Finally found an SC replacement
#1
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Thread Starter
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Okay my SC died a horrible death, but it was still the car I counted on as my favorite. I have been bit by the convertible bug and took my time picking a replacement.
My target budget $25,000
I thought about another SC but did not want to go that old again given the Failure to honor my warranty. The ISC never did it for me, so Lexus was off the table.
I really need 4 seats so the wonderful Boxster, Z4, SLK, and S2000 fell off the list.
Loved the BMW 3 and 6 series but they are known repair shop hogs after the third year.
Camaro and Mustang very nice with V6 versions that have plenty of power. Although they both have a bigger backseat then the SC it was still too small for my now 5'7 12 year old. Not a big fan of ragtops either so off the list.
Drove the Chrysler 200 and a Crossfire. Both felt like they were put together by monkeys. The crossfire rattled non-stop.
The winner a 2012 Volvo C70 T5 29,000 miles $23,450
Interior is much nicer than an IS, not in the same league as the SC
The 5 cylinder Turbo is no where as smooth as the SC
MPG respectable at 30mpg on regular gas
Sound system and cabin tech with Navi much better than SC
Back seat is comfortable for 2 full size adults
Safety hey it's a Volvo. Lane departure, blind spot warning, and accident avoidance
Handling and comfort much better than SC
Looks is subjective I prefer the SC
So hopefully for those of you getting up there in years this reasonably priced luxury convertible may make a good fit. Pics to follow...
My target budget $25,000
I thought about another SC but did not want to go that old again given the Failure to honor my warranty. The ISC never did it for me, so Lexus was off the table.
I really need 4 seats so the wonderful Boxster, Z4, SLK, and S2000 fell off the list.
Loved the BMW 3 and 6 series but they are known repair shop hogs after the third year.
Camaro and Mustang very nice with V6 versions that have plenty of power. Although they both have a bigger backseat then the SC it was still too small for my now 5'7 12 year old. Not a big fan of ragtops either so off the list.
Drove the Chrysler 200 and a Crossfire. Both felt like they were put together by monkeys. The crossfire rattled non-stop.
The winner a 2012 Volvo C70 T5 29,000 miles $23,450
Interior is much nicer than an IS, not in the same league as the SC
The 5 cylinder Turbo is no where as smooth as the SC
MPG respectable at 30mpg on regular gas
Sound system and cabin tech with Navi much better than SC
Back seat is comfortable for 2 full size adults
Safety hey it's a Volvo. Lane departure, blind spot warning, and accident avoidance
Handling and comfort much better than SC
Looks is subjective I prefer the SC
So hopefully for those of you getting up there in years this reasonably priced luxury convertible may make a good fit. Pics to follow...
#5
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Well you need to let us see the Volvo. Just 1 time!
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#10
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![](http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb46/kaiserseal/image.jpg)
![](http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb46/kaiserseal/image-2.jpg)
![](http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb46/kaiserseal/image-3.jpg)
![](http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb46/kaiserseal/image-1.jpg)
![](http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb46/kaiserseal/image-4.jpg)
![](http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb46/kaiserseal/image-5.jpg)
These are from the dealer's website, too lazy to take my own yet. So far i'm
really liking this car. They say that it's very reliable, but they said the same thing
about my SC. I have a warrantee until 2016 Which includes all maintenance
items and bumper-to-bumper repairs . The shocker is all the reviews said that
it's very good-looking. It looks kind of generic to me. Most
reviews called the SC ugly. In my Eyes the SC is a much better looking car.
The top opens up into three separate pieces which is kind of a neat looking trick.
The car also has roll bars that pop out in a accident I'm not sure if the SC has that. A big improvement is the full-size backseats and a trunk that even with the roof down
can still fit several bags. One pain this car shares with the SC is that it has to be
completely stopped in order to open the roof. This one is even more picky you
have to stop the car completely and put your foot down on the brake. Performance is about the same breaking and handling are a bit better. It has about every safety feature I've ever heard of. It also has a bit of understeer but you expect that from front-wheel-drive. My insurance cost actually significantly went up. Allstate explained that all of the sensors that make a car safer cost a lot of money to replace if there's an accident.
Nothing of any value was left in the car. Buying from a Mercedes dealer is definitely different than buying from a government auction. As for a name is has already been christened, "The Saint". For those of you who watch the old TV show he always drove Volvos, And Val Kilmer drove one in the remake. It also fits well because saint is in my name.
The stereo is probably the most amazing that I've ever heard. It is so nice to have
factory Bluetooth streaming, MP3 plugs and little bits and pieces that were not in my 2003.
The blind spot warning is really useful. I'll pop back in, in a while will let you guys know
what I think long term. The only thing I really miss is the SC interior. Like the SC this car is a luxury cruiser not a sports car. 2013 will be the last year for this model.
Too bad I can't do a transplant on a SC dash.
Thank you all for the good wishes.
Last edited by KaiserSea1; 05-20-13 at 07:55 PM.
#13
#14
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Thanks for the review. From what you have found, I too would consider this my next convertible. But for now I'm still in love with my SC 430.
My first car was a Volvo P444 I bought in High School. I sold it in college to get a Firebird convertible. What a power leap. I remember I made my Dad drive it home the night I bought it; I thought it was too fast. I'm a girl, ok? Not to worry, I got over that once the sun came out. The next surprise was to find out what a gas hog it was.
My first car was a Volvo P444 I bought in High School. I sold it in college to get a Firebird convertible. What a power leap. I remember I made my Dad drive it home the night I bought it; I thought it was too fast. I'm a girl, ok? Not to worry, I got over that once the sun came out. The next surprise was to find out what a gas hog it was.
#15
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I'm gonna agree with you on the interior. Much nicer in an SC...that center stack looks pretty ugly
But hows the seat comfort?
I sat in an S80 about 6 years ago at the LA auto show and i swear that was the most comfortable seat ever!
But hows the seat comfort?
I sat in an S80 about 6 years ago at the LA auto show and i swear that was the most comfortable seat ever!