SA90 should I buy

[Skully65]

Hi folks

I am seriously considering buying either a Volvo SA90 or Mercedes E class. I keep coming back to the SA90 for some reason but wanted some feedback

"Should I buy one and if so, why"

Thanks all

[The Thong]

SA90 or S90? The S90 is a nice motor and by all accounts reliable too. I have had any experience with modern Merc’s apart from hearing lots of complaints off disgruntled owners. What Spec are you considering?

TT

[Forg]

What is an SA90?
Apart from a mid-spec compact cassette from the 80's ...

I assume it's a variant of S90 (they don't sell an SA90 where I am in Straya)?

Of course drive both vehicles, but I'm of the belief that currently Volvo build-quality eclipses Mercedes, at least for the Volvos made in Europe.

[T5R92011]

Whenever I drive any modern mercedes, they immediately annoy me with their stupid gear selector stalk on the steering column, and also the electronic parking brake, which is a flimsy switch, recessed into the dashboard that you have to curl your finger underneath to activate. The switch feels like it will almost certainly break. And the whole infotainment setup, with the dual big screens is just too fiddly. It looks nice but it's irritating to faff around with.

The Volvo on the other hand is relatively serene place to sit, especially if you go for a lighter coloured interior. My only real gripe with the Volvo is the 4cylinder only policy, and the fact that most of the controls are within the vertical touch screen. However, if you are used to using a smartphone, you will quickly get used to the Volvo screen. The Mercedes screens are controlled by buttons and dials.

My favourite parts of the Volvo are:

1) The twisty knob that is used start/stop the engine. That is such an underrated little feature. So much more satisfying to use than a "push to start" button that the merc and other cars have.

2) The gearshift lever in the Volvo is simple to use, its just forwards and backwards. Unlike the merc where you have click the gear stalk up and down, and press a button to put it into park etc.

3) The seats are more comfortable in the Volvo.

4) The Volvo is a nicer looking car in my opinion. Distinctive in world full of cars that look very similar to each other. Its a very classy car especially with bigger wheels and light interior.

5) The shape of the dashboard in the Volvo is more satisfying to look at compared to the merc in my opinion.

Personally, I'd skip the Merc altogether and go for a 5 series as an alternative.

[Skully65]

Originally Posted by The Thong

SA90 or S90? The S90 is a nice motor and by all accounts reliable too. I have had any experience with modern Merc’s apart from hearing lots of complaints off disgruntled owners. What Spec are you considering?

TT

Thanks all for feedback....Finger trouble on Keyboard I am of course referring to the S90
I love the design and interior but heard there is lots of noise and headroom in the back if tall is a bit tight

[Skully65]

Hi
Also considered the 5 series and Jaguar XF, keep coming back to the Merc and Volvo

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by Skully65

Hi
Also considered the 5 series and Jaguar XF, keep coming back to the Merc and Volvo

I love the XF and a Sportbrake AWD would suit me down to the ground, but the people I know who own them don't get anywhere nearly the reliability that I've had from Volvo.

[Familyman 90]

An inlaw of mine is a very senior man at JLR.

His everyday is a 5 series, and his toy is an Alfa. He'd rather buy a 5 series and claim the mileage than have a Jag on the firm.