[s-cars] 3 car seats?

[Brett Dikeman]

On Fri, Feb 5, 2010 at 11:50 AM, Cody Forbes <cody at 5000tq.com> wrote:
> My brother-in-law is looking to get rid of his Suburban with a budget
> of $3k. He's looking at sedans and wagons, primarily Volvos and Audis.
> He's not the primary transporter for the kids, but it needs to hold 3
> car seats.

The best thing I can think of that will be in the price range, have a
decent amount of room, and not be a deathtrap...is a late 960 / any
V90.

-Interior quality is focused on "durable", not luxury (except for
Volvo leather, notoriously fragile.)  This is a family hauler- no
surfaces need special care.  Carpets and mats are super-dense and
durable.
-The 'premium' stereo is downright excellent for an OEM radio.
Supports iPods with a pretty cheap adapter.
-Awesome headlights (No, seriously), great brakes, too- they don't
look very big, but they will haul the car down, fast.
-The inline 6 makes a lovely roar.  Volvo slowly bumped up the
HP+torque on them over the years. 180 to start, ended in the ballpark
of 200.  If it feels anemic or doesn't idle rock-solid (save speed
dips with AC), might need a new MAF.  The engine compartment is
simple, straightforward, and has huge amounts of space- piece of cake
to work on.
-The autobox's first gear will pull stumps away from stoplights
(helped by a LSD rear), has superb downshift manners, and will last
forever if flushed occasionally, according to the Sweden taxi / limo
fleet operators.  Manuals were an option, but exceedingly rare, I
think.
-Paint is some of the most durable I have ever seen/maintained.
-Really comfy seats, and puts away highway miles like nobody's business.
-RWD, so sucks in the snow (aren't you in FL?) but the steering is
pretty nice as a result (might need new bushings etc.)  It puts down
highway miles like nobody's business, and is very relaxing,
predictable, and fun in its own way to drive in a spirited fashion.
-Turns on a dime- say goodbye to three point turns.
-Great visibility all around.
-They are freakin' enormous boxes inside.  The only shame is that
Volvo didn't introduce folding passenger seats until much later.  With
the rear seats folded, it's a flat floor.
-A bazillion Volvo accessories available.  Cargo
covers/nets/partitions, cupholders, trashbag holders, you name it,
Volvo has it.

There are a few gotchas, like microswitches in the shift interlock,
and a coolant temperature sensor that likes to cause engine stalls
when it goes south...but nothing horrible in terms of labor or parts
costs.  I think it was the most trouble-free car my parents ever
owned.

Quick, someone tell Ed and Cobram that I just posted Volvo content...

-B