My trusty 98 Volvo V70 wagon has served me faithfully for years, but I must hand it over to the wife. So, I'm in the market for a new car, aaaaaand I hate what's out there. Without spending a small fortune on a new Volvo, the Outback is one of the few cars I haven't yet crossed off the list. So, I was wondering if maybe some people could help me decide whether an Outback (current or older) or some other car fits a few of my requirements. So, here are the things I like about the Volvo.
1. Handling: The Volvo is definitely a wagon, not an SUV. Cornering, braking, exit and entrance ramps are great, I never feel like I'll have trouble with a turn like some SUVs have.
2. Room: the Volvo has more cargo room than many SUVs, the Outback is actually one of the few vehicles with similar size, along with the CRV.
3. AWD: Very nice for Minnesota winters
4. Mileage: once again, definitely a car, not an SUV. Although SUVs are finally starting to get the same mileage, 20 years later.
5. Power: the little turbocharged 5 cyl had plenty of get up and go, even at only 190 hp. I know the v6 Outback can beat that, not sure if there are options with the 4cyl.
6. Dedicated, active modding communities and forums: this was more true when I drove Accords, but if I am looking for things like a lowering kit, camber correction, big brakes, etc., are parts accessible for the Outback or is that kind of stuff more relegated to the WRX or the more "sporty" cars?
Thanks!
1. Handling: The Volvo is definitely a wagon, not an SUV. Cornering, braking, exit and entrance ramps are great, I never feel like I'll have trouble with a turn like some SUVs have.
2. Room: the Volvo has more cargo room than many SUVs, the Outback is actually one of the few vehicles with similar size, along with the CRV.
3. AWD: Very nice for Minnesota winters
4. Mileage: once again, definitely a car, not an SUV. Although SUVs are finally starting to get the same mileage, 20 years later.
5. Power: the little turbocharged 5 cyl had plenty of get up and go, even at only 190 hp. I know the v6 Outback can beat that, not sure if there are options with the 4cyl.
6. Dedicated, active modding communities and forums: this was more true when I drove Accords, but if I am looking for things like a lowering kit, camber correction, big brakes, etc., are parts accessible for the Outback or is that kind of stuff more relegated to the WRX or the more "sporty" cars?
Thanks!
