NationStates Jolt Archive

As some of you may or may not remeber, I drive a Ford F350 Super Duty and almost bought a small pickup to try to save on gas.

I never did.

But I decided its time for a good sensible car for when Im not working.

Ive been looking at a few models of early 90s cars. Whats better?

Ive been looking at the Ford Escort, Ford Taurus, Chevy Impala,Cavalair. The standard american sedans.

Im also looking at the early 90s volvo bricks, Namley the 740 and 940.

Ive heard only good things, Im not to good on the volvo lineup, but I hear they're probably the most reliable car that you can buy.

Are those volvos any good? I love the Brickyness of them, and the interiors are to die for?
But are they worth the extra money?

Get a 1988 Geo Metro LSI. My dad managed to get over 55 miles per gallon on city driving, and that's saying a lot about the car.

Get a C5 Corvette. 30mpg (with a stick) highway and 350hp. That's aerodynamics at work.

Get a C5 Corvette. 30mph highway and 350hp. That's aerodynamics at work.

Yeah, but how much does that cost? A 1988 Geo Metro LSI runs about $2,500 in top condition, and the tires only cost about $10 apiece to replace (no, I'm not bullshitting you).

Yeah, but how much does that cost? A 1988 Geo Metro LSI runs about $2,500 in top condition, and the tires only cost about $10 apiece to replace (no, I'm not bullshitting you).
Hmm... about 25 grand at most. One thing's for sure, it'll outrun and outbrake and outhandle the Geo and last much longer... Geos fall apart when they're new, and can't accelerate in top gear.

Well.

I have seen a 1991 Volvo 740 Turbo " Intercooler " with all leather and power everything for 4500. WIth 120,000 on it.

Everyone Ive asked says they beat the crap out of american cars, are they really that good?

It also is supposed to average 25-30 miles to the gallon.

Hmm... about 25 grand at most. One thing's for sure, it'll outrun and outbrake and outhandle the Geo and last much longer... Geos fall apart when they're new, and can't accelerate in top gear.

Well, $25,000 is pretty expensive, and the first three are true. A corvette will probably last longer, but that's usually if you don't take care of the Metro.

I still see '88 Metros all over the place, and they sure as hell haven't fallen apart. Now, it's true that they can't accelerate in top gear, but who the hell starts off in the high gears for city driving?

Now, I will say this: Old Honda Civics are better than Geo Metros, and just a tad more expensive. But, they're quality cars, and they get the same (if not better) gas mileage. You pay a bit more for them, but you're pretty much guaranteed a quality car that will last.

Well, yeah, they are good. Note that you cannot get quite the same power out of the same model car using the american low-octane fuel, but still, it's easy to see why the american cars sell crappily in europe.

Fried Tuna;11832723']Well, yeah, they are good. Note that you cannot get quite the same power out of the same model car using the american low-octane fuel, but still, it's easy to see why the american cars sell crappily in europe.
Because they can't handle the rough idle and torque. (www.71superbee.com/Sounds/HEMI.au)

Fried Tuna;11832723']Well, yeah, they are good. Note that you cannot get quite the same power out of the same model car using the american low-octane fuel, but still, it's easy to see why the american cars sell crappily in europe.

European cars are one of the reasons our gas stations sell Plus and Premium fuels.

And just what cars are you talking about? Surely, the generic Ford and GM models...

Because they can't handle the rough idle and torque. (www.71superbee.com/Sounds/HEMI.au)

Holy shit. An idling Hemi sounds very similar to an idling Rolls - Royce Merlin!

Is 4500 a good asking price for a Volvo 740 " Intercooler "

What is an intercooler anyway? Does it help the turbo or somthing.

Ive been doing some reading on the net and every site ive come accross so far says volvos rate better in reliablity than just about any american brand.

Is 4500 a good asking price for a Volvo 740 " Intercooler "

What is an intercooler anyway? Does it help the turbo or somthing.

Ive been doing some reading on the net and every site ive come accross so far says volvos rate better in reliablity than just about any american brand.

Intercoolers help boost horsepower by keeping the engine cooler, and a cooler engine flows better... Which is why horsepower is boosted.

And from what I hear, Volvos are extremely reliable. I'd say that $4,500 is well worth it, if the car is in good condition.

I'm a Truck kind of person but if I had to choose a car.....The Chevrolet Monte Carlo's are pretty nice.

I'm a Truck kind of person but if I had to choose a car.....The Chevrolet Monte Carlo's are pretty nice.

Not cheap though. Personally, I'd recommend a Civic (not one of the options, but... meh).

Ive been doing alot of reading arond in the past hour. ANd compared to most european and asian models, american cars have really bad track records?!

And I never knew that volvos were so safe.

All these reports ive been reading make me want to sell my truck and buy a tundra.

Volvo 740's are practically from the stone age. I have no idea on price sorry, since I don't live in america. It's not the kind of car I would get, but if you like them, then they are pretty reliable. And if you think 25mpg is good, then firstly, lol, and secondly, then you won't be disappointed.
Also for their age, they are one of the safest things around to have a crash in. Which is a bonus if you have kids or just don't want to die.

Ive been doing alot of reading arond in the past hour. ANd compared to most european and asian models, american cars have really bad track records?!


Different production goals though. You guys American cars are produced to be cheap, the interiors are all plastic and the suspension is a joke because you have such nice wide straight roads. Also horsepower per cubic inch is not so big of a deal because your gas is so cheap.

Because our roads are twisty and bumpy, and our gas is so expensive, we had to make cars on considerations other than price. Ergo they are a lot better cars.

I still can't explain the horrible plastic interiors though.

As some of you may or may not remeber, I drive a Ford F350 Super Duty and almost bought a small pickup to try to save on gas.

I never did.

But I decided its time for a good sensible car for when Im not working.

Ive been looking at a few models of early 90s cars. Whats better?

Ive been looking at the Ford Escort, Ford Taurus, Chevy Impala,Cavalair. The standard american sedans.

Im also looking at the early 90s volvo bricks, Namley the 740 and 940.

Ive heard only good things, Im not to good on the volvo lineup, but I hear they're probably the most reliable car that you can buy.

Are those volvos any good? I love the Brickyness of them, and the interiors are to die for?
But are they worth the extra money?


I have yet to hear anything but curses when the reliability and cost of repairs come up with every one of the people I work with who are unlucky enough to own Volvo's :D

I drove two of the ones they are trying to sell....NICE...but it sems better NOT to own one...just drive them .;)

Volvo 740's are practically from the stone age. I have no idea on price sorry, since I don't live in america. It's not the kind of car I would get, but if you like them, then they are pretty reliable. And if you think 25mpg is good, then firstly, lol, and secondly, then you won't be disappointed.
Also for their age, they are one of the safest things around to have a crash in. Which is a bonus if you have kids or just don't want to die.
25mph is great, right now I get 10-12 when Im hualing, and 15-18 when im not.

So 25 would be great.

The old boxy volvos look pretty good, I plan on test driving one tomarrow.

My other Canidates are the Cutlass and the Grand Am

Different production goals though. You guys American cars are produced to be cheap, the interiors are all plastic and the suspension is a joke because you have such nice wide straight roads. Also horsepower per cubic inch is not so big of a deal because your gas is so cheap.

Because our roads are twisty and bumpy, and our gas is so expensive, we had to make cars on considerations other than price. Ergo they are a lot better cars.

I still can't explain the horrible plastic interiors though.
1. American cars can have nice interiors. Look at all the wood and aluminum in an old Shelby Mustang.
2. Ever hear of a Z06?
3. There' plenty of even old, carburetored American motors with good hp/inch. Like the Hemi I posted earlier.

If you live anywhere that gets any snow, buy a subaru. I recommend a legacy wagon or outback. Very durable, good gas mileage, low maintenance costs, and comfortable (I am 6'5".)

The two Nissans that I've had were almost unkillable. I highly recommend any of them except the Sentra. I know a couple of people that have had problems with them. I also recommend the Honda Civic or Accord.

If you care about fuel efficiency,
Smart fortwo:
http://prometheus.med.utah.edu/~bwjones/C1276349108/E1080162364/Media/Smart%20fortwo.jpg
Surprisingly enough, these actually have a pretty good amount of leg room. I am 1.87m (~6'1") tall.
Honda insight:
http://automobiles.honda.com/images/2006/insight/customize/base_car/SI_insight_34FRONT.jpg
Never sat in one, but they have the best fuel economy of any car.
Toyota Yaris:
http://www.toyota.ca/NWS/media/yaris/photos/l_pho1.jpg
I thought it was a bit of a tight fit getting inside though.

Regarding Volvos, I have driven an S40 and an S70. The S70 has more room, but the S40 is really nice to drive. The only Ford I ever drove was a focus in driver's ed. I found it to be small and the acceleration and braking were too loose, ie you had to push a great deal for anything to happen.

.....The Chevrolet Monte Carlo's are pretty nice.

only if they are 72' through 74' the new ones are ugly and lame.

you should look at the toyota highlander hybrid an awsome car. amazing gas mileage, good acceration and brakes. also comes with all wheel drive or 4x4 (i dont remeber which) all in all a very very good car

What is an intercooler anyway? Does it help the turbo or somthing.



An intercooler is used to cool the air which has been pressurised by a supercharger shortly before it is fed into the intake of the motor. This allows more mass of air to be pushed into the motor at whatever boost pressure the supercharger provides, and this air expands more than hotter air would once the fuel is burnt in the cylinder. One way to judge a motors output and efficiency is by it's BMEP or brake mean effective pressure. Intercoolers do wonderful things for the BMEP of any supercharged motor because compressing air adds unwanted heat to it. This is even more true for turbocharged motors because of the extra heat turbos add to the air because half of the turbo is in the exhaust stream.

Get a 1988 Geo Metro LSI. My dad managed to get over 55 miles per gallon on city driving, and that's saying a lot about the car.
I had a 94 Geo Metro once, got about 57mpg and it lasted a lot longer than I thought it would (since I only paid $500 for it) It was a pretty good little car, if you want something cheap, semi-reliable, and don't care that it looks like a tin can roller skate.
I'm a Truck kind of person but if I had to choose a car.....The Chevrolet Monte Carlo's are pretty nice.
not very dependable, or at least the new ones aren't.
As some of you may or may not remeber, I drive a Ford F350 Super Duty and almost bought a small pickup to try to save on gas.
very nice truck.


Ive been looking at the Ford Escort, Ford Taurus, Chevy Impala,Cavalair. The standard american sedans.

Im also looking at the early 90s volvo bricks, Namley the 740 and 940.

Ive heard only good things, Im not to good on the volvo lineup, but I hear they're probably the most reliable car that you can buy.

Are those volvos any good? I love the Brickyness of them, and the interiors are to die for?
But are they worth the extra money?
late 90's Ford Taurus are pretty nice, and are generally good cars, they are pretty easy to work on too. Chevy's are almost always the kind of car that you have to take all kinds of random stuff out to get to the important things that always break (starter, etc)

Volvo's are worth the extra money, but I wouldn't try to work on it myself ever... but, if you don't fix your own that's not really a concern I guess.


oh, wait is it okay that I am not a "guy" ?

If you live anywhere that gets any snow, buy a subaru. I recommend a legacy wagon or outback. Very durable, good gas mileage, low maintenance costs, and comfortable (I am 6'5".)

I suggest an Impreza WRX STI. :D

I got up early today to go test drive some cars at a used car lot and I test drove the following cars.

1989 Volvo 740 Turbo
1992 Volvo 940 Turbo
1995 Grand Am GT
1998 Tuarus SHO thingy
And finally a Impala.

I was REALLY impressed by those volvos. Sure they didnt have the pickup that the SHO and the Grand Am GT have. But they took the corners so well, and the ride is fucking amazing compared to them. And they have plenty of pickup.

The dealer wants 4500 for the 740, which has passed PA inspection with flying colors, very clean interior, it also a very very nice one, power everything and all leahter.

The dealer wants 5600 for the 940 turbo, whats the diffrene?

The dealer wants 2300 for the Grand Am GT.

And 5000 For the SHO.

WHats thes best bet?

The only problem Ive been told at the dealer is that volvo parts tend to be $$$$

And to the above.

Sure is a great truck, gets the job done and looks and sounds great, its the 05.

And I never knew that volvos were so safe. Pretty much the only thing I know about Volvos is that they are safe. They have a rather boring image (at least here in Europe) but they're really safe.

A friend of mine in the US was rammed by a speeding SUV in a Volvo, and even though she and the other four people in the Volvo were rather severely injured, she says the only thing that kept them from being killed was the Volvo's super-strong build, so if she'd ever buy a car, it'd definitely be a Volvo.

Wow. That says alot about the build quality of those cars. Im seriously considering the volvo unless I can find a reason to not buy one.

Are those volvos any good? I love the Brickyness of them, and the interiors are to die for?
But are they worth the extra money?

I'd certainly say they are, but I just generally love Volvos and other bricky cars... Land Rover Defenders FTW!:D

I'd certainly say they are, but I just generally love Volvos and other bricky cars... Land Rover Defenders FTW!:D
Land rovers are really junky, Ive heard so many bad things about them.

I think Im going to buy the volvo today, it seems to be the best choice.

Land rovers are really junky, Ive heard so many bad things about them.

I think Im going to buy the volvo today, it seems to be the best choice.

good choice - I've had 2 Volvo's so far, they're v.comfortable to drive, quick when you want it (even the big brick ones), good reliability, but can be pretty juicy, though if you're already running a truck then you'll be using less in a Volvo than the F350.

Why do you need such a big car for when you're not working?

Small/fast/fun/square = MkIII Golf GTI

The Volvos are both OK There are a surprising lot of them that are at 200k miles without major problems. The main bitches about them are abysmal fuel mileage (25 on the highway if you are lucky with the 940 and maybe 1-2 better with the 740) brakes that need replaced frequently, sagging headliners and AC that is sometimes fragile and only kinda cool at speeds below 25 mph. Parts are not too expensive online and seem to be plentiful. Most owners really become fans.

Ive had a 93 Grand Am and loved it once I got past the corrugated look of the sides. The Quad4 motor (AKA the Iron Duke) is great and just about indestructable with reasonable maintenance. Even better in 95 cuz thats when they added counterbalancing shafts to it. If the car you are considering has the 4 cylinder then it should get about 5 more mpg than the Volvos. If it is the 6 cylinder I would pass. The Pontiac will probably have more irritating failures of it's secondary appointments and cosmetics in the interior over the next 5 years than the Volvos because GM uses componants and plastics that are not expected to last more than about 15 years on interior cosmetics. Volvo celebrates owners who drive their cars 500k miles while GM wishes theyd periodically buy new cars. Toyota is even worse, their frivetrains are practically immortal while their interiors look like Baghdad after a dozen years.

Ive got no opinions on the Taurus SHO as Ive only driven the rent a car versions of it, which is to say they are solid and reliable but with little power
goofy wallowy handling and mediocre fuel mileage. The SHO version might change all of that.

The only beef I have with GM is that I hate them and the fact that while I did drive the Grand Am Gt. ANd it is a racey little machine, BUT the safety ratings on the 2 door is horrible.

What I dont get is, the volvo has a 5 Piston engine! Whats up with that?

As some of you may or may not remeber, I drive a Ford F350 Super Duty and almost bought a small pickup to try to save on gas.

I never did.

But I decided its time for a good sensible car for when Im not working.

Ive been looking at a few models of early 90s cars. Whats better?

Ive been looking at the Ford Escort, Ford Taurus, Chevy Impala,Cavalair. The standard american sedans.

Im also looking at the early 90s volvo bricks, Namley the 740 and 940.

Ive heard only good things, Im not to good on the volvo lineup, but I hear they're probably the most reliable car that you can buy.

Are those volvos any good? I love the Brickyness of them, and the interiors are to die for?
But are they worth the extra money?

Damned titles keep getting me confused. I thought this was going to be a thread about which is more intelligent. Americans or bricks.

Well Ive finally pursched a vehical.

I went with a 93 Grand Prix.

I was ready to go with the volvo, till I saw that beast.

Its roomy, fast good on gas, and it LOOKS great!

Sure it might not be as good as a import, but just by the way it looks its worth every penny I paid. Which was 4300 dollars, with 55,000 miles on it.

American vs Brick?
If the brick is stationary, I'd bet on the American, but if someone drops the brick off a tall building onto the American, it has a chance.

Get a
Volvo. Much like an
Armoured car
Sans weapons.
Safe as houses.