Coworker bought an XC70 and let me drive it.

"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck) 01/09/2018 at 00:18 • Filed to: Bigly wagon of bigliness

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Same guy who let me drive his Cube(!!!) A4 3.0 Avant, and Forester XT (all manual). But this time he’s shifting into “D” for “daaaaaaaaad.”

It’s a red 2005 with only 49,000 miles o_O It’s got the Turbo-5!

Things I liked: [inhales]... Visibility, comfort, handling better than you’d think, the turbo when it kicks in (yo), the utilitarian design, the spaciousness, the look, and so on.

Things I didn’t like: No complaints, really. It’s a sweet car. Would definitely consider giving Volvo a better shake next time I browse for a car. With extensive research so I don’t get cornholed by some of the scarier models, of course.

Svart Smart, traded in his Smart > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/09/2018 at 00:26

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I always liked these in that color.

HammerheadFistpunch > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/09/2018 at 00:27

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Jelly. We hunted for one like that for way too long with no luck

facw > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/09/2018 at 00:30

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My parents have pretty much that exact same car, down to the wheels (though with more miles).

It’s nice enough, though really it is too big, and too heavy for my tastes (though the turbo does help it get around). I’ve also had the misfortune of driving it in heavy snow without snow tires, and I can say with confidence that the AWD is definitely not enough for good handling with all-seasons. With snow tires it is pretty capable though.

AestheticsInMotion > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/09/2018 at 00:37

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Hmm. This or a comparable Outback? Barring some unforseen deal breaker I think I’d pick the Volvo...

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > HammerheadFistpunch 01/09/2018 at 00:45

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Yeah many for sale with well over 150k miles, and he finds the one with 49k...

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > facw 01/09/2018 at 00:46

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It is definitely big, but I’m someone who doesn’t love big cars. But if I had to go bigly, this would be a good candidate.

just-a-scratch > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/09/2018 at 01:04

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If I remember correctly, the seats in those are really excellent. That’s one heck of a car for road trips.

Dogsatemypants > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/09/2018 at 01:10

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Biggest issue is the overall cost of maintaining. Even doing the work yourself, parts are at a premium price.

gmctavish needs more space > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/09/2018 at 01:44

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Are those the best seats you’ve ever sat in?

Steve in Manhattan > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/09/2018 at 01:50

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And there are lots of airbags, and they can save your life.

Nauraushaun > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/09/2018 at 02:09

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Cube. 2nd gen? I love those, but the 3rds are a little weird.

Thankfully there are very few 3rd gens in Australia

Nauraushaun > facw 01/09/2018 at 02:12

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Everyone has such big cars these days. I swear, moving from a 300ZX to my current MR2 changed me forever. It’s just so NIMBLE!

I guess light, over-assisted steering compensates for a lot in the eyes of most.

But on the other hand, the Z was pretty heavily assisted. You still notice the weight.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Nauraushaun 01/09/2018 at 07:10

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There’s also a huge feeling difference between hydraulic and electric steering.

functionoverfashion > AestheticsInMotion 01/09/2018 at 09:26

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I basically made this exact decision recently, and went with the Volvo. I don’t care what the numbers say, the Volvo has more room. It’s longer and wider, which is really where you need space. Unless you’re transporting pillows, height inside does nothing for me. Want to put 2 dogs, beach bags, cooler all in the back? I need horizontal area. Not cubic volume.

Plus the interior of the Volvo is nicer.

functionoverfashion > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/09/2018 at 09:30

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My parents have one of this generation, but of course 3x the mileage. I have to say, it’s very nicely assembled and a good, solid car. But I like the next gen (we have a 2012) much better. It does 99% of the things that any mid-sized SUV could do, maybe 99.9% actually, but drives SO much better and doesn’t have a crazy high floor for no reason. And in the next generation, you can have it with a 3.2 straight six TURBO good for 300hp, 325 with a factory-approved tune (Polestar, yo). Ours is just the n/a straight six but it’s not bad.

But I will say, my E46 wagon isn’t exactly a Miata, but it feels light and sporty after driving the Volvo.

Nothing > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/09/2018 at 09:41

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I really liked my ‘01. It was a nice car, very comfortable inside, a snow beast, and tons of room. That gen of Volvo wagon is still one of my favorite designs, period. Despite what the internet says, I’d still own a V70R in a heartbeat.

jimz > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/09/2018 at 11:03

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My uncle had one (a 2007.) Put 170,000+ on it but not without issues (mostly HVAC electrical and front suspension.) Traded it in on a Grand Cherokee and said it literally conked out as he was parking it at the Jeep dealer.

Textured Soy Protein > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/09/2018 at 13:10

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Things I didn’t like but didn’t know I didn’t like because I obviously didn’t try them: back seat leg room.

CalzoneGolem > Svart Smart, traded in his Smart 01/09/2018 at 15:32

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That’s because you have functioning eyes.

RandomTask > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/09/2018 at 22:16

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I traded my silver ‘07 XC70 last July right as she hit 100k on the clock. Great car, built like a damn tank, but holy god were repairs expensive if I couldn’t do them myself.