What would you do with an elderly 9-5 that needs work or retiring?

[Audax]

Re Mercedes, the quality-control bodywork electric etc disaster years were I think 2000-5.

From the research I've done that does appear to be the case too, I'd be going for a 2006- car if I decide that way.

[fka]

Is the Volvo V70 R off your list? I've been eyeing up the few that are advertised on the usual sites at the moment but they are all quite high milers. I like the spec of them and could live with the aesthetics.
Not done a huge amount or research but I gather build quality started to pick up from 2007 onwards..

[Audax]

Is the Volvo V70 R off your list?

For some reason the V70 R is stupidly overpriced (as are many Volvos) and finding one would be too much effort. I'm not prepared to travel to look at cars as I just don't have the time or budget to do so, one of the reasons I was looking at Mercedes E class is that there's dozens within 50 miles of here compared to a very few Saab's and Volvo's in my price point. Also, if I was getting a Volvo it'd probably be an XC90

[fka]

fair play. they do seem to hold their value but I've seen 2007 models (allbeit with over 100k on the clock.) that seem to be in a similar price bracket to say a 9-3 turbo-x of the same vintage.
I do quite like the XC90, if I ever fullfil my dream of buying a 17" Boston Whaler, it would be on my list too.. we live in hope

[jmblack]

I've recently gone Saab to merc e class. I really like the new car but must admit I miss the Saab. My issue is I do 25k a year so really can't keep a car more than about. 5 or 6 years max. Might seem obvious, but once you leave Saab it's probably forever given there are no new ones to feed through.

Speaking to my local trusted garage, their view was that there are good replacement parts easily available at reasonable costs for mercy given there are so many on European roads through all countries. Regular servicing not expensive.

Would also reiterate comment that post 2005 cars excellent quality again.

[Geoff1951]

Re Mercedes, the quality-control bodywork electric etc disaster years were I think 2000-5.

That S Class was 2003. Bang on target.

[Geoff1951]

 

I do quite like the XC90, if I ever fullfil my dream of buying a 17" Boston Whaler, it would be on my list too.. we live in hope

I think you'd find that 17" boat a bit small - better go for 17'.

 

( Isee the company was founded by a certain Dick Fisher...)

[Audax]

I've recently gone Saab to merc e class. I really like the new car but must admit I miss the Saab. My issue is I do 25k a year so really can't keep a car more than about. 5 or 6 years max. Might seem obvious, but once you leave Saab it's probably forever given there are no new ones to feed through.

Interesting to hear that from an owner, what year are you running?

...and yes, it's sad, if I leave Saab as a marque then it's unlikely I will have another until they are all classics (if at all!). This is quite sad for me as working on Saab's was a period of 5 years of my life which meant I had a roof over my head and food in the cupboard.

[fka]

I think you'd find that 17" boat a bit small - better go for 17'.

 

LOL - quite so! 

( Isee the company was founded by a certain Dick Fisher...)

awesome isn't it, he knew his vocation from an early age ..

So off topic I know but they're the finest small boats, we had a 16 footer when I was younger. truly unsinkable

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVshUBVRkv0

[Geoff1951]

Amazing - beats sawing a lady in half!

[Norfolk Jim]

I do have a question for the 9-3 estate owners though, what is the practical load space like? I have a feeling that the boot isn't quite as deep as the 9-5 but it is the same width but how does that stack up in real life? (I also dislike the floppy load carrier but you can't have it all I guess).

I have found the width to be ok but no where near as long in the back especially when seat is up but you can get more under the load blind than you could under the hard cover of the 9-5. Only annoying bit I found was the back rests don't sit down flat like the 9-5 (unless I'm missing something here) and it was nice on 9-5 to be able to take seat squabs out for more length; don't think you can on 9-3. I do however like the idea the loads cover can be slid up the rear pillars to allow more space and floor can be folded up to hold shopping in place.

[Norfolk Jim]

The Volvo V70R is a flying machine on the par with a 9-5 Aero and are still pricey but do have a lot of electrical gremlins - climate control and audio being two of them. My V70 had both issues and when asked at specialist it seemed a common problem. Now if you really wanted some bang try hunting down a V70R 300. Rare beasts but I did try one last year and had a brown trouser moment as it does have 300 hp and huge torque and if you really are lucky 4 wheel drive. The one I tried scared the shy ite out of me - hit accelerator and bang off it went with no scrabble or anything nearly into a hedge as I wasn't expecting it so quick. It was I think model year 2006 but how reliable I do not know

[fka]

The Volvo V70R is a flying machine on the par with a 9-5 Aero and are still pricey but do have a lot of electrical gremlins - climate control and audio being two of them. My V70 had both issues and when asked at specialist it seemed a common problem. Now if you really wanted some bang try hunting down a V70R 300. Rare beasts but I did try one last year and had a brown trouser moment as it does have 300 hp and huge torque and if you really are lucky 4 wheel drive. The one I tried scared the shy ite out of me - hit accelerator and bang off it went with no scrabble or anything nearly into a hedge as I wasn't expecting it so quick. It was I think model year 2006 but how reliable I do not know

Having test fit a child seat in the back of our OG 9-3 for the first time this weekend, it's clear we need a bigger car! I'm sure the rear legroom in the NG 9-3 is comparable, it's sparse ..

I thought all the V70R's were AWD? I know the manual is the one to go for, the geartronic has noticeably less power. Also read that post 2006/7 models have fewer build quality issues. But yep they hold their value and I haven't found one with less than 100k on the clock.

Other issue is SWMBO thinks they're, I quote 'effing ugly'..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLVO-V70R-2-5-AWD-7-SEATER-6-SPEED-MANUAL-2006-300BHP-TURBO-ESTATE-/321975211637?hash=item4af737d675:g:VYEAAOSwT5tWQyam

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/volvo/v70/used-volvo-v70-2-5-r-5dr-newcastle-upon-tyne-fpa-201512119396790?utm_source=Email_a_Friend&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Email_a_friend_car

[Norfolk Jim]

From what I'd heard the 2,5 engine isn't as strong as the 2.4 in the T5 and quite a few people go for the T5 which has all the gear of the R 300 but can safely be tuned past what the R could be. Some have near 400 hp with no issues apart from some grip and engine is stronger. Ride can be considerably hard even in comfort mode.

2006 on had better build quality and less prone to electronic issues. Don't be put off by geartronic - same box as 9-5 but you just push and pull gear lever. Mine was a D5 and was pretty quick in manual mode.

[Norfolk Jim]

BTW they have turning circle of a super tanker - quite embarrassing in supermarket carpark!!!! And I do mean huge turning circle.

Did I mention the turning circle?