Sudden Temptation (Volvo...)

[BKCowGod]

Okay, as I was driving home at the top speed of 70mph, getting under 15mpg, I realized that while I love the go-anywhereness of my big 33" tires and stuff, the reality is that I only really needed all that clearance and stuff a few times.

I ain't getting rid of the Jeep, but was thinking about a secondary expo vehicle for the trips that involved more paved/improved gravel/etc roads...

Behold, my latest dream expo rig:

Actually, I want the '98 model but I just loved that image.

It gets well over 25mpg, has all the luxuries, and can sleep two in the back. With a 104" wheelbase and 6.5" of ground clearance, I see no reason why it can't take on most "normal" dirt roads with careful planning. And Yok makes a Geolander that will fit perfectly.

Best part is - there are about a dozen of them on craigslist for under $6k.

Anybody know if there is a lift kit, skid plates, and an ARB bumper for these things???

 

[kellymoe]

How about something like this?
http://motoring.messengers.com.au/uploaded_images/volvo-xc70-726281.jpg

 

[BKCowGod]

i like it, saw that earlier today...

 

[ttravis5446]

I think there is some cool potential in these Volvo wagons. I personally would get a Subaru after working on a couple of late model Volvo's though.

 

[BKCowGod]

I absolutely can not stand Subies... I love them from a technology standpoint, but they feel so damn cheap and flimsy. GF's mom drives a Forester, and it just seems like it will fall apart. Even though rally car evidence points to the contrary, I just prefer the feel of the Euros - Volvo, Audi Allroad, etc.

I will admit that I some day want to own an SVX, those things are awesome.

 

[LRNAD90]

I absolutely can not stand Subies... I love them from a technology standpoint, but they feel so damn cheap and flimsy. GF's mom drives a Forester, and it just seems like it will fall apart. Even though rally car evidence points to the contrary, I just prefer the feel of the Euros - Volvo, Audi Allroad, etc.

I will admit that I some day want to own an SVX, those things are awesome.

Check out the 2005 and up Outbacks. They really went upscale with them, and I don't believe that they feel cheap or flimsy, and are in a whole different class than prior Outbacks and Foresters, IMHO. Ours has been dog reliable (and we USE it, see photos below), comfortable, goes anywhere it doesn't run out of ground clearance, and averages 24-25 mpg in mostly around town driving (29-30 mpg in flat steady state highway travel). I also believe the AWD system to be superior to the Volvo's, and I've heard nothing good about Volvo reliability in the past decade. We also like that we could get it with a manual transmission, because both my wife and I hate driving automatics.

Here is a photo of the '05 and up body style with a lift from Australia http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14520

P.S. -- I'd be really surprised if you got over 25 mpg consistently in anything but highway travel either.

 

[adrenaline503]

How about this one:

http://www.ipdusa.com/projectcar.asp?PC_ID=16

 

[traveltoad]

The wife has a 2007 Volvo XC. That thing is a gas guzzling, poor handling, rough running, brake eating, crappy 4 wheel drive system turd.

Get a Subaru.

 

[kellymoe]

The wife has a 2007 Volvo XC. That thing is a gas guzzling, poor handling, rough running, brake eating, crappy 4 wheel drive system turd.

Get a Subaru.

That was sure a pleasant first post

Welcome Aaron

 

[BigAl]

The wife has a 2007 Volvo XC. That thing is a gas guzzling, poor handling, rough running, brake eating, crappy 4 wheel drive system turd.

Get a Subaru.

Welcome to Expo, but try not to sugarcoat your posts so much:roost:

 

[traveltoad]

That was sure a pleasant first post

Welcome Aaron

lol

My first post may have been a bit harsh, but we both really wanted to like the Volvo XC (having owned a Subaru and being under the illusion that the Volvo would be a slightly nicer version) and it has been nothing but a turd.

On a positive note... the lease is up this fall!

And thanks!

 

[kellymoe]

lol

My first post may have been a bit harsh, but we both really wanted to like the Volvo XC (having owned a Subaru and being under the illusion that the Volvo would be a slightly nicer version) and it has been nothing but a turd.

On a positive note... the lease is up this fall!

And thanks!

For a few years my wife and I wanted the XC. In the end we settled on the Honda Pilot. I am glad we didn't go the Volvo route. My parents have the 70 and they have been in and out of the shop with it. Little things like the steering wheel material peeling away and flaking off and rattles and noises are constant it seems with my parents car.

The Pilot on the other hand has been superb. I took my kids up on the old Ridge Route in the Pilot last Winter and explored all kinds of dirt roads. If it had beefier tires I would not hesitate to push it on some more difficult roads. Driving the Pilot in the snow and ice is downright fun. The thing sticks like glue. I am used to the Disco being used for our ski car but the Pilot runs circles around the Disco in the snow. The only exception would be deep snow. I dont even own chains for it. No need so far. I keep a bag of chain in the car just in case the CHP asks to see if am carrying chains:ylsmoke:

 

[LRNAD90]

Something Else maybe worth Noting..

Another thought on the Subaru's. I'm not a fan of the Forester design/style myself, but it would probably be a better platform than the Outback to build for expedition use, even though it is slightly smaller, since the after market support for parts/accessories is pretty diverse (primarily in Australia) and it has shorter front and rear overhangs (bigger wheel wells I think too). Just additional thoughts..

 

[hrjaw]

Check out the 2005 and up Outbacks. They really went upscale with them, and I don't believe that they feel cheap or flimsy, and are in a whole different class than prior Outbacks and Foresters, IMHO. Ours has been dog reliable (and we USE it, see photos below), comfortable, goes anywhere it doesn't run out of ground clearance, and averages 24-25 mpg in mostly around town driving (29-30 mpg in flat steady state highway travel). I also believe the AWD system to be superior to the Volvo's, and I've heard nothing good about Volvo reliability in the past decade. We also like that we could get it with a manual transmission, because both my wife and I hate driving automatics.

Here is a photo of the '05 and up body style with a lift from Australia http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14520

P.S. -- I'd be really surprised if you got over 25 mpg consistently in anything but highway travel either.

What engine do you have in the Subie? auto or standard? The wife and I are really considering this but when I talked to a few people, they complained about the poor gas mileage.
thanks,
Roger

 

[The Swiss]

How about this one:

This roof rack sure helps fuel milage!!!! Funny; first thing car manufacturers do when they make an off-road or expedition-style prototype of a fuel-efficient cross over vehicle is putting a roof rack on top with a hoist of lights, a spare tire, a couple jerry cans, a shovel and/or a highlift jack. The only things missing here are sand-ladders and a snorkel ...