Si_s Supe Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 So, the Supra has gone, the proceeds of which have cleared all my debts ready to get saving for a deposit so we can get on that dreaded property ladder! I'm now driving around in what was my daily, a '98 Fiesta 1.3. As fine as that is for beating to and from work, it's the last car you want to climb into for a motorway run and it is gutless to say the least. So, I've got about £4000 left over from the sale and think I'm going to go for a nice comfy DERV that'll give me similar'ish running costs but with a bit of poke, comfort and refinement. I've narrowed it down to an S60 D5 (163bhp) or an Accord i-CDTi (140bhp) My mate has an S60 and it is a really really nice place to be. It's got all the toys I'd want, is ÜBER comfy and although it's a DERV, the 5cyl engine has a bloody lovely note to it! The Accord looks slightly better IMO (which isn't the be all and end all now really...neither are a Supra!!) it is a bit cheaper to tax and gets a few more MPG but it seems a bit cheaper and more plasticky inside. I'll probably have to pay a little bit more for a nice Accord too. Any input on either of these would be appreciated, or perhaps suggestions of another car I may have overlooked? Whatever it is must be comfy, reasonably sized and have cruise control! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobUK Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 If the accord has the same engine as the crv then I would recommend it... After the supra I really do like the crv... I test drove the petrol which was a dog in comparison... Not a Volvo person do can't comment either way.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si_s Supe Posted March 25, 2012 Author Share Posted March 25, 2012 Yep, the same 2.2 4cyl 140bhp 251lbs/ft engine as the CRV. My Dad has a CRV with this engine and it is definafely a lovely engine but not quite as refined or powerful as the Volvo one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobUK Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 I guess it just depends on how you feel about each car... I use the crv for 2 dogs and a hobby which involves driving round farmers fields with trailers so it's ideal for me and I haven't managed to get it stuck yet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaz6002 Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 The Volvo all day long. That engine is sweet, it'll never break down and it's nowhere near as boring as the Honda. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyT Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 A mate has the Honda and you're right, it's feels a cheaper place to be compared to the Volvo, but, he took it in for a basic service got it back and the man said that he'd heard a noise from a wheel. Changed the bearing free of charge. My mate worked in the garage trade and has never come across such support. Apparently a lot of Honda parts come with lifetime guarantee. The Volvo does have class though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham S Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 I'd have to say the D5 is an amazing engine. Like you say, does sound good and goes rather well. The accord, personal opinion, sounds a little more agricultural, very expensive for parts and not the nicest of cars to service. The volvo on the other hand, is far cheaper. Also, go for an auto model. The S60 is a nice place to be. comfy, quiet and plenty of room, have you looked into the S70 or 80, them being slightly roomier. You'll find a better spec'd Volvo for the same price as the Accord. With all the Accord's we've had in, every one has either broken or repaired DVD navigation units and quite a few honda diesels have had alternator problems and they cost a stupid amount. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Havard Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 I would go for the Volvo too. Under rated at it's best. H. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_jza80 Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 The Volvo. The Accords interior is very poor quality in comparison, the plastics are very brittle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si_s Supe Posted March 25, 2012 Author Share Posted March 25, 2012 Well the Volvo does sound the better option to me. Graham S, I'd prefer to have an auto for that added laid back comfort, but they are a fair bit juicier than the manual which then starts to defeat the object of getting the diesel on the economy side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Havard Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 Well the Volvo does sound the better option to me. Graham S' date=' I'd prefer to have an auto for that added laid back comfort, but they are a fair bit juicier than the manual which then starts to defeat the object of getting the diesel on the economy side.[/quote'] Go for a manual. Once moving on the motorway you hardly change gear anyway. If you do a lot of town driving and you are lazy, then get an auto. H. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si_s Supe Posted March 25, 2012 Author Share Posted March 25, 2012 Go for a manual. Once moving on the motorway you hardly change gear anyway. If you do a lot of town driving and you are lazy, then get an auto. H. Agreed. I do like the idea of auto, I did enjoy driving my auto C70 T5...sometimes, but it has to be said, Volvo's auto boxes are crap!! Soooooo lazy!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_jza80 Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 Agreed. I do like the idea of auto' date=' I did enjoy driving my auto C70 T5...sometimes, but it has to be said, Volvo's auto boxes are crap!! Soooooo lazy!![/quote'] The ones I've used are fine, the only niggle I find is that in the S80s and XC90s, they can be a little sluggish pulling out at junctions. Once you're aware of it there's no problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si_s Supe Posted March 25, 2012 Author Share Posted March 25, 2012 To be fair, with the C70 it was more the kick down that bothered me. You floored it and it seemed to take an eternity (more like about 1 sec) before it did anything. When it did finally wake up it was like a rocket ship! I guess this wouldn't be too much of an issue with a diesel though as I wouldn't be buying it to drive hard! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h89mps Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 I used to own a 2.2 i-cdti, it's a real good engine. Even with over 110k miles it didn't give me any problems, it felt as though it was still brand new. Although 140hp doesn't sound like much, it's got enough torque for you to overtake most others on the road easily. If that's not enough power for you, with just a remap you can get 180hp+. Also another car I would consider is the BMW 320d. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GJD Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 I do like the 5 cylinder engine in my S60 D5. If you want to forget the economy for a moment and have a bit of a play, you can push it along quite fast enough to have plenty of fun. And inside is a really comfortable place to be if you're just going to sit down and drive for hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.