My fiance is looking for a car. We have it down to two and would like
some suggestions/opinions on which one to go with.

2003 Volve S80 - 44,000 miles
2003 Acura TL - 27,000 miles

Price wise, they are going to be very comparable to each other so that
isn't too much of an issue. My main concern is mechanical reliability.
I have a lot of confidence in the Acura but am not sure about the Volvo
(no experience w/ these cars). She LOVES driving the Volvo. Based on
the extensive research (edmunds, msn, etc.) we've done so far when it
comes to reliability and cost to maintain, the Acura gets a slight nod.
I would like to keep this car for 5-10 years as it will be one of our
two primary cars.

Your thoughts?
(We may be making this decision as soon as tomorrow 8/1)

-diro

I can only confirm what you already know. The Volvo S80 is a much more
luxurious drive, I own one. But Acura may be more reliable.

The Volvo 2003 models are quite reliable, much more than the earlier models.
The ETM design flaws were rectified from 2002 onwards. The car might have
minor issues (like most things with moving parts) but nothing bad to leave
you stranded.

The S80 suspension does not like off-road environment nor huge potholes.

However it has
- generous boot space
- very comfy seats / leather is standard on all S80
- amazing Volvo proprietory sound system with dolby pro-logic + Ipod
interface with factory stereo can be easily fitted
- very safe, 6 airbags + side impact protection + whiplash protection
- economical / fuel efficient for its class
- generous rear view / side mirrors cover most blind spots
- temp guage / snow warning indicator (good if you live in cold climate)
- trip computer, average speed, fuel consumption computer indicators
- cruise control, stereo control, phone control on steering



<diroberts (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote

poopbunny wrote:
We went ahead and bought the 2003 Acura TL last week. It had only
24,000 miles (not 27k as I had previously stated). It was a no-brainer.
The car feels great and many of the items we've had fixed are under
warranty.

I just hope this car is as good to me as my 1997 Maxima SE has been.