Last of the proper volvos - Page 6

nm1985 · Jul 18th, 2010, 18:39

The reason I started the thread wasnt to have a dig at current volvo's. I just heard the phrase proper volvo and wanted to hear what different peoples opinions are on the phrase.

I myself have a 'volvord' and think it is the ultimate car volvo has produced. Different people have different opinions which they are welcome to.

Whats a proper volvo? Pre ford or after ford? Theres only one way to find out!
FIGHT!!!

keithyboy · Jul 18th, 2010, 19:19

I've been a Ford man since I could talk so the Ford taking over was something of a non-issue for me. The accusations of Ford "stealing" things from Volvo and using them in other cars has always made me smile because car makers have been sharing components (and entire floorpans) for years. I've never heard anyone suggest that Austin Rover stole things from Honda or vice versa (though the way my Dad's Honda Civic went rusty I couldn't entirely rule it out).

To eastablish what constitutes a proper Volvo, I look at what I consider the key values of Volvo to be. To me, they are safety and longevity. I've spent today looking at used V40s on ebay and autotrader and they are fetching good money, even with intergalactic mileages, because of that longevity. The S/V40 was also one of the first cars to get a 4 star NCAP rating so that's the safety sewn up too. I don't think that being FWD is an issue in every day use personally (and I say that having cut my oversteering teeth in a series of RWD Capris, Continas, Escorts and Sierras).

If it's strong, safe, long-lasting and says volvo on the back, to me it's a Volvo.

As a postscript, our '01 S40 was involved in a bit of shunt yesterday (see the S40 tech section for gory details) and performed very well indeed. It gives my wife such a feeling of safety and security that, if it gets written off, whe won't consider anything else.

BillB · Jul 19th, 2010, 13:44

Gee, this debate goes on and on.......
Let me have my 2p then, if you will. I've owned Volvos since 1986, firstly a '79 245 (86 to 00), then an '89 745 (93 to now), then a '00 V70 P1 Tdi (03 to now). Which was/ is the best?

In terms of corrosion protection the V70 at 10 year old is almost like new, it drives like new, the seats are still firm (at 182k) and on and on. The 745 (now at 196k) is ageing but good for 21 years old but I have to rate the V70 above it. The 245 was a fine car in its day but the rust protection, although good, wasn't as good as the 745 or V70. I let it go in 2000 because of rot (inner sills mainly) and other issues meant it wasn't economic to repair.

So I'd argue with the RWD die-hards. Sure, they're easier to work on but, in the case of the V70, very little under the bonnet has needed attention anyway (the difficult Tdi TB job is an exception but it's only every 80k).

As for the new "Ford" stuff? Well I have to say that the Focus is a damn good car so how can you criticise a Volvo badged car based upon it. The Mondeo is a fine car - the Jag X series is based on it AIUI. Whether I'd buy the latest shape V70 or not though, I don't know. I do prefer the shape of it to the P2 V70, the last true Volvo design.

You see, although I think the Fords are still good cars, in an engineering sense, the Volvos based on them do seem to lack that Volvo "thing" don't they. I had the use of a new V40 2.0D for a day or so while the V70 was being worked on and that thing went like a rocket but, as my wife said, "it's not a Volvo, is it". She knew as well. So maybe it stopped with the P1 S/V/C 70s. Yep. it has to be the P1 V70 for me. Regards.

Oilydad · Jul 19th, 2010, 15:28

Quote:

Each to there own but personally the 7/9 series are probably amongst the finest cars ever made.

Agreed.

The 940 series for me, is the greatest Volvo range produced.

Strong, spacious, powerful, comfortable, safe, economical, easy to service, and absolutely no doubt that on the road.....IT'S a VOLVO !!

As I've said before, I think that the newer more modern, jellymould 'pretend' Volvos are a load of parrots!!

Wouldn't want one as a gift. (I'd sell it and buy several 940's) and store them for future use !!

irishcarfan · Jul 19th, 2010, 16:22

I believe our 1998 Volvo 945 2.3 LPT Celebration is just about the ultimate Volvo.

I don't mind the platform sharing so much, but I just feel like Volvo has abandoned it values. I'm not going to list them all, but I'll take one: the turning circle. Volvo used to boast about the great turning circles, even as recently as the 850/S70 which I think could turn in 10.2m or something like that. So why are most of the cars now approaching 12m? Granted it's something afflicting all cars at the moment, probably to do with sneeze-factor/safety bs, but it doesn't mean that Volvo can't remain the leaders in this area. I'm waiting for Volvo to be Volvo again, as opposed to just another car.

They seem far more concerned about image and trying to be an executive brand. I like the S40/V50, but I think they are too expensive - but that could just be in Ireland. I think the cheapest Automatic Volvo you can buy is €32k, which isn't too good.

And don't get me started on the load space of the current V70.

So, the idea of a 'proper Volvo' might come down to who thinks Volvo still have their values, and who thinks they don't. And at what point they lost them. Obviously I'm still in the late 90's somewhere..!

Volvophile · Jul 19th, 2010, 17:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by keithyboy

I've been a Ford man since I could talk so the Ford taking over was something of a non-issue for me. The accusations of Ford "stealing" things from Volvo and using them in other cars has always made me smile because car makers have been sharing components (and entire floorpans) for years. I've never heard anyone suggest that Austin Rover stole things from Honda or vice versa (though the way my Dad's Honda Civic went rusty I couldn't entirely rule it out).

I have no problem with platform sharing either. It's only when Ford go accusing Volvo of losing them billions that I have to step in and defend my brand.

Basically, Ford got a lot more from Volvo than what Volvo got from Ford. Ford's range of cars in Europe and the US would be in no way as good today if they hadn't used Volvo technology. That's why it really narks me when I see things in the media like 'Ford to sell Volvo for a whopping $4 billion less than they paid'.

stevo83 · Jul 19th, 2010, 22:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillB

You see, although I think the Fords are still good cars, in an engineering sense, the Volvos based on them do seem to lack that Volvo "thing" don't they. I had the use of a new V40 2.0D for a day or so while the V70 was being worked on and that thing went like a rocket but, as my wife said, "it's not a Volvo, is it". She knew as well.

I think it needs to have a Volvo engine to feel truely Volvo like my D5 or a T5 etc.

BillB · Jul 20th, 2010, 12:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevo83

I think it needs to have a Volvo engine to feel truely Volvo like my D5 or a T5 etc.

Yes, but the seats are a major Volvo item too, I think. The later ones don't seem the same as those used up to the P1 V/S70s. And, actually, the old Audi diesel which I have (D252T) was re-worked by Volvo and is a good old lump IMO. Regards.

nm1985 · Jul 20th, 2010, 14:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevo83

I think it needs to have a Volvo engine to feel truely Volvo like my D5 or a T5 etc.

Disagree! Mine has the Ford 300bhp lump and that is the best engine Ive ever come across in a car.

Robbijay · Jul 20th, 2010, 14:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by nm1985

Disagree! Mine has the Ford 300bhp lump and that is the best engine Ive ever come across in a car.

Umm, Would that be the 2.5 HPT that FORD 'stole' from Volvo? for the Focus RS? Just like the T5 engine the stole for the ST?

Jul 18th, 2010, 19:19	#52
keithyboy Master Member Last Online: Jul 19th, 2015 20:48 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bolton	I've been a Ford man since I could talk so the Ford taking over was something of a non-issue for me. The accusations of Ford "stealing" things from Volvo and using them in other cars has always made me smile because car makers have been sharing components (and entire floorpans) for years. I've never heard anyone suggest that Austin Rover stole things from Honda or vice versa (though the way my Dad's Honda Civic went rusty I couldn't entirely rule it out). To eastablish what constitutes a proper Volvo, I look at what I consider the key values of Volvo to be. To me, they are safety and longevity. I've spent today looking at used V40s on ebay and autotrader and they are fetching good money, even with intergalactic mileages, because of that longevity. The S/V40 was also one of the first cars to get a 4 star NCAP rating so that's the safety sewn up too. I don't think that being FWD is an issue in every day use personally (and I say that having cut my oversteering teeth in a series of RWD Capris, Continas, Escorts and Sierras). If it's strong, safe, long-lasting and says volvo on the back, to me it's a Volvo. As a postscript, our '01 S40 was involved in a bit of shunt yesterday (see the S40 tech section for gory details) and performed very well indeed. It gives my wife such a feeling of safety and security that, if it gets written off, whe won't consider anything else. __________________ My blog ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ LOOK AT MY RUBBISH BLOG

Jul 18th, 2010, 18:39	#51
nm1985 Rated "R" Last Online: Dec 18th, 2022 17:47 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Liverpool View Photos By: nm1985	The reason I started the thread wasnt to have a dig at current volvo's. I just heard the phrase proper volvo and wanted to hear what different peoples opinions are on the phrase. I myself have a 'volvord' and think it is the ultimate car volvo has produced. Different people have different opinions which they are welcome to. Whats a proper volvo? Pre ford or after ford? Theres only one way to find out! FIGHT!!!

Jul 19th, 2010, 13:44	#53
BillB VOC Member Last Online: Apr 24th, 2024 13:58 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Bristol	Gee, this debate goes on and on....... Let me have my 2p then, if you will. I've owned Volvos since 1986, firstly a '79 245 (86 to 00), then an '89 745 (93 to now), then a '00 V70 P1 Tdi (03 to now). Which was/ is the best? In terms of corrosion protection the V70 at 10 year old is almost like new, it drives like new, the seats are still firm (at 182k) and on and on. The 745 (now at 196k) is ageing but good for 21 years old but I have to rate the V70 above it. The 245 was a fine car in its day but the rust protection, although good, wasn't as good as the 745 or V70. I let it go in 2000 because of rot (inner sills mainly) and other issues meant it wasn't economic to repair. So I'd argue with the RWD die-hards. Sure, they're easier to work on but, in the case of the V70, very little under the bonnet has needed attention anyway (the difficult Tdi TB job is an exception but it's only every 80k). As for the new "Ford" stuff? Well I have to say that the Focus is a damn good car so how can you criticise a Volvo badged car based upon it. The Mondeo is a fine car - the Jag X series is based on it AIUI. Whether I'd buy the latest shape V70 or not though, I don't know. I do prefer the shape of it to the P2 V70, the last true Volvo design. You see, although I think the Fords are still good cars, in an engineering sense, the Volvos based on them do seem to lack that Volvo "thing" don't they. I had the use of a new V40 2.0D for a day or so while the V70 was being worked on and that thing went like a rocket but, as my wife said, "it's not a Volvo, is it". She knew as well. So maybe it stopped with the P1 S/V/C 70s. Yep. it has to be the P1 V70 for me. Regards.

Jul 19th, 2010, 16:22	#55
irishcarfan Master Member Last Online: Jun 4th, 2024 02:29 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Dublin	I believe our 1998 Volvo 945 2.3 LPT Celebration is just about the ultimate Volvo. I don't mind the platform sharing so much, but I just feel like Volvo has abandoned it values. I'm not going to list them all, but I'll take one: the turning circle. Volvo used to boast about the great turning circles, even as recently as the 850/S70 which I think could turn in 10.2m or something like that. So why are most of the cars now approaching 12m? Granted it's something afflicting all cars at the moment, probably to do with sneeze-factor/safety bs, but it doesn't mean that Volvo can't remain the leaders in this area. I'm waiting for Volvo to be Volvo again, as opposed to just another car. They seem far more concerned about image and trying to be an executive brand. I like the S40/V50, but I think they are too expensive - but that could just be in Ireland. I think the cheapest Automatic Volvo you can buy is €32k, which isn't too good. And don't get me started on the load space of the current V70. So, the idea of a 'proper Volvo' might come down to who thinks Volvo still have their values, and who thinks they don't. And at what point they lost them. Obviously I'm still in the late 90's somewhere..!

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