2013 Audi allroad vs. 2105 Volvo v60.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

My tombstone should read "Death by overanalysis"

My wife and I are looking for a newer car for her. There is a used 2015 Volvo v60 with about 18,000 miles on it for about $30,000- and a 2013 Audi allroad with about 40,000 miles for $34,000.

Both have what we are looking for in terms of station wagon size.
The v60 is front wheel drive, Audi AWD...

They are both very different driving cars. The volvo is numb and slightly quieter (better for highway vacations), whereas the Audi is spirited and engaging (but slightly louder- more vibration, etc...)

She is going to put 20-25k a year on whatever she buys. I know PPOT is full of strong opinions for both marques, and a lot of disdain for some newer/transverly mounted audis, but I have heard that there is some love here for the ALLROAD. The v60 otoh doesn't have the haldex AWD system which I have begrudgingly personally replaced on my xc70, but it is this new engine platform- which I have no idea how it will hold up.

I really liked the Audi paddleshifters too (wow- there, I said it). Overall- the steering/ shifting/ feedback-hands down audi
OTOH- I disliked all the gadgetry crap inside the audi. The controls (for me ) were non intuitive and unneeded (more S#$% to break)- and that concerns me- b.s. electronic repairs that would nickel and dime me while not getting to warranty deductible.

We can get the volvo warrantied to 100,000 miles for $1,800.
The Audi will cost $5,000 to warranty to 125,000- and will have a $500 deductible.

Also- the Audi is a two owner vehicle leased through 37,000 miles with no service records- which I am not too fond of. The volvo is essentially new.

Another thing- we live in the mountains- I do want her to have a AWD car- If we get the volvo 2wd- I would like to keep her current mitsibushi endeavor and mount studded snow tires on it. With the allroad- I would get spare rims/tires through tirerack.

Either way- she will blast through these limits within 3-4 years tops- then we will be in uncharted territory

Which brings up another question $5 k for a freakin warranty? What on an audi would break that would cost $5k on an allroad- The drivetrain is good? right? It's the electronics and small parts that are pricey? right?

Both cars looked expensive for common wear items- The audi rotors were art. And looked as expensive as a monet. The shocks for both cars probably have some computerized garbage that makes them stratospheric expensive/

Oh- and she's breathing down my back for an answer(she wants to decide pretty soon)- so please, immediately drop what you are doing at work and give me feedback

Thanks,
Thoughts?

[silverc4s]

Our Acura RDX is the same class of car as those you are considering. Add in Acura reliability, and practicality - we've had ours 3 years and spent only for tires, gas and oil in that time.
Fun to drive, not flashy but all the luxury trimmings are there.
I used to list for an all road but the maintenance history scares me. The Volvo is just too boring for my tastes.

[Craig T]

I was looking at the exact same choice 8 months ago…The only difference was a 2014 Allroad vs a new V60 (15.5). I chose the V60. I have 15K miles now and LOVE it! It has not had one single warranty take-back. The front wheel drive does have a little torque-steer if you stomp on it under 30 mph, but it's not a complaint.

The seats and cockpit area are WAY more comfortable in the V60 than the Allroad. As a daily driver, I couldn't be happier.

Edit: for typos only.

[Craig T]

Originally Posted by silverc4s

The Volvo is just too boring for my tastes.

I don't think my V60 is boring!

[Craig T]

[LEAKYSEALS951]

^That's funny craig because he had a set of demo load bars he was going to throw in with the volvo.

If I do go for the v60, it gets me wondering if I should go for the AWD. It looks like they beefed up the drivetrain compared to the xc70- xc90 of the 2000's. Hmmmmm.....

[1990C4S]

I find the Audi 'information' system overwhelming. So much info in so many places it's a distraction. Perhaps you can get used to it.

The spread in the 'warranty costs' is informative. Beware of the Audi. A warranty can change the issue from 'why is it always costing me money?' to 'why is it always in the shop?'.

This is no win for you, tell her to buy the car she thinks she will enjoy the most. Life is short.

[Craig T]

Originally Posted by LEAKYSEALS951

^That's funny craig because he had a set of demo load bars he was going to throw in with the volvo.

If I do go for the v60, it gets me wondering if I should go for the AWD. It looks like they beefed up the drivetrain compared to the xc70- xc90 of the 2000's. Hmmmmm.....

The AWD V60 would drive sportier I'm sure. I live in SoCal and don't need the AWD as a daily driver (S#!T, it hasn't even rained here in 4 years). My wife has the XC60 R-Design AWD. We use that if we go skiing, dirt road fishing, hiking etc.

Both the XC60 and the V60 have been flawless, and the V60 is getting better then 30mpg per tank.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

I find the Audi 'information' system overwhelming. So much info in so many places it's a distraction. Perhaps you can get used to it.

That was my interpretation of it. OTOH- I am overwhelmed by my flip phone.

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

This is no win for you,.

That's the truth!

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Originally Posted by Craig T

Both the XC60 and the V60 have been flawless, and the V60 is getting better then 30mpg per tank.

And that's our conundrum with the volvo. One thing we wanted is fuel efficiency, but then there are times in the winter where AWD is needed. She's getting about 15mpg now- so anything will be an improvement!

[aschen]

3.6L outback limited brand spankin new would be my first choice for 25k miles per year.


V60 would be my second choice

z

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Originally Posted by aschen

3.6L outback limited brand spankin new would be my first choice for 25k miles per year.


V60 would be my second choice

z

This was another thing I was looking at- but she wouldn't have anything to do with it! It probably would the smartest choice- although I do wonder about the cvt long term with the gear points computer preset. It's agreat car though- if I could get her to drive it!


edit- after discussion she might be willing to try one tonight!

[Craig T]

Originally Posted by aschen

3.6L outback limited brand spankin new would be my first choice for 25k miles per year.

Where I live the only people driving Subaru Outbacks are Sierra Club lesbians with those "COEXIST" number stickers.

[aschen]

Originally Posted by Craig T

Where I live the only people driving Subaru Outbacks are Sierra Club lesbians with those "COEXIST" number stickers.

Hey I love my subaru Wagon, though I may be a lesbian trapped in a mans body

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Originally Posted by Craig T

Where I live the only people driving Subaru Outbacks are Sierra Club lesbians with those "COEXIST" number stickers.

Yeah.... I wasn't going to mention why she was against it- but- well- ^^^^

I actually saw this bumper sticker yesterday- maybe that would fix it-



.. I really do like the outback drivetrain though. A flat engine- which you can actually see the parts on. decisions decisions...

[Nickshu]

We have a 2015 S60 R-design w/ the Polestar tune. V60 is the same car w/ a wagon. Love that car. While to V60 version is a bit slower the S60 will do 0-60 under 5 seconds. Car is so much fun to drive, super solid, very nimble. Build quality is a bit less than you'll get w/ Audi but its still plenty nice.

I owned 2 Outbacks, both 3.6R. One 2012 and one 2013. Both had oil consumption problems, actually the 2012 was turned back in for an even trade on the 2013 b/c the oil consumption was so bad....1 quart every 500-1000 miles with less than 10,000 miles on the odometer. Suspension is horrible on those cars. The 2013 had some improvement and I think the 2015 redesign is even better but still not very good. Too cushy, too much body roll, and unstable when going over bumps in corners. They were OK in the snow, honestly I was always kind of disappointed. The 3.6R has RWD bias and it always wanted to fishtail even under light throttle. I would not buy one again.

[Craig T]

Originally Posted by Nickshu

We have a 2015 S60 R-design w/ the Polestar tune. V60 is the same car w/ a wagon. Love that car. While to V60 version is a bit slower the S60 will do 0-60 under 5 seconds. Car is so much fun to drive, super solid, very nimble. Build quality is a bit less than you'll get w/ Audi but its still plenty nice.

NICE! …But then, I'm a red car lover.

That S60 R-Design must fly! My wife's XC60 R-Design Polestar tune surprises the crap out of me. It's a rocket...and it's gotta be a lot heavier than the S60.

[MRM]

I've had several front wheel drives and four wheel drives here in the frozen wastelands of Minnesota. As long as you have dedicated snow tires front wheel drive is just fine.

I agree with the Acura MDX suggestion. But if you're choosing between the Audi and Volvo I'd strongly suggest the Volvo. The difference in years and mileage is significant and the number of years and mikes that will be covered by your extended warranty is far longer with the Volvo.

The fact of the matter is that Audi needs three or for times the price of the Volvo warranty for far fewer miles. There's a reason for that. The Audi is just getting to the age where it's going to start breaking down. Parts you didn't know existed will break and you'll wish you were paying Porsche rates buying the parts and paying the labor. The Audi is a beautiful car but let it be someone else's nightmare.

[Nickshu]

Originally Posted by Craig T

NICE! …But then, I'm a red car lover.

That S60 R-Design must fly! My wife's XC60 R-Design Polestar tune surprises the crap out of me. It's a rocket...and it's gotta be a lot heavier than the S60.

Yes it does. Amazingly fast especially if you get it on boost and keep the pressure up. There's a head to head Youtube video of the S60 Polestar running circles around an M3. It's a very underrated car performance wise. The color is awesome, its red with a little orange in it that comes out when in direct sun. Thanks for the compliments!

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Okay.. So an update to today's thread. Anne drove the Subaru, and seemed to like it (read- willing to sit in it- drive- not totally hate it).

So as of 8:05 eastern standard time:
(based on pelican responses and that pit of stomach feeling)- Allroad is pretty much OUT
1. front wheel drive Volvo V60 wagon is in.
2. AWD volvo v60 cross country is potentially in.
3. Melissa Ethridge outback mobile is in (Personally - I always thought it was just the Subaru foresters, but oh well!!! )


Pros Volvo front wheel v60-
Cheap
Good gas mileage
Like previous poster said- Good tires make the majority of the difference- especially on ice.
Even if we keep the Mistibushi endeavor (I checked insurance and there is no really good discount for occasional use/liability only)- It would still be cheaper than the price difference between the v60 and the v60 cross country

Pros Volvo AWD v60- the endeavor doesnt sit molding in the yard.
Cons- 10,000 more
Unless it's been significantly improved, the bevel gear/propeller shaft/haldex system is a long term liability.

Outback- Pro's the most prudent decision. Probably the most yard mechanic friendly of the bunch. Also - dealership offers unlimited lifetime engine/powertrain warranty for original owners- EVEN if you do your own maintenance (*yeah right*** I will need that in writing!)
Cons- Hard to look at.

Funny story- we read to the PPOT responses to this thread to her parents. Her father- (about 85- Commented on the lesbian / outback thing)- His response:
"That only applies to the Subaru Foresters!"
-Just what I thought!

Hmmmmm....