my shoes are a little too cozy in the footwell for a clutch. Driving barefoot is sometimes necessary. In terms of wear, the bolsters have seen better days and the leather wouldn't hurt from being re-dyed. Furthermore, while I don't care, as I am the driver, the backseat is best used for your enemies, or your friends who are without legs.
Acceleration: 7/10
Engage 'Advanced' in the active chassis settings, make sure the outside temperature is below 60, and this thing will knock your socks off. Take this thing out on a hot summer day and it's panting like it just ran a marathon hungover. The R so desperately needs an intercooler upgrade to perform well annually (for all of us with bi-polar weather). Aside from that, this thing comes alive at around 4000RPM. It's great at highway overtakes and sounds beautiful while doing it (especially with an aftermarket exhaust).
Braking: 8/10
Standard Brembos are cool. I never have issues stopping on a dime without a whole lot of fade or travel. There's not a whole lot to say here - they do there job rather well. My only issues are that they're super squeaky.
Ride: 8/10
It's nice having 'Active Chassis Settings', that allow you to drive in 'Comfort', 'Sport', or 'Advanced'. In 'Comfort', it can drive like a mattress when you want it to, or in 'Advanced, it can show you bumps in the road that aren't visible to the human eye. My R reminds me that it has spent a fair amount of it's life on DC roads by it's suspension that crashes over bumps. Moreover, I experience a lot of sidehop when driving the harsh, Connecticut and Pennsylvania Roads.
Handling: 5/10
(Note: my R is mostly stock - this can be fixed) The steering and handling department is where I feel the R really loses it's way. The steering needs improvement on almost all levels. It's numb, vague, and feels unnatural. Furthermore, the turning radius makes U-Turns into something of the past (it's really that bad). That being said, just about 200 Miles Ago, I replaced the cheapo set of Nankangs that it came with, with a set of brand new Michelin Pilot Super Sports. The character of the car has changed through the tires immensely. The steering is accurate, I just wish that was communicated to the steering wheel better.
Gearbox: 6/10
I can't say a whole lot as my experience with other manual gearboxes is somewhat limited. With that said, the spaceball is beautiful and one of the first things people notice on the car. For mine, the gearbox is somewhat unpredictable - some days it works really well, with perfect, crisp shifts. Other days, I wish I carried a neckbrace around. All of this could be driver error - I will say, however, through my experiences driving a 2006 TSX Manual, 2012 CR-Z Manual, and 2014 ATS Manual, this ranks towards the bottom.
Toys: 7/10
It has a fair amount of stuff for being seven years old. I have a 6-Disk CD Changer, an aftermarket aux input, heated seats, power everything, park distance control, an outdated navigation system, and auto-release rear-headrests that can whack anyone who complains about rear legroom. There really isn't anything else I'd need. However, I do wish Volvo never put in some fake auxiliary input in the center console. Also, the Volvo Bluetooth System in this thing SUCKS!
Audio: 8/10
The HU850 Radio Unit, accompanied by the 13-Speaker Dolby Sound System sounds pretty good, even by today's standard's. Volvo replaced the HU803 with the HU850 in 2005, even though the HU803 was more customizable through a secret menu. Aside from the stereo, I give this such a high rating for the exhaust. The factory exhaust doesn't do the car justice. I have the Eurosport Tuning Sport Exhaust System, and it is actually what get's me the most compliments on the R. It's very refreshing to hear a 5-Cylinder Engine Purr in a world filled with 4-Cylinder's with fartcans installed.
Value: 8/10
I overpayed. I regret not using SwedeSpeed when buying my R, not to look in the classifieds for a pre-loved, enthusiast-owned R. While I dropped just shy of $21K for my R, it should have realistically been at $19k - tops. With that said, I got a very, very clean one without any paintwork (not even bumpers), and a detailed service history (provided by my Volvo Dealer after purchase). Overall, I got a car with 45K that originally cost just over $48k when new. Granted, by how these things sold new, the original owner probably got a hefty discount.
The prices you can find for R's now is lingering slightly above $5k (for an older one), or $15k for one comparable to mine. While the price can be intriguing, it is very important to know that you are not buying a caR to avoid BMW/Audi/VW Maintenence - these things are needy. While the engine is reliable (in reality, it's just a regular Volvo Engine with a big ol' turbo on it), little components throughout the car can (and will) fail, and they will not be cheap.
Overall, I would completely recommend the R if you are looking for something unique, not ostentatious, and fun to drive - all for not a whole lot of money (unless you're looking for a V70 R M66 with Atacama Leather - that's another story). It's just important to remember that the cheap ones are cheap for a reason - these ain't no Hondas.
I usually get bored of cars after 2 years. The R has completely changed my outlook on cars, as I cannot find anything worthwhile replacing it with. There isn't a whole lot out there that has 300+hp, 4-5 Doors, Manual, and AWD that's understatedly beautiful like an R.
Unless....
72.5/10
Engine: 2.5l 5-Cylinder Turbo
Horsepower: 300
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60: I've heard everything from 5.1-6 Seconds
Top Speed: One Day...
Seating: 2 + 1 Dwarf + 2 Double Amputees
MSRP: $48XXX
offroadkarter
> sellphones2493
05/30/2014 at 01:02 |
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I absolutely love these cars. I test drove a 04 SR M66 a couple of years ago and was totally won over with how comfy and quick these things are.
I feel like I've seen these pics before, have you posted them here or on swedespeed before?
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sellphones2493
> offroadkarter
05/30/2014 at 01:09 |
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Yeah, I don't take nearly as many photos as I should. These are on both SS and here.
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offroadkarter
> sellphones2493
05/30/2014 at 01:10 |
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I wonder if I saw these on SS during my lurking. I used to check SS all the time when I was trying to find a SR for myself.
Fookin' Prawns
> sellphones2493
05/30/2014 at 01:19 |
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Nice write up! That shifter is so strange. So there's no fabric shift boot, just a plastic plate that moves?
Burrito de EJ25
> sellphones2493
05/30/2014 at 01:35 |
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I love how these things look.
The nav pops out from the dash?
Doug DeMuro
> sellphones2493
05/30/2014 at 02:33 |
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Excellent review of an excellent car. Thanks for posting and for being so thorough!
biturboism, the cult
> sellphones2493
05/30/2014 at 05:16 |
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DAT STICK
Sn210
> sellphones2493
05/30/2014 at 07:24 |
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great review! I considered an S60 R last time I car shopped for all the same reasons as you; 300hp, 4 doors, spaceball shifter. Ultimately, I could only find 1 manual car with low milage near me and it was beat to shit, but it's still on my bucket list.
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sellphones2493
> Burrito de EJ25
05/30/2014 at 08:02 |
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Yeah, its actually a really nice, unobtrusive design that I wish a lot of cars still had. Controlling it is either by a control pad on the back of the steering wheel or a useless remote.
Maddox Kay
> sellphones2493
05/30/2014 at 08:10 |
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Nice car! I definitely prefer those 18s to the 17s. I always forget about the spaceball shifter. What's the shift pattern on that? If reverse was to the left of first with no lockout I could see myself popping it into reverse accidentally haha. How do you like your Pilot Super Sports? I just got a set yesterday but all I've done so far is drive home from the tire place.
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sellphones2493
> Maddox Kay
05/30/2014 at 08:15 |
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Thanks! The previous owner got the wheels machined to erase any sort of previous curb damage, and it really looks great in person. The reverse is next to the 6th gear. the original gear shifter had a pattern on it - it's always fun to watch valets try to figure it out!
As for the Pilot SS's - they are bar none, the best tires I have ever driven on. THe level of grip is insane even in the rain. Then again, anything is better than the Nankang NS2's the car came with.
Captain Intenso
> sellphones2493
05/30/2014 at 09:24 |
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The GT is a 5 speed, at least it is on my 04 R. I love mine even though it's got 163K on the clock. I do hate how the automatics have the torque limiter thing going on. You feel like you really have to pin the pedal past 3000 RPM to get the car to move. Get used to the little rattles that develop over time. In the caR's defense, the Pegasus rims really help showcase that this car isn't your professor's Volvo. The R's front end is modified enough to give it a more aggressive look than the standard S60/V70. It's an understated car for how much fun it is. Dare I call it a sleeper. I really miss the P2 bodywork in today's Volvos. Here's to hoping the next-gen Volvos borrow a lot of the Concept cues.
Whisb
> sellphones2493
05/30/2014 at 11:04 |
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I purchased a 2004 M66 S60R with the 18s and areo package, and let me tell you that you are correct on saying that it causes a double-take when walking away. It is a sleeper, highway drives a where this car shocks people to say the least. It also shocks people in another way with I have to do a 20 point turn in a parking garage. On snow this thing is a rally car, from a stop light it bogs like a semi (unless you like replacing your Angle Gear). I have brought many new car owners to the Volvo brand because of this S60R. Infact I would like to add to my garage a XC90 r-design.
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sellphones2493
> Captain Intenso
05/30/2014 at 11:54 |
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The GT had a 5-Speed from 2004-2005. In 2006, they got the new Geartronic, which actually is quite good. In fact, they still are using it on some current Volvo's.
Pegs are really a great looking, simple wheel design. The great thing about mine, is they never look dirty. I just wish they didn't weigh so much!
KatzManDu
> sellphones2493
05/30/2014 at 17:58 |
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Something tells me new struts and new control arms/ball joints should be in your future. That should fix your handling and steering woes.
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sellphones2493
> KatzManDu
05/30/2014 at 18:49 |
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Not sure of the control arms, but the struts and spring seats were replaced less than a year ago. The spring seats were replaced with ones from an XC90, which are more heavy duty. It's currently in the shop for a plethora of things - we'll find out whats wrong tomorrow!
Cliff8928
> sellphones2493
05/31/2014 at 04:28 |
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I was totally considering a R a couple years back. I drove one at the "Volvo R Drive" back in 2004? It's a really nice ride, but like you said the back seat is useless. The clutch is very on-or-off and is hard to modulate. I ended up getting my (new) Saab instead, mainly for less maintenance cost and more useable room (the back seat is cavernous!). Since upgrading to the Regal GS engine calibration (stock was 220hp 260 ft-lb, now est. 270hp 295 ft-lb) it woke it up quite a bit. And almost every manual transmission R was absolutely trashed with AWD issues around here, even CarMax know's they're a fortune to fix!
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benzlave
> sellphones2493
05/31/2014 at 06:56 |
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What is it with Volvos and squeaky brakes?! My S40 is relentless.
EnderSpeaks
> sellphones2493
06/01/2014 at 22:53 |
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!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
What's Swedish for "hoon"?
Bought it mostly for the wife and the impending young opponaut. Now to find out if I can change that 90/10 awd bias from front to rear.
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sellphones2493
> EnderSpeaks
06/01/2014 at 23:02 |
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Nice purchase! '06 or '05? Gt or M66?
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EnderSpeaks
> sellphones2493
06/01/2014 at 23:09 |
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Gt '05 Just got it today, haven't even gotten to do anything fun yet.
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sellphones2493
> EnderSpeaks
06/01/2014 at 23:13 |
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Definitely see what its made of - they can be super fun! Also, I strongly suggest you join Swedespeed - its a fun place to be!
Stupidru
> sellphones2493
06/02/2014 at 11:54 |
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Beautiful car! I don't see enough of these on the road, but when I do I usually rubberneck for a few seconds as I pass it
BNXPWRD
> sellphones2493
06/03/2014 at 18:11 |
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I just put a set on my E39 M5 and it makes such a difference!
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counterblow
> sellphones2493
06/04/2014 at 11:39 |
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please please, don't call Geartronic "GT" that's what all the lazy slobs on SS call it. It is Geartronic, Volvo's name for an Aisin TF-80SC autostick. If you are going to do a detailed technical car review don't refer to stuff by its slang names.
Oh and yes you did WAY overpay. Vinnie at the used lot bought a lot of hookers with that extra cash.
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counterblow
> Burrito de EJ25
06/04/2014 at 11:41 |
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the dash top nav is safety oriented, your eyes glance over instead of down into a console, keeping your eyes level with the road. It is also great on road cruises for spotting the turns coming up Forza style.
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counterblow
> benzlave
06/04/2014 at 12:01 |
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someone didn't use copper lube that Volvo recommends
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sellphones2493
> counterblow
06/04/2014 at 20:08 |
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Sorry for abbreviating. I guess I'll be calling it the Aisin TF-80SC Autostick from now on!
And also thank you for validating the fact that I overpayed. Without your approval I'd be nowhere....
the other paisley pirate
> sellphones2493
06/04/2014 at 22:45 |
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Suspension work in your future, my friend. No lie.
Having driven a lot of vehicles, the R is one of the most easy to drive very, very, fast cars out there, especially when the road gets twisty, or wet, or icy. It may have an odd feel, but the actual results are nothing short of spectacular. Track it. Seriously.
But I will definitely cede to you that in the parking lot war, the turning radius is a complete disaster. I've driven Chevy Suburbans that will turn inside my R's radius.
Your squeaking Brembos are a maintenance issue. Mine don't squeak. Proper pad replacement plus proper greasing of the pad pins makes for quiet brakes. Taking a (heavy) 4 door sedan and outstopping a C5 Corvette from any speed you care to name? On stock brakes and tires? Seriously - you may wish to rethink your rating...
The seats are hands down the most comfortable seats I've ever sat in. Ever. (Ok, maybe, MAYBE the 1967 Cadillac El Dorado, or MAYBE the 64 Chrysler 300K, and POSSIBLY the 62 Lincoln Continental were slightly more cushy) HOWEVER, none of those had anywhere near the lumbar and side bolster support (let alone the adjustability) of the R seats... any of these, however did have more rear leg room... (I will concede that point as well... but since I never ride back there, it could be a 2 seater for all I care!)
The Gearbox sounds like a personal issue, not the gearbox itself. You may have been a better candidate for a GT, my friend.
The value thing: You overpaid about like I did. But you know what? You got a low mileage, highly documented R. So did I. That documentation and picky Volvo mentality makes it worth the difference. I have never griped about my overpayment, I wouldn't sweat it if I were you.
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the other paisley pirate
> EnderSpeaks
06/04/2014 at 22:50 |
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It will automatically move the bias around. Haldex unit can go as far as 5/95 f/r balance.
I have pushed mine enough to make it break out the back end (on a closed course) so I don't get some of the nay-saying regarding handling I hear.
Docile as a lamb when not pushing it, but capabilities beyond most drivers when exploring the limits (and understand, I've been to driving school)
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the other paisley pirate
> Captain Intenso
06/04/2014 at 22:53 |
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Also, 06 and 07 were not torque limited in the GT models.
even so, with the 04/05 models, it's still got plenty of poop to get out of it's own way.
Patrick Rienzo
> sellphones2493
06/05/2014 at 10:11 |
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Nice review!
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Patrick Rienzo
> sellphones2493
06/05/2014 at 10:11 |
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I agree about SwedeSpeed. Great place to buy a car, like my 2007 that is currently for sale :p
VAV70R
> sellphones2493
06/05/2014 at 12:32 |
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I recently picked up a '06 V70R, M66 (Electric Silver/Nordkap ... now with Atacama). It will be our next project car on swedespeed. As you referenced, the maintenance has not cheap, $5k in stage zero parts alone ... it was a very needy R!
blairl
> sellphones2493
06/05/2014 at 23:57 |
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These have excellent stereos. I'd say an old VW Monsoon stereo is pretty good by modern standards. The HU-803 is better than a number of brand new cars with premium stereos (I'm looking at you, Honda)
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blairl
> the other paisley pirate
06/06/2014 at 00:17 |
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The brakes on the regular V70/S60 2.4T are absolutely excellent. I don't know how Volvo got so much grip from 205mm cross section tires. I haven't driven one in ages, but that's my abiding memory of my mom's old V70— the brakes could rip your face off from any speed, while carrying any amount of weight. I can only imagine R brakes are even more impressive
Volvo also make the best seats in the known universe. Their factory stereos are surprisingly good, and the HU-850 is an absolute animal of a premium stereo.
Some day I will own a 6 speed V70R. It will have the strange (and awesome) orange leather, and navigation. It will also have the car phone which lives next to the stereo, because it looks so freaking cool.
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blairl
> counterblow
06/06/2014 at 00:21 |
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Much agreed. Surprisingly easy to use, and the screen in the line of sight not only looks a million dollars, but it works extremely well.
Jeb_Hoge
> sellphones2493
06/06/2014 at 11:02 |
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YES. It shocked me how tight the footwell and overall space was. I've got size-13 gunboats too and I'm 6'4".
leathermansouth
> sellphones2493
06/12/2014 at 06:40 |
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Nice review - thanks for being thorough and detailed. I would definitely pick up one of these with the 6 MT if I could snag it on CarMax with that legendary warranty of theirs! I've always admired the R, and its really too bad that its seemingly unlikely they'll ever make a similar product again (read: sports sedan/wagon with a MANUAL).
Tacofan
> sellphones2493
06/18/2014 at 19:32 |
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I'd say you paid a realistic price from a dealer. I paid slightly more than that for my 07 V70 R about 4 years ago. The thing is I thought the wagon would have leg room in all for seats... it sadly does not. I have two kids and this really hurt my opinion of the car. I always was adjusting my seat or secretly thinking of chopping my kids legs off...
The other major issue is something you also mentioned... the turning radius. That thing is just all bad. I put spacers on to remove the stock wheel rub (how is this even an issue) but making turns in this car was worse than a 03 F150 I owned, it's just bad. I loved the look of the wagon and it was a dark blue which also looked great. I had my seat redyed but it really doesn't help. the dye will flake again after a year or two.
Over all it was a good car while I had it but I really wasn't hurt when I traded it for my 13 Tacoma. A major reason was I missed my manual transmission since the only V70R in my tristate area was the one I bought and it was an auto. I now have a truck with 4WD, manual and a smaller turning radius than the Volvo.. I do miss that turbo though.
Chris McMays
> sellphones2493
01/04/2015 at 12:25 |
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Whose Audi is that?
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sellphones2493
> Chris McMays
01/04/2015 at 14:00 |
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My dad's.
It's a 2013 A6 3.0 Premium+.
The thing is pretty damn fast.
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Chris McMays
> sellphones2493
01/04/2015 at 14:18 |
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It looks nice.