If you decided your next car wasn’t a Volvo

[key76]

Originally Posted by Tony Harrison

This experience struck a chord with me. I had three Merc E Class before switching to Volvo. I found that Merc build and design quality fell considerably over this time: the last Merc was a complete disaster with noisy trim, regular warning lights and electrical faults caused by water ingress. The latest ones have vulgar interiors imho.

Very similar experience. First E Class I had was rock solid and both looked and felt it. Then each one thereafter was lower quality. Aluminium trim changed to silver plastic, buttons that no longer felt durable but flimsy instead.

I don't mind the current interior design personally, but it's very different to even 10 years ago.

Problem is, most marques have done the same thing. Lower quality and hike price. I have friends who are long term BMW and Audi owners and they tell similar stories.

I always liked Lexus, but their navigation usually gets shocking reviews, and although it isn't the most important part of a car, it was enough to stop me looking further at them.

I have 2 years to make my decision, but with shortages and long lead times, I may have to decide sooner.

[Philip Fisher]

Polestar 2.

[Tony Harrison]

Polestar 2 Philip?

£41900 plus long range £3000 plus decent equipment £4000 equals almost £50k.
If you want the dreaded gold plated valve caps etc you can add another £5k.

The £3k range extension buys you about 40 miles if the wind is blowing in the right direction and it's not winter. Realistic range before you start to sweat is probably 275 max.

It's also lumbered with AAOS.

It's a "no" from me.

[Kugaman1]

VW are a disgrace nowadays, especially since dieselgate.

They have massively reduced the spec and quality of their cars to pay for their misdemeanours.

My mother in law has anTiguan, bought brand new, on its first service having done 2000 miles, it needed new discs and pads all round due to corrosion.

At the second service, with a total of 4500 miles, same again! New discs and pads all round and a £600 bill for her!

My wife has a VAG group Seat Arona - at its first service last week……it needs rear discs pads having done 4000 miles.

Clearly, they are fitting cheap parts from the factory that are not fit for purpose.

Between my wife and I we have had 12 VWs but never again. In every single case they have been poorer quality the more modern they get.

[Lexman8]

I'd consider going back to Lexus. This forthcoming (late 2022) all-electric Lexus RZ looks interesting.
_

[Philip Fisher]

Originally Posted by Tony Harrison

Polestar 2 Philip?

£41900 plus long range £3000 plus decent equipment £4000 equals almost £50k.
If you want the dreaded gold plated valve caps etc you can add another £5k.

The £3k range extension buys you about 40 miles if the wind is blowing in the right direction and it's not winter. Realistic range before you start to sweat is probably 275 max.

It's also lumbered with AAOS.

It's a "no" from me.

However as a company car it is 800 pcm lease cost and is virtually tax and ni free, which for anyone on the higher rate of tax means that the actual cost to your take home is about 400-450 quid per month. It is also not a Tesla........

[husky125]

Have just taken delivery of a new model Lexus 350h after three XC60's and have never enjoyed a car like this for a long time. Will not ramble on as this is not the place, but the quality of finish probably exceeds my last inscription pro, very quiet and economical. More safety features than you would think possible and 14" screen so helps more poor old eyes also silly things like steering wheel and seat retracting on engine turn off, not needed but you get used to it.
The 10 year warranty was an advantage and a dealer that I felt wanted to sell a car without applying any pressure.
Downside they have gone up £3000 since I bought mine and over a year's wait.

[OldEngineer]

I struggle with Lexus. The suspension is just too stiff.

[Casa1862]

Originally Posted by OldEngineer

I struggle with Lexus. The suspension is just too stiff.

Very surprised at that, the two I've had, nothing comes close to ride comfort, makes my current Volvo seem agricultural! For me the Lexus seats are much better than Volvo, yes Volvo has lots of adjustments but they create points of discomfort, ie extended seat cushion.... i said for me.

As for the warranty, never had a claim with Lexus and now they offer upto 10 years warranty included in the service cost (service cost have remained competitive), Volvo warranty seems to be about £500 -£600 a year.

[ArranS]

I'm actually considering getting rid of our XC90 at the moment. I need to try and save some money every month so was thinking to downsize.

Previous car was an XC60 and the XC90 is lovely, but has been a lot of trouble compared to all the cars I've had in the past. I've only had it a year.

I know they get a lot of past preconceptions regarding reliability, but after looking online and doing a bit of research, they actually seem to be more reliable than most other brands you wouldn't expect and that's Alfa Romeo. I really want a Stelvio. There's nothing else I really want and I don't want another Volvo.