XC60 D5 AWD or T6 FWD

[boboz]

Hey guys, just want to get some views on this matter.

Wanna get a new SUV, got my eyes on Volvo XC60 but can't decide should I get the D5 AWD or with the similar priced T6 FWD. Knowing that D5 is still using the old engine with a six speed transmission, and the T6 have the new developed Drive-E engine with the eight speed transmission. Really want to know how is the FWD compared to AWD through out daily life usage, most of the time it will be driven with the urban areas, but during the holidays would love to have the option open for some rural off road run like going to Kruger park and things like that.

Also would like to know, how is the reliability of XC60 and like to know the view from Volvo owners how is Volvo, because I've never had one. Did some research seems the XC60 have the best value for money and one of the best family SUV, as I have two children my self, so safety is one of the concern.

Looking forward for your opinion.

Thank you!

 

[ahoudet]

Judging by the above, I don't think AWD is necessary... Can't answer more than that though as I don't have Volvo experience

 

[werfie]

From a Volvo owner... I have an S40 2.0d

You will never be able to sell the car. they loose value faster than any other car I know of. I can't even manage to sell mine at the loss, the dealers are not even willing to trade it. Secondly, as soon as it is out of Motor plan and things go wrong, it is insanely expensive to attend to anything through a Volvo dealer, even having stuff done privately is more expensive because of parts. I have also had the weirdest things break on the car with 140 000km on the clock. Safety doesn't mean much to me at the moment, because the SRS control unit became faulty and costs in the region of R10k to replace (just to get the airbags working again).

I have unfortunately not had a good experience and based on that will advice you to steer clear. There is a reason why those cars are such good "value for money" prices.

I have driven other "big" cars which also gave me some problems, but nothing like the Volvo, nor no where near the prices to repair stuff.

 

[boboz]

I guess the resell value is a problem for Volvos, but other than that how is the gernal driving feel? It seems that XC60 hold its value okiesh? Most probably I will replace the veichle when it is close to the end of the motor plan.

 

[werfie]

Ok, If you are planning to sell before end of motorplan and probably loosing out a bit, I can tell you that it is a fantastic drive. Comfortable and quiet. Really nice. The petrol models are heavy on juice. My dad has a petrol S40. He complains about it a lot.

 

[Archer]

The SUVs hold their value well, the sedans not at all.
Servicing when out of plan is not any different to any other brand, in CT there are two guys dealing exclusively with Volvo's and the pricing is fine (even for spares)

 

[boboz]

Thank you for the advise. Wanna get a R-Design, went to the dealer and got a price around 670k +/- for the D5 model, don't know if there is more room for discount? Also thinking a T6 model, if the new T6 has AWD it would be perfect....