[s-cars] 3 car seats?

[john at westcoastgarage.net]

Brett Dikeman wrote:
> 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
>
>   
There are issues with the aluminum inline six.  Mostly with the block 
cracking lengthwise below the exhaust manifold.  Not an engine I'd 
pick.  (Gratuitous Volvo Content.........)

John