I've been lurking through this site for a couple of weeks, after a realization, I think I'm a person! We need a third vehicle, I drive giant crew cab work truck all week as a contractor and need something better to drive a newborn and a 3yr old around in as daddy. My wife has a 2008 SUV trailblazer, so I'm thinking S60 or S80 for me.

My budget's around $4-5000. I have more, wouldn't mind spending less on my grocery getter. I'm looking for recommendations, is there a better year range to aim for? Are there any years or options to avoid? It seems in my price range 2001-2005 with high milage is whats available. My hope is to find one with lower miles and a fresh timing belt, obviously driven by a little old lady only to church on the weekend....
I live in Austin Texas which is rapidly becoming more of a desert each year. I deal with snow or ice about a week every 2 years. We've had lots, 60-70+, of 100 degree days for the last several years.
Turbo or no turbo? How are these in the heat?
AWD or 2wd?
Thanks for any advice you can shine my way,
gtojohn

 

Avoid 01-02s

 

I live in Austin too, there is a guy on south 1st street names Max

Home - Max-M CO

you can ask him to look for a Volvo in your price range he is a small dealer from Russia and always has great cars.

ide avoid 01 as well as 06-08
the best ones with the highest ratings is the 02-04 models

the turbo charger is great! in the heat it's alright but when its cool out it really kicks butt!
we don't get much snow or water so FWD or AWD is up to you but I would definitely recommend turbo, although I'm 22 and I often drive at 130 mph lol (not recommended with children)

s60 feels a little sportier and s80 is more luxury/business class
but they are the safest cars on the road whatever you get will be great.

 

Phone: 512 .775.9975


2804 S. 1ST street
Austin, TX, 78704

the info is all on the website i linked and no prob =]