Opinions on 2000 - 2003 Volvo & VWs

BigClay

BigClay

Knower of useless ZJ things
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Location
Winston-Salem
My mom is looking for a new daily driver. For some reason she likes station wagons even though she is retired and has no need for one, but that is another discussion. So I am looking at Volvo station wagons and VW Passat wagons for her. I am not really familiar with either, but not many people make wagons any more.

So what should I avoid in these vahicles and what is desirable? She only has about $8k to spend, so we are talking engines with close to or above 100k miles. So what engines will be best for longevity?
 
My g/f had a 2003 beetle with the 2.0 5 spd. She flipped it at 60+ and wasnt hurt at all. Bump on the head. I was amazed at how the car held up. Infact, we went straight to VW dealer and got her a 2008 jetta 2.5. I have never been around passats or volvos but the VWs I have been around are great cars. The 2.0 wasnt much for power but is very simple to maintain. Had water pump issues early 55,000but again very easy to work on. The 2.0 turbo is a 5 valve engine and seem to have issues with timing tensioners failing and wipe out valves. Very expensive. I would avoid that engine. I have also heard 2004 jettas had electical system issues. I know none of this pertains to your question directly but thats my experience with VW hope it helps.
 
I don't know about the VW's ...but the front wheel drive Volvos with over 100k get junky, and costly to keep running. The newer Volvos aren't what they used to be.
 
Thanks BigWoody, that is what I wanted to hear because I knew the 80s and 90s volvos would go 300k with no problem, just don't know about the new ones.
 
I can't believe you haven't considered a Subaru Outback, Legacy, or Impreza wagons dead reliable good mileage and all wheel drive. IMHO if my mom was in the market for a reliable wagon those 3 would be my only choices.
 
I have actually been told the same thing by couple other people, I have included subarus in the list now. Any info on what to avoid on those?
 
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