Car Buying?

"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
07/02/2014 at 16:16 • Filed to: car buying

Well, I just got my car, so it's a tiny bit late for me. But fortunately, my dad, as I've mentioned, is just starting his search for his next car. So I figured I'd bring up the rather neat and rare car he's looking at, and see if it strikes a chord with anyone else. He's looking at a Volvo wagon, because that's what you do when you're a middle-aged liberal who wants quality, comfort, safety, and a heaping dose of slow and boring in your life. Except he is also a huge gear head, and he doesn't want something boring or slow.

You may know about Polestar, Volvo's in-house tuner, from cars like the C30 T5 Polestar or the amazing new V60 T6 Polestar. These cars are upgraded all-around to provide the driver with an engaging performance driving experience. However, what almost nobody knows is that Volvo offers a Polestar performance package for their legendary all-terrain station wagon, the XC70. The "normal" top-spec XC70 T6 has a 3.0 twin-turbo V6, good for 300hp and 325 lbs/ft of torque, which is definitely not bad. The Polestar package, which is an engine-only modification, boosts output to 325hp and 354 lbs/ft of torque. That's good for a 0-60 sprint of just over 6 seconds. Not bad for a car made for the conservative luxury shopper who enjoys driving along surrounded by lots and lots of airbags, listening to NPR.

These cars exist, but they are rare. Volvo will happily install the Polestar upgrade on your T6 XC70 for just a few thousand dollars, but it's more fun to try and find one online. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! is the only one on Autotrader. It's a 2013 with 22,276 miles on the clock. Personally, I find the exterior good-looking in a stylish yet simultaneously unpretentious way. Apart from the paint (why have boring silver when it comes in great shades of brown, blue and red?), this is more or less exactly what we'd be looking for. It has the cool black and silver dual-fan style wheels, and the light creme Swedish minimalist interior is one of the best on any car at any price range.

This car has lots of toys. Active Radar Cruise Control, BLIS, lane departure warning, quad heated seats, GPS, power everything, satellite radio, and a backup camera are all included in the $39,000 asking price. Plus shipping, because being a Volvo, it is in Massachusetts. All in all, it may not be a complete bargain, but it certainly seems like good value. You're getting a fast, luxurious, rare, classy, capable, versatile, safe, well-equipped and well-made all-season wagon for the same price as you would pay for a normal, totally non-interesting crossover. Sounds good to me. And maybe, now that you remember it exists, it could be the right option for you. And remember, if you don't want to pony up the extra cash, or if speed isn't as important, the normal T6 is no slouch, and is cheaper. The standard XC70, while only average on performance, can be had just as well-equipped, and can be had well under $30,000.

DISCUSSION (10)

Vicente Esteve > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/02/2014 at 16:20

Had literally no idea about this. Awesome discovery, and very good on your dad to desire a performance wagon. Even if it is light performance. Oh, and that Bright as hell blue square makes such a contrast, I would want the car just for that.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Vicente Esteve
07/02/2014 at 16:21

In case you haven't gathered from my constant talking about his and his friend's cars, I got my Jalop-ness from him. And kind of from my mom, but she's not as much of a gear head. She does love wagons, though.

Vicente Esteve > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/02/2014 at 16:27

Awesome! My father als loves them, but my mother loathes them. If she hadnt said anything we would have bought a Jett Sportawagen instead of the Jetta now.

heliochrome85 > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/02/2014 at 16:39

Why not do European Delivery? You can do them in volvo's and they seem pretty damn good trips?

Where have all the lightweights gone? > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/02/2014 at 16:45

After meeting your dad on Friday night, I can 100% attest to his Jalop-ness.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > heliochrome85
07/02/2014 at 16:45

B/C we would be buying off lease/CPO, otherwise we would absolutely doing that.

heliochrome85 > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/02/2014 at 17:30

it has a fairly substantial discount built into the program. It may end up being not too much more than a CPO car.

heliochrome85 > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/02/2014 at 17:35

trust me when i say, if he's a gear head, he will LOVE a eurodelivery Volvo. You will never want to go back and buy cars off the lot again.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > heliochrome85
07/02/2014 at 17:37

He's talked about wanting to do that. Someone we know did the Euro pickup for their M5, and talked very highly of it. Apparently, it's actually cheaper

heliochrome85 > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/02/2014 at 17:38

I did it for my 3 Series. I saved 10k off the US Sticker.

http://www.volvocars.com/us/sales-servi…