How can I get higher ground clearance on a V60?

[Christoh]

Originally Posted by James77

Wonder what mild actually does if you compare stats there's zero discernible advantage in either MPG, CO2s or performance.

We're (generalising here) obsessed with SUV in UK part is safety high ride position part is lording it over others I suspect mostly lording it over others we do love to feel superior even is we don't have 2 pence to rub together.

The cynic in me suspects Volvo were calling it a 'hybrid' because it sounded good.

There are SUV drivers in this forum, so I'll qualify what I say by emphasising that it's my own subjective point of view... but yeah I think it's about high ride position rather than genuine need for off-road capability. Pedestrian safety is awful with an SUV. And where I live, they cost far more to park. But the numbers are undeniable; people buy them. And that's why Volvo stopped making estate cars. Massive shame.

Back on topic, I think I might go for a Cross Country and bide my time. My next car after this (say 5 years time) will probably be 100% electric. Maybe someone will have brought something out that suits me better. Until then, I'll fill London with more fumes. Ok, I could get a Passat Alltrack PHEV, but they're as long as a barge and about as exciting.

[EssexExile]

Originally Posted by James77

Wonder what mild actually does if you compare stats there's zero discernible advantage in either MPG, CO2s or performance.

We're (generalising here) obsessed with SUV in UK part is safety high ride position part is lording it over others I suspect mostly lording it over others we do love to feel superior even is we don't have 2 pence to rub together.

I just like a car I can get in and out of at my age, and there's room for my walking stick down the side of the seat.

[GMcL]

There could be a whole load of reasons why the V60 CC does not have the engine/EV setup you want, maybe something as simple as no demand.

I think buying a V60 and jacking it up is also not the way to go. Higher vehicles usually have a lower restricted max speed. You may never get near that but nevertheless the risk is still there. Also, finding longer springs and dampers with type approval for that specific vehicle may be quite the challenge plus trying to explain to an insurance company what you have done, why you have done it and asking them to take on the risk while Volvo themselves did not make the car for whatever reason.

Sounds like a whole world of pain for little gain.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Christoh

My 'ideal car' does not exist, but it would be a V60 Cross Country with T6 Plug in hybrid engine. Instead, I am considering buying a used Volvo V60 T6, 3 or 4 years old, under 50k miles. Budget up to £30k. I do not want an SUV.

I would like to soften the ride over potholes (loads where I live) and raise the ground clearance for occasional use off-road (e.g. during a fishing trip in Scotland last year, my current BMW 3 series estate bottomed out).

I'd love the forum's help with this... these are my first thoughts

• I could fit a Spaccer lift kit https://www.spaccer.com/en_GB/makes-...vo/v60-ii-8491 and achieve extra 12mm ground clearance. Or fit 2 at each wheel and get 24mm extra
• This would allow me to fit tyres with a higher side wall: going from 235/45/18 to 235/55/18 for example gets me another 10mm and would improve the ride.

Are these ideas naive? Are there other suggestions? Like I said, I do not want an SUV, so please don't say 'Buy an XC60'

I think that may be the issue... "My 'ideal car' does not exist."

As you don't want an SUV (fair enough), I'd be inclined to go for a V60 CC and just accept the fact that the engine you want sadly doesn't exist. You can't have what isn't available.

The V60 CC has been designed to have better ground clearance than the V60 from the factory. I'd go for factory assembly and design over some internet lift kit any day.

You asked if what you were suggesting was naïve. In the nicest way possible, without wishing to cause any offence, I really think it is.

[Christoh]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

I think that may be the issue... "My 'ideal car' does not exist."

The V60 CC has been designed to have better ground clearance than the V60 from the factory.

You asked if what you were suggesting was naïve. In the nicest way possible, without wishing to cause any offence, I really think it is.

No offence caused 👍

I posted because I’m after honest advice and I found it here from all of you. Thanks for thinking about my dilemma. Appreciate everyone’s input.

V60 CC will win the day probably. In my opinion it’s the best looking estate ever built and suits me in every practical way besides emission-free short trips. I’m not going out of my way to get a mild hybrid either. Seems like redundant tech waiting to cost me later.

[spitz]

I have been looking for a non SUV replacement for our V70 (and only because I would like something newer) and the V60 CC fits the bill very well.

Volvo have discontinued the range entirely in the UK (at least for now in ICE form) so am looking at nearly new used, of which there are a limited number available, especially if you want the higher spec and a factory fit tow bar.

[Nippy]

Originally Posted by spitz

I have been looking for a non SUV replacement for our V70 (and only because I would like something newer) and the V60 CC fits the bill very well.

Volvo have discontinued the range entirely in the UK (at least for now in ICE form) so am looking at nearly new used, of which there are a limited number available, especially if you want the higher spec and a factory fit tow bar.

You could always buy one without the Tow Bar and get a dealer to then fit a factory one for you.