2001 V70 XC, V2.4T or V2.5? Which to buy?

[Irwin M. Fletcher]

Hey all,
My wife and I are currently shopping for a volvo to replace her
Saturn.

We are expecting our first child in June, so we wanted to go with
something that is safe and offers a fair amount of room.

This led us to our local Volvo dealerships. We have found a 2001 XC
for around $28,000, a 2.4T for around $23,500 and a 2.5 for around
$26,500.

We have test driven the XC and the 2.4T, and we like the XC better -
it seemed to drive a little bit better, just seemed more solid if that
makes sense. We have not yet test driven the 2.5.

We are rather torn as to which model to go with.....So, I have a
couple of questions for you all:

1. What are your thoughts on which to buy? All of them have around the
same mileage (around 40,000), and their warranties all expire in mid
2007.
2. What is your experience in negotiating price? I have never bought a
new car, so I have no idea where to start in the negotiations.
3. Given the fact that I still will have an additional 3.5 years on
the warranty, do I add on another year for $599?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. We are looking to buy within
the next week.

Thanks much,
Ryan

 

[Stephen M. Henning]

1. What are your thoughts on which to buy? All of them have around the
same mileage (around 40,000), and their warranties all expire in mid
2007.

The '01 V70 XC has established an excellent record. The Volvo station
wagons in general hold their value the best of all Volvos. They also
have established the best safety records.

2. What is your experience in negotiating price? I have never bought a
new car, so I have no idea where to start in the negotiations.

It depends on the local market. If you want to bargain, you will
probably have to find something similar for less money to use as a
bargaining chip. What may be successful is to try to get some after
market accessory thrown in. I have gotten tailer hitches thrown in for
free. For an idea of the market in your area check out www.edmunds.com
and www.kelley.com

3. Given the fact that I still will have an additional 3.5 years on
the warranty, do I add on another year for $599?

In general it is not a good deal. However if a major repair would
serioiusly ruin your budget, the extended warranty may be a good value
for you.