Wagons are a rare but not forgotten breed nowadays. A few automakers have stuck with the wagon formula, with Volvo and Saab having offered wagons for many years.
While they are comparable when it comes to size, the Saab 9-5 is a pretty penny more than the V70 — actually, about $6,000 worth. The starting price for the Volvo V70 is $32,465 and the Saab 9-5 is $38,470. The smaller Saab 9-3 wagon is more closely priced to the V70 at $29,250, but you lose interior space compared to the larger 9-5 and V70.
The V70 has received praise from our reviewers for its smooth ride and quality interior, and it would be our recommendation. But if sports appeal is important to you, the Saab 9-5 is the sportier wagon of the two.
Gas mileage for the V70 is unimpressive, however, Cars.com reviewer Mike Hanley reported in his review of the V70, especially for a front-wheel-drive wagon: 16/24 mpg city/highway. The Saab does marginally better in that regard — 17/26 — but not nearly enough to justify the extra overall cost.
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Tony,
They may be more expensive than a Subaru or Dodge (only cheap wagons I could think of). This is the question. It doesn't help to tell the person you can get by with a Subaru if they're shopping Saab and Volvo.
That said the Volvo V70 is an all-new model so there isn't any history of its reliability yet. Both Volvo and Saab are rated Above Average in J.D. Power's most recent study although that ranking is midway on the scale. to me that means average.
Also, don't Saabs have ridiculous rebates? I've seen some as high as $5,000.
I'd go with the Volvo. The interior alone is reason enough.
Saabs have very high rebates, yes. The Saab 9-5, as Tony points out, has had a few issues, but at going on ten years of production, that is long in the past now.
As for the interiors, I've not been in a V70. However, the S40 that I was in recently has a very crappy interior. The 9-5 interior is very, very good -- the seats still get raves from the car guys.
I'd go for the Saab because the performance is better and the potential for tuning it for even better performance is there. Plus, I just never have liked the Volvo design language.
X-Type Wagon is gone?
Dave T,
I didn't say, "don't buy Volvo". I didn't say, "Buy Subaru".
In my view Subarus are not passenger friendly cars. Very cramped. Volvo V70 is very accommodating.
All I’ve said that the value of named cars is bad.
It depends, do you live at altitude?
If yes, get the turbo Saab 9-5 'SportCombi'
and if you can get a 5 speed stick, if you are so inclinded.
otherwise, get the Volvo V70, the new Inline6 engine is nice, same with the 6 speed automatic.
Tony,
If you think the value of the named cars are bad, look a 3-series BMW and you'll add $5K in features and $15k for the name. Audi? Add $15k over the named wagons and put up with the VW quirks.
Personally, I'd take either of the named wagons as an alternative to a mini van, which are in the same price range these days anyway.
Tony, name some of the BAD problems with V70 and 9-5.
It's a shame though they only ship big engines over here. Volvo offers a 5 cylinder 2.4 and a 2.4 diesel, and Saab a 2.0 and a 1.9 Diesel in Europe.
Perhaps our current gas price will give us more engines to choose from?
Mike,
I can name bad problems, but I am not going to go over all cars with bad value. Question here was about 2 specific models.
Also, when you load V70 it will be close to $40K.
But one thing that you've said really bothers me. Quote: "... I'd take either of the named wagons as an alternative to a mini van..."
Mike, no wagon and not even SUV can be an alternative to a minivan. The minivan is the best vehicle you can think of. You are not going to get the comfort and utility of the minivan in V70. Don't kid yourself.
V70:
Periodic problems on this vehicle are the failure of the Engine Intake Valves, Leak Detection Pump and Crankcase Ventilation Hose under the intake manifold.
(All these will run you north of $2000)
Battery: Poor radio reception may be caused by a magnetic field created because the battery is located in the trunk and the positive battery cable is routed through the vehicle. Owners in Sweden who complained were offered a repair kit. (2000-01)
Climate control: The climate control may cycle from full hot to full cold about every 10 seconds if the control module forgets its calibration and continuously tries to recalibrate itself. (2005-06)
Dashboard lights: If liquids leak into the center console it can short the mode switch which illuminates the check-engine light. (2000-01)
None: Alternator fails due to high heat or humidity and an improved unit is available. (1999-2002)
9-5:
An occasional problem on this vehicle is the failure of the Heat Exchanger Housing for the Automatic Climate Control. (This is ~$1000). An occasional problem on this vehicle is the failure of the Ignition Cassette Module, 4 cylinder engine only. This problem will prevent the engine from starting.
Cold-starting problems: Starting problems (both hot and cold) are corrected by having the ECM reprogrammed. (1999)
Dashboard lights: Water can leak into the antilock brake module causing warning light to come on. (1999-2000)
Electrical problem: About 600 cars were being recalled to have the wiring harness rerouted because it was too close to the ABS bracket. (1999)
Electrical problem: Intermittent no-crank caused by primary electrical connection nut working loose. (2000-04)
None: Lack of power and no turbocharger boost because clip breaks on waste gate actuator arm. (1999-2002)
Poor transmission shift: The shifter may not move from the park position. Dealers were replacing shift-lock solenoids in a customer-service recall campaign. (1999-2000)
Security alarm: A defective antitheft siren causes a "check theft alarm" message. The company notified owners to have it replaced at no charge. (1999)
Water leak: Water leaks in some cars is caused by a hole created during the welding at the factory and must be plugged with a sealer. (1999-2000)
Tony,
A quick review of the problem tracking sites will reveal a good variety of problems for any vehicle...some minor, some major (heck, my saturn has the same issue as the Saab when it comes to starting). I am an equal opportunity basher in this category as I've had experiences with a great number of manufacturers through work. Although the european and asian imports have generally been better, they still have their fair share of issues.
My comment about preferring a wagon to a minivan is a statement of my personal bias. I'm not a fan of the minivan...although they do move people well and are a nice alternative to the old 15 passenger vans, I still prefer something closer to a sedan. My experience has been that the wagon provides less interference from cross-winds, is more professional looking (important in my current position), generally fit taller drivers better (european wagon vs asian van) and are generally better powered / get better fuel economy assuming you drive sanely. Plus, although not as flat out cargo capable, most wagons do provide pretty decent space when compared to a minivan.
Besides, with the prices of some minivans these days, at least locally to me, you're in the same range as a Saab or Volvo wagon anyway.
I own a 99 V70 GLT and my wife owns an 02 V70 Turbo. I can tell you that both V70s are the most comfortable cars I have ever been in. The 2.4 Turbo motor is a workhorse and will last a few hundred thousand miles at least. I also have a 1990 Volvo 240 that has close to 400,000 miles on it and still averages 24 mpg and starts on the coldest days.
Yes, Volvos have their electrical quirks and dealer maintenance is ridiculous but they wont ever leave you stranded. As far as fuel mileage, my wife average 28 mpg. Mine is around 24 mpg because my driving isn't as conservative.
Don't let anyone tell you the V70 isn't sporty. Go drive one.
My only piece of advice is DON'T BUY A NEW ONE. Volvos last forever and buying one with 50,000 miles is like buying a new American car. And for God's sake, don't have it serviced at a dealer.
owning a 9-5, and would own either a 9-5 sportcombi or V70 I have to say... either, or. depending. both are deff worthy, in disagreement to ton, BUT in agreement that both have a tendancy/history of "issues". I have reviewed those of volvos but can't recall offhand or speak personally, but I sure can re: saab 9-5. numerous and quirky. electrical mostly but not limited to. and they are fairly commonplace. whether I would like to admit it or not, I will. they are NOT toyota's or Hondas in this regard. But I would buy yet another (looking at it actually.) in a heartbeat. the advantages/plus' outweigh the negative/niggling issues "to me". the saab 9-5 gets "real world" mpg superior to the V70 so it comes down to awd or no need. if no need... then the might 9-5 win. to each their own but they can indeed be monetarily worth it. depending on the individual buyer. to the reference to the interior of the V50/s40... they can indeed be very nice, depending on the individual vehicle. and minivan? for hauling 8 people or tall cargo, sure. cruising a couple hundred miles a day while having substantial hauling capability you can't beat a 9-5 wagon.
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Neither V70 nor 9-5 make any monetary sense.
Both w-a-a-a-ay too expensive for the content. Both are fuel-thirsty.
Both have history of BAD problems.