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Basic information about my car:
2013 Volvo S60 T5
Reasons why I bought this car:
Being recently married, and with the intention of having a family in the near future, I figured it was time to “retire” my trusted Myvi that I have been driving since my university days. I needed a car that is bigger than a Myvi, but also a car that I can have “fun” with (being a former Myvi driver that I was ha ha).
After concluding that I'm only willing to pay up to RM1.3k a month (roughly RM80k for cost of car), I set off looking at used C-segment cars. I wrote off B-Segments because I wanted more “fun” with the car.I initially considered Mazda 3 (a few friends have these), BMW E90, BMW F30, Merc W204 and Honda Civic. When I consulted my wife, she suggested we ask her father if he's willing to let go of his Volvo.
Now initially, I was a bit hesitant, primarily because I thought Volvos are boring (yes, I've heard the stereotypes) and also because it's her father that I'm asking for a favor (haha). But after reading and watching reviews about the car, I realized that I could be underestimating it.So I asked him about his S60 and whether he's willing to sell it to me. He graciously agreed. I was ecstatic, because I knew my Father-In-Law really took care of his cars. It was such a blessing because the car was immaculate, with a mileage below 100k and barely any issues. For a 7 year old car with all the current gadgetry, it was practically a steal.
Car Selection Process
- I had a budget of Not more than RM1.3k/month or about RM80k.
- Models that I have considered include: Mazda 3 (BP), Honda Civic FC, BMW E90, BMW F30, Mercedes W204
The main reason I selected this car is because I got it at RM55k. For this price, I got a 7 year old car, with all the current gadgetry you can find in newer models, and with all the service records intact. And to top it off, the previous owner (my father-in-law) really takes care of all his cars.
Additionally, it's a continental car with performance figures that could run toe-to-toe with a 328i, leave a Civic in its rear view mirror, and be very unassuming wherever it goes. It's literally a sleeper car.But the biggest reason for selecting this car, is its safety features, bar none (in my opinion lah).
User Experience
- I have already done 3000 km.
The thing that stands out the most is how stable the car is at any speeds and any corners. That Volvo can comfortably overtake a car at a corner, and continue to speed uphill. There is no hesitation in the power delivery once it is rolling (it has a dual wet clutch gearbox which hesitates at first and second gear – i think it's because of the turbo lag).
The car is very well insulated and driving long distances is a joy. I especially love the feature where the car can control its own speed in moving traffic. I'm still getting used to it because I get lulled into complacency if I leave the car to drive itself.
Recently I've been thinking how much the service is because when I got the car, my FIL graciously serviced everything and replaced all the necessary parts before selling it to me. He told me that the service is actually much cheaper than a BMW or Merc, due to its longer service intervals. As much as I'm prepared for it, it does sometimes worry me.
Especially after reading things on the Volvo Owners page in FB haha.The only big grouse that I have is its fuel consumption. That 2.0 turbo engine is really thirsty.
Pros and Cons
Pros of my car
1. It is comfortable sitting in the car, be it as a driver or a passenger. 2. It is extremely stable at any speed and any corners. 3. Power output and delivery is superb, giving you a comfortable yet powerful pull ahead. 4. The intrinsic comfort of knowing that this is one of the safest cars in the world
5. Can chase after F30s and F10s comfortably.
Cons
1. It's a front-wheel drive car, and behaves like one, even with all the technology. 2. Boot Space is a joke (it is smaller than the boot space of a Honda City). 3. Fuel consumption can make you cry. 4. Parts are either crazy expensive, or extremely difficult to acquire.
5. I still can't estimate how big the car is if I'm driving.
Total Score: 5
Performance: 5
Quality & Features: 5
Space: 3
Ride comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 3
Price & cost: 4
Summary:
An unexpected offer by my Father-In-Law to sell me his car led to the discovery of Volvo.
The one event that surprised me was that my Volvo could keep up with a FK8 Honda Civic Type R.
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Keyword: Owner Review: Volvo, with love, for life - My story of 2013 Volvo S60 T5