A few questions from a newbie

[Ransman]

I have read two road test reviews by the big car mags; What Car in November and, the latest, Auto Express in the 29th Dec issue (out now)

The What Car review pitched the Audi Q5, BMW X1, and Freelander against an XC60 D3 geartronic and they concluded:
1. XC60
2. Audi Q5
3. Freelander
4. BMW X1

The Auto Express tested almost the same range, but tested a BMW X3 instead of an X1, and an XC60 D5 R-Design instead of a D3. Their verdict as follows:
1. BMW
2. Freelander
3. Audi Q5
4. XC60

What Car comments on the low depreciation and Auto Express comments exactly the opposite!

I think it just goes to show that "the experts" cannot agree and you just have to make up your own mind. I still think the XC60 is a superb car.

[andyfromembsay]

I read the what car one, but that was (as you said) the smaller diesel engine - I was hoping to find one with the larger, newer diesel - sounds like the autocar one is just that. As i wrote before, adaptive cruise is a potential deal breaker for me, so that may put me off the X3 - plus as a brand new model i suspect discounts will be hard to come by.

[Ransman]

Originally Posted by andyfromembsay

I read the what car one, but that was (as you said) the smaller diesel engine - I was hoping to find one with the larger, newer diesel - sounds like the autocar one is just that. As i wrote before, adaptive cruise is a potential deal breaker for me, so that may put me off the X3 - plus as a brand new model i suspect discounts will be hard to come by.

Auto Express, not Autocar :-)

[andyfromembsay]

Yep - just spotted that! Will pop to the newsagent's tomorrow and buy one.

[Ransman]

It doesn't make good reading from an XC60 perspective.

There are some strange statements in it as well. It says the Volvo boot is not as big as the BMW's but the Autoexpress web comparison tool says it's the other way round - strange!

[blank354]

the D5 is a great engine,we have the Rdesign spec with the convenience pack and the high performance audio,which sounds great.
We are very pleased with ours,its a top car,we also looked at the Q5 but felt the volvo was a much better looking car and a smoother drive,found the audi a very firm ride and the options can make it expensive.we were quoted a nine month lead time,not sure if that's any better now.
I doubt you will regret the xc60 if that's what you go for,we can't really fault ours at all

[andyfromembsay]

To be honest that's where i was getting to with the q5 - the options do make it get pretty pricy. And as I said earlier the X3 sounds great but the lack of adaptive cruise is a worry - think as I was driving up the A1 with my nerves on edge I'd be regretting it. So, snow permitting, I think I'll pop in to the Volvo dealer tomorrow on my way to test drive the X3.

Another question - did any of you guys consider the XC90 when getting your XC60's? As it's getting towards the end of its life there seem to be some astounding bargains around - one of the internet sites offered almost £10k off it. However it does look HUGE and again no adaptive cruise.

[XC60KEV]

Originally Posted by andyfromembsay

To be honest that's where i was getting to with the q5 - the options do make it get pretty pricy. And as I said earlier the X3 sounds great but the lack of adaptive cruise is a worry - think as I was driving up the A1 with my nerves on edge I'd be regretting it. So, snow permitting, I think I'll pop in to the Volvo dealer tomorrow on my way to test drive the X3.

Another question - did any of you guys consider the XC90 when getting your XC60's? As it's getting towards the end of its life there seem to be some astounding bargains around - one of the internet sites offered almost £10k off it. However it does look HUGE and again no adaptive cruise.

Re XC90. Nice car and probably would be my first choice if needed extra row of seats but family is not that big. XC60 has more than enough room and with the seats down for those rare trips to furniture shops or the dump it does the job.

[mauricef]

Originally Posted by Ransman

I have read two road test reviews by the big car mags; What Car in November and, the latest, Auto Express in the 29th Dec issue (out now)

The What Car review pitched the Audi Q5, BMW X1, and Freelander against an XC60 D3 geartronic and they concluded:
1. XC60
2. Audi Q5
3. Freelander
4. BMW X1

The Auto Express tested almost the same range, but tested a BMW X3 instead of an X1, and an XC60 D5 R-Design instead of a D3. Their verdict as follows:
1. BMW
2. Freelander
3. Audi Q5
4. XC60

What Car comments on the low depreciation and Auto Express comments exactly the opposite!

I think it just goes to show that "the experts" cannot agree and you just have to make up your own mind. I still think the XC60 is a superb car.

I agree with member Ransman the experts agree to disagree to sell more magazines.The XC60 and is the best motor I have ever owned and get a buzz each time I seat behind the wheel.

2011 XC60 D3 fwd geartronic Terra Bronze deluxe 64+

[wimorrison]

Originally Posted by andyfromembsay

To be honest that's where i was getting to with the q5 - the options do make it get pretty pricy. And as I said earlier the X3 sounds great but the lack of adaptive cruise is a worry - think as I was driving up the A1 with my nerves on edge I'd be regretting it. So, snow permitting, I think I'll pop in to the Volvo dealer tomorrow on my way to test drive the X3.

Another question - did any of you guys consider the XC90 when getting your XC60's? As it's getting towards the end of its life there seem to be some astounding bargains around - one of the internet sites offered almost £10k off it. However it does look HUGE and again no adaptive cruise.

I often wonder if the so-called experts in the motoring mags have actually driven the cars that they write about - certainly that is the case with the AutoExpress report which I feel it bears little resemblance to the car that I drive.

I started looking at the XC90, but is is very old technology, and that was 18 months ago, it has seats that I don't need, the engine and gearbox were not as good as the XC60 (old versions in XC90) and TBH it felt like a tank to drive, especially compared to the XC60, though I do agree that you can get some very good deals on them - serves to show that it is old tech at the end of its life, that is why the discounts are there

My advice is try them for yourself, look at the opinions, but remember that is what they are - and draw your own conclusions based upon what you want out of a car.

BTW, don't expect to see the X3 at the Volvo dealer, best to try BMW for that