Chose the Volvo XC 70 over the BMW 330xi
Written: Jun 29 '05 (Updated Jul 02 '05)
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Pros: Safety, Power, Quietness, Smooth Ride, Excellent in Bad Weather, Luxurious Interior, Satisfactory Gas Mileage
Cons: Price - and it's a station wagon
The Bottom Line: Superior. Would make the same purchase decision again.
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| nchamb2's Full Review: 2002 Volvo XC |
When I found myself looking for a new car, there were several key items I was after: safety, all wheel drive, capacity to transport gear & pets as well as a comfortable ride with decent gas mileage. In the beginning, I thought the BMW 330xi would meet the majority of those needs - with the exception of having acceptable room for hauling the dogs and estate sale finds. I test drove the BMW 330xi - and it was, of course, fantastic. Pro's: a typical BMW ride - powerful tight handling, a superb grip upon the road, all the options, and it was definitely more sports car than station wagon. Con's: A price tag of over $40,000, small interior space and a sport suspension that had you feeling every crack in the asphalt. (Non related car performance factors: non-competitive financing options available and a dealership with poor customer service)
I test drove the Volvo XC 70 the same week as the BMW 330xi - and I never looked back. I was hooked on the luxurious interior, the smooth & quiet ride, but most of all - the power. This car has much more power than you would imagine. The XC 70 is amazing in bad weather (heavy snow, rain, etc.). Throughout the winter last year, the XC 70 never blinked an eye. It is simply a tank and made it through 12 -15 inches of snow with ease and grace. A softer tire, Pirelli Scorpions, help grip the road in slush, yet are quiet and smooth on th highway.
The XC 70 is a solid, heavy vehicle. The simple sound of closing the door is remarkably different between the XC 70 and the BMW 330xi. The XC 70 closes with a solid, heavy sound - and the BMW, a lackluster, tinny clink. The 2 vehicles are very different, from the inside out.
Comfort:
The seats of the XC 70 are ergonomically designed with multiple electronic controls to adjust every necessary aspect for your comfort. My husband claims that driving the XC 70 is more comfortable than sitting in 'his chair' at home. Ideal for road trips. Dual temperature controls and heated seats are an added bonus.
Safety:
The Volvo XC 70 is built around a reinforced safety cage, equipped with a side impact protection system, airbags, and all-around inflatable curtains. The whiplash protection system enables the seats to 'rock and give' - absorbing a majority of the shock to help avoid whiplash injuries. The undetectable built in booster seats pop out of the back seats for added child safety - allowing them to sit at the proper height for the seat belts.
Performance:
Turbocharged, 2.4 liter, 5 cyl., auto/manual transmission. Aluminum motor makes 197 hp and 210 lb. ft. of torque. The body cladding around the bottom helps to make the car look 'sportier' in addition to helping prevent rock chips, etc. With the rear seats up - the available cargo space is approx. 40 cubic feet. With the seats folded down - you're looking at over 70 cubic feet. Great for mountain bikes, etc. The Volvo XC comes nicely equipped with power everything, heated seats, optional 3rd rear facing seat, power sunroof, all wheel drive - you can't ask for more. All the luxuries of an expensive SUV- with better handling & gas mileage. I currently average 25 - 30 mpg in the Volvo.
There is a reason Volvo - and their wagons in particular - maintain their resale value. They're simply worth it. This is every bit of my '10+ year' car plan.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 32,000
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2002
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Epinions.com ID:
nchamb2
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Location: Midwest
Reviews written: 1
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