I'm going to start driving a car next year so is a Volvo the best car for me as a first car?

Question

http://www.volvocars.us

Answer 1

I totally agree with erdavis66 and subman. They are expensive to repair (at the dealer). They, however, are TANKS. They are built like the proverbial brick shithouses. I just fixed one up for a friend of mine. It was a 1988 760 (or 740, I don't remember) DL. I was impressed with how sturdily it was built. I bought the shop manual for it and it was completely clear about how to fix stuff. It couldn't have been easier to bleed the brakes, adjust the headlights, replace the turn signal switch and a couple other things. On the other hand, you knew that you were driving a 2-ton (really 2,350 pound) vehicle. They aren't quick, nimble or sporty. They are (generally) reliable, bullet-proof and well made. If you hit another car with one you will likely total the target car and walk away from your Volvo. Newer ones are pricey for "first cars."
However, like Camry's, they don't change a whole lot from year to year. Heck, the interior of this 1988 looked exactly like a 2000. The newer ones are technically more advanced, though. Why they even have air bags (all over). Remember, Volvo INVENTED the 3-point seat belt.

Be aware that the Volvo jokes abound. One is always reminded that the most dangerous component of a Volvo is the thing that sits behind the wheel. Often Volvo drivers feel that their vehicle is so safe that they tend to be the more lacksidasical (sp?) and inattentive drivers.

I have friends that are still driving 1974 164 wagons. They are just fine as long as you watch out for the rust.

I have always advocated (for new drivers) that you buy your grandmother's Delta 88. This is a car that will not go fast enough to get you into trouble, will survive ANY collision and will not cost a lot to own. Just drive it like a little old lady and it will last you until you can afford (and deserve) that sporty Audi that you really want.

Answer 2

Well Some dude it is not about being cool it is being safe, and as an owner of an 86 740GLE for 15 years i would suggest a volvo 240 or 740 80s years they are cheap to buy and as a first time driver you want something that will protect you in the event of an accident.Volvos have the safety records to prove it, plus your insurance will be lower because it is not a sports car. It's great transportation that will last you a long time,if you decide on any volvo take you time and make sure that is the car that you want.Pray on it and good luck.

Answer 3

wow, i have read all the suggestions and i can tell you that whoever told you not to get a Volvo is because they have never owned one.I learned early in life that owning a general motors product was a no win situation. Especially in the case of Pontiac. All European cars are made better than American cars. An older Volvo, BMW, Mercedes,SAAB,VW or Audi from the 80's will be much more reliable than an American made car from the 90's. I have owned many cars and trucks and my husband has been a mechanic for 11 years. He would not let me nor would I choose to drive anything besides a Volvo. Volvo for life. You cant go wrong.

Answer 4

Safety:
YES!!
Volvo may be made by suppliers like any other car but you have to look at the design. It is designed to be safe. I work in the automotive industry and am very familiar with various quality standers. Volvo exceeds them all.
The car handles excellent, is fun to drive, and is built to keep the drivers eyes on the road- so the ease of operation for any of the interior features is really good.
Cost:
I have a s-40 2.4i it is the most cost effective of the Volvo's and the sticker on mine was 29275. This is something to consider especially when you can get a Dodge Caliper (sp?) starting at 14 fully loaded for 19 (approx).

Coolness :)

I dig it. The premium sound is bumping and it has this unique aspect as you aren't going to see 100 other Volvo's on your drive to school.

Answer 5

Oh god no. I know there will be a lot of people who disagree with me on this. But my family has been in the automotive industry since my great grand father.
The first question I have is are you getting new or used? I know some people who work for Volvo but don't drive them. As far as engines go Volvo is OK. As for the body it is a tin box with a motor. Repair cost is minimal but the reason why they have those side airbags is the body of a Volvo offers little protection in a crash.
Quite frankly I need a little more info. Are you buying new or used and what is your budget?Now if you are getting the car for free then that's O.K.

Answer 6

Volvo would like you to think so, but realistically Volvo is made by a series of suppliers like any other car. My recommendation buy a cheap, safe car, and save up for the Volvo. Long gone are the days of the Volvo 240 and $13K cars.

Answer 7

erdavis66 and those who agree with him are talking through their butts.almost every modern safety device in use today is volvo invented,they are very good cars and are not from a line of suppliers.volvo was invented when the bearing factory of sweden needed applications for their bearings so,they built a car to go around them.repairs can be expensive but,thats because volvos rarely breakdownm and the unfortunate thing is you have to trust am.mechanics that don't know how to repair them.i own several volvos including the 1925 jabob,two of them have over a million miles and have never required repairs other than one timing assembly.true ford owns them now but,thats because ford knew the advantages of the formost.volvo's are built for life,if taken care of they will easily out live you and never have a major problem.

Answer 8

Depends on what your price range is. For a used Volvo you may be able to afford a brand new Scion tC. Scion's are great cars for first time drivers. Cheap to insure too.

For the price of a new Volvo you could get a new Camry or Accord. I'm assuming the S40 is in your price range. They are nice cars, however you'd get more for your money in a Toyota or Honda. Also the S40 is the Ford Focus in Europe.

Answer 9

I've had a few friends that have owned Volvos, and they love them, but me and my friends are a little older than you, and those Volvos are still expensive cars to drive, even for us. By all means, if money is not a factor, then get a Volvo and be proud of it. But if you can't afford one, get a Hyundai or a Saturn. Small, inexpensive, reliable, and pretty safe.

Answer 10

pick up a clean 2 series for less than a grand and fix it up so it is ready when you start driving this way you become knowlagable about cars and will have a rock solid reliable car to drive. if you want to have fun driving it get the brake and suspension upgrades from IPD USA. each item does what they claim it will do and the end result is why didn't volvo do it this way. [it still rides great and corners like on rails]