Car Choice: Old Honda vs. Old Volvo - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

justinperkins · #1 04-09-2007, 08:40 PM

So I'm looking to get a decent daily driver, mostly for my wife. I was originally only looking at Hondas, specifically Honda Accord wagons. Like this:

Or the older, larger body-style:

But now I've started to open my search to Volvo wagons since they offer significantly more in the safety department (right?). So this is the comparable Volvo wagon that is in our price range, the classic 240DL:

I have no experience whatsoever with Volvo, but have had several late 80's Accords (previous generation to the second one shown above) and they were impressive in terms of reliability, but not much else.

If I said I wanted something reliable, easy to work on, cheap to maintain (either DIY or through a shop), what would y'all recommend? Imo, the Volvo wins in the style department, but we'll just ignore that for now.

300SD81 · #2 04-09-2007, 08:42 PM

Is a 300TD out of the question?

engatwork · #3 04-09-2007, 08:47 PM

Are you going to do your own maintenance/repair work? If yes then go with the Volvo. If you don't especially like to diy then go with the Honda.

justinperkins · #4 04-09-2007, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300SD81

Is a 300TD out of the question?

Well considering that we already have a 300TD, I'd have to say yes a 300TD is out of the question

The TD is pretty much "my" car. I need something that can be thrown around a little more, something I don't have to worry about if it gets hit or breaks down or gets driven with low oil pressure, etc..

Hondas make good "get in and go" cars. I need one of those. The Volvo interests me because while it might not be as reliable as the Honda, it is a much more sturdy car. It'd make me feel a lot better knowing my wife was commuting in a tank-like vehicle vs. a tin can.

powerpig · #5 04-09-2007, 08:53 PM

Although I like Honda's and have a Passport, I would go with the Volvo. Almost as bulletproof as the Benz's IMO.

justinperkins · #6 04-09-2007, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by engatwork

Are you going to do your own maintenance/repair work? If yes then go with the Volvo. If you don't especially like to diy then go with the Honda.

So how is DIY on these things? Is it relatively easy to find parts?

For example, on a scale of 1-10 on ease/cost of parts (new/used): I'd rate VW an 8, Honda a 10 and Mercedes a 5 (and that's being generous).

I could live with another "5", but would like something more like 7-9

justinperkins · #7 04-09-2007, 09:05 PM

So I hear the 4-cyl. gasser in the Volvo is made by Mercedes. Am I hearing lies? Is this a good thing?

Of course it's a good thing, right? This is freakin' MercedesShop OD.

POS · #8 04-09-2007, 09:11 PM

Old Mercedes. Skip the Volvo and the Honda.

300SD81 · #9 04-09-2007, 09:14 PM

Well, if your into something other than the TD, theres always a 300TE

engatwork · #10 04-09-2007, 09:15 PM

Quote:

So I hear the 4-cyl. gasser in the Volvo is made by Mercedes

I'd be real surprised to find that this is true.

justinperkins · #11 04-09-2007, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS

Old Mercedes. Skip the Volvo and the Honda.

Ummm....

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300SD81

Well, if your into something other than the TD, theres always a 300TE

Ok people. I'm not buying a Mercedes. When I typed the title of this thread, I meant it

jlomon · #12 04-09-2007, 09:33 PM

Since an MB is out of the question get the Honda, as new as you can afford. The 5th generation wagon you showed first would be the way to go. I'm assuming you're getting a wagon because you need the space. That Volvo is gonna be pretty gutless with a few people or a full cargo area. The Accord will have better power, way better reliability and is a sturdy car to get hit in if worst comes to worst.

If you want to find something German, maybe look for a Jetta Wagon, although the reliability is a little questionable you could get a diesel engine in it.

cavaliers16 · #13 04-09-2007, 09:40 PM

Go with the Volvo! I've got an '89 740 Turbo wagon and it has a ton of miles on it. The thing is incredibly well built- they just don't rust out. It is 18 years old (a New England car its whole life) and there is not a scratch of rust on it. It is incredibly easy to work on and very reliable. It is the only car in the driveway (out of the '99 Volvo V70, '97 VW Jetta, '89 740, '83 300D) that does not go in for service on a regular basis. I can't even think of the last time it had to have something done on it- it gets its oil changed every so often, but that's about it.

For gasser cars, you can't beat the 240's or 740's (or those old Saab's). There are tons of gasser Volvo's and Saab's with a million + miles on them. Plus there are a ton of them at junkyards- easy parts!

cavaliers16 · #14 04-09-2007, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinperkins

So I hear the 4-cyl. gasser in the Volvo is made by Mercedes.

That isn't true- the Volvo diesels from the 80's were made by VW, but Volvo builds its own gas engines.

suginami · #15 04-09-2007, 09:43 PM

I'd say go with a Volvo, but I wouldn't limit my search to just the 240 series.

All of the Volvo's have proven to be very reliable and very long-lived, even the 740 series, which turned into the 850 series, and then face-lifted in 1998 and rebadged as the V70.

Just make sure you stay with the 4 or 5 cylinder cars. Their V6 was a disaster.

We have a 2000 S70 with the 2.5 liter 5 cylinder engine. This engine debuted in the 850 GL cars in the early 90's. Great engine, but not a rocket ship.

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