NewNiceMrMe Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 ....but not for me, for the wife. You are going to absolutely love it mate! After a tortuous few weeks that a number of users will know about, we eventually gave in on trying to get a dealer to talk sense on a used model. No matter what we tried, no-one could talk sense and they didn't seem to like my negotiating needs. So, after a phone call in the last hour (that follows a good 10 days of visits!), a dealership has eventually agreed to do the deal on a brand new one, with the delivery date yet TBA, but probably within the next 6-8 weeks. Being new I don't have pictures of the actual car of course but I've found these ones that are pretty much identical. Volvo XC90 2.4 D5 SE (Euro IV) Black Sapphire Metallic with Arena (beige) leather SE Winter Pack Geartronic Dolby Premium Sound Pack Dark Tinted Rear Windows This last one shows the seat layout but it's a different trim colour. Anyway, the wife is very happy and overall the deal on a new one was much better than on used. Volvo dealers aren't easy to deal with though. Trying to find one that would negotiate in any way approaching sensible has been difficult. I also had a bit of an experience when I first when to a Volvo dealers. See, I turned up in my normal scruffy attire yet driving the 6 series. I parked it pretty much at the end of the forecourt and I don't think anyone saw me walk from it to the showroom. So I talked to a salesman and told him it would be a 320d SE coming in part exchange....only for the cheeky twat to question the 'jump' from a 320d to an XC90. He moreorless said 'are you sure you can afford it'. Not a very good start at all. Ok so I had jeans and a rugby style top on with some rather tatty shoes, but so what? He walked out onto the forecourt with me pretty much letting anything I said go in one ear and out the other (he certainly wasn't listening). Until that is I blipped the keyfob on the 6 and he said 'Is this yours'? I replied in the positive and then told him the 320d was my wifes and thats who the XC90 was for. All of a sudden he was interested. Feck off. Sale lost. No, I didn't buy from the dealer. EDITED TO ADD: We were also struggling to get the spec she wanted on a Used Car. The variations between S, SE, SE Premium, Executive's and what-not on an XC90 are mind boggling. Just when you thought you'd found the right car....you discovered it had something missing, or was manual, or, well you get the idea. Nonetheless, I tried deals on 5, yes 5, used models but it would appear they're happier to have them sat in stock than actually make an effort to sell them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pincher Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 Serves him right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesB Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 I had a similar experience with a Volvo dealer when I went to enquire about the S60R before it came out (just out of interest, of course - I wanted to compare it to the S4 and M3). I was in jeans and T-shirt and probably looked younger than the average potential S60R buyer. The salesman implicitly questioned my ability to buy it and, once I managed to get him talking, he knew less about the car than I did (which wasn't very much). Surprise, surprise, I didn't bother going back. So, MrMe (if that is your real name), is the 320 not big enough for the school run? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted February 4, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 He was particularly smug twat actually. I pretty much knew within seconds of meeting him that we weren't going to get on. It was the fact that as I started describing what I wanted he turned away and spoke to a colleague for 20-30 seconds about something to do with another customers car! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted February 4, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 [ QUOTE ] So, MrMe (if that is your real name), is the 320 not big enough for the school run? [/ QUOTE ] It is yes, but we find it doesn't cause quite the amount of inconvenience for other road users that we'd like. My wife can park it half on/half off with kerb without other drivers having to squeeze past. It's just not big enough to cause real traffic congestion issues. Furthermore, we find that you can't intimidate drivers by driving over their roofs. The 320d struggles to get over anything that has all but the most sloped rear hatch. Then there is the fact that she finds the 1mm of snow we occasionally get causes her to slow by 1-2mph in the 320d. In the XC90 she'll be able to go twice the speed, knock other people out of the way, hurl abuse at them for driving toytown cars and generally be a total bitch. See, such a plausible purchase. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenjaminTDI Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 Nice car MrMe. I have heard the D5 is a nice engine for the XC90. Shame about the dealer experience, it takes a while to find a friendly one sadly. Just out of interest, what made you choose the XC90 over the touareg, x5, ML, discovery? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N3WOB Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 Had a ride in one of those not so long ago and was pretty impressed, very plush inside Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted February 4, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Touareg, x5, ML, discovery? [/ QUOTE ] Good question. To begin with my wife has always liked the XC90. From the first day she saw one she's always passed comment on wanting a black one with 'blacked out windows' (must be the chavvy drug dealer in her). The only car that was ever going to be serious competition for it in her mind was the X5 3.0d Sport. There is a Le Mans edition which we looked at but maybe the X5's success has lead to it's own downfall in some ways. There are just so many of them about. The X5 drove superbly, and it's much faster than the XC90. However, the space and interior of the XC90 is an utterly gorgeous place to be. It's vast. It also has an awful lot of road presence. All of which seemed to appeal to her (so much for men having mid-life crisis!). To drive it's a very impressive car. It was quieter than the X5, considerably. It was also smoother, though it rides on 17" Neptune Alloys as standard and I think that aided it's road feel. The Toureg was never in the running. I don't like them, she doesn't like them and used values can't get near the residuals of X5's and XC90's. The Discovery was a car I wanted to look at. However, for some reason she hates them. She's actually said she prefer the old shape to the new one. She, as only she can do, describes them as 'An ugly box'. I went and looked at one on my own and I have to say the trim quality was rather disappointing, but even if it hadn't been she'd have never seriously contemplated one. I was very impressed with the build and feel of the XC90 from the first time I sat in one too. It feels like it has been hewn from granite yet it has very mild and comfortable road manners. It's one of the few cars she's ever driven where I've seen her smile immediately and knew within seconds that it was going to be the one I was asked to 'get the deal' on. There are a few bits and bobs to finalise yet (I might change the wheels but want to drive one on 18"'s first) but the deposit has now been handed over and the salesman has been very good. Interestingly, he spoke to her throughout the test drive, and not to me - and as silly as that sounds it's highly unusual. He'd been well trained. It might have also been something to do with the fact I was trying to control our 3 year old in the back who was clambering into the rear 2 seats as we drove along and shouting 'Daddy daddy, move here, move here'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ari Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 [ QUOTE ] It is yes, but we find it doesn't cause quite the amount of inconvenience for other road users that we'd like. My wife can park it half on/half off with kerb without other drivers having to squeeze past. It's just not big enough to cause real traffic congestion issues. Furthermore, we find that you can't intimidate drivers by driving over their roofs. The 320d struggles to get over anything that has all but the most sloped rear hatch. Then there is the fact that she finds the 1mm of snow we occasionally get causes her to slow by 1-2mph in the 320d. In the XC90 she'll be able to go twice the speed, knock other people out of the way, hurl abuse at them for driving toytown cars and generally be a total bitch. See, such a plausible purchase. [/ QUOTE ] I'm glad to see you're getting into full 4X4 mode! Don't forget bull bars and spotlights for maximum intimidation and damage! Would it surprise you to learn that I've driven an XC90 with the new diesel engine, at MIRA! And slalomed it through cones! Handles amazingly well for a 4x4, but is very much one of the new breed of road biased SUV's (and all the better for it). Still rolled like a galleon in a storm though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted February 4, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 Ah yes, it's not something that can claim to have zero body roll. It certainly couldn't compete with an X5 around a track, that's for sure. I was thinking of getting a big sign for the back window saying 'Feck off, mortal'. I'm getting into this 4x4 image thing see. I don't think we'll bother with bull bars though. I thought nice foot long spikes would be better! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesB Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 Just out of interest (and the fact I clearly want to be a provocative fecker), what made you choose the XC90 over an estate car? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted February 4, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Just out of interest (and the fact I clearly want to be a provocative fecker), what made you choose the XC90 over an estate car? [/ QUOTE ] My wife. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 So Chris is now the soon to be proud owner of a Ford SUV - even if it is from the PAG. Speaking of the blue oval - how much of the car is "all Volvo"? I'd hope the engine is - as Volvo make great ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ari Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 The engine is their new D5, which is an amazing engnie for a diesel, goes extremely well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ari Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 [ QUOTE ] I was thinking of getting a big sign for the back window saying 'Feck off, mortal'. I'm getting into this 4x4 image thing see. I don't think we'll bother with bull bars though. I thought nice foot long spikes would be better! [/ QUOTE ] Don't forget the "I brake for horses" and two riding hats even if you've never been near stables in your life. Just helps to enhance that "landed gentry" lifestyle that all 4x4 buyers fondly imagine their vehicles portray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ari Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 And you'll be needing some of this too!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimdiesel Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 I take it its the new 180ps engine with the 6sp Auto? Very nice Chris, though one does have to ask why? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pincher Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 Why does one have to ask why??? Why did you buy an A2?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon magnifique Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Why? [/ QUOTE ] From the sound of it you'd be better asking his wife. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark_90 Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Why does one have to ask why??? Why did you buy an A2?? [/ QUOTE ] I think Jim's question was a valid one to be honest.. I mean, it's not like Chris has 7 kids is it? And the A2's not that bad a car either.. A bit provocative there Mr Pincher! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon magnifique Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 If we all drove around in only what we need, then we'd all be driving Kias. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark_90 Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 [ QUOTE ] If we all drove around in only what we need, then we'd all be driving Kias. [/ QUOTE ] And that's a thought I don't relish! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon magnifique Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 Me neither. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pincher Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 [ QUOTE ] A bit provocative there Mr Pincher! [/ QUOTE ] Wasn't meant to be - sorry But I happen to agree with garcon - hardly any of use drive the car we actually need to drive (myself included) As an example, how many soft-top owners do we have on here? I'd love to have one but in all honesty, they are hardly the most suitable car for the British climate are they? Yet we as a nation purchase more cabs than most other countries (so I believe). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alastair_A3 Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 Nice car chris. Out of intrest how much did you pay for it? The wife quite likes the XC90 and black is the only colour for it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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