"Why don't I buy a more modern car?"

Originally Posted by swedish brick

The thing I just cant see is how, for example Rover could build such excellent cars as the P4, P5 and P6 and then be making the cars they did until recently, hows that progress!

Because in the 1960's, any old fool could make a decent car. Today, the investment required makes even some of the top selling brands actually financial disaster firms. In fact, Volvo is something so unique as a profitable car manufacturer.

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

Very interesting discussion this...

One point I would like to make is that in most modern cars the wiring is a nightmare should anything go wrong.
Why?
Because of the use of shared function wires.
A wire for your old Volvo (or any old car) does what the wiring diagram says it does.
A new cars wires can be used for multiple purposes, and if you want to either add functionality (add a towbar and associated wires) or diagnose a fault, you need to be an electical engineer to understand whats going on and be able to get your answer.

Add to this the fact that components and parts for new cars are more likely to be built to a minimum standard/quality and are not as long lasting as heavier, more robust designs for the older cars, another point for me to be sticking to an older car..

But aside from that, I am a RWD man, and unfortunately Volvo have joined the FWD bandwaggon, despite the proven supremacy of RWD for bigger cars and for its drive handling (ask Mercedes and BMW... ).
Don't know if this is because of their association with fud but they should get back to RWD ASAP...

Des. . .

[barrie013]

One point that I would like to make is that not every car made in the past was a 'gem'. I'm sure that those of us who are old enough to remember have some pet hates, mine being the Princess range from BL- Having said that, there are, no doubt, enthusiasts even for these festering heaps. By the way, when did you last see one on the road ?
I've had Volvos of every type since, from a 1966 122S onwards, and compared to run of the mill cars they have all been exceptionally well-built and equipped for their time. If you want to make a like-for-like comparison, you would have to choose something like the Mercedes W123 series-another superb vehicle, but one that is becoming priced out of the 'daily driver' market. Volvos were always built up to a standard, and not down to a price, and that fact is reflected in the number of older Volvos that are still on the road and in daily use.

[swedish brick]

Yeah I now what you mean with the wiring! The garage I used to work in had to use a specialist auto electricians to do even some stupid jobs! simply because you need all sorts of test tools etc to diagnose a fault.

Im with you all the way on rear drive too! Ive had FWD cars, all were dissapointing. It seems strange to me that a big car like the S70 etc are all FWD, but its easier to build them that way by putting the engine, gearbox etc all on a subframe and bolting the lot to the car all at once? The fact is it makes maintaing them harder later on, doing clutch change etc.
You just cant beat good old RWD stuff.

[Inverted]

Originally Posted by George Holmer

Because in the 1960's, any old fool could make a decent car. Today, the investment required makes even some of the top selling brands actually financial disaster firms. In fact, Volvo is something so unique as a profitable car manufacturer.

That is very true. Very few manufacturers in the 60's 70's actually built decent cars. Volvo on the other hand have built decent, safe, longlasting cars for years - you only need to look at the history of Volvo innovations to prove that - 3 point seatbelts, laminated windscreens to name a couple.

I can't afford a brand new car (Not a Volvo anyway!!) so I'm sticking to my trusty 740. What people percieve(sp) as good/bad is largely a matter of personal opinion.

I happen to work for a renault dealer, and to be honest I wouldn't have one given. The amount of parts replaced under warranty sometimes beggars belief, especially with the Lagunas, and the component quality (IMO) is not as good as Volvo's (I used to work for a Volvo dealer too).

There's nothing wrong with new gadgets or systems as long as they work reliably and that's the rub, because many don't.

Chas