New car for SWMBO need the panel's verdict

[Deleted member 11979]

Your comments in post #87 mirror exactly my thoughts so far on the VW vs Volvo

Astra GTC will be interesting and exactly same list price as the pair already tested so a fair comparison

If you do go for the Volvo, make sure you add parking sensors as they are a bugger to see out of, and BLIS is useful too in a lazy kind of driving way. I also like the SE LUX as you get plenty of kit such as bi xenons that bend around the corners and so on. High performance sound is also worthwhile if you like a kickin' stereo.

Do they still offer 20% off if you've owned two Volvos previously?

 

[LTD]

Ian

Have you thrown the Ford Focus ST off a list or just overlooked it ???

 

[flango]

Ian

Have you thrown the Ford Focus ST off a list or just overlooked it ???

It's not out yet and also their is no diesel planned, the old ST was a fantastic car, I did a lot of the testing of the development car at Knockhill for Ford Motorsport had some great times there. One of my mates has an ST running 400 bhp all through the front wheels it's an awesome drive but a bit of a handful ST is a great car and had there been a diesel I'm sure it would have been a top contender

 

[LTD]

Does £1400 a year extra in fuel saving outweigh the driving pleasure if that is the main remit ? (240gallons @50mpg vs. 480 gallons @ 25mpg per 12k miles based on £6/gallon).

Sounds like the car funding is sorted out - small price to pay for the fun ...

 

[flango]

If you do go for the Volvo, make sure you add parking sensors as they are a bugger to see out of, and BLIS is useful too in a lazy kind of driving way. I also like the SE LUX as you get plenty of kit such as bi xenons that bend around the corners and so on. High performance sound is also worthwhile if you like a kickin' stereo.

Do they still offer 20% off if you've owned two Volvos previously?

Parking sensors a must I agree and factored in, premium sound is nice but expensive but depends on what deal I can strike. SE Lux not as nice looking with the black trim around the arches and also sits 38mm higher which compromises handling but has all the toys

I hope they offer 20% if you've owned 2 previously this will be about our 8th, will let you know about the negotiation if and when I get there but the Volvo dealer was more than willing to talk serious discount which is what started all this

 

[flango]

Does £1400 a year extra in fuel saving outweigh the driving pleasure if that is the main remit ? (240gallons @50mpg vs. 480 gallons @ 25mpg per 12k miles based on £6/gallon).

Sounds like the car funding is sorted out - small price to pay for the fun ...

ST does about 25mpg which is the same as our Audi A8 running over 400 bhp and I would rather run the Audi than an ST £1400 over 3 years is £4200 thats a nice holiday

 

[LTD]

I'd rather have 150 weeks of driving pleasure than a lush fortnight ....

 

[flango]

I am impressed with your research - I don't think I've ever driven more than two cars when car hunting.

I did make the mistake when I was young and green of holding my company car list when I went into a dealership. Never have I seen so many sales staff run at one time - right away from me...

I thought originally, and still do that you will end up with Volvo - I think you a little psychological tenancies in that way..

Funny you should say that my daughter who is studying psychology said " Dad don't know why you are messing about, you'll buy the Volvo anyway"

I do like to do my research thoroughly though before parting with my money (true Yorkshireman) and it's always good to drive cars I've never driven before.

 

[flango]

I'd rather have 150 weeks of driving pleasure than a lush fortnight ....

She would in the Volvo it's not quite in the ST league but it's good That's also the reason I run the V70 it just keeps costs down and the CLK is a nice change at the weekend.

 

[HB]

I can't believe the scirocco was that bad Ian. Ours was awesome. Maybe the petrol turbo with the lighter engine had something to do with it.

 

[flango]

I can't believe the scirocco was that bad Ian. Ours was awesome. Maybe the petrol turbo with the lighter engine had something to do with it.

It's not the worst car I have driven and suspect it's the diesel lump in the front of it that unsettles it. When they first came out I drove a 1.4 TSi and I don't remember that being as bad as this. One of SWMBO's friends has the 1.4 petrol and I'm going to see if I can get a shot in that just to compare the petrol to the diesel for my own reference but definitely would not buy the diesel.

 

[developer]

It's not the worst car I have driven and suspect it's the diesel lump in the front of it that unsettles it. When they first came out I drove a 1.4 TSi and I don't remember that being as bad as this. One of SWMBO's friends has the 1.4 petrol and I'm going to see if I can get a shot in that just to compare the petrol to the diesel for my own reference but definitely would not buy the diesel.

And it has a fat lardy ass .

 

[flango]

And it has a fat lardy ass .

That's no way to talk about my missus

 

[A210AMG]

Funny you should say that my daughter who is studying psychology said " Dad don't know why you are messing about, you'll buy the Volvo anyway"


I was pretty sure before you drove any you would go for the Volvo, you have one already you can get a good deal. You like the look.

Its pretty much a done deal,

So come on what colour and spec

 

[grober]

If the Scirocco you drove was the somewhat lacklustre 138hp TDi model the combination of lack of power and heavier engine will have blunted the driver experience a bit. However as others have said it would appear the Volvo is your favourite.

 

[flango]

Funny you should say that my daughter who is studying psychology said " Dad don't know why you are messing about, you'll buy the Volvo anyway"


I was pretty sure before you drove any you would go for the Volvo, you have one already you can get a good deal. You like the look.

Its pretty much a done deal,

So come on what colour and spec

That's what started all this a courtesy call from the dealer with a good offer coupled with SWMBO change in work travel. I do like Volvo but it's never good to be complacent so best to check out the alternatives as there may be better out there. No decision made yet until we have driven the Astra GTC tomorrow but will post back

 

[A210AMG]

I would very much doubt you would choose an Astra over a VW or Volvo but as you say best to at least try it.

I know you said your not bothered about reslae but the astra would have to be bought at a Huge discount as I'm sure it would lose the most.

 

[flango]

I would very much doubt you would choose an Astra over a VW or Volvo but as you say best to at least try it.

I know you said your not bothered about reslae but the astra would have to be bought at a Huge discount as I'm sure it would lose the most.

I think you are correct not sure what the discount on the Astra would be and I've not gone into negotiation mode yet until we decide on the car but already suspect the Volvo is the best discount with the model being dropped, the other two are relatively new models so would expect less discount. VW is definitely out of the running anyway so as straight shoot out between the Volvo and Vauxhall

 

[A210AMG]

Volvo it is then.

At least also swapping bewteen cars is easy.

I like the fact I jump in my wifes B class and everything works the same, daft things like wipers on the same side, indicators, parktronics etc etc

Athough as most of this is auto now there little else to do.

 

[crockers]

Ian, I too, like you, am a Volvo fan, but the C30 is showing it's age now. Before you decide give the Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCT a blast along your "test route"'. Use the DNA in D. Gets good write ups and has much much improved reliability. Also very economical diesel will give 60 mpg and 0-60 is around 7.9 secs. Bags of torque. And IMHO a very pretty car indeed. Even if you decide against I would like your opinion on it.