Audi people's opinions on non-Audi car . . .
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New Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 193
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Audi people's opinions on non-Audi car . . .
I hope this post isn't too off-topic, but I value all of your opinions, and feel that some of the most lucid discussions about cars in general are on this forum, so . . .
My wife has narrowed her search down to either a 2WD MB E320 wagon (used - '96 to '02 bodystyle), or a somewhat newer Volvo V70 wagon (present bodystyle). What would you guys steer her toward. We live in Michigan.
PS: She already passed on my All-Road suggestion (don't ask). ;-)
My wife has narrowed her search down to either a 2WD MB E320 wagon (used - '96 to '02 bodystyle), or a somewhat newer Volvo V70 wagon (present bodystyle). What would you guys steer her toward. We live in Michigan.
PS: She already passed on my All-Road suggestion (don't ask). ;-)
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 2
Not a big fan of that body style mercedes.
Plus Volvo looks much better than the Merc as a wagon. Which engine choice/drivetrain would you be going with on the Volvo V70? How many miles? Assuming lower miles, and at least the 2.4T motor, I think the Volvo would be a better choice.
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,000
Likes: 0
I traded my Volvo S70 AWD for the Audi that I drive now...
Volvo's are great cars; however, if you get the AWD, some of these systems are prone to repeated failure. If you maintain your car and rotate the tires with every oil change, you should not have a problem. Whatever vehicle you buy, get it checked by a reputable repair shop and purchase an extended warrantee...
New Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 181
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V70 R and Saab 9-5 Aero
Were my other two contenders, but neither could sway me from my S6!
The M-B is, of course, solid as a tank, and a very "safe" feeling car to drive. The V70 should be a bit more spirited, depending on the engine. The V70 R is quite a beast, but only really with the 6-speed. If it had any rear legroom, it would have been a closer race. So keep in mind, though, that the newest bodystyle of the V70 has very little legroom.
The Saab 9-5 is somewhat of a dated design, and the chassis does feel "old" to a certain extent, but if 2WD is what you are looking at, I really liked a lot of things about the 9-5 Aero. It had somewhat better legroom than the Volvo.
Good luck, Tom.
The M-B is, of course, solid as a tank, and a very "safe" feeling car to drive. The V70 should be a bit more spirited, depending on the engine. The V70 R is quite a beast, but only really with the 6-speed. If it had any rear legroom, it would have been a closer race. So keep in mind, though, that the newest bodystyle of the V70 has very little legroom.
The Saab 9-5 is somewhat of a dated design, and the chassis does feel "old" to a certain extent, but if 2WD is what you are looking at, I really liked a lot of things about the 9-5 Aero. It had somewhat better legroom than the Volvo.
Good luck, Tom.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 496
Likes: 0
Saab Wagon...
the boss here at work had the volvo V70 (his wife) and that car was always in the shop, he would have spent over 5k on the thing if he didn't have the extended warranty.
They traded the Volvo in for an FX35-much nicer vehicle!
The MB is ugly-but should last longer than the Volvo (have a friend who owns a body shop and he swears by those MB wagons). He tried to talk the wife and I into getting one before we got the A6 (which we both love).
They traded the Volvo in for an FX35-much nicer vehicle!
The MB is ugly-but should last longer than the Volvo (have a friend who owns a body shop and he swears by those MB wagons). He tried to talk the wife and I into getting one before we got the A6 (which we both love).
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Save some money. Passat V6 or W8. Mercedes quality has been suspect of late. V70 is based on the
old 850 - which was a decent car, if sometimes flawed.
Compare alldata info:
Bulletins for 2002 Volkswagen Passat GLX Wagon V6 V6-2771cc 2.8L DOHC (ATQ)
Service Bulletins
TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
1. 0104-05 APR 04 Engine Control Module - Unnecessary Replacement
2. 9404-01 MAR 04 Lighting - Headlamp Electrical Connection Repair
3. 9104-01 FEB 04 Audio System - CD Player/Changer Display ERR Code 1
4. 9104-02 FEB 04 Audio System - Radio Inoperative Following Replacement
5. 5004-01 JAN 04 Body - Industrial Fallout Paint Damage
6. 9103-02 DEC 03 Audio System - Radio ***** Loose/Broken
7. 0103-06 AUG 03 Keyless Entry - Remote Will Not Lock/Unlock Vehicle
8. 2003-02 MAY 03 Emissions - Evaporative Emissions System Testing
9. 1003-01 FEB 03 Engine - Replacement Precautions/Recommendations
10. 0102-06 SEP 02 Brakes/Steering/Suspension - DTC's 00778 & 01044 Stored
11. 2402-01 JUN 02 Emissions - Crankcase Breather Whistling/Howling Noise
12. 0102-03 JUN 02 Engine Controls - No Scan Tool Communication
13. 1702-03 MAY 02 Engine - W8 Whining Noise Between 1,100 & 1,500 RPM
14. 1702-01 APR 02 Engine Oil Cooler Hoses - Coolant leak
15. 9102-04 MAR 02 Audio System - Poor Radio Sound Quality/Bass
16. 9102-02 MAR 02 Radio - Poor Sound Quality/Insufficient L/H Side Bass
17. 0102-02 MAR 02 Immobilizer System - Obtaining PIN Number
18. 0102-01 FEB 02 Diagnostic Tester - 7 Digit Immobilizer PIN Update
19. 6902-01 FEB 02 Deployed Air Bag - Repair Warning
20. 6802-01 FEB 02 Armrest Lid - Latch release Mechanism Broken
21. 9102-01 JAN 02 Premium VI Radio - Controls Do Not Respond
22. 9101-05 NOV 01 Radio (Premium VI) - Maximum Turn-On Volume Inoperative
23. 4401-05 AUG 01 Alloy Wheels - Cleaning Procedure
24. 7001-02 AUG 01 Interior Fabrics, Vinyls and Plastics - Dirty or Soiled
25. 7001-01 AUG 01 Leather Upholstery - Dirty/Stained
26. 5001-01 AUG 01 Paint - Swirl Mark and Fine Scratch Reduction
27. MAINTVMS01-03 AUG 01 Scheduled Maintenance - Procedures Update
28. 0101-04 AUG 01 ECM - MIL ON, DTCs P0604, P0605, P0606 ECM Defective
____________________
Bulletins for 2002 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8-3999cc 4.0L DOHC (BDP)
Service Bulletins
TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
1. 0104-05 APR 04 Engine Control Module - Unnecessary Replacement
2. 9404-01 MAR 04 Lighting - Headlamp Electrical Connection Repair
3. 9104-01 FEB 04 Audio System - CD Player/Changer Display ERR Code 1
4. 9104-02 FEB 04 Audio System - Radio Inoperative Following Replacement
5. 5004-01 JAN 04 Body - Industrial Fallout Paint Damage
6. 9103-02 DEC 03 Audio System - Radio ***** Loose/Broken
7. 0103-06 AUG 03 Keyless Entry - Remote Will Not Lock/Unlock Vehicle
8. 2003-02 MAY 03 Emissions - Evaporative Emissions System Testing
9. 0103-03 APR 03 Emissions - False DTC P0456
10. 1003-01 FEB 03 Engine - Replacement Precautions/Recommendations
11. 2403-01 JAN 03 Engine - Intake Manifold Alignment Pin Precautions
12. 0102-06 SEP 02 Brakes/Steering/Suspension - DTC's 00778 & 01044 Stored
13. 1702-02 MAY 02 Engine - Oil Capacity/Specification
_________________________
Bulletins for 2002 Mercedes Benz E 320 Wagon (210.265) V6-3199cc 3.2L SOHC (112.941)
Service Bulletins
TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
1. S-07_61-039A MAR 04 Engine Controls - DTC Trouble Shooting
2. P-00_45-77 FEB 04 Interior - Squeaking/Creaking Noise Kit
3. P-82_95-305 FEB 04 Emergency Contact/Alarm System - System 'Runaway'
4. P-07_00-28F FEB 04 Engine Controls - Lack of Power/Hesitation/MIL ON
5. S-01_30-15 FEB 04 Engine - Cylinder Wall Damage Assesment
6. S-49_10-08 FEB 04 Exhaust System - Rattling/Hissing/Humming Noises
7. P-40_10-43 JAN 04 Tires - Michelin Pilot Sport A/S(R) Tires Not Approved
8. S-18_00-16A DEC 03 Gasoline Engine - Oil Sludging
9. P-83_40-68 OCT 03 A/C - Unnecessary Blower Motor Replacement
10. P-82_60-292 SEP 03 Audio System - Volume **** Damaged
11. P-82_85-288 SEP 03 COMAND(R) System - Unable to Enter New Destination
12. P-82_00-260 JUL 03 Audio System - Dual Sided CD's Won't Eject
13. P-07_07-34 JUL 03 Engine Controls - MIL ON/Multiple DTC's Set
14. P-82_85-264 JUL 03 Navigation System - Inoperative/Erroneous Guidance
15. P-46_20-12 JUL 03 Steering - Squeaking Noise
16. P-82_10-257 JUN 03 Lighting - Headlamp Bulbs Inoperative
17. P-82_10-256 JUN 03 Lighting - Condensation In Fog Lamps
18. P-20_10-23 MAY 03 Cooling System - Water Pump Leakage
19. P-82_70-222 MAR 03 Cell Phone - Phone Won't Fasten Into Cradle Holder
20. P-67_00-09 MAR 03 Body - Windshield/Rear Glass Body Seam Corrosion
21. S-07_61-27A MAR 03 Engine Controls - ECM Reprogramming Procedure
22. P-80_57-20 FEB 03 Audio System - RF Interference Explanation
23. P-82_85-210 NOV 02 Navigation/GPS System - Various Malfunctions
24. P-82_62-169B OCT 02 Audio System - Various CD Player Malfunctions
25. S-82_70-135B OCT 02 Fiber Optics System - Configuration/Version Coding
26. S-82_85-205 SEP 02 COMAND(R) System - Various Malfunctions
27. P-18_00-17A JUL 02 Engine - Approved Engine Oils
28. P-82_85-198 JUL 02 COMAND(R) System - No Sound/Whistling
29. P-47_10-16A FEB 02 Instruments - Fuel Gauge Inaccuracy
30. P-47_10-23 FEB 02 Fuel System - MIL ON/DTC P03XX (Misfire)
31. S-82_70-179A FEB 02 Cellular Phone - V60 Programming Instructions
32. P-80_30-13 NOV 01 Smart Key(R) - Download Time
33. P-47_20-17 OCT 01 Fuel System - Hard Start After Fuel Filter Replacement
34. P-40_10-33A OCT 01 Tires - Approved Winter/Summer Tires
35. P-82_85-170 SEP 01 COMAND(R) System - Incorrect ETA Calculation Displayed
36. P-82_85-171 SEP 01 COMAND(R) System - Instrument Display Not Centered
37. P-80_57-11 AUG 01 Ignition System - Electronic Ignition Switch Replacement
38. P-18_40-14 AUG 01 Engine Controls - Implausible Oil Level Messages
39. P-01_00-10 AUG 01 Alternator - Mounting Bolt Identification/Application
40. P-91_60-48 AUG 01 Air Bag System - Side Impact Sensor Replacement
41. 2000100002 AUG 01 Front Longitudinal Members - Subsequent Coating
42. P-99_00-265 JUL 01 Vehicle - Technical Information Update Announcement
43. P-40_10-37 JUN 01 Wheels/Tires - Short Design Lug Bolts
_________________________
Bulletins for 2002 Volvo V70 2.4T L5-2435cc 2.4L Turbo VIN 58 B5244T3 LT
Safety Recalls
TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
1. 3360024 FEB 04 Recall - Brake Light Relay Replacement
2. 08111 JAN 03 Recall - Trailer Hitch Defect
Emissions Recalls
TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
1. 2280013 NOV 03 Recall - EVAP System Software Upgrade
General Recalls
TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
1. 3390040 NOV 03 Campaign - Radio/CD Player Replacement
Service Bulletins
TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
1. 2210051 FEB 04 Engine - Knock/Rattles/Low Power/DTC's Set
2. 2210052 JAN 04 Engine - Cylinder Block Seal Plug Installation
3. 8850032 JAN 04 Interior - Headliner Clip Replacement
4. 5510007 NOV 03 Brakes - Resonance/Vibration
5. 2250031 NOV 03 Exhaust System - Resonance/Vibration
6. 8850033 SEP 03 Interior - Front Seat Noise/Rocking Motion
7. 8850029 JUL 03 Interior - Seat Edge Trim Installation
8. 7720006 JUL 03 Suspension - Resonance/Vibration
9. 8830041 JUN 03 Audio System - Door Speaker Noise
10. 8850027 MAY 03 Interior - Door Panel Insert Loose
11. 2210040 APR 03 Engine - In-Car Piston Replacement
12. 2210049 APR 03 Engine - Updated Rear Crankshaft Seal Replacement
13. 772005 JAN 03 Suspension - Front Spring/Strut Replacement
Compare alldata info:
Bulletins for 2002 Volkswagen Passat GLX Wagon V6 V6-2771cc 2.8L DOHC (ATQ)
Service Bulletins
TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
1. 0104-05 APR 04 Engine Control Module - Unnecessary Replacement
2. 9404-01 MAR 04 Lighting - Headlamp Electrical Connection Repair
3. 9104-01 FEB 04 Audio System - CD Player/Changer Display ERR Code 1
4. 9104-02 FEB 04 Audio System - Radio Inoperative Following Replacement
5. 5004-01 JAN 04 Body - Industrial Fallout Paint Damage
6. 9103-02 DEC 03 Audio System - Radio ***** Loose/Broken
7. 0103-06 AUG 03 Keyless Entry - Remote Will Not Lock/Unlock Vehicle
8. 2003-02 MAY 03 Emissions - Evaporative Emissions System Testing
9. 1003-01 FEB 03 Engine - Replacement Precautions/Recommendations
10. 0102-06 SEP 02 Brakes/Steering/Suspension - DTC's 00778 & 01044 Stored
11. 2402-01 JUN 02 Emissions - Crankcase Breather Whistling/Howling Noise
12. 0102-03 JUN 02 Engine Controls - No Scan Tool Communication
13. 1702-03 MAY 02 Engine - W8 Whining Noise Between 1,100 & 1,500 RPM
14. 1702-01 APR 02 Engine Oil Cooler Hoses - Coolant leak
15. 9102-04 MAR 02 Audio System - Poor Radio Sound Quality/Bass
16. 9102-02 MAR 02 Radio - Poor Sound Quality/Insufficient L/H Side Bass
17. 0102-02 MAR 02 Immobilizer System - Obtaining PIN Number
18. 0102-01 FEB 02 Diagnostic Tester - 7 Digit Immobilizer PIN Update
19. 6902-01 FEB 02 Deployed Air Bag - Repair Warning
20. 6802-01 FEB 02 Armrest Lid - Latch release Mechanism Broken
21. 9102-01 JAN 02 Premium VI Radio - Controls Do Not Respond
22. 9101-05 NOV 01 Radio (Premium VI) - Maximum Turn-On Volume Inoperative
23. 4401-05 AUG 01 Alloy Wheels - Cleaning Procedure
24. 7001-02 AUG 01 Interior Fabrics, Vinyls and Plastics - Dirty or Soiled
25. 7001-01 AUG 01 Leather Upholstery - Dirty/Stained
26. 5001-01 AUG 01 Paint - Swirl Mark and Fine Scratch Reduction
27. MAINTVMS01-03 AUG 01 Scheduled Maintenance - Procedures Update
28. 0101-04 AUG 01 ECM - MIL ON, DTCs P0604, P0605, P0606 ECM Defective
____________________
Bulletins for 2002 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8-3999cc 4.0L DOHC (BDP)
Service Bulletins
TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
1. 0104-05 APR 04 Engine Control Module - Unnecessary Replacement
2. 9404-01 MAR 04 Lighting - Headlamp Electrical Connection Repair
3. 9104-01 FEB 04 Audio System - CD Player/Changer Display ERR Code 1
4. 9104-02 FEB 04 Audio System - Radio Inoperative Following Replacement
5. 5004-01 JAN 04 Body - Industrial Fallout Paint Damage
6. 9103-02 DEC 03 Audio System - Radio ***** Loose/Broken
7. 0103-06 AUG 03 Keyless Entry - Remote Will Not Lock/Unlock Vehicle
8. 2003-02 MAY 03 Emissions - Evaporative Emissions System Testing
9. 0103-03 APR 03 Emissions - False DTC P0456
10. 1003-01 FEB 03 Engine - Replacement Precautions/Recommendations
11. 2403-01 JAN 03 Engine - Intake Manifold Alignment Pin Precautions
12. 0102-06 SEP 02 Brakes/Steering/Suspension - DTC's 00778 & 01044 Stored
13. 1702-02 MAY 02 Engine - Oil Capacity/Specification
_________________________
Bulletins for 2002 Mercedes Benz E 320 Wagon (210.265) V6-3199cc 3.2L SOHC (112.941)
Service Bulletins
TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
1. S-07_61-039A MAR 04 Engine Controls - DTC Trouble Shooting
2. P-00_45-77 FEB 04 Interior - Squeaking/Creaking Noise Kit
3. P-82_95-305 FEB 04 Emergency Contact/Alarm System - System 'Runaway'
4. P-07_00-28F FEB 04 Engine Controls - Lack of Power/Hesitation/MIL ON
5. S-01_30-15 FEB 04 Engine - Cylinder Wall Damage Assesment
6. S-49_10-08 FEB 04 Exhaust System - Rattling/Hissing/Humming Noises
7. P-40_10-43 JAN 04 Tires - Michelin Pilot Sport A/S(R) Tires Not Approved
8. S-18_00-16A DEC 03 Gasoline Engine - Oil Sludging
9. P-83_40-68 OCT 03 A/C - Unnecessary Blower Motor Replacement
10. P-82_60-292 SEP 03 Audio System - Volume **** Damaged
11. P-82_85-288 SEP 03 COMAND(R) System - Unable to Enter New Destination
12. P-82_00-260 JUL 03 Audio System - Dual Sided CD's Won't Eject
13. P-07_07-34 JUL 03 Engine Controls - MIL ON/Multiple DTC's Set
14. P-82_85-264 JUL 03 Navigation System - Inoperative/Erroneous Guidance
15. P-46_20-12 JUL 03 Steering - Squeaking Noise
16. P-82_10-257 JUN 03 Lighting - Headlamp Bulbs Inoperative
17. P-82_10-256 JUN 03 Lighting - Condensation In Fog Lamps
18. P-20_10-23 MAY 03 Cooling System - Water Pump Leakage
19. P-82_70-222 MAR 03 Cell Phone - Phone Won't Fasten Into Cradle Holder
20. P-67_00-09 MAR 03 Body - Windshield/Rear Glass Body Seam Corrosion
21. S-07_61-27A MAR 03 Engine Controls - ECM Reprogramming Procedure
22. P-80_57-20 FEB 03 Audio System - RF Interference Explanation
23. P-82_85-210 NOV 02 Navigation/GPS System - Various Malfunctions
24. P-82_62-169B OCT 02 Audio System - Various CD Player Malfunctions
25. S-82_70-135B OCT 02 Fiber Optics System - Configuration/Version Coding
26. S-82_85-205 SEP 02 COMAND(R) System - Various Malfunctions
27. P-18_00-17A JUL 02 Engine - Approved Engine Oils
28. P-82_85-198 JUL 02 COMAND(R) System - No Sound/Whistling
29. P-47_10-16A FEB 02 Instruments - Fuel Gauge Inaccuracy
30. P-47_10-23 FEB 02 Fuel System - MIL ON/DTC P03XX (Misfire)
31. S-82_70-179A FEB 02 Cellular Phone - V60 Programming Instructions
32. P-80_30-13 NOV 01 Smart Key(R) - Download Time
33. P-47_20-17 OCT 01 Fuel System - Hard Start After Fuel Filter Replacement
34. P-40_10-33A OCT 01 Tires - Approved Winter/Summer Tires
35. P-82_85-170 SEP 01 COMAND(R) System - Incorrect ETA Calculation Displayed
36. P-82_85-171 SEP 01 COMAND(R) System - Instrument Display Not Centered
37. P-80_57-11 AUG 01 Ignition System - Electronic Ignition Switch Replacement
38. P-18_40-14 AUG 01 Engine Controls - Implausible Oil Level Messages
39. P-01_00-10 AUG 01 Alternator - Mounting Bolt Identification/Application
40. P-91_60-48 AUG 01 Air Bag System - Side Impact Sensor Replacement
41. 2000100002 AUG 01 Front Longitudinal Members - Subsequent Coating
42. P-99_00-265 JUL 01 Vehicle - Technical Information Update Announcement
43. P-40_10-37 JUN 01 Wheels/Tires - Short Design Lug Bolts
_________________________
Bulletins for 2002 Volvo V70 2.4T L5-2435cc 2.4L Turbo VIN 58 B5244T3 LT
Safety Recalls
TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
1. 3360024 FEB 04 Recall - Brake Light Relay Replacement
2. 08111 JAN 03 Recall - Trailer Hitch Defect
Emissions Recalls
TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
1. 2280013 NOV 03 Recall - EVAP System Software Upgrade
General Recalls
TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
1. 3390040 NOV 03 Campaign - Radio/CD Player Replacement
Service Bulletins
TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
1. 2210051 FEB 04 Engine - Knock/Rattles/Low Power/DTC's Set
2. 2210052 JAN 04 Engine - Cylinder Block Seal Plug Installation
3. 8850032 JAN 04 Interior - Headliner Clip Replacement
4. 5510007 NOV 03 Brakes - Resonance/Vibration
5. 2250031 NOV 03 Exhaust System - Resonance/Vibration
6. 8850033 SEP 03 Interior - Front Seat Noise/Rocking Motion
7. 8850029 JUL 03 Interior - Seat Edge Trim Installation
8. 7720006 JUL 03 Suspension - Resonance/Vibration
9. 8830041 JUN 03 Audio System - Door Speaker Noise
10. 8850027 MAY 03 Interior - Door Panel Insert Loose
11. 2210040 APR 03 Engine - In-Car Piston Replacement
12. 2210049 APR 03 Engine - Updated Rear Crankshaft Seal Replacement
13. 772005 JAN 03 Suspension - Front Spring/Strut Replacement
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 21,644
Likes: 0
From: Chino CA
Re: Saab Aero
I was a long time Saab owner before I got the A6. Never had trouble with them. I suspect I will buy another if my wife decides to drive again. Selling off the 9-3 was like giving up my child for adoption, ha!