We're taking out annual vacation next month. We're driving from NY to SC, 900 miles one way.

We have a 2007 Honda CRV with 3K on it or my 1994 850 turbo.

I've had my Volvo for about 2 months now and knock on wood, it runs beautifully. The check engine light is on, but it's for long term fuel trim and an idling issue (though it idles perfectly). The dipstick doesn't indicate any oil burning, but I do get a burnt oil smell when I hammer down. I suspect it's the turbo return line.

If it was just the 2 of us I wouldn't mind if we broke down, it just adds to the adventure. However we're bringing our 3 month old.

The Volvo is more comfortable and spacious than the CRV, but the CRV is obviously more reliable.

Which car would you take?

 

Mileage on the Volvo? What kind of maintenance have you done recently?

 

120 k. I haven't done anything yet besides oil change and an inspection. Timing belt was done at 70k. The previous owner had all the maint. records and he did everything just as scheduled. The car was very well taken care of.

My only issue is the burnt oil smell.

 

It's a hard choice. How was the inspection on your car?

In my opinion, it's safe to go in the Volvo (especially since you have the TB covered). Anything that could go wrong is hard to predict, but with such a "low" mileaged car, I think you would be ok. The Volvo probably will get better gas mileage also. If you go in the Volvo, just bring a quart of oil and keep an eye on your oil throughout the drive.

The only thing is that before you leave in either car, change your oil and maybe change the air filter (just the basic maintenance items).

 

I wouldn't think twice about taking a 900 mile trip in any one of my Volvos and the one with the least amount of miles on it has 130K. The white one has 175K and I would take it. If you're not having any trouble with it, 1800 miles is only 3.5 half tanks of gas and that's not that much. Put the miles on the older car and keep the miles down on the newer car so it gets a better resale vlaue.

Now if the Volvo brakes down after 450 miles, you are going get ticked at me I bet. But just tell your wife, Jim said it would be fine. The bottom line is take whichever car your wife thinks you should take. No matter what any of us tell you to do. I've been married 30 years, so I know these things.

 

Wait, You only need 3.5 tanks of gas? So does that mean you're getting over 500 miles a tank?

 

On the highway I do get about 500 miles on a tank. 500 miles using 18 gallons that would be 27.7 mpg which is about right for highway driving. The yellow one would not dothat well though. The other two would if I drive under 70 mph.

 

I agree with Jim on taking what the wife wants.

I also don't see a problem with taking the Volvo.
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Take the Volvo.

 

Volvo

 

!!!

Volvo, with the 3-month old.

See if there are items that have not been inspected/serviced:

https://volvoforums.com/m_48928/tm.htm

Have a nice trip.


JPN

 

mine's got 168k, and I drive it once or twice a year between Ca and Mt, which is about 1,200 miles one way. Whether it was 10 and snowing, or 110 and blistering hot, it has never let me down.

 

My Volvo 850 is a very safe car, take the Volvo

 

Take the Volvo! OF course as others have said, the key to a happy vacation is a happy wife, so................

 

there should be laws against this monopoly of marital power [:@] oh yeh, it's called staying single

 

I would take the Volvo on safety alone. I think the risk of breaking down is far outweighed by that of injury to any of your occupants in an accident in any Honda vs Volvo.

 

As safe as the 850 was in its time, do you really think any 14-year-old car could hold a candle to a virtually new Honda CR-V? Technology changes.

 

Yes.

 

The 850 yes, most other cars, no.

You have to remember the biggest advance in auto safety was the seatbelt. All of the other stuff won't work (as well) if you don't wear one.

 

I was thinking the same thing. My father in law showed me a pic of a friends 2007 CRV that was in a rollover. The car was completely skinned, there was no sheet metal left on one entire side, not to mention the roof was partially caved in... and the 80 year old couple walked out of it.

Don't get me wrong, I know I'm safe in my 850, but I have to think the tech advantages of the day have caught up to Volvo.